Pictured above is a 1939 model EL Harley Davidson Knucklehead. I began restoration on it 8 yrs ago, and its almost complete now!
The term ‘knucklehead’ was givin to this motorcycle by the American people who bought and rode these machines,, Not the Harley Davidson Motor Company. The same applies to the ‘panhead’ motorcycles. These names seem to have originated in the 1940’s or early 1950’s. Merely a simple way to identify one from the other.
The 1st Harley Davidson Knucklehead was actually built in 1935 as a “prototype” for future production, with the first production models beginning in 1936. Design work for this, the 1st overhead valve engine, with a recirculating oil system had begun in 1932 and had been scheduled to appear in 1935. The height of the depression!
Despite all the delays, this “new machine” was considered an instant success! The consensus among riders in 1936 was: this was the best-looking motorcycle they had ever seen.
With the same basic engine design still being used today, the Harley Davidson Knucklehead is considered to be, ‘The Most sought after Motorcycle in the World !
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