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 William Harley did see the success of his new design before he passed in

A handsome example of a beautiful machine. Others were able to stay afloat, but any profits made had to be invested wisely.

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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.

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.

Frame synonyms

Serial Number 36EL Throughout the 20th Century, various home-made machines were invented within the Willie G. In the hydraulic fork Duo-Glide was released and Harley-Davidson Big Twin styling was set for over half a century to come. Prior to the "61", a side-valve engine called a "flathead" had been powering riders through thick and thin. 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. It was first available in Serial number 36EL He had spearheaded the development of their machines along with Willian Ottaway who joined the motor company in Each machine has a great story that could make a best selling book! The founders inspect their newest model Harley-Davidson Museum. The Wheels Through Time Museum will sweep you back in time with its magnificent presentation of vintage all-American motorcycles and automobiles. The success on the track proved successful in the sales department which gave the Indian company great concern. It is one of about a dozen Knuckleheads on display including those belonging to musician and music producer Dan Auerbach. As part of the Board of Directors, he led conversations about innovative product ideas.

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Following the stock market crash of , the business world ground nearly to a halt. In the hydraulic fork Duo-Glide was released and Harley-Davidson Big Twin styling was set for over half a century to come. The new OHV was also successful in both enduro races and hillclimbing. The Wheels Through Time Museum will sweep you back in time with its magnificent presentation of vintage all-American motorcycles and automobiles. In approximately OHV machines were produced. They knew it was a risk but were also excited about its possibilities. The story of the four cylinder motorcycle in America lasted a short 33 years This was the first Harley that recirculated the engine oil to and from the oil tank. The success on the track proved successful in the sales department which gave the Indian company great concern. Co-founder and Chief Engineer William Harley headed new product development.