1947 Harley-Davidson 1,200cc EL 'Knucklehead'

Registration no. 289 YUN Frame no. 47EL 3325 Engine no. 47EL 3325

• Iconic American v-twin
• Restored in the USA in 2000 by Carl's Cycle Supply
• Present ownership since 2012
• Fewer than 560 miles since restoration

Without question one of the most handsome and readily recognisable motorcycle power units of all time, the Harley-Davidson 61ci (1,000cc) overhead-valve v-twin - known as the 'Knucklehead' after its distinctively shaped rocker boxes - arrived powering a stylish all-new motorcycle in 1936. A twin-loop frame was deemed necessary to handle the increased power (37bhp in 'E' and 40bhp in high-compression 'EL' forms) while the front suspension too was beefed up, the forks switching to oval tubing in place of the previous forged I-beams. Teething problems associated with the earliest examples had been sorted out by 1937 and the Milwaukee factory quickly set about establishing the EL's performance credentials, Joe Petrali setting a new speed record of 136mph at Daytona Beach on March of that year while Fred Ham later averaged 76mph for 24 hours at Murco Dry Lake in California to set a new best mark.

Progressively improved, the OHV Harley became available in 1,200cc (FL) form from 1941, remaining a cornerstone of the Milwaukee range in 'Panhead' and later 'Shovelhead' versions until superseded by the Evolution-engined bikes in the 1980s.

This beautiful Knucklehead was restored in 2000 by Carl and Matt Olsen of Carl's Cycle Supply, who brokered its sale to the current vendor in 2012. At that time the machine went back to their shop for wiring updates to the best factory specifications (Carl is an AMCA judge). The Harley is all 'Milwaukee metal' apart from the usual restoration items: tank badges, exhaust system, etc. The engine has been rebuilt to 1,200cc FL specification and the transmission converted from three-speeds-plus-reverse (a sidecar was fitted previously) to conventional four-speed specification. Fewer than 560 miles have been covered since 2000 and only 10 while in the vendor's ownership. The Harley was last run in 2021 and only relatively mild re-commissioning should be required before returning it to the road. Accompanying documentation includes a South Dakota Certificate of Title, the 2012 purchase receipt, a dating certificate, and a V5C Registration Certificate. An upgraded competition clutch from Carl's Cycle Supply is included in the sale together with an installation guide.
Offered without key