Ironhead. Shovelhead. Panhead. Knucklehead. To the uninitiated, these terms may as well be used to identify pumpkins or some random sort of fungi. However, to riders with motor oil of the black and orange variety coursing through their veins, these words are enough to perk up the ears and increase the heartbeat of the old ticker. Especially that last one. What was once just an old Harley has now become a coveted collectible, with well-kept, original examples of Knuckleheads pushing sales prices north of $100k at auctions. Even if it’s not in your price range, it doesn’t hurt to look, right? Our feature bike provides plenty of eye candy for your viewing pleasure, while still offering up all the right details for those looking for something more serious. Located in Atkins, AR, and found here on eBay, it’s described by the seller as very much original and in very good condition.
The engine is the centerpiece of any classic motorcycle, and this one certainly doesn’t disappoint. The term “Knucklehead” stems from the look of the rocker boxes, resembling, of course, the knuckles of a fist. As an FL model, our feature bike sports the larger 74 cu.-in. motor, rather than the 61 cu.-in. variation found in the EL. The buyer should be prepared to ride a little differently than they would with a more modern steed. This bike requires the rider to seamlessly operate the left-foot clutch and left-hand tank shifter, while simultaneously rolling on the throttle with the right hand, all while attempting to maintain the intended path of travel.
Part of the appeal of this particular bike is the matching sidecar. While not a lot of information is mentioned in the ad regarding the sidecar itself, it is a genuine Harley-Davidson model and was manufactured the same year as the bike. Likely sold as a pair when new, this would mean they have remained together for three-quarters of a century. As a side note, the transmission offers reverse gear for ease of use in tight parking situations.
With production numbers of just over 11,000 Knuckleheads for the 1947 model year, good examples are getting harder and harder to come by. Those in original condition are more prized, especially if they feature a genuine patina that details their life story. Our feature bike appears to be an honest original, even if it’s not original paint. Currently in running and fully-operable condition, it begs to be taken out on the road to explore America once again. With a sidecar at the ready, where would you go and, more importantly, who would you take with you?
Shifting on a modern bike is easier but this is not too difficult. I am standing waving my arms around and lifting my foot making sure I get it right.
Think I only shifted while going straight. Both hands on the grips. Push in the clutch. Shift with my left. Hand back on the grip. Twist the throttle while letting out the clutch. It is not a quick process but because you are going straight, with the torque and low rpm they are quite forgiving. One of mine had a thumb throttle which made it easier.
Press down on the clutch pedal to engage clutch
Yep, toe down engage, heal down disengage.
I think some people have a natural aptitude for riding these old Harley’s. I had owned maybe eight or nine British motorcycles before being offered a 1943 Harley for a test ride. The owner explained how the clutch, gear change, ignition and throttle worked so off I went, no problem whatsoever. I loved the way the bike rode so ended up buying five more over the years but didn’t enjoy any of them. The worst was the last, a 1981 Low Rider that I sold because every time I wound it up it would vibrate so badly oil would leak out like crazy. It was only after I had sold it that a friend of mine told me that he would tighten every screw with an impact driver to ensure that his Harley’s didn’t leak oil! Since then I went back to British, Italian, German, Japanese and even Chinese bikes and none of them ever had a serious oil leak. Later model Harley’s I can’t comment on other than to say that they look good.
Looks good in black.
Boy that brings back memories, no sidecar though. Bought a 49 at a good price back in the 60’s, of course it was a frame and 4 boxes of parts. Unfortunately, all the parts weren’t 49 nor were they all HD. Had to call in a lot of favors to get an eventual working bike, I was totally unprepared to fix the parts up and put it together. This was back in the day of Choppers, and that’s what was done to that one and it was cool. I have to admit the suicide clutch scared the crap out of me, I was an accident looking to happen trying to shift that thing.
This one looks so much better than the one I had when I got it. I’d leave it alone and look for some good riding weather.
Bingo! Double tombstone!!!!
I am showing my age when I say I remember the police riding these.
$62,851.00 and climbing. (Reserve not met)
It is a cool looking bike. Hope who ever buys it also rides it.
Showing my age, I remember selling my MV Agusta America to a wealthy Japanese businessman for $15k which was stunning to me. Can’t guess what it would go for now. The first time It fired up the hair stood on the back of my neck.
As one who owned and rode one, sidecars just aren’t that fun . . .
Press down on the clutch pedal to engage clutch
The Roosevelt administration gave over 40.000 of these things to the Bolsheviks, ¨making the world safe for democracy¨. The Soviets , after extensive testing, decided they were junk and never used them as intended – neither did the US Army, incidentally. Military Harley replicas are merely make-believe, they are a fraud. I will never understand the obesession with this technical throw back to the 1910´s. There is something seriously wrong with that.
I’d be happy with the bike by itself. It’s a great machine, to be enjoyed as long as you are able. I sure wish I had the means to compete for this; it would be a great addition to my collection…
Wanted to share something that happened tonight with this group as many of us seem to love both cars and bikes. My 12 year old son and I were sitting at a traffic light and a bike pulled up next to us. My son mentioned that every time a bike is by I look and asked me if I liked cars or bikes better. Only took a minute to say I have had many cars, like them a lot and love bikes.
Due to cancer surgery and treatments went down to a 500cc and now looking at moving down to 300cc. Getting tough to handle the weight and other issues.
Appreciate the Barn Finds staff bringing us some lovely bikes. Liked the cars a lot and love the bikes
Very sorry to hear about your health situation. I have no idea what you’re really going through but I’ve lost a lot of friends to that disease. All the best in your recovery and high hopes that you can show that boy how to do things right. May God bless…