Riding this bike is the same as Kirk Hammett touring with Greeny. So glad these old pieces are being used and not stored away somewhere. Kudos Sean for sharing this history with us.
Yes! This reminds me of the vintage guitar market exactly to the T, instruments or equipment with Road wear has sky rocketed....You could have the biggest piece of crap Gibson or Fender, with the neck broken in 5 places....and still be worth Crazy money. Even stuff from the 80's have sky rocketed....and all that stuff will keep going up with time, it's a good investment.
My Dad and I looked at that bike in Anamosa. He’s passed away now. Seeing you ride it makes me happy with just a tiny bit of sadness. Emotions getting me.
My grandmother and great aunt had 2 of them back in the 40s ,my grandfather and my great uncle had Indians and they all rode together and in a riding club.. They're all gone now except my grandmothers bike which I still have and ride once or twice a year and on her birthday....
@@rustypotatos Voice Text..I must have put emphasis on the words...either way are you going to be ok ? Life Gets Harder then how People text...brace yourself triggered lil hermit
I have a 73 sportster iron head 1000cc with the right side shift. I also have all the original parts for it. Bought it from my uncle 12 years ago and he had that thing forever. I wanted it since I was a kid and he finally sold it to me cheap. Turns heads and I get a lot of offers on it.
Given the way the horn works, it probably does lose power seeing that it essentially shorts out when it doesn't honk. I paid 700 bucks for my 37 WL back in the late seventies, sold it for about the same in the early eighties, I deployed overseas and never got paid. I sold five or six bikes that year to clear my parent's basement so they could sell their house. Tell you what, if you've got a nice shiny old bike no one wants, I'd be happy to buy it off of you. Thanks for showcasing "my favorite bike", been after a knuckle since I was a kid, never ran across one I could afford. I think you're right, another century and it will still be fine. That looks and sounds exactly like it should.
very nice, i was surprised how much smaller and lighter these are compared to my 1980 flh. i have always wanted to try a foot clutch to see if i could do it. it's nice to see the thing out on the road rather than it sitting in a museum or some rich guy's collection. you really have something nice there.
appreciate all of you videos..being an American and living in france it's alll refreshing...just wanted to thank you the most for bringing me back to believing...it´s not as difficult as many think..
Old bikes are so much more fun and satisfying than new bikes...i have a 59 pan and a 38 flathead 80...not what youd call efficient or fast...or economical but you would call them fun
I would like to send you guys big thanks from cold Skandinavia. At least this way we can dream of next short summer... I love your videos and how you explain things. And you are a big reason why i got my Yamaha wildstar. Those arent too common here, so i watched all your videos and decided to get one. Greetings from Finland.
I'm early, just got my first bike at 23. I got to ride one time and now I got it torn apart going over everything. It's been a trip, but it's pretty cool getting to learn the ins and outs of my bike.
They mostly leak oil from the rear of the tin primary because theres a hole that was supposed to be used to oil the chain thru a small tube but oil doesn't fliw uphil so most of those primarys dont have the tube just the hole. So when you stand the bike back up some of the oil that had collected in the primary would leak out and leave a trail down the road for a bit
👍 One of your best videos in a while. I like that you respect and admire what this bike represents without having to add unnecessary drama. I enjoyed your humble description, if you don't know all the answers, it's OK you will learn.
I know a guy with a mid 40s one. Rode it from IL to Cali and back. He’s rebuilding a electraglide currently. What’s funny is when u look at the engine internals and shit it all is really recognizable.. It’s the same as now or very close.. relatively speaking. Bro the valves are HUGE LOL
Very. Cool video. I watch ur stuffs as much as I can .I had a 45 flat head back my young years. There were so many. Around. Back then but we dum.and full of u know what. U guys r. Awesome.
4:19 - Correction, Blimps still exist today and in some places are quite common. Goodyear Blimp ring any bells? What the Hindenburg was, is called a Zeppelin. And that is what we do not see anymore. Blimps we still see.
