Older motorcycles are some of the strongest performers in the classic market, with examples like this 1947 Harley-Davidson EL highly prized. A previous owner restored this beauty, with the current owner recently treating it to an engine rebuild. It has seen little service since the work ended, and the time is right for it to find a new home. The seller listed the Harley here on eBay in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Bidding has raced beyond the reserve to $50,600.
Harley-Davidson’s history is littered with iconic models, and placing the EL in that category is easy. Launched in 1936, it was a high-risk venture. The EL represented the first new model since the Great Depression, and some within the company’s management held reservations about its release. However, the optimism of those advocating for production was justified because the EL would be one of the defining models in the company’s history. Our feature Harley rolled out of the factory in 1947. While its complete history is unclear, a previous owner treated it to a restoration before the current owner purchased it seven years ago. They didn’t aim for a factory-fresh appearance, preserving the machine’s aged look and inherent character. The look will split opinions, but a growing band of enthusiasts prefer this approach. The seat and bags are recent additions by renowned specialists Heather’s Leathers in Clover, South Carolina. The desire for authenticity saw the current owner have the new seat created on the original pan. I am disappointed that the seller didn’t supply better shots, but those in the listing are detailed enough to confirm that this Harley has no apparent needs.
Purists will tell you that the heart of any classic Harley is its V-Twin powerplant. Locating a Harley without one seemed unthinkable a few years ago, but recent developments suggest that day may not be far away. The company introduced its “Knucklehead” Twin in 1936, with the engine featuring a capacity of 61ci. This was enlarged to 74ci in 1941 and was replaced by the Panhead for the 1948 model year. This EL retains its original numbers-matching Knucklehead that Cyclemos Speed Shop in Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee, recently rebuilt. The speedometer and generator received similar attention, a new six-volt wiring harness was installed, and the wheels were wrapped in new Goodyear tires. The seller holds documentation and receipts confirming all work, stating the Harley has only clocked around 300 miles since the rebuild was completed. The EL is in excellent mechanical health, and a new owner with a need for adventure could fly in and ride this baby home.
The buyer interest in this 1947 Harley-Davidson EL is unsurprising. Harley enthusiasts are dedicated, and preservation is one of their greatest passions. This may become more critical, as company CEO Jochen Zeitz has stated publicly that Harley-Davidson will eventually transition to an all-electric product range. The concept of a Harley without a V-Twin is almost unthinkable, but it appears that day is fast approaching. Future generations of motorcycling enthusiasts may never get to hear one of these in action if we don’t preserve machines like this EL. Are you up for that challenge?
Nothing like yanking my chain. I’ve always been a fan of Knuckleheads and I sure wouldn’t kick one off my driveway. But unless I luck out in the near future, owning one will always be a dream for me.
Did I read that correctly? CEO says that HD is going to be EV in the future? Slap him alongside the head–with a shovel! Last thing I would ever think about is my bike sounding like an Electrolux. Anyways a lot of people are buying that line. Blackouts here we come…
I saw an electric sportsbike in Paris a couple of years ago; The way that it silently vanished horizon-wards at speed was quite something.
Harley build toys these days. You can’t hack through traffic on them, with the exception of some Sportsters, which rules most of them out from being daily commuting transport. Toys for high days and holidays.
Knuckleheads are rather nice, though…
Before I retired I rode my ’85 Electra Glide to work just about every day (weather permitting). I don’t like traffic so I always went in early (I was that guy out in the yard at 5:30 warming it up) and I always took the back way home, a little longer but way less traffic. Now I use it for errands and day trips. Sometimes I just tell my wife I have to go for some therapy (a long ride to nowhere).
Derek, I never had any trouble doing “California Lane Changes” with my HD Big Twin. It just went where I pointed it. I even saw some CHIPS guys with their fully decked out bikes running the gaunlets. I saw lots of women on Electra-Glides doing that.
All kidding aside, EVs are practical in some uses but the highway is NOT one of them. Maybe when they can get complete top-ups in 15 minutes or less I might eat my words. But they’re completely useless in sub zero temps. My wife’s aunt and uncle bought a very expensive one three years ago. They went to town in it during the winter, when it was 27 below. 64 miles and the batteries were flatter than whiz on a plate. They had to tow it home and then fire up the Duramax and use that. The uncle said: “plug the car in and it’s like running the dryer on high all night.” Then to add insult to injury they got a letter from the insurance company telling them that their fire insurance was about to go up–drastically, because of the increased fire threat of an EV. IMO the EV has a lot of uses but is still far more political than practical. Hybrid, I can see. My brother, an electrical engineer, has (2) of them. I might add that he agrees about the EV attitude…
Another fantastic old scooter, boy if this thing could talk! I’d keep her running, full of oil, and just ride it.. but unfortunately that 50 grand price tag puts in more in the realm of someone like Jay Leno, who has more bikes than he’ll ever have time to ride, and more money than Fort Knox (although I hear that’s a thing of the past, kinda like badass old motorcycles being affordable), but I wouldn’t pay that for it even if I had it, BJ syndrome strikes again!
Willy spinning
Now this is so much more like it. The difference from the 1919 one, that was post WW1, this was post WW2. A lot had changed for motorcycles in that time. After WW1, motorcycles were crude, unreliable and poor roads garnered only the bravest souls. After WW2, so much improved, and motorcycles could be a viable source of transportation for those struggling ex-GIs on their way up. They had the guts to ride one from the war, fact is, many motorcycle riders in the war, specialized in bikes after the war. I believe it was this bike that really turned a corner for HD. It still took Jethro Bodine to ride one, of which after the war, there were plenty, and even though it lacks many modern touches, it’s still basically the same all these years. I laugh, the Asians tried every possible design, including V-twins, but nothing will ever be a HD. Such a great design, there was no need to change.
BTW, I never knew hardtails had any rear suspension whatsoever, until a trip to the HD museum with a great friend, who showed me, the seat post is a shock absorber. Never knew that. Hardtails/Springers are a challenge to ride.
HI Howard, I’m Jeff I’m new to Barn finds got a question for you I’ve got a 72 iron head right side shift it was left to me when Uncle Bob passed away 17 yrs ago it ran when I parked it 17 yrs ago I had a daughter so it’s been in my shed since then it needs a complete rebuild my question to you is it worth putting on Barn finds
Jeff right hand shift says it is a Sportster, not much value there. Be upside down in a rebuild quickly IMHO.
Hi Jeff, welcome aboard. Absolutely. Barn Finds has an amazing audience and AMF Sportys( I think that’s an ironhead) are in big demand today, plus, you help keep this site afloat. One was featured here a while back, and probably looks a lot like yours. I’m not sure how to post a vehicle here, but the staff will be more than happy to help. Good luck.
https://barnfinds.com/barn-find-1972-harley-davidson-xlch-sportster/
Glad the rebuild included the ’65-71 distributor.No flippin’ over the handlebars LOL…
What makes you think it has an automatic advance distributor?
So, H-D is going all ‘lectric? That’s funny. Their first coal powered bike got pulled off the market, cuz nobody wanted the thing. And, after sinking lots of cash into the R&D? It was rife with problems. Harley had better get rid of their “woke” management, or be prepared to be added to the list of failed motorcycle manufacturers.
Ended:
Oct 22, 2023 19:07:25 PDT
Winning bid:
US $52,110.00
[ 31 bids ]
I bought this bike. However, it is not easy to contact the seller. Is there anyone who can help? I’m anxious because it’s $52,110.