T28 1928 Harley-Davidson BA Single OHV Safe, quick and comfortable: that was the mantra Harley-Davidson used to reintroduce single-cylinder machines like this stunningly restored 1928 overhead-valve model BA in the mid-1920s. The single-cylinder platform made for an obvious starting point when motorcycles first appeared at the turn of the 20th century. However, before long, the twin came to dominate the marketplace, later joined by the long-legged Fours. Still, the trusty single never really lost its place in the market, with American motorcycle manufacturers marketing them to beginners, smaller riders, women, urbane commuters and efficiency-minded enthusiasts over the years. Harley-Davidson stopped producing singles in 1918, but by the mid-1920s, two key factors contributed to their reintroduction. The first was an expanding international market, which carried a preference for smaller, more manageable commuter machines. The other came from professional racing, where Class A factory competition between the big twins began losing favor, prompting the AMA’s creation of a 21 CI class in 1925. NO RESERVE American manufacturers responded with a modern class of single-cylinder machines, and in 1926, Harley-Davidson introduced two new single models—an 8 HP side-valve and a more powerful 12 HP overhead-valve, like this fine example from 1928. The new singles came equipped with either a magneto ignition system, model A for the side-valve or AA for the OHV, or a battery/coil system model B side-valve, or BA OHV. When released, this model BA from 1928 was the top of the line, featuring the more powerful 12 HP OHV motor, hand-shifted 3-speed gearbox, foot pedal clutch and kick starter. It also featured Harley-Davidson’s single unit electrics package complete with a battery ignition system, electric lights and horn, all controlled from a fork-mounted switch panel. New for 1928, the Motor Co. introduced an expanding-shoe front brake to assist the standard dual-band contracting rear brake. This rare and elegant BA, meticulously restored by the skilled hands of a knowledgeable expert, is a prime example of the singles offered by Harley-Davidson between 1926 and 1929.