Awesome ! In the 80's I worked at a CNC prototype shop in Milwaukee. Harley hired us to build replacement parts for their old bikes using the original blueprints since they ran out of parts and had no way to reproduce them themselves anymore. I remember them saying they had no idea people would be riding those biles this long. Each part was very expensive to hand remake.
Hey Sean, Could you please do a review on a MT-01? I'm looking for a new bike (either a naked or a sport) but at 6'5 that isn't always easy. Kind regards, Dirk
This Harley Davidson Knucklehead is pretty sweet! I imagine it would be a little bit of a learning curve to ride. Can’t imagine them racing these which is crazy!
Just throwing this out there. Totally off subject. I know you love gl1800. There's one in mudlow Oklahoma on Craig's list with 294,000 miles. You need to get it and do a video of it. It looks like it's barely used. Do it! Can't wait.
Hi Sean. UK viewer here. Regarding the foot clutch. I had a 45WLA about 45 years ago. The foot clutch didn't lock in the disengaged position on mine. You always had to get your right foot down at junctions and keep your left foot on the clutch, it certainly made life interesting 😯. Parking up once, my left foot slipped off the clutch, I lost my balance and was dragged across a parking lot until I finally hit a wall and stopped in a crumpled mess. I tried to make some attempt at coolness afterwards and, obviously, failed miserably! 😂😂 Happy days!!
Either yours wasn't adjusted right or somebody changed it to a racing clutch. All 45 WLA solo machines came with factory clutches that "locked" into place.
@@browngreen933 I think it was assembled badly by the previous owner. I could see there should have been friction plates to dampen it's movement and, as you say, lock it into place. The spring mechanism was there, but just engaged the clutch as soon as you lifted your heel. When I got the 45 (I swapped it for a Triumph chop I'd built) it was rattling badly. I found a couple of the cam followers were in wrong and the wheels were hitting the cams sideways on!! I'd never worked on a Harley and even I, as a 19 year old, worked out some ape had had there paws all over it previously. I put new cams and followers in ( they came wrapped in wartime greased paper from Warrs in London) and sorted that problem. The clutch pedal was on the agenda but I lived with it as it was my only form of transport. These days my Streetbob has one of those new fangled hand clutches on it, which I find easier to use.
@@themotorider1 I did the same thing with my first HD foot clutch. Took it apart and reassembled it wrong so that it failed to work properly. Live and learn. I too had old GI 45 parts wrapped in paper. They are still floating around swap meets, etc.
@@browngreen933 Thanks. Yeah I doubt it does go down with out a fight 😋 It just seemed like the clutch was operated either on or off. Shoulda known better 🙄
They leak because there's an automatic front chain oiler that drains out a spigot on the bottom of the primary cover. It's NOT a flaw of pre-war bikes. They were made that way.
Interesting comment about 1980 prices. I bought a 46 EL bobber for $2300. Kept it for a couple of years, sent it along for $3500. I thought I was doing pretty good. We don't know what we don't know 😊
I put new Vikings on my Raider, yrs ago, been great so far. I have some old Saddlemans on my vtx. They are softer, give more , for stuffing things in there, ( a bit more room)hold thier shape ok, are more rustic looking, But, the straps are kinda no good, and they were designed , so they leak when it rains.
Knucklehead ("61 OHV") wasn't the first production American overhead-head valve motorcycle. In the teens there was Royal Pioneer, Waverley, PEM, Jefferson, Breed, Pope, Cyclone and probably others. Even Harley-Davidson sold a 21 OHV single cylinder model in the 1920s. Not to mention Indian and HD racing OHVs. 😂
Europe had the 1929 BMW WR750 which had a Supercharger for 100hp. But in 1938 BMW had the OHC R51 with a Supercharged Version of over 100hp, both Flathead and OHV Models 600cc and over and all with a sprung rear and telescopic forks. Harley was seriously behind at that point.
I like it... I'd ride it.. just for safety reasons..I would have to move the front brake handle to the right tho...as soon as im on the freeway first thing I do is take my left hand off the bars and cruise with my hand on the throttle just like you and most riders who feel at ease on there bike and knowing the brakes are not a finger reach away wouldn't work for me at all...zero.
