Japanese Type 95 / Type 97 Motorcycle
Technical Information

Background
Built by Rikuo Nainenki Kabushiki Kaisha / Rikuo Internal Combustion Company 陸王 in Japan. This motorcycle was a license built Harley Davidson built in accordance with their licensing agreement and using the Harley Davidson name. It had a higher body frame than the commercial model and used magnetic spark plugs. The front fender had a holder for a license plate or military identification.

Wartime History
Used by the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) and Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) as Type 95 / Type 97 motorcycle. During the Second Sino-Japanese War and during World War II used as a military motorcycle for use as a courier or liaison work and could be used on rough roads or in a limited off road capability.

Type 95 (1935)
The first military model of motorcycle, used by both the Army and Navy.

Type 97 (1937)
The Type 97 was an improved version of the Type 95, and was the most widely produced version. The Type 97 could be configured with a side car to carry a single passenger. Another variant was a tricycle with a cart.

Technical Details Type 97
Crew  One driver, or with sidecar could carry one passenger
Engine  45°, V–2 air-cooled engine with 5.2 gallon fuel tank, three speeds forward and one reverse.
Max Speed  56 mph
Range  140+ miles