Carl's Cycle Supply 1937 Knucklehead Story
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- Опубликовано: 15 окт 2024
- Harley-Davidson pulled ahead of Indian in 1936 with the introduction of its first overhead valve V-Twin. Now nicknamed the “Knucklehead” for its bulbous rocker boxes, surprisingly the new Harley-Davidson big twin was developed in Depression era America. The frame, forks, engine and much of the styling were all new. And while Harley-Davidson had built OHV racing engines for a couple of decades and even OHV singles for mass production, this was their first production overhead valve V-Twin.
Interestingly, Knucklehead experts speak of three different engine versions in the 1936 model year. Minor problems were attended to as running changes and production continued. The first engines built had problems with valve spring breakage, poor rocker arm lubrication and leakage of oil from the top end. Spring metallurgy was improved, rockers redesigned, and repair kits were sent out to dealers to fix the over 1000 affected new bikes already on the road. Many changes were made through the end of production in 1946, but most agree the prettiest bikes are the pre-War machines like this week’s subject.
Styling at Indian and Harley-Davidson reached a new height in this era. Harley’s Art Deco “Comet” tank emblem was used from 1936 to 1939. With new oval section springer fork tubes, a more graceful muffler and the tank mounted speedometer, the new Harley was probably the most stylish American motorcycle to date. For 1936 the EL could be bought in several two-tone paint jobs including Sherwood Green with Silver, Teak Red with Black, Venetian Blue with Croydon Cream, Nile Green with Maroon plus Dusk Gray with Royal Buff, this bike’s colors. A few technical problems plagued first year machines, but America was coming back economically and timing was perfect with over 1500 first year sales.
Highly prized by collectors, the 61 and 74 cubic inch OHV twins were made for 12 model years, 1936 through 1947. The valve train became enclosed in 1948 and the moniker “Panhead” was applied. In 1949 the hydraulic fork Duo-Glide was released and Harley-Davidson Big Twin styling was set for over half a century to come.
This fine 1937 EL is on loan from Robert Hyler of Illinois and just arrived for display at the National Motorcycle Museum. It is one of about a dozen Knuckleheads on display including those belonging to musician and music producer Dan Auerbach.
Specifications:
Engine: Overhead Valve, 45 Degree V-Twin
Bore & Stroke: 3.31″ x 3.50”
Displacement: 61 Cubic Inches/ 988 cc’s
Compression Ratio: 7: 1
Horsepower: 40HP
Carburetion: 1.25 Inch Linkert
Primary: Duplex Chain
Transmission: 4-Speed, Hand Shift/Foot Clutch
Final Drive: Chain
Brakes: Drum, Front & Rear
Electrics: 6 Volt Battery, Coil & Points
Frame: Steel / Double Down Tubes
Fork: Springer / Oval Tubing
Rear: Rigid, Sprung Seat
Wheels / Tires: 4.50″ x 18″
Wheelbase: 59.5 Inches
Weight: 565 Pounds
Top Speed: 95mph
That ‘37 EL is beautiful. Delphine Blue is my favorite color that Harley put out. Carl and Matt’s work speaks for itself.
nice to know this great knucklehead
Good job Carl. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you serious for 30 minutes! Thank you and Matt for the great job on my ‘40 EL motor. The bike runs great !👍🎉⚡️
Bought my Knucklehead in a shop outside Mississippi in the jungle 1979 in bits and pieces, a frame from 1948, the engine was rebuilt for Panhead jugs, well took all the parts to Sweden, had a great friend who was a genius guy on American engines as well as all kind of old British bikes.
it took him 3 years to build my bike, with parts support from me.
At that time the Easy Rider was all in my mind, so it become a Chopper.
Today 2023, the Bike is in Spain, in my garage, awaiting for me to kick start the bike.
Engine was renovated again 1995, and are still running very well, with original foot clutch, jockey shift, and raked framehead, with a 16" extended fork, all sprockets was changed, Gearbox renovated this winter, and Im still running with open clutch and a 3" belt in the front, its just waiting for new gasoline, charged battery, and then ready to go.
This Bike is my life, if I could I would take it with me in my next life.
Rock on!!!
Carl does great work!
Fantastic story. I'm loving the knuckle. Wish I could get one.
knuckleheads seem beautiful to me!
These are true gems .
That’s a lot of work! Much appreciate this video and the passion put into these beautiful machines. I met Matt once a mutual friends house and enjoyed the time spent talking about life and old bikes.
Over the years I’ve put quite a few miles on Knuckleheads and there’s nothing like them. They ride like a dream and look good doing it. I liken it to riding a piece of fine mechanical art.
dream bike, perfect in every way. wicked nice.
Wow I’m super hooked on your quality thanks for the vid
Hmm wow. Dedication.
Delphine Blue- lovely
Wow I’m in love 🥰….. outstanding job guys… well done 👏
This guy clearly hasn’t got a clue.
Only joking, this mans attention to detail and knowledge is really profoundly impressive. Going to enormous lengths to fit the absolutely right parts. No skimping on getting it just so but also a few concessions to modernity with really sensible changes-to carb and ignition components.
With absolutely superb results. Respect mate.
Yes, people like him are a treasure to this country and beyond. I just learned a few things from him, maybe more than a few.
That looks identical to the one Matt restored from wheels through time and raffled off.
WTT raffle knuck is a bobber, luckily i'm not picky, i'd take either ;D
So nice to see this level dedication to correctness but I can't imagine the expense.
Wow the effort is awesome
It would be cool if someone made a softails frame for sportster then make it look like a knuckle motorcycle of that era
По моему софтейл так и так похож на мотоциклы той эпохи! Особенно Наследник и Толстый парень!
The blue streak points and condenser is the ones I used in a 76 xlch and could be bought at Napa
@@donbeadling5426 yeah go into the Napa and ask for points and condenser for 6 cly chev
Привет! Вы его с лаком крыли?он очень сильно блестящий!
Hey Carl , I have a 2020 softail slim, can you put 37 fenders on my bike ?or maybe a newer year perhaps . You decide. If you want I will send you an email pic of my bike .
Where did you get the paint and can you get more I need it for my 37
Approximately how much for a reproduction knucklehead bike
Have you heard of wheels through time they have the same bike
This bike sold for $ 110000 at auction
Is there a website I can find original paint colours?
John Pierce at Pierce Color-Write has all of the original Harley colors and his colors are proven to be exact factory shades and hues. (603) 942-5610. He's the only guy I would use for my stuff.
Too many edits!!!!! Let the guy speak!.
That looks identical to the Wheels through time raffle bike
Man, oh man .