1946 Harley-Davidson 68ci Knucklehead Land Speed Racing Motorcycle
1946 Harley-Davidson 68ci Knucklehead Land Speed Racing Motorcycle
Engine no. 3657
· An oh-so-neat custom-built racer combining VL and Knucklehead
· Properly built with the right parts by the right people
'When chasing the demon speed, anything and everything is tried and tested - so long as it passes the rulebook and tech inspection.' This machine takes an unusual approach for land speed racing combining one of the most iconic Harley-Davidson powertrains - the fabled Knucklehead, and a VL frame - the lightest Harley-Davidson Big Twin chassis. In addition, there is much creativity, using many components in clever ways.'
The front end is a modern Harley-Davidson Springer and front wheel without the weight or drag of a front brake. The adjustable handlebar set-up allows the rider to move the controls up or down, fore or aft or almost any way they wish. The fuel is held in a split and welded Sportster gas tank the sits low on the frame backbone. The vintage leather Messinger saddle - a rare piece - sits deep in the frame with some give thanks to the external springs. Oil is carried in the barrel tank under the seat, and the total loss battery is housed in the Harley battery box. The rear wheel is from a 1960s 'gasser' drag car.
The motor is mostly genuine Knucklehead – it's a 'square' 68ci motor with an EL 61ci bottom end mated to an FL 74ci top end - a good move for a racebike. The timing gears are 'Lightning' units from Andrews Products together with their camshaft. Its Linkert M74 carburetor has a shielded but open intake. The clutch is operated by the left foot and the Harley 4-speed transmission – complete with an Andrews Products gear train - is shifted with a jockey shift low and tight on the left side. The bottom end was built by famed Bob Oblenski of (Bill) Furr's Orangeburg Cycle in South Carolina, the top end by Ed Rich of American Classic in Asheboro, North Carolina.
The Knucklehead is recognized today as an iconic American motorcycle, which set a styling standard so high, it is imitated to the present day. It featured Harley's first recirculating oil system, and a 4-speed gearbox with a robust clutch. All this uncharacteristic innovation from conservative H-D was styled as a compact and streamlined package. Ten years after it was introduced, the radical new OHV Harley had evolved into a dependable and well-sorted machine.
Little history is known of this impressive privateer land speed racer but it still exhibits its race tech stickers on the forks to provide some insight. The seller reports that it starts easily and runs strong complete with that traditional, loud exhaust rhythm. Run it 'as is' at any of the land speed courses like Bonneville or Loring, Maine, or display it in your collection. But for all our sakes, please run it.
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1946 Harley-Davidson 68ci Knucklehead Land Speed Racing Motorcycle
Engine no. 3657
· An oh-so-neat custom-built racer combining VL and Knucklehead
· Properly built with the right parts by the right people
'When chasing the demon speed, anything and everything is tried and tested - so long as it passes the rulebook and tech inspection.' This machine takes an unusual approach for land speed racing combining one of the most iconic Harley-Davidson powertrains - the fabled Knucklehead, and a VL frame - the lightest Harley-Davidson Big Twin chassis. In addition, there is much creativity, using many components in clever ways.'
The front end is a modern Harley-Davidson Springer and front wheel without the weight or drag of a front brake. The adjustable handlebar set-up allows the rider to move the controls up or down, fore or aft or almost any way they wish. The fuel is held in a split and welded Sportster gas tank the sits low on the frame backbone. The vintage leather Messinger saddle - a rare piece - sits deep in the frame with some give thanks to the external springs. Oil is carried in the barrel tank under the seat, and the total loss battery is housed in the Harley battery box. The rear wheel is from a 1960s 'gasser' drag car.
The motor is mostly genuine Knucklehead – it's a 'square' 68ci motor with an EL 61ci bottom end mated to an FL 74ci top end - a good move for a racebike. The timing gears are 'Lightning' units from Andrews Products together with their camshaft. Its Linkert M74 carburetor has a shielded but open intake. The clutch is operated by the left foot and the Harley 4-speed transmission – complete with an Andrews Products gear train - is shifted with a jockey shift low and tight on the left side. The bottom end was built by famed Bob Oblenski of (Bill) Furr's Orangeburg Cycle in South Carolina, the top end by Ed Rich of American Classic in Asheboro, North Carolina.
The Knucklehead is recognized today as an iconic American motorcycle, which set a styling standard so high, it is imitated to the present day. It featured Harley's first recirculating oil system, and a 4-speed gearbox with a robust clutch. All this uncharacteristic innovation from conservative H-D was styled as a compact and streamlined package. Ten years after it was introduced, the radical new OHV Harley had evolved into a dependable and well-sorted machine.
Little history is known of this impressive privateer land speed racer but it still exhibits its race tech stickers on the forks to provide some insight. The seller reports that it starts easily and runs strong complete with that traditional, loud exhaust rhythm. Run it 'as is' at any of the land speed courses like Bonneville or Loring, Maine, or display it in your collection. But for all our sakes, please run it.
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Time, Location
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