Welcome to Harley K Model, dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the 1952 to 1956 Harley-Davidson flathead unit‑construction motorcycles, With the alphabet soup of model designations, these bikes are affectionately known as the “K models”.
We also cover the early Sportster models through 1969, as these are essentially K Models with overhead valves. The Ks and early Sportsters share many components and service procedures. And many enthusiasts own both models.
The OSKRG (Old Sportster and K Model Research Group) is a group of individuals who enjoy preserving the history of these motorcycles, so others can restore them correctly, and keep them alive and running.
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Production figures for the K and XL models can be found here
| N.O.S. - New Old Stuff | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | ||
| July | ||
| Competition - NEW - Totally Revamped and Cell Phone Friendly | Competition | |
| Competition - NEW - Factory Brochures - thank you “Rubone” | Competition : Brochures | |
| Competition - NEW - Specifications and Instructions - thank you “Rubone” | Competition : Specifications & Instructions | |
| March | ||
| Technical - Nameplates and Transfers | Technical : Nameplates & Transfers | |
| Technical - Nameplates and Transfers : Patent Decals | Technical : N & E: Patent Decals | |
| The Craigslist Search has retired | Desktop or Mobile | |
| January | ||
| Gallery - A Trip To France - Pierre Martel's 1967 XLCH | Gallery : 1966-1969 : Pierre's 1967 XLCH | |
| 2022 | ||
| December | ||
| Technical - Battery Carriers - NEW - OSKRG Research Bulletin #16 | Technical : Battery Carriers | |
| September | ||
| Technical - Clutch - NEW - OSKRG Research Bulletin #15 | Technical : Clutch | |
| Technical - Spokes, Nipples, Hubs - NEW - OSKRG Research Bulletin #14 | Technical : Spokes, Nipples, Hubs | |
| July | ||
| Technical - Finishes - Inlet Pipes - NEW | Technical : Finishes : Inlet Pipes | |
| June | ||
| Technical - Inlet Pipes - NEW | Technical : Inlet Pipes | |
| Technical - Finishes - Carburator and Parts - updated | Technical : Finishes : Carburator and Parts | |
| April | ||
| Technical - Finishes - Gas Tank Group - updated | Technical : Finishes : Gas Tank Group | |
| Technical - Finishes - Comprehensive review process started | Technical : Finishes : 1952-1956 | |
| Literature - 1963 Harley Pamphlet photos | Literature : 1963 | |
| Literature - 1962 Harley ad - engine | Literature : 1962 | |
| January | ||
| Minor fixes on Model 52 Generator and 1952-1956 Finishes pages | Thanks, Perry! | |
| 2021 | ||
| October | ||
| Technical - Transmission Gears and Shafts - VERSION 19! | Technical : Transmission Gears | |
| Gallery - Patrick Cristofaro's 1959 XLH | Gallery : 1957-1959 : Patrick's 1959 XLH | |
| July | ||
| Technical - Rear Motor Mount UPDATED | Technical : Motor Mounting | |
| June | ||
| Technical - Transmission Gears and Shafts - VERSION 18! | Technical : Transmission Gears | |
| May | ||
| Exhaust - Part 1 K-Models - UPDATED! | Technical : Exhaust | |
| April | ||
| 1957 XL Another Factory Photo | Literature : 1957 | |
| Gallery - More prototype photos - thanks Mostly Ironheads! | Gallery : Prototypes | |
| March | ||
| Gallery - Prototype Model K in the new Prototypes section | Gallery : Prototypes | |
| Gallery - Dave Hennessey's 1970 XLCH and 70-71 Dual Seat | Gallery : 1970-1979 : 1970 XLCH | |
| Literature - 1960 Hot Rod Magazine XLCH Road Test | Literature : 1960 | |
| Literature & Technical - 1953 Standard Solo |
Literature : 1953
Technical: Finishes : 1953 Standard Solo |
