Summary

Made by the Harley-Davidson Motor Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.A, the Model 45 'Pup' was designed to compete with popular medium-sized English motor cycles. The single-cylinder, 345.73cc, four stroke, Harley-Davidson Pup was introduced in 1926 and remained in production until 1934. It was described in a promotional brochure as "just the motorcycle for the rider who wants an economical and reliable solo mount for business or pleasure". The olive-drab paint finish was a standard Harley Davidson colour of the period. A V-twin 750cc version of the same basic design was also produced. In Victoria, Harley-Davidson was distributed by Milledge Bros. from 1922 to 1973.

This bike was purchased second-hand by Charlie Batten of Berrigan, NSW for 35 Pounds in 1932. The bike cost 120 Pounds when new and had been traded in on a car by its original owner having done just 6,000 miles (9600 km). Charlie Batten rode over 100,000 miles on the 'Pup' as the single-cylinder version was known, including two return trips to Melbourne in 1937 and a good deal of mountain riding. He described it as "good as a goat climbing hill roads and mountains". He replaced the tyres four times and re-bored the engine twice. Later it was used for sheep mustering on his farm, one of the earlier uses of motorcycles for this purpose. He carried a shovel on the back of the bike to dig out rabbits. When petrol rationing was introduced during World War II he had the engine modified to run on kerosene with no problems. When he went into the army in 1940, Batten lent the Pup to the local Methodist parson for his country circuit of 35.5 miles which he had previously covered each week on a pushbike. After serving with the 2/4 Field Regiment during World War II, Charlie Batten returned to Berrigan and eventually donated the Pup to the Museum in 1971.

Physical Description

Olive green motor cycle with red detail on tank and fenders. Model 45 'Pup', single-cylinder, 345.73cc, four stroke.

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