KUROGANE MOTORCYCLE

Japanese military motorcycles are adaptations of Harley-Davidson designs. Several models between 1,000 and 1,500 cc. have been produced, but it is believed that the Model 97 (fig. 1) is the most generally used. Extra-large wheels have been fitted to obtain maximum ground clearance. Many of the parts of this 1,100-pound vehicle are exact copies of their counterparts on original Harley-Davidson designs. An unusual feature of this vehicle's engine is found in the cylinder cooling fins, which are of ferrous metal, probably cast iron. There are tandem seats on the motorcycle proper, and one seat in the sidecar, providing seating capacity for three. A light machine gun may be mounted on the front of the sidecar.

Figure 1.—Japanese Kurogane side car motorcycle Model 97 (1937).

Power is provided by a 45°, V–2 air-cooled engine fed by a fuel tank with a capacity of 5.2 gallons. Fuel consumption is approximately 28 miles per gallon. The transmission has three forward speeds and one reverse. Maximum speed is 56 miles per hour. Minimum turning radius is 83 inches. Performance is generally satisfactory.