Ian Gabriele
Specialist
LOT 4
1954 Harley-Davidson FL 74ci "Billy Bike" Engine no. 54FL6423
Sold for US$21,850 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 4
1954 Harley-Davidson FL 74ci "Billy Bike"
1954 Harley-Davidson FL 74ci "Billy Bike"
Engine no. 54FL6423
Engine no. 54FL6423
72ci OHV Air-Cooled V-Twin Engine
Single Linkert Carburetor
60bhp
4-Speed Pedal-Shifted Manual Transmission (see text)
Hydra-Glide Hydraulic Front Fork and Rigid Rear Frame
2-Wheel Drum Brakes
* A screen accurate replica of "Billy Bike" from the 1969 movie Easy Rider
* Signed by Actor Dennis Hopper
* Stunning piece of Americana
THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON FL
The FL was introduced to the Harley-Davidson model line in 1941. It used a 74ci version of the "Knucklehead" OHV engine; the EL a 61ci version. The FL and EL shared the same frame, and with the U and UL, which used a 74ci flathead engine. The FL replaced the UH and ULH using the same frame but with an 80ci flathead engine. And then the FL continued relatively unchanged until 1948, when it (with the EL) was given redesigned "Panhead" engines of the same capacities, 74ci and 61ci, respectively, as before. These engines now include self-adjusting hydraulic lifters and aluminum cylinder heads to reduce weight and improve cooling. The U and UL