That’s amazing. As someone who sees Harley ownership as a mental disorder, this bike is INCREDIBLE. I love old American history. Back when vehicles were designed by men who loved machines, not pencil pushers drinking lattes and seeing how much money they can save by outsourcing.
They are a nice ride, my 46 Knuckle which by the way is over 95% original is more comfortable than my 2000 FXDL. I will be sorry to see it sold soon but other projects need doing.
Classic bikes look better on the road than in museums. Keeping them running is a time and cash consuming act of dedication. You also need a very keen eye and a healthy dollop of technical skill.
No, you do NOT want a Servi-Car or spring back racing clutch. If your foot comes off the clutch with the bike in gear at a stoplight it can get away from you, lose control, etc.
Are you guys closed down. I went to look you guys up and it says temporarily closed. I am a new subscriber of Biles and Beards and new to riding. Love watching your videos. Was just wondering
Riding this bike is the same as Kirk Hammett touring with Greeny. So glad these old pieces are being used and not stored away somewhere. Kudos Sean for sharing this history with us.
Yes! This reminds me of the vintage guitar market exactly to the T, instruments or equipment with Road wear has sky rocketed....You could have the biggest piece of crap Gibson or Fender, with the neck broken in 5 places....and still be worth Crazy money. Even stuff from the 80's have sky rocketed....and all that stuff will keep going up with time, it's a good investment.
Thats a perfect analogy
Like Riding the Lightening!
Thats a right on point analogy!!!🤘🤘🤘
I love the old axes but Marty wipes his ass with Kirk.
My Dad and I looked at that bike in Anamosa. He’s passed away now. Seeing you ride it makes me happy with just a tiny bit of sadness. Emotions getting me.
sorry to hear that about your dad
My grandmother and great aunt had 2 of them back in the 40s ,my grandfather and my great uncle had Indians and they all rode together and in a riding club.. They're all gone now except my grandmothers bike which I still have and ride once or twice a year and on her birthday....
That’s awesome!
Always In Awe of These Pieces of History Rolling Down The Road
Why Do You Type Like tHiS?
@@rustypotatos Voice Text..I must have put emphasis on the words...either way are you going to be ok ? Life Gets Harder then how People text...brace yourself triggered lil hermit
This bike is so much cooler than any modern Harley.
And like my grandfather used to say, back then things were built to last unlike today, things are built to sell.
Loved your shirt , everybody needs a Craig, your right a great friend and co worker
The best
I have a 73 sportster iron head 1000cc with the right side shift. I also have all the original parts for it. Bought it from my uncle 12 years ago and he had that thing forever. I wanted it since I was a kid and he finally sold it to me cheap. Turns heads and I get a lot of offers on it.
I’m really glad you’re doing videos again. I love the history of that old Harley and that you ride it. That’s what it was made for!
Given the way the horn works, it probably does lose power seeing that it essentially shorts out when it doesn't honk. I paid 700 bucks for my 37 WL back in the late seventies, sold it for about the same in the early eighties, I deployed overseas and never got paid. I sold five or six bikes that year to clear my parent's basement so they could sell their house. Tell you what, if you've got a nice shiny old bike no one wants, I'd be happy to buy it off of you. Thanks for showcasing "my favorite bike", been after a knuckle since I was a kid, never ran across one I could afford. I think you're right, another century and it will still be fine. That looks and sounds exactly like it should.
Great bike! I own and restored my 37 EL . By far my favorite year of the knuckles.
Always a good day when srkcycles pops up on my sub page!
very nice, i was surprised how much smaller and lighter these are compared to my 1980 flh. i have always wanted to try a foot clutch to see if i could do it. it's nice to see the thing out on the road rather than it sitting in a museum or some rich guy's collection. you really have something nice there.
Good to see a little bit of Tennessee riding with Sean. I bet you don’t miss PA that much
You got that right!
I just picked up a 1938 WLDR today. Can’t wait to start getting it going. Found it in a museum too lol.
Two things that I love about this video!!
