Thickly veiled in mystique, the Harley-Davidson Knucklehead engine is arguably probably the most iconic powerplants ever constructed. Practically 9 many years after its debut, the silhouette of these fist-shaped rockers nonetheless carries a form of mechanical authority—half engineering milestone, half cultural shorthand. It’s the motor that dragged Harley into the fashionable age, and likewise set the groundwork for every little thing from postwar bobbers to outlaw choppers. Amongst American V-twin engines, there are none extra fascinating or fascinating.
Justin Powers is aware of all of that. He additionally is aware of that reverence alone doesn’t maintain a bike operating.
For the final fifteen years, Powers has been constructing board monitor racers and customs beneath the Bull Motor Firm banner, fielding the identical request time and again: a Knucklehead-inspired bike that appears proper, feels proper and doesn’t punish its proprietor for wanting to really experience the factor. Not a museum piece, however a correctly sorted, visually sincere machine that captures the spirit of the early Large Twins with out inheriting all their unhealthy habits.
Ultimately, the request grew to become too constant to disregard. So moderately than constructing the identical bike one buyer at a time, Bull Motor Firm made a unique resolution—one which’s uncommon within the customized world. They dedicated to a small manufacturing run, constructed round probably the most requested parts, with an emphasis on reliability, serviceability and long-term possession. A customized bike with a guaranty. Think about that.
A foolproof basis was chosen for the venture—an OE-type Harley FL wishbone body—normal fare for Large Twins from 1948 via 1954. It appears to be like proper as a result of it’s proper, persevering with Harley’s uninterrupted sloping line from the neck to the axle plates. Except for a number of omissions, just like the toolbox mount, it’s left largely inventory for a period-correct look.
The wishbone body has been fitted with each model of entrance finish through the years, however for this venture, solely an OE-type springer would do, and this one ticks all the fitting bins. Bull Motor Firm match the fork with inverted speedster-type bars, a scalloped headlight bucket and a disc brake from Efficiency Machine—as a result of a little bit practicality right here goes a good distance on the pavement. Staying grounded in interval, the wheels are spoked 16s wrapped in Avon Security Mileage rubber.
Energy comes from an S&S KN93, a contemporary interpretation of the Knucklehead that delivers the visible cues everybody needs with some sensible tweaks. Displacement is up almost 20 ci at 93 ci, producing 60-plus hp via half the rev vary. S&S additionally fully up to date the underside finish for improved longevity, and the oiling system is reworked to maintain the engine from incessantly marking its territory.
The powerplant additionally makes use of S&S’s Tremendous Inventory digital ignition system and Tremendous E carburetor with a finned fowl deflector. As for the ultimate drive, there’s no extra applicable alternative than the venerable Baker four-speed—delivered through an open chain.
Adhering to bobber fundamentals, the bodywork is bare-bones and fully purpose-driven. A distressed saddle supplies seating for one, and a standard bobbed fender is used out again. The scalloped gas tank provides modern taste to the construct, however it’s laborious to argue with the brass accents and the best way the tank’s underside accentuates the Knucklehead’s rocker bins.
The oil bag is one other fascinating piece. Whereas its finned look jives with numerous parts on this construct, it’s really primarily based on the Harley Rocker FXCW. It took some fiddling to make it work, together with chopping 4 inches out of the middle and recasting it to suit the narrower FL body, however the completed product appears to be like tailored for this venture in its as-cast end.
Finishes have been one among Powers’ massive issues with this venture. He knew he needed to construct a motorbike with patina, however he was after one thing that seemed well-aged, moderately than crusty and forgotten. His largest inspiration got here from Colt M1911 .45 Auto, and it’s straightforward to identify the affect.
Numerous bits, together with the gas tank, rear fender, fork and exhaust, have been chemically handled to provide the identical black oxide end utilized in gun bluing. Along with its wealthy metallic coloration, bluing additionally supplies long-lasting corrosion safety. The distressed leather-based saddle additionally intently resembles the look of the wooden grips on early-production 1911s.
Digging deeper into the small print, you’ll discover that the forged and polished aluminum bits on the bike additionally seem aged, and numerous oxidizers have been used to create this impact. The body itself was handled to an aged bronze end that varies because it goes, and the brass elements used all through additionally appear to be they’ve some miles on them. In a world the place patina paint jobs will be divisive, Powers actually discovered a wonderful method for baking genuine character into a brand new construct, and he adamantly states that there’s no paint current on the bike.
Whereas the Bull Motor Firm Knucklehead is actually visually fascinating, the true magic is in its capacity to seamlessly mix reverence and practicality. On this bike, the typical onlooker sees a relic from yesteryear—simply as supposed. However a educated eye sees the elements that make it work on the open highway, such because the hydraulic discs, oil filter, fashionable electrics and dependable new driveline parts. And let’s not overlook in regards to the peace of thoughts that comes with a guaranty.
So whereas a manufacturing run of Knucklehead customs feels like a cube roll, Bull Motor has actually carried out its homework to place collectively a dependable and hanging mixture, and we are able to simply see the demand for one thing with this stage of present ’n’ go. events, please type an orderly line here.
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