Without question one of the most handsome and readily recognisable motorcycle power units of all time, the Harley-Davidson 61ci overhead-valve v-twin - known as the ‘Knucklehead’ after its distinctively shaped rocker boxes - arrived powering a stylish all-new motorcycle in 1936. A twin-loop frame was deemed necessary to handle the 61’s increased power (37bhp in ‘E’ and 40bhp in high-compression ‘EL’ forms) while the front suspension too was beefed up, the forks switching to oval tubing in place of the previous forged I-beams. Teething problems associated with the earliest examples had been sorted out by 1937 and the Milwaukee factory quickly set about establishing the Knucklehead’s performance credentials, Joe Petrali setting a new speed record of 136mph at Daytona Beach on March of that year while Fred Ham later averaged 76mph for 24 hours at Murco Dry Lake in California to set a new best mark. Progressively improved, the ohv Harley became available in 74ci (FL) form from 1941, remaining a cornerstone of the Milwaukee range in ‘Panhead’ and later ‘Shovelhead’ versions until superseded by the Evolution-engined bikes in the 1980s. This Knucklehead was imported into Austria before WW2 and was in running condition when purchased by Professor Ehn in 1976. The machine is offered with original Austrian Einzelgenehmigung.
Without question one of the most handsome and readily recognisable motorcycle power units of all time, the Harley-Davidson 61ci overhead-valve v-twin - known as the ‘Knucklehead’ after its distinctively shaped rocker boxes - arrived powering a stylish all-new motorcycle in 1936. A twin-loop frame was deemed necessary to handle the 61’s increased power (37bhp in ‘E’ and 40bhp in high-compression ‘EL’ forms) while the front suspension too was beefed up, the forks switching to oval tubing in place of the previous forged I-beams. Teething problems associated with the earliest examples had been sorted out by 1937 and the Milwaukee factory quickly set about establishing the Knucklehead’s performance credentials, Joe Petrali setting a new speed record of 136mph at Daytona Beach on March of that year while Fred Ham later averaged 76mph for 24 hours at Murco Dry Lake in California to set a new best mark. Progressively improved, the ohv Harley became available in 74ci (FL) form from 1941, remaining a cornerstone of the Milwaukee range in ‘Panhead’ and later ‘Shovelhead’ versions until superseded by the Evolution-engined bikes in the 1980s. This Knucklehead was imported into Austria before WW2 and was in running condition when purchased by Professor Ehn in 1976. The machine is offered with original Austrian Einzelgenehmigung.
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