Plumber's Friend
Built by the Cleveland Cycle Co. in 1916, running on a wheelbase of 64 inches, this small bike weighs only 150 pounds, light even by modern day standards. The 13 cubic-inch single cylinder engine will push the machine up to 45 miles per hour. The two-gallon tank holds gas and oil mixture for the twocycle engine. A two-speed gearbox is used, with a foot and hand-lever operated clutch. Cleveland bikes were known for the chrome plated front spring suspension and unusual-shape tank.
1913 Indian had pedals for starting, top speed was about 65 mph but on steep hills the pedals came in handy. Weight is 325 pounds, displacement is 61 cubic inches (1000 cubic centimeters), tires are 28 x 3 Firestone clinchers. Wheelbase is 60 inches, both wheels are spring-suspended. The clutch was both hand and foot operated; a short stop required that the clutch be pulled back by hand, then the pedal was used for taking off.
Plumber Watha T. Daniel poses with one of the gems of his collection.
PLUMBER'S FRIEND
Six antique motorcycles are the pride of a Washington D.C. plumber.
ROBERT HEGGE
ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS of Watha T. Daniel's hobby of collecting and restoring old motorcycles is the reaction he notes at automobile shows when his gleaming row of machines is first encountered. An avid cyclist since 1928, Daniel's prides are a 1913 Indian, 1916 Reading Standard, 1916 Indian road racer, 1918 Indian Power Plus, 1916 Cleveland, and a 1929 Henderson four. All were lovingly restored by Daniel in his spare time; most were found in very poor condition and much work went into their restoration.
Daniel collects not just any bike, only bikes he thinks had something to contribute to the story of land transportation. He is a great enthusiast for the cycle engine. Says Watha, "you know the motorcycle engines brought out such things as overhead cams, overhead valves, and eight valve jobs long before auto engines were running with such advancements."
His first machine was the 1918 Indian, bought in 1957 as a basket case. Next came the Indian road racer; the rest followed in quick succession as his enthusiasm blossomed. Research in authenticating details for restoration included determining correct colors from former employees of the cycle companies, size of striping, which parts were polished and which were plated (chrome or nickel), etc. Old magazines were often a source of information, as were old catalogs.
Daniel claims bikes in museums are often not authentic as they will use the bike as purchased or found and the former owner might have changed the details from the original. To Daniel, "restored" means the way it came from the factory. He also owns a 1937 Cord and a new Harley 74 and is still looking for the next member of the collection. Average time taken to restore a machine is about one year since much time is often spent searching for fenders, tanks, etc. — often a problem to locate. Daniel belongs to the Antique Motorcycle Club, Antique Car Club, and the A.M.A.
Built as a one-of-a-kind in 1916, the Indian Road Racer was used for one season then dismantled for checking of wear. It was not built to be sold. Top speed was 100 miles per hour, pushed by the 61 cubic-inch 15 hp twin. This example was found in a barn. It weighs 275 pounds, has a 58-inch wheelbase and mounts 29 by 3 clincher tires. Front suspension is by leaf spring, the rear is solidly mounted. Dry sump lubrication is used. This was one of the first engines to use pocket type valves. A single speed gearbox is used and the clutch is actuated with a hand lever. Foot boards are used, as was the case on all Indians of that day. Shebler carburetor is mounted.
Reading Standard 72 cubic-incher was made in 1916 and restored to its original lustre by Daniel. Engine was rated at 12 horsepower with a weight of 300 pounds and had a three-speed gearbox in a 60-inch wheelbase. Magneto ignition is employed, top speed is about 70 mph, mileage about 60 miles per gallon. Pocket type valves are used, carburetor is a Shebler, a make used on many early bikes. Hand controls are throttle on the right and spark advance on the left. Foot and hand clutch controls are used and a hand pump moves oil to the engine. The seat on the rear fender perched a passenger precariously.
"Power Plus" was what Indian called this model in 1918. 61 cubic inches, 15 hp, 300 lbs. total weight, and a 60" wheelbase are details. An unusual brake arrangement is used with both contracting and expanding type shoes being employed. Gearbox is a three-speed with the usual footand lever-controlled clutch. The fuel tank was split, with gas being carried in a separate tank, the first time for Indian. Oil tank is under seat. Special tires for these antiques are made by Dunlop and Firestone costing up to $78.00 a set with tubes. All Indians used cast iron pistons, aluminum came later.
Found in June of 1963, this 1929 Henderson Four K-J was restored to mint condition. Hendersons were noted for their streamlined styling and smooth power. The 70 cubic-inch, four cylinder aluminum engine puts out 40 horsepower and weighs 500 pounds. Top speed is about 108 mph and a three-speed gearbox is standard. Coil springs are used on the front suspension while the rear wheel is rigid. Aluminum pistons are used along with overhead valves. Daniel says the machine will throttle down to 5 mph in top gear. Antique bikes were known by their colors: Indians were painted ruby red, Harley-Davidsons were olive drab, and the beautiful Henderson is painted in its original deep blue with cream colored wheels.•