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| February | ||
| Gallery - Gary Myers' Beautiful 1956 KHK | Gallery : 1954-1956 : 1956 KHK | |
| 2020 | ||
| November | ||
| Technical - Transmission Gears and Shafts - UPDATED YET AGAIN! | Technical : Transmission Gears | |
| June | ||
| Technical - Wiring - 1968-1969 XLH | Technical : Wiring : 1968-1969 XLH | |
| April | ||
| Technical - Transmission Gears and Shafts - UPDATED YET AGAIN! | Technical : Transmission Gears | |
| Technical - Brakes - UPDATED | Technical : Brakes | |
| Technical - How-To Replace a Neck Casting | Technical : How To | |
| March | ||
| Technical - Wiring - Colorized Wiring Diagram | Technical : Wiring : 1952-1958 | |
| Technical - How-To Replace Rear Downtubes | Technical : How To | |
| Technical - Transmission Gears and Shafts - UPDATED AGAIN! | Technical : Transmission Gears | |
| Instructions for Rear Chain Oiler Kit #63589-53 | Literature : Instructions : 63589-53 | |
| February | ||
| Gallery - OSKRG-West, Davenport 2019 | Gallery : OSKRG : 2019 Davenport | |
| Technical - Safety Guards | Technical : Safety Guards | |
| Gallery - OSKRG-North, St. Paul 2018 | Gallery : OSKRG : 2018 St. Paul | |
| Literature - Directional Signals - Fiberglass Seat | Literature : Instructions | |
| January | ||
| Technical - Transmission Gears and Shafts - UPDATED | Technical : Transmission Gears | |
| Technical - Transmission Gears and Shafts | Technical : Transmission Gears | |
| 2019 | ||
| October | ||
| Technical - Frames - Updated | Technical : Frames | |
| Literature - Parts Catalogs - Fixed download problem | Literature : Spare Parts Catalogs | |
| Technical - Air Cleaner Cover - minor update | Technical : Air Cleaner | |
| April | ||
| Technical - Frames - Updated | Technical : Frames | |
| March | ||
| Technical - Generators - Model 52K - updated | Technical : Generators : Model 52K | |
| Technical - Generators - Model 52 - not used on Ks | Technical : Generators : Model 52 | |
| February | ||
| Literature - Service Manuals - Added Section Dividers | Literature : Service Manuals | |
| Literature - Shop Dope - Added #403, 404, 414 | Literature : Shop Dope | |
| Technical - Stop Light Switches | Technical : Stoplight Switches | |
| Literature - Shop Dope - Added #415, 490, 491 | Literature : Shop Dope | |
| Literature - Shop Dope #455 and 458 Updated (missing pages found) | Literature : Shop Dope | |
| Literature - Service Manuals - Totally Revised | Literature : Service Manuals | |
| January | ||
| Literature - 4 More New Instructions | Literature : Instructions | |
| Literature - 19 New Shop Dope Service Bulletins | Literature : Shop Dope | |
| Literature - 4 New Instructions | Literature : Instructions | |
| 2018 | ||
| December | ||
| Domain names OSKRG.COM and OSKRG.ORG are now operational | ||
| Literature - 3 New Shop Dope Service Bulletins | Literature : Shop Dope | |
| Literature - 4 New Instructions | Literature : Instructions | |
| November | ||
| Literature - 28 New Shop Dope Service Bulletins | Literature : Shop Dope | |
| Technical - Ignition and Light Switches - UPDATED | Technical : Ignition & Light Switches | |
| Technical - Transmission Sprocket Cover - UPDATED | Technical : Transmission Cover | |
| September | ||
| Technical - Oil Tanks - All About Lunch Boxes | Technical : Oil Tanks | |
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Literature - H-D Shop Dope - K and KH Fitting Specifications
Numbers 328, 332, 337, 346, 346A, and 347 |
Literature : Shop Dope | |
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Literature - H-D Shop Dope - 1955 KH Transmission w/ Access Cover