1.) The fact that you’re riding this timeless bike
2.) That you’re sharing scripture
God Bless ✝️
They are really awsome motorcycles. I love the panheads.
I had the best time of my life rebuilding this exact same bike with my grandfather when I was teen. Memories that last forever.
Such a great bike. You can't beat a good ol' Knuck. She sounds great, too.
appreciate all of you videos..being an American and living in france it's alll refreshing...just wanted to thank you the most for bringing me back to believing...it´s not as difficult as many think..
Old bikes are so much more fun and satisfying than new bikes...i have a 59 pan and a 38 flathead 80...not what youd call efficient or fast...or economical but you would call them fun
I would like to send you guys big thanks from cold Skandinavia. At least this way we can dream of next short summer... I love your videos and how you explain things. And you are a big reason why i got my Yamaha wildstar. Those arent too common here, so i watched all your videos and decided to get one. Greetings from Finland.
I'm early, just got my first bike at 23. I got to ride one time and now I got it torn apart going over everything. It's been a trip, but it's pretty cool getting to learn the ins and outs of my bike.
My first motorcycle ride was as a passenger on a pre-WWII Knuckle. That was back in 1963.
legendary for sure. crazy these things still run and drive if ya know what your doing. Great stuff
This may be my new favorite motorcycle video!! Just riding around on a 1937 Knucklehead…..
I love the sound you dont need ear plugs like the other junk pipes
You are Totally Right my Friend, this Bike belongs to the Road ,not a Museum ....
Jason Momoas new series On the Roam has 5 original 36’s that he amassed , it’s incredible to see these together.
Proper bike. Love the bars, the seat. 5:36 Looks good from the front.
Something about those old Harley's that look so right.
Love the the sweatshirt by the way.
I’m glad you make videos of this bike & that you ride it.
You've got a wonderful slice of history there. You've gotten really good at riding that thing. Thanks for sharing this beauty again...
They mostly leak oil from the rear of the tin primary because theres a hole that was supposed to be used to oil the chain thru a small tube but oil doesn't fliw uphil so most of those primarys dont have the tube just the hole. So when you stand the bike back up some of the oil that had collected in the primary would leak out and leave a trail down the road for a bit
Absolutely love these. So much character. Harley would be wise to replicate these with modern technology ❤
My 1933 and 1941 Harleys both shifted into 1st gear easier than my 48 Indian Chief. I just got done restoring a 46 Chief. (02-20-24)
👍 One of your best videos in a while.
I like that you respect and admire what this bike represents without having to add unnecessary drama.
I enjoyed your humble description, if you don't know all the answers, it's OK you will learn.
I know a guy with a mid 40s one.
Rode it from IL to Cali and back.
He’s rebuilding a electraglide currently.
What’s funny is when u look at the engine internals and shit it all is really recognizable..
It’s the same as now or very close.. relatively speaking.
Bro the valves are HUGE LOL
Really enjoyed it. Shaun is still the best motorcycle youtuber.
When I look for reviews I come to srkcycles sound notes good honest reviews in depth 0-60 everything I'm looking for in reviews
Very. Cool video. I watch ur stuffs as much as I can .I had a 45 flat head back my young years. There were so many. Around. Back then but we dum.and full of u know what. U guys r. Awesome.
I’m not a bike guy but damn is that a bike that looks flawless.
That bike really runs smooth for an 87-year-old! It sounds brand new! They don't build anything that would last nearly this long!
Great Video , thanks for motivating me to get working on my Panhead . You have a fine looking and Running Knucklehead there ! Thanks for sharing .
Awesome video. Thanks for sharing all the facts and info on it
Hate to correct you but..."It's Not Where You're Going, It's How You Got There". Great bike glad to still see it on the road.
Haha did you just correct me on my own catch phrase ? The phrase that I ve been closing all my videos with since this channel started ? Haha
Hey Sean , when do you plan on opening srk cycles again would love to get a bike from you guys
It sounds so good and looks like it rides so well
That looks to be a nice part of your country to be riding in and a nice day for it ✌️🏴
4:19 - Correction, Blimps still exist today and in some places are quite common. Goodyear Blimp ring any bells? What the Hindenburg was, is called a Zeppelin. And that is what we do not see anymore. Blimps we still see.
