The Harley-Davidson Knucklehead Bobber for sale on eBay was manufactured 74 years ago. The classic bike was recently rebuilt and restyled into a brand-new creation. Since that work, the re-imagined classic bike has not been put on the road. That honor will go to its new owner.
Knucklehead History
In the 1940s, Harley-Davidson’s powerplant was a big twin, 74 cubic-inch, two-cylinder, 45-degree, pushrod-actuated overhead-valve v-twin engine.
The Knucklehead setup takes its name from the shape of its rocker-box covers. They resemble the shape of knuckles in a closed fist.
The Knucklehead replaced the side-valve Flathead VL model in 1936, and it was Harley’s first overhead valve engine used in production models. Harley introduced the 74-inch engine in 1941.
Knuckleheads were produced until the Panhead engine replaced it, starting with 1948 models. The design remains a desirable engine to this day.
New Components on an Old Bike
This 1947 Knucklehead is a far cry from what HD manufactured initially, but it sure is a looker. This bike was modified for a subtle yet noticeable short chopper look. This transformation into a Bobber combines with a beautiful paint job and custom touches.
Kansas-based Truitt and Osbourne, a world-renowned engine shop, rebuilt the engine. The shop, established in 1970, updated the charging system to run 12 volts, utilizing Cycle Electric parts and an Accel electronic ignition. The result is no more worries about starting this motorcycle.
An S&S Cycle Super E carburetor feeds this Knucklehead, and a Goodson air cleaner makes sure only clean, filtered air makes it into the engine.
A Baker four-speed transmission with hydraulic clutch and BDL enclosed belt drive does the work of getting power to the rear wheel. Baker is well-known for its reliable aftermarket transmissions. A chain drive and sprocket finish the drivetrain.
The term Bobber refers to a custom motorcycle that removes excess bodywork and any superfluous weight. The idea is to create a higher and more thrilling power-to-weight ratio. This builders of this bike used a smaller fender and struts to replace the existing units.
Adding Visual Appeal to the 1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead
Up top, new sheet metal from Germany’s W&W Cycles is coated in a beautiful paint job from Boosted Brad’s Chop Shop, based in Tennessee. The root-beer-candy-over-lace design sets off the metal flake. It’s a refreshingly unique look after seeing so many all-black paint jobs.
A rare and original 1947 speedometer rests in the dash panel. Other nice touches include:
- The black ape-hanger style bars feature K-Tech hand controls
- Black spoke wheels have tapered bearings
- A rear disc and front hydraulic drum brake ensure plenty of stopping power
- Whitewall tires finish the look
Replacing the Total-Loss System
Previous engines were lubricated by “total-loss” systems. That meant the rider—or a drip-feed—added oil to the crankcase. The system flung oil onto moving parts by the motion of the crankshaft. Some oil was lost on the piston rings and valve stems. The oil making it into the combustion chamber was then burned. This meant the riders had to consistently refill the oil tank.
The builders gave the new Knucklehead OHV engine on the ’47 eBay bike a dry-sump oiling system, a closed-loop system that recirculates the oil and returns it to the tank.
Bystanders will likely gawk at this impressive bike. Its new owner will either soak up the attention—or just take joy in putting the first miles on this unique rebuilt classic Harley.
