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-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.

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. William was one of the 4 founding fathers of the Company. He had spearheaded the development of their machines along with Willian Ottaway who joined the motor company in

It was first available in Styling at Indian and Harley-Davidson reached a new height in this era.

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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.

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. With new oval section springer fork tubes, a more graceful muffler and the tank mounted speedometer, the new Harley was probably the most stylish American motorcycle to date. A few technical problems plagued first year machines, but America was coming back economically and timing was perfect with over first year sales. Highly prized by collectors, the 61 and 74 cubic inch OHV twins were made for 12 model years, through

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Harley convinced the Board to give it a shot. The motorcycle industry was hit hard by the Great Depression. On one of Joe's earlier runs down the beach, while going about m. It is one of about a dozen Knuckleheads on display including those belonging to musician and music producer Dan Auerbach. This was the first Harley that recirculated the engine oil to and from the oil tank. Closed for the Season Reopening April 4th, The man who led the design of both the Knucklehead and the improved Side Valve engine International Motorcycle Show — Washington D. Although the early production machines experienced various oiling problems, its potential was immediately realized on street and track. The first board track built for motorcycle racing opened in in Los Angeles It sure was the bike to have at that time. Successive years and new models brought even more adaptability, and accessories to improve comfort and touring were designed for specific vehicles. The founders of Harley-Davidson inspect an early "61" coming from the assembly line. Now, Harley had the market covered with the newest designs.

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The Duo-Glide came out in , along with the rear suspension. Interestingly, Knucklehead experts speak of three different engine versions in the model year. Each machine has a great story that could make a best selling book! Harley convinced the Board to give it a shot. The frame, forks, engine and much of the styling were all new. International Motorcycle Show — Washington D. Newsletter test page. Leave a Reply Want to join the discussion? Joe said it felt like the bike was starting to fly. Successive years and new models brought even more adaptability, and accessories to improve comfort and touring were designed for specific vehicles.