Awesome ! In the 80's I worked at a CNC prototype shop in Milwaukee. Harley hired us to build replacement parts for their old bikes using the original blueprints since they ran out of parts and had no way to reproduce them themselves anymore. I remember them saying they had no idea people would be riding those biles this long. Each part was very expensive to hand remake.
We're those parts for general sale or for bikes in the factory museum collection?
@@browngreen933 they were sold to customers by HD as oem replacement parts.
@@BigRiverJohn OK, thanks!
Sounds like it runs pretty well. Greetings from Scranton!
Hey Sean,
Could you please do a review on a MT-01? I'm looking for a new bike (either a naked or a sport) but at 6'5 that isn't always easy.
Kind regards,
Dirk
Amazing to think that it's possible someone took one of these to the limit one day in the past and is still smiling about it today.
Could you please do a video on the best beginner supermotos?
Great nostalgia Sean ..love the video 📸 what an exciting adventure.
Amazing old Harley.
Ok Sean, where are the "EVERYBODY NEEDS A CRAIG" hoodies and shirts for sale at? I need one.
thye should be on the bearded mechanic website thebeardedmechanic.shop/
@@Srkcycles THANKS! I found them a few minutes ago!
Haha
4:35 oh my gosh holy sheeeeeet
Purely in love. Great video. Great bike. Great history.
I am with you. Anything I own I know some history. A friend has a BMW. He thought it was a Japanese vehicle
Beautiful bike!
Would love to see you on the road sometime.
My dream bike right here
Have you ever had a ULH 80 inch side valve ?
Perfection. What biker wouldn’t want to own or take it out for an hour…. Stunning machine. Fair play Man.
This Harley Davidson Knucklehead is pretty sweet! I imagine it would be a little bit of a learning curve to ride. Can’t imagine them racing these which is crazy!
what a beauty man.
Hello friend, I was looking at your old video on the r3, I was wondering what your height in centimeters is? I'm thinking of getting one.
If I could pick only one bike on the face of the earth it would be a 1930s knucklehead.
Which 1930s Knucklehead tank paint scheme do you like best?
Just throwing this out there. Totally off subject. I know you love gl1800. There's one in mudlow Oklahoma on Craig's list with 294,000 miles. You need to get it and do a video of it. It looks like it's barely used. Do it! Can't wait.
Man that bike sounds incredible, keep her in running order forever
Hi Sean. UK viewer here.
Regarding the foot clutch. I had a 45WLA about 45 years ago. The foot clutch didn't lock in the disengaged position on mine. You always had to get your right foot down at junctions and keep your left foot on the clutch, it certainly made life interesting 😯.
Parking up once, my left foot slipped off the clutch, I lost my balance and was dragged across a parking lot until I finally hit a wall and stopped in a crumpled mess. I tried to make some attempt at coolness afterwards and, obviously, failed miserably! 😂😂 Happy days!!
Would that be the suicide clutch?
@@johnjubie7144 Yes, that's what they were known as. Can't think why. 🤣
Either yours wasn't adjusted right or somebody changed it to a racing clutch. All 45 WLA solo machines came with factory clutches that "locked" into place.
@@browngreen933 I think it was assembled badly by the previous owner. I could see there should have been friction plates to dampen it's movement and, as you say, lock it into place. The spring mechanism was there, but just engaged the clutch as soon as you lifted your heel. When I got the 45 (I swapped it for a Triumph chop I'd built) it was rattling badly. I found a couple of the cam followers were in wrong and the wheels were hitting the cams sideways on!! I'd never worked on a Harley and even I, as a 19 year old, worked out some ape had had there paws all over it previously. I put new cams and followers in ( they came wrapped in wartime greased paper from Warrs in London) and sorted that problem. The clutch pedal was on the agenda but I lived with it as it was my only form of transport.
These days my Streetbob has one of those new fangled hand clutches on it, which I find easier to use.
