Harley knucklehead 1936

The motorcycle industry was hit hard by the Great Depression. Byharley knucklehead 1936, overall motorcycle sales in the US had reached an historic low, still unmatched to present day.

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.

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 In the hydraulic fork Duo-Glide was released and Harley-Davidson Big Twin styling was set for over half a century to come.

Rider posing on "61" motorcycle Harley-Davidson Museum.

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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.

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.

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He and his brother rode down to Indy in to start our family tradition of Indy attendance. A few technical problems plagued first year machines, but America was coming back economically and timing was perfect with over first year sales. In the hydraulic fork Duo-Glide was released and Harley-Davidson Big Twin styling was set for over half a century to come. William Harley did see the success of his new design before he passed in Now, Harley had the market covered with the newest designs. Home Made America Throughout the 20th Century, various home-made machines were invented within the It was given the model designation EL. A curious crowd edged around to see the famous blue 61 OHV. Prior to the "61", a side-valve engine called a "flathead" had been powering riders through thick and thin. A key way to show automotive power was by breaking land speed records. As part of the Board of Directors, he led conversations about innovative product ideas. 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. International Motorcycle Show — Washington D.

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Successive years and new models brought even more adaptability, and accessories to improve comfort and touring were designed for specific vehicles. Among these ideas was a twin cylinder motorcycle unlike any other Harley-Davidson had previously sold. This was the first Harley that recirculated the engine oil to and from the oil tank. Each machine has a great story that could make a best selling book! William Harley did see the success of his new design before he passed in Petrali on record-breaking motorcycle Harley-Davidson Museum. A handsome example of a beautiful machine. Dale built this EL for his sweetie Trish. The new OHV was also successful in both enduro races and hillclimbing. Throughout the 20th Century, various home-made machines were invented within the Harley-Davidson pulled ahead of Indian in with the introduction of its first overhead valve V-Twin. Harley convinced the Board to give it a shot.