Number 349 |
Literature : Shop Dope | |
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Literature - H-D Shop Dope - Shocks, Valves, Piston Fitting, Batteries
Numbers 362, 366, 368, 374, and 377 |
Literature : Shop Dope | |
| Literature - 1956 KH/KHK Pamphlet - The Other Side - Finally! | Literature : 1956 | |
| August | ||
| Literature - 1953 News Bulletin - WOW! | Literature : Factory-To-Dealer | |
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Literature - H-D Shop Dope / Service Bulletins about Transmissions
Numbers 345, 356, 363, 376, 471 |
Literature : Shop Dope | |
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Literature - H-D Shop Dope / Service Bulletins about Carburators
Numbers 389, 518, 547, 564, 571, 605 |
Literature : Shop Dope
Technical : Carbs : Model HD Technical : Carbs : Model DC |
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Literature - H-D Shop Dope / Service Bulletins about Other Stuff
Numbers 494, 546, 608 |
Literature : Shop Dope | |
| Technical - DC Carb Support Brackets - XLH and XLCH | Technical : Carbs : Model DC | |
| Technical - Shock Absorbers - 1952-1955 - Update | Technical : Shock Absorber : 1952-1955 | |
| July | ||
| Gallery - OSKRG-North - AMCA meet in St. Paul | Gallery : OSKRG : 2018 St. Paul | |
| Gallery - Barnsters - 1953 K - Warren & Shawn McQuiggan | Gallery : Barnsters : McQuiggan | |
| Gallery - 1957-1959 Sportsters - 1957 XL - Chad Zaemisch | Gallery : 1957-1959 : Chad Zaemisch | |
| May | ||
| Technical - Generators - minor corrections on gear teeth | Technical : Generators | |
| Literature - 1954 Cuts and Mats | Literature : Cut and Mat Books : 1954 | |
| Gallery - OSKRG-East, AMCA meet in Oley PA | Gallery : OSKRG : 2018 Oley | |
| April | ||
| Technical - UPDATE - Trapdoor on 1955 KH | Technical : Transmission | |
| Gallery - Murph's Dual-DC 1959 XLCH | Gallery : 1957-1959 : 1959 XLCH | |
| Technical - Shifting Foot Levers | Technical : Shifting Shaft and Foot Lever | |
| Technical - Shop Dope - Trapdoor on 1955 KH | Technical : Transmission | |
| Technical - Late-1968 Tillotson Changes - Service Bulletin 571 | Technical : Carbs : Model HD | |
| March | ||
| Technical - Horns - update on 69145-54 Spacer | Technical : Horns | |
| February | ||
| Literature - 1961 Cuts and Mats | Literature : Cut and Mat Books | |
| Technical - Numbers updated with frame security codes | Technical : Numbers | |
| January | ||
| Technical - Starter Crank - Sportsters | Technical : Starter Crank | |
| Technical - Motor Mounting | Technical : Motor Mounting | |
| Technical - Valves and Tappets | Technical : Valves and Tappets | |
| Technical - Gas Tanks (only XLCH for now) | Technical : Gas Tanks | |
| Technical - Saddlebags - 1966 Instructions | Technical : Saddlebags | |
| Technical - Starter Crank - K and KH | Technical : Starter Crank | |
| Literature - The Elusive 1970 Parts Catalog cover | Literature : Spare Parts Catalogs | |
| 2017 | ||
| December | ||
| Technical - Rear Wheel | Technical : Rear Wheel and Brake | |
| 1958 Harley Brochure | Literature : 1958 | |
| 1958 Ad - Jack Pine Trophy | Literature : 1958 | |
| November | ||
| 1964 XLH - Pohlman Photo | Literature : 1964 | |
| Technical : Speedometers Updated! - now includes through 1969 | Technical : Speedometers | |
| 1977 Parts Catalog Supplement Cover | Literature : Spare Parts Catalogs | |
| 1974 Parts Catalog Supplement Cover | Literature : Spare Parts Catalogs | |
| Technical : Shock Absorber | Technical : Shock Absorber | |
| October | ||
| GaryM2's Gorgeous 1957 XL | Gallery : 1957 XL | |
| Lamps - added specs for 71090-59 | Technical : Lamps | |
