1951 Model 125

The 1951 Model 125 started the modern look for the Hummer-series with a telescopic front fork called the "TeleGlide", and new full-valence fenders.

Note: the photo at left, and most of the factory literature for both 1951 and 1952 show front fenders that are not flared at the bottom rear. The bikes for the pictures were prototypes, assembled way in advance of production just for the pictures. Why did they remained that way for 1952? My guess is that the marketing department kept a bike or two, and just changed out the front fork for the 1952 advertising photos. Hence the prototype fenders remained.

There were several one-year-only items. First, the gorgeous speedometer with greenish beige highlights. Second, the front fork was lubricated with grease instead of oil. The fork fork has a grease fitting in each tube, and the fork cap nuts do not have the oil cups seen on all the later models. Third, the front fork panel has "125" embossed in it rather than the "Tele-Glide" seen on the later models. This changed sometime in mid-year.

A new frame appeared, along with a new kickstand which replaced the bicycle-style kickstand used on the 1948-1950 models. See the Frames chapter.

The beautiful new fenders really look like motorcycle fenders. The deeply valenced sides keeps the water and mud from flying out. A note on the front fender - the two rear braces are welded together down near where they attach to the fork. This continued through 1954, when the braces became two separate pieces. The fender mounting holes in the sliders were threaded on these models (1951-1954) and used (6) 1/4-20 s 1/2" long hardware. Note that Philip trusshead screws were used in 51 only, CP 1038 hex bolts 52-54.

Along with new forks, the headlight changed to the CycleRay unit found on the big twins. The "bullet" taillight cover appeared this year.

The editor's personal opinion is that this is the most beautiful bike of the entire Hummer-series. To me, everything looks just right. The only problem with this bike is the new kickstand, which sometimes would swing past the stop.

Standard Colors: Sportsman Yellow, Persian Red, Rio Blue Special Colors: Metallic Green, Metallic Blue