1938 Harley-Davidson U Big Twin Flathead Side Valve Bobber - Original, Vintage
1938U ビックツインフラットヘッド サイドバルブ 30s ボバー オリジナル ビンテージ パンナックル
This is a 1938 Harley-Davidson U series Big Twin Flathead (side valve) motorcycle from the 1930s. It has a 1930s original engine; the right crankcase is not numbers-matching but is a rare original 1939 case. The frame is an original 1930s frame. It runs the original Linkert M51 carburetor and original transmission, with jockey shift and a ratchet-top shifter. Springer fork markings could not be confirmed. Model designation is unknown to the seller. Compliance date is listed as December 31, 1938 (Showa 13), serial number 38U31**, and the vehicle has a Japanese roadworthiness certificate (shaken) valid through October 2028. It rolls on a 21-inch front wheel and 16-inch rear with a star hub. Included vintage parts include a Bates seat, ride control, crossbar, crab-claw risers, Guide DH49 dual side-mount tail lamps, a 2-inch open primary, a MACO pillion pad, and various other period-correct pieces. No speedometer is currently installed, but the seller will include a meter and cable suitable for inspection purposes. This is a high-value vintage motorcycle and the seller asks that bidders inspect the bike in person before bidding; those unfamiliar with vintage bikes or with poor buyer ratings are asked not to bid.
Seller notes scratches and dirt consistent with age, and a minor oil leak that drips slightly after riding. Engine reportedly starts on the first kick in any weather with no white smoke, and the transmission has been overhauled with smooth 1-4-neutral shifting.
Shipping: Seller states the bike must be picked up directly or that the winning bidder must arrange their own ground transport; no shipping is handled or quoted by the seller.
Ships from Yamanashi, Japan, to our Osaka warehouse and on to Pomona.
Starting Price
No bids
$35,806
￥5,550,000
The bid is in yen and the dollar figure converts at today’s rate. This is the item alone; the all-in landed price is in the quote below.
Sep 26, 2026, 5:58 AM PDT
| Item price, at the starting price | $35,806¥5,550,000 |
| Service fee, commission & handling | $2,581¥400,000 |
| U.S. import duty | $895¥138,750 |
| Shipping to our Osaka warehouse | $290¥45,000 |
| Ocean Freight to California | $750 |
All-in pickup (Pomona, CA), at the starting price
U.S. domestic shipping not included
$40,323
The seller sets shipping to Osaka after the sale, so that part of the quote is confirmed before you commit.
The total above is what the vehicle costs you landed. It is collected in two charges, usually four to eight weeks apart.
Both figures move with the final winning bid. A deposit of 20% of your max bid is due before we bid.