| September | ||
| Dave Larkin's Beautiful 1955 KH | Gallery : 1955 KH | |
| Stan Diener's “New Look” for His 1953 KK | Gallery : 1953 KK | |
| Roger Meinke's Original 1956 KHK | Gallery : 1956 KHK | |
| August | ||
| 1964 Option Price Changes | Literature : 1964 | |
| July | ||
| 1967 Sportster Brochure | Literature : 1967 | |
| 1966 Sportster Brochure | Literature : 1966 | |
| 1959 Sportster H Ad | Literature : 1959 | |
| June | ||
| 1953 Royalite Ad | Literature : 1953 | |
| 1953 Magazine P Ad | Literature : 1953 | |
| 1960 Dealer Ad | Literature : 1960 | |
| Air Cleaner Cover - Technical Article - Update | Technical : Air Cleaner | |
| OSKRG-East - Oley 2017 | Gallery : OSKRG : Oley 2017 | |
| 1965 Magazine Ad - Sportsters | Literature : 1965 | |
| 1969 Magazine Ad - Outperformers | Literature : 1969 | |
| 1968 Magazine Ad - Bonneville | Literature : 1968 | |
| Richard Spagnolli's 1970 XLH | Gallery : 1970 XLH | |
| Dr. Dick's Original 1960 XLCH | Gallery : 1960 XLCH | |
| Magneto Sportster's Original 1958 XLH | Gallery : 1958 XLCH | |
| 1965 Harley Sportster Brochure | Literature : 1965 | |
| 9 to 1 Compression – 1958 Magazine P Ad | Literature : 1958 | |
| Manu Nalin's Beautiful 1966 XLCH | Gallery : 1966 XLCH | |
| May | ||
| 1952 Rare B&W K-model Brochure - Kerry Brethorst | Literature : 1952 | |
| 1968 Cycle Magazine Cover | Literature : 1968 | |
| 1969 Cycle Magazine Cover | Literature : 1969 | |
| State-by-State - Historic and YOM License Plates | Technical : How-To : License Plates | |
| April | ||
| 1957 - Motor drawing - from a dealer brochure | Literature : 1957 | |
| 1958 - Win a Real Live Baby Donkey | Literature : 1958 | |
| 1958 XLCH | Literature : 1958 | |
| 1959 Dealer Brochure | Literature : 1959 | |
| 1961 Dealer Brochure | Literature : 1961 | |
| 1963 Dealer All-Line Brochure (CH & H) | Literature : 1963 | |
| March | ||
| Condensors - that elusive Horn Condensor | Technical : Condensor | |
| How To Make a Wedding Band | Technical : How-To | |
| February | ||
| Headlamp technical - now includes 1952-1958 Body and 1952-1958 Lamp | Technical : Headlamp | |
| Air Cleaner Cover - Technical Article | Technical : Air Cleaner | |
| January | ||
| Gallery - Update on Erik Hoopes' Barnster | Gallery : Erik's 1952 K | |
| Exhaust - Part 1 - OSKRG Technical Bulletin | Technical : Exhaust | |
| Factory Photos - Frame Assembly & Many More | Technical : Frames | |
| Headlamp - technical article (only XLCH eyebrows for now) | Technical : Headlamp | |
| Gallery - Murph's 1962 XLCH - additional photos | Gallery : 1962 XLCH | |
| 2016 | ||
| Nov & Dec | ||
| Craigslist Search - Major, Major Efficiency Improvements | Craigslist | |
| October | ||
| Brakes - Technical Article | Technical : Brakes | |
| September | ||
| OSKRG - 2016 Davenport Swap Meet | Gallery : Davenport 2016 | |
| Craigslist Search - Big Improvements | Craigslist | |
| August | ||
| Finally found the December 1952 Enthusiast | Literature : Enthusiast | |
| July | ||
| Speedometers - updated illustration of rubber mounting | Technical : Speedometers | |
| More Stan Diener 1954 KH Photos | Gallery : 1954 KH | |
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More 1952, 1954, and 1957 Factory Photos
All Factory Photos now moved to the proper year sections |
Technical : Colors
Literature : 1952, 1954 and 1957 |
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1957 Spring Special Color Unearthed
Nugget Gold |
Technical : Colors
Literature : Factory-To-Dealer |
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| Transmission Covers - Jerry Raino Research | Technical : Transmission Cover | |
