Harley-Davidson’s first twin cylinder motorcycle appeared in 1909. Only 27 units were produced that year and it proved unreliable and subsequently was withdrawn from the market the following year. Back in the fold for 1911, the twin quickly the predominate motorcycle the Motor Company produced. Engine design began as an elementary F-head design based on their first production motor using atmospheric intake valves, then to a totally mechanical valve arrangement. By 1916, Harley-Davidsons gained a traditional ‘kick start’ 3-speed transmission, marking that motorcycle as the real grandfather of the modern Harley. Public opinion and market demands moved Harley-Davidson towards the sidevalve engine for a decade during the 1930s. Along the way, the company developed overhead valve engines for racing and never forgot them. In 1935, Harley-Davidson possessed the technology to revisit overhead valve engines for street use. Debuted in 1936, Harley-Davidson’s new overhead valve twin was delayed a full year getting into production by developmental issues. Previously shown to dealers in November of 1935, it caused a sensation. Harley was back in the performance game! It was good for an honest 100 mph, something no other stock machine, both Harley and Indian could achieve. The centerpiece of the new Harley was its engine. With its massive cast iron heads that resembled a clenched fist, the new 61ci EL became known simply as the Knucklehead. For riders accustomed to sidevalve motors, this engine must have looked like it came from outer space. The entire motorcycle was a revelation. A new and powerful motor was wrapped in a smart new chassis. The frame was a new double cradle chassis using a revised fork to control the ride. Beautifully streamlined gas tanks were complemented with a new instrumented dash panel and possessed graceful lines from the front fender tip to the new taillight. Even the air cleaner was positioned not to hide the beauty of the heads. A brand new 4-speed constant mesh transmission and beefier clutch completed the package. If the 1916 twin could be considered the grandfather of the modern Harley, then the 1936 EL would certainly be the father. In 1937, Harley-Davidson took the new bike to the sands of Daytona Beach to run a specially prepared version of their OHV twin. The bike ridden by famed racer Joe Petrali ran the beach course at a speed of just over 136 mph. A new world record! This 1939 Harley-Davidson 61ci EL was beautifully restored in 1999 using mostly original parts. It is a matching numbers motorcycle and offered with a title. The only reproduction parts claimed are the seat’s leather cover, rubber hand grips and paint. Even the saddlebags are new old stock original. It was run for ¼ mile following its restoration, then had all fluids drained. When new, this Special Sport Solo high compression EL sold for $435. A Deluxe Solo Group accessory package was available for an additional $47 that provided stronger clutch springs (for drag racing Indians), neoprene spark plug cables and chromed exhaust pipe covers. This motorcycle is a masterpiece and represents the final year of a truly gorgeous art deco period for motorcycle design. Sold on a Washington Certificate of Title.
Harley-Davidson’s first twin cylinder motorcycle appeared in 1909. Only 27 units were produced that year and it proved unreliable and subsequently was withdrawn from the market the following year. Back in the fold for 1911, the twin quickly the predominate motorcycle the Motor Company produced. Engine design began as an elementary F-head design based on their first production motor using atmospheric intake valves, then to a totally mechanical valve arrangement. By 1916, Harley-Davidsons gained a traditional ‘kick start’ 3-speed transmission, marking that motorcycle as the real grandfather of the modern Harley. Public opinion and market demands moved Harley-Davidson towards the sidevalve engine for a decade during the 1930s. Along the way, the company developed overhead valve engines for racing and never forgot them. In 1935, Harley-Davidson possessed the technology to revisit overhead valve engines for street use. Debuted in 1936, Harley-Davidson’s new overhead valve twin was delayed a full year getting into production by developmental issues. Previously shown to dealers in November of 1935, it caused a sensation. Harley was back in the performance game! It was good for an honest 100 mph, something no other stock machine, both Harley and Indian could achieve. The centerpiece of the new Harley was its engine. With its massive cast iron heads that resembled a clenched fist, the new 61ci EL became known simply as the Knucklehead. For riders accustomed to sidevalve motors, this engine must have looked like it came from outer space. The entire motorcycle was a revelation. A new and powerful motor was wrapped in a smart new chassis. The frame was a new double cradle chassis using a revised fork to control the ride. Beautifully streamlined gas tanks were complemented with a new instrumented dash panel and possessed graceful lines from the front fender tip to the new taillight. Even the air cleaner was positioned not to hide the beauty of the heads. A brand new 4-speed constant mesh transmission and beefier clutch completed the package. If the 1916 twin could be considered the grandfather of the modern Harley, then the 1936 EL would certainly be the father. In 1937, Harley-Davidson took the new bike to the sands of Daytona Beach to run a specially prepared version of their OHV twin. The bike ridden by famed racer Joe Petrali ran the beach course at a speed of just over 136 mph. A new world record! This 1939 Harley-Davidson 61ci EL was beautifully restored in 1999 using mostly original parts. It is a matching numbers motorcycle and offered with a title. The only reproduction parts claimed are the seat’s leather cover, rubber hand grips and paint. Even the saddlebags are new old stock original. It was run for ¼ mile following its restoration, then had all fluids drained. When new, this Special Sport Solo high compression EL sold for $435. A Deluxe Solo Group accessory package was available for an additional $47 that provided stronger clutch springs (for drag racing Indians), neoprene spark plug cables and chromed exhaust pipe covers. This motorcycle is a masterpiece and represents the final year of a truly gorgeous art deco period for motorcycle design. Sold on a Washington Certificate of Title.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
