Harley-Davidson S-125: history, specs, pictures

From CycleChaos
Jump to navigation Jump to search
1948-harley-davidson-s-125-1

The 1948 Harley-Davidson S-125 motorcycle was Harley's offering to a postwar audience looking for inexpensive and reliable transportation.

At the close of World War II, thousands of G.I.s returned to the states hungry for wheeled mobility. Many had seen or spent time on Harley-Davidson's WLA military motorcycles overseas, and now craved one of their own.

With finances being tight for many, Harley decided to build a small, inexpensive machine for the masses. The result was the S-125.

With a single-cylinder two-stroke engine designed by DKW of Germany, this was not the kind of motorcycle most people associated with Harley-Davidson. Yet the company claimed 10,000 were sold in the first seven months of 1947.

Producing only three horsepower, the S-125 had a tough time reaching 55 miles per hour. Though a girder fork with coil spring was used up front, the rear had no suspension other than that provided by the sprung saddle.

But with a three-speed gearbox, foot shift, and hand clutch, the lightweight bike was simple and easy to operate. Many were "personalized" by adding the optional chrome wheel rims.

Several changes benefited the little Harley during its 13-year life span. Most notable was a switch to modern "Teleglide" telescopic forks in 1951, and a boost in engine size to 165 ccs in 1954.

The following year the bike became known as the Hummer, and it continued with only minor updates through 1959, after which it was dropped in favor of more contemporary designs.

See Also[edit | edit source]


1948-harley-davidson-s-125-1.jpg
Harley-Davidson S-125
Manufacturer
Production 1948 - 1959
Engine
single cylinder, two-stroke
Fuel System carburetor
Transmission Final Drive: chain
Suspension Front: girder fork coil spring
Rear: rigid-
Brakes Front: expanding brake (drum brake)
Rear: expanding brake (drum brake)
Weight 199.96 pounds (90.7 Kg) (dry),
Manuals Service Manual


The Harley-Davidson S-125 was a single cylinder, two-stroke standard produced by Harley-Davidson between 1948 and 1959.

Chassis[edit | edit source]

Stopping was achieved via expanding brake (drum brake) in the front and a expanding brake (drum brake) in the rear. The front suspension was a girder fork coil spring while the rear was equipped with a rigid-. The bike weighed just 199.96 pounds (90.7 Kg).