Harley-Davidson Golf Carts

When somebody mentions Harley-Davidson, they think of motorcycles. The Harley Davidson company has been manufacturing motorcycles since the turn of the last century. In 1963 the company decided that the golf cart manufacturing process was similar to making motorcycles and thus began a couple decades of golf cart production.

Harley Davidson golf carts were manufactured in both gas and electric models. However their electric models were few and not very popular. The company started out making very popular gas powered golf carts in 1963. By 1969, the company decided to sell the golf cart division to AMF. However, the Harley Davidson name still was maintained by the new company. Columbia Par Car bought the division from AMF in 1982. Soon after that acquisition, the Harley Davidson name disappeared from new golf cart manufactured models.

The most famous Harley Davidson golf carts where of the three wheel version. They have since become popular with collectors. The three wheelers have a very classic golf cart look. With the addition of the Harley Davidson name, the older carts have become highly collectible. With the increase in demand, so goes the increase in fakes. Replicas have been created for the primary purpose of deceiving collectors.

For those collectors wanting to restore a Harley Davidson golf cart, they may want to check out local salvage yards or better yet, golf cart forums. there are numerous golf cart forums that exist to bring together like-minded collectors.

Collectors trying to restore a Harley Davidson golf cart should know how to read the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It is a small tag made of metal that is just above the left side rear tire. In particular, it is on the rear frame cross brace. Later models will have the number located behind the batteries on the wall of the batter box.

Many collectors of these carts are interested in a model known as the "Classic". The Classic has a lift rear body feature that makes it truly unique. The rear end of the cart was raised to give the cart a deep well. These models are the three wheelers with one wheel in the front that steers and two drive wheels in the back.

Harley Davidson golf carts eventually migrated to today's more familiar 4 wheel design. The unique thing they did with these carts was to allow the rear end of the buggy to be lifted upward. The rear end was on a hinge, could be raised up to allow the owner to work on the engine. At this time the company was starting to produce battery operated vehicles so the hinge allowed working on gas powered engines as well as batteries and battery powered engines.

The most unique feature of the three wheel Harley Davidson golf carts was the tiller steering handle. The tiller was the steering bar used instead of a steering wheel. It was so common on golf carts of the time that should you find one from the early 60's that has a steering wheel, you would have a very collectible cart with a good amount of money.

A two cycle, 250 cc gasoline engine was used in both the four-wheelers and three wheeler models of Harley Davidson golf carts. 6 - six volt batteries powered the 36 volt battery model.

The used golf carts themselves sell for about $200-$500 in poor condition. The key is trying to find the Harley Davidson golf cart parts that may be needed to finish the job. These can be found at flea markets, auctions, and online venues like ebay.