Harley knucklehead 1936

The motorcycle industry was hit hard by the Great Depression. Byoverall motorcycle sales in the US had reached an historic low, still unmatched to present day. Harley knucklehead 1936 motorcycle manufacturers closed their doors.

Harley-Davidson pulled ahead of Indian in with the introduction of its first overhead valve V-Twin. The frame, forks, engine and much of the styling were all new. Interestingly, Knucklehead experts speak of three different engine versions in the model year. Minor problems were attended to as running changes and production continued. The first engines built had problems with valve spring breakage, poor rocker arm lubrication and leakage of oil from the top end. Spring metallurgy was improved, rockers redesigned, and repair kits were sent out to dealers to fix the over affected new bikes already on the road.

Harley knucklehead 1936

Willie G. In this space, Style and Function are intertwined with a design template that would carry the motor company into the next century. Not only was the chassis redesigned with streamline fuel tanks and an integrated dashboard, but the new heavyweight V-Twin also offered a standard 4 speed constant mesh transmission. The big news was the new 61 cubic inch over head valve engine that utilized a newly developed dry sump oil system. This was the first Harley that recirculated the engine oil to and from the oil tank. It was given the model designation EL. It has been affectionately called the Knucklehead since its inception in Redesigned crankcases allowed the side valve to fit the same chassis as the OHV machine streamlining cost and production time. Now, Harley had the market covered with the newest designs. The man who led the design of both the Knucklehead and the improved Side Valve engine was chief engineer William S Harley.

Throughout the 20th Century, various home-made machines were invented within the With new oval section springer fork tubes, harley knucklehead 1936, a more graceful muffler and the tank mounted speedometer, the new Harley was probably the most stylish American motorcycle to date.

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Yet up until the last minute, it was uncertain whether Harley would release the bike for sale. The experimental models were unmarked, and testers were instructed to stay away from towns and dealerships. The point of all this secrecy was to keep the rumor mill down. The motorcycle world was very small, and even without the Internet or cheap, long-distance telephones, rumors would spread from one end of the country to another faster than a Twentieth Century Limited locomotive. For , Harley-Davidson introduced an inlet-over-exhaust big twin to replace its aging sidevalve setup. Unfortunately, the new VL twins had multiple problems, resulting in a general recall and warranty replacement of expensive parts. Even with the repairs, the sidevalve engines were not as fast or reliable as desired, so Harley started looking for a replacement. Although most contemporary motorcycles including Harleys ran total-loss systems lubricating oil was pumped through the engine and either burned or pumped out , recirculating oiling systems were being used in cars and in the top-of-the-line 4-cylinder motorcycles. A recirculating oil system added a little weight, but it increased performance and engine longevity.

Harley knucklehead 1936

Harley-Davidson pulled ahead of Indian in with the introduction of its first overhead valve V-Twin. The frame, forks, engine and much of the styling were all new. Interestingly, Knucklehead experts speak of three different engine versions in the model year. Minor problems were attended to as running changes and production continued. The first engines built had problems with valve spring breakage, poor rocker arm lubrication and leakage of oil from the top end. Spring metallurgy was improved, rockers redesigned, and repair kits were sent out to dealers to fix the over affected new bikes already on the road. Styling at Indian and Harley-Davidson reached a new height in this era.

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The Chopper Graveyard It did not take long for individuals to often modify their machines to a new level From the photos it looks like his was solid white. It is one of about a dozen Knuckleheads on display including those belonging to musician and music producer Dan Auerbach. The success on the track proved successful in the sales department which gave the Indian company great concern. The founders inspect their newest model Harley-Davidson Museum. Willie G. Minor problems were attended to as running changes and production continued. Although the early production machines experienced various oiling problems, its potential was immediately realized on street and track. Each machine has a great story that could make a best selling book! Others were able to stay afloat, but any profits made had to be invested wisely. Joe said it felt like the bike was starting to fly. The motorcycle industry was hit hard by the Great Depression.

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They succeeded, with Joe achieving a blistering miles per hour. Everybody had big, happy grins and well they might—hadn't they just seen an afternoon of record breaking performances? Redesigned crankcases allowed the side valve to fit the same chassis as the OHV machine streamlining cost and production time. It is difficult to determine how many of these machines survived, however 6 examples of the OHV, 2 examples of the Side Valves and 3 Prototype Side Valves grace this exhibit. Highly prized by collectors, the 61 and 74 cubic inch OHV twins were made for 12 model years, through This was the first Harley that recirculated the engine oil to and from the oil tank. It was given the model designation EL. The man who led the design of both the Knucklehead and the improved Side Valve engine was chief engineer William S Harley. Prior to the "61", a side-valve engine called a "flathead" had been powering riders through thick and thin. But what else did it do for motorcycling? International Motorcycle Show — Washington D. Co-founder and Chief Engineer William Harley headed new product development.