| June | K-Model Finishes Compendium - Round 1 Finished | Technical : Finishes |
| Finally! The 1967 Parts Catalog - now Available for download | Literature : Spare Parts Catalogs | |
| 1954 KH Dairyland Insurance Poster | Literature : 1954 | |
| 1962 Parts Catalog Supplement - now Available for download | Literature : Spare Parts Catalogs | |
| 1966 Parts Catalog Supplement - now Available for download | Literature : Spare Parts Catalogs | |
| 1968 Parts Catalog Supplement - now Available for download | Literature : Spare Parts Catalogs | |
| 1969 Parts Catalog Supplement - now Available for download | Literature : Spare Parts Catalogs | |
| 1954 KH Brochure | Literature : 1954 | |
| More 1953 KK Literature from Stan Diener | Literature : 1953 | |
| Stan Diener's 1953 KK | Gallery : 1953 KK | |
| Kerry Brethorst's 1954 KHRTT | Gallery : 1954 KHRTT | |
| May | Yes, they did exist! A 1953 KK ad | Literature : 1953 |
|
1959 Spring Special Color Unearthed
Hi-Fi Coral |
Technical : Colors
Literature : Factory-To-Dealer |
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1954 Spring Special Colors Unearthed
“An ensemble of Ivory, Black and Chrome” |
Technical : Colors
Literature : Factory-To-Dealer |
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| Bill Coleman's Original 1953 KK | Gallery : 1953 KK | |
| Technical: Circuit Breakers (updated) | Technical : Circuit Breakers | |
| 1959 Dealer Package (from Dr. Dick) | Literature | |
| Stan Diener's 1954 KH | Gallery : 1954 KH | |
| K Finishes - 70% done - 42 down, 18 to go | Technical : Finishes : 1952-1956 | |
| April | OSKRG-East - at Oley 2016 | Gallery : Oley 2016 |
| How To - Parkerize Parts | Technical : How To : Parkerize | |
| How To - Get A Title | Technical : How To : Titles | |
| March | Roger Meinke's Factory-to-Dealer Docs | Literature |
| Roger Meinke's 1959 XLCH Magazine Ads | Literature | |
| February | Wheels and Tires | Technical : Wheels and Tires |
| Finishes - Phase II | Technical : Finishes | |
| 1952 K Factory Advertisement | Literature | |
| Revised: Shipping Date Guess-O-Meter | Tech : Numbers : Guess-O-Meter | |
| January | Spare Parts Catalogs On-Line - 1961 Supplement | Literature : Spare Parts Catalogs |
| Wiring Diagrams | Technical : Wiring | |
| Crankcase Tech Article | Technical : Cranckcases (PDF) | |
| Brian Kane's 1967 XLCH | Gallery : 1967 XLCH | |
| Spare Parts Catalogs On-Line - 1964 Supplement | Literature : Spare Parts Catalogs | |
| Spare Parts Catalogs On-Line - 1965 Full Catalog | Literature : Spare Parts Catalogs | |
| Spare Parts Catalogs On-Line - 1960 Supplement | Literature : Spare Parts Catalogs | |
| 2015 | ||
| December | Shipping Date Guess-O-Meter | Tech : Numbers : Guess-O-Meter |
| Anonymous's 1954 KHK - The Last 1954 Made? | Gallery : 1954 KHK | |
| KHs Escort Haile Selassie in 1954 | Literature : Eindhoven Police | |
| Two More Enthusiasts Found | Literature : The Enthusiast | |
| Spare Parts Catalogs On-Line - 1953 | Literature : Spare Parts Catalogs | |
| November | Three More ex-Mike Quinn KH-es | Gallery |
| ex-Mike Quinn 1953 KRTT | Gallery : 1953 KRTT | |
| ex-Mike Quinn 1953 KRM | Gallery : 1953 KRM | |
| ex-Mike Quinn 1952 K | Gallery : 1952 K | |
| 1953 Harley Brochure | Literature : 1953 Harley Brochure | |
| Oil Tanks | Technical : Oil Tanks | |
| More Paint Colors Found! | Technical : Colors | |
| Magneto Sportster's 1959 XLCH | Gallery : 1959 XLCH | |
| Magneto Sportster's 1966 XLCH | Gallery : 1966 XLCH | |
| Spare Parts Catalogs On-Line - 1963 | Literature : Spare Parts Catalogs | |
| October | 1953 - Four More Colors Found | Technical : Colors |
