Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory Archive

IN THE SCHOOL OF OCEAN AND EARTH SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI'I AT MANOA

ARCHIVE
HOME DEEP-SEA ANIMAL GUIDE WEB MAP PORTAL DATA DOWNLOADS MARITIME HERITAGE HURL OPERATIONS PARTNERS AND PORTALS ☰

Go to main page

VEH-10: Motorcycle

Historic photo: Harley Davidson McQueen 1929

HURL Artifact No.	VEH-10	*Denotes approximations and speculations


Name:	Unknown	Lost:	Unknown
Artifact Type:	Motorcycle	Found:	16-Aug-2002
Nationality:	*USA	Dive No:	PV-490
Class or Make:	*Harley-Davidson	Location:	Kewalo
Model:	Unknown	Depth (m):	317m
Purpose:	Light Vehicle/ Messenger	HURL crew:	Kerby, Holloway
Serial Number:	Unknown	Additional Dives:
Built/Launched:	*1920's Era

Length:	*6'
Width:	*9"
Height:	*3'



Circumstance of Loss:	Intentionally Disposed	Crew Personnel/Position:	1 Driver; (possibly 1 passenger)

Reason of Loss:	*Old age or failure	Crew Survivals/Fatalities:	n/a

Artifact History:	*Motorcycles with sidecars were added to the first motorized artillery battalion to be operated by junior officers. The triangle shape of the later portion of the frame plus the way it curls up to the steering column, and the angle of the front forks to the front wheel most resembles an early 20's Harley-Davidson. However the thickness of the frame may indicate a later model.

Artifact Condition:	This unique artifact is showing heavy decay and marine growth similar to other WW I military vehicles in the area. Tires and seat are gone with largely only the frame remaining. Although the front wheel rim and fender are present as appears to be some of the steering assembly. It is difficult to tell exact shape of the fuel tank and whether engine is present or not.

Additional Information:	Exact position is uncertain as tracking was down when discovered. The position is based on the artifact's depth on a straight line between the intended dive site and a waypoint laid 2.4 hrs later when tracking resumed. The sub was only on this site momentarily and only one image from video was achieved.

Data Download