@@themotorider1 I did the same thing with my first HD foot clutch. Took it apart and reassembled it wrong so that it failed to work properly. Live and learn. I too had old GI 45 parts wrapped in paper. They are still floating around swap meets, etc.
Wow ! That lovely old thing moves !
Cool post 👍
It seems like that clutch is either on or off. If that's the case, how do you start from a stop without stalling 🤔
The clutch gradually engages as you rock your toe forward. They don't kill very easy.
@@browngreen933 Thanks. Yeah I doubt it does go down with out a fight 😋
It just seemed like the clutch was operated either on or off. Shoulda known better 🙄
Do you need to double clutch when downshifting?
They leak because there's an automatic front chain oiler that drains out a spigot on the bottom of the primary cover. It's NOT a flaw of pre-war bikes. They were made that way.
Been looking for that sweet bike on port royal!! So cool man.
Interesting comment about 1980 prices. I bought a 46 EL bobber for $2300. Kept it for a couple of years, sent it along for $3500. I thought I was doing pretty good. We don't know what we don't know 😊
Gotta love the knuckles
The only Harley I respect. A real motorcycle.
Hey bud..love the videos..
I've got a 23 vulcan classic. What after market saddle bags would work on it. Im being told by other riders go with viking.
I put new Vikings on my Raider, yrs ago, been great so far. I have some old Saddlemans on my vtx. They are softer, give more , for stuffing things in there, ( a bit more room)hold thier shape ok, are more rustic looking, But, the straps are kinda no good, and they were designed , so they leak when it rains.
Knucklehead ("61 OHV") wasn't the first production American overhead-head valve motorcycle. In the teens there was Royal Pioneer, Waverley, PEM, Jefferson, Breed, Pope, Cyclone and probably others. Even Harley-Davidson sold a 21 OHV single cylinder model in the 1920s. Not to mention Indian and HD racing OHVs. 😂
How good are the brakes
The older bikes are much nicer looking than the modern bikes 😎🤘👍
Europe had the 1929 BMW WR750 which had a Supercharger for 100hp.
But in 1938 BMW had the OHC R51 with a Supercharged Version of over 100hp, both Flathead and OHV Models 600cc and over and all with a sprung rear and telescopic forks.
Harley was seriously behind at that point.
Harley is always playing catch up
Love the saying "if its leaking oil, means its got oil"
"If it ain't leakin ...it's empty"
Did the camera come original?
I like it... I'd ride it.. just for safety reasons..I would have to move the front brake handle to the right tho...as soon as im on the freeway first thing I do is take my left hand off the bars and cruise with my hand on the throttle just like you and most riders who feel at ease on there bike and knowing the brakes are not a finger reach away wouldn't work for me at all...zero.
Do you ever have issues when going from the knucklehead to a modern bike? Like forgetting how you're supposed to shift for a minute?
That’s amazing. As someone who sees Harley ownership as a mental disorder, this bike is INCREDIBLE. I love old American history. Back when vehicles were designed by men who loved machines, not pencil pushers drinking lattes and seeing how much money they can save by outsourcing.
Yes, this is a real Harley that the modern mystique is built on.
I Love That Harley
They are a nice ride, my 46 Knuckle which by the way is over 95% original is more comfortable than my 2000 FXDL. I will be sorry to see it sold soon but other projects need doing.
Bro please do a review of the Honda forza 750 scooter crossover
Is it just me or are the bars not centered?
Classic bikes look better on the road than in museums. Keeping them running is a time and cash consuming act of dedication. You also need a very keen eye and a healthy dollop of technical skill.
No, you do NOT want a Servi-Car or spring back racing clutch. If your foot comes off the clutch with the bike in gear at a stoplight it can get away from you, lose control, etc.
i love that Jumper that you're wearing! ;-)
Imagine what piece of a machine this was back in the time when it was new
Are you guys closed down. I went to look you guys up and it says temporarily closed. I am a new subscriber of Biles and Beards and new to riding. Love watching your videos. Was just wondering
love the hoodie!!! everyone needs a craig!