| Rob White's 1968 XLH | Gallery : 1968 XLH | |
| Spare Parts Catalogs On-Line - 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1959 | Literature : Spare Parts Catalogs | |
| September | The OSKRG Luncheon at Davenport 2015 | Gallery : OSKRG |
| John Hewson's 1953 K | Gallery : 1953 K | |
| 1953 KRM Barnster | Gallery : 1953 KRM | |
| Dennis Schoenfeldt's 1961 KR | Gallery : 1961 KR | |
| August | Literature - 1968 Sportster Ad | Literature |
| July | Literature - 1959 XLCH - Hot Rod magazine | Literature |
| Gallery - Mike Walker's 1956 KH Survivor/Barnster | Gallery : 1956 KH | |
| Literature - 1956 KHK, 1952 Popular Mechanics | Literature | |
| Technical - Battery and Fittings | Technical : Battery | |
| Gallery - Doug Feinsod's 1952 K Barnster | Gallery : 1952 K | |
| Gallery - Dave Swanson's 1956 KHK | Gallery : 1956 KHK | |
| Literature - Pohlman Prints | Literature | |
| June | Gallery - Dave Carlton's 1968 XLCH | Gallery : 1968 XLCH |
| The Production Figures Return! | History : Production Figures | |
| Added 1975 Parts Cover, updated 1972 Parts Cover | Literature : Parts Catalogs | |
| May | Technical - Regulators - Added 2 Delco-Remy Docs and 2 Shop Dopes | Technical : Regulators |
| February | Literature - Parts Catalogs Updated | Literature : Parts Catalogs |
| Technical - Frames Updated | Technical Frames | |
| Technical - Carburators - Updated | Technical : Carbs | |
| Technical - Added Colors Section | Technical : Colors | |
| January | Literature - Enthusiast - added 5 covers | Literature: Enthusiast |
| Gallery - Dave Carlton's 1961 XLCH | Gallery: 1961 XLCH | |
| Technical - added wiring diagrams to several models | Technical : Generators | |
| Gallery - Dave Carlton's 1967 XLCH | Gallery: 1967 XLCH | |
| 2014 | ||
| November | Technical - Updated DC Carburator Document | Technical: Carbs |
| Gallery - More photos of Michael Broad's 1955 KH | Gallery | |
| Gallery - More photos of Model-H's 1958 XLH | Gallery | |
| Literature - Mike Broad's great 1955 KH Brochure | Literature | |
| Gallery - added Hans Postema's 1956 KH | Gallery | |
| Gallery - added Don Chasteen's Black 1957 XL (partial) | Gallery | |
| Gallery - added Don Chasteen's Blue 1957 XL (partial) | Gallery | |
| Technical - added Magnetos | Technical: Magnetos | |
| Technical - added Horns | Technical: Horns | |
| October | Literature - added 1957 Cuts and Mats Book | Literature |
| Literature - added Parts Cats, Service Mans, Enthusiasts | Literature | |
| September | Technical - Wet Clutch Assembly | Technical: Clutch |
| Gallery - OSKRG Luncheon at Davenport | Gallery | |
| Gallery - Gene Payne's 1961 XLR and 1970 XLR-900 | Gallery | |
| Gallery - Jack Raino's 1957 XL, Tom Auerback's 1969 XLCH | Gallery | |
| Gallery - Dave Carlton's 1966 XLCH and 1969 XLCH | Gallery | |
| August | Gallery - Murph's 1953 K and 1962 XLCH | Gallery |
| Technical: Numbers - K/KH - The Letter D | Technical: Numbers | |
| Gallery: Doc's 1959 XLCH Photos | Gallery | |
| July | Gallery: 1954 KH Barnster Photos | Gallery |
| Technical: Serial and Other Numbers | Technical: Numbers | |
| June | Gallery: Michael Broad's 1955 KH | Gallery |
| Gallery: Barnster® Photos | Gallery | |
| Gallery: Tom White's KRM | Gallery | |
| Technical: Regulator Info | Technical: Regulators | |
| May | Gallery: Glenn Bator's Beautiful 1952 K | Gallery |
| Story: Erik Hoopes and Joe Leonard Go Couch-Racing | Competition | |
| Photos of Ks and early XLs seen at the Oley Swap Meet | Gallery | |
| April | Updated Frame Chart from Jerry Raino | Technical |
| March 15 | The Domain Name, harleyKmodel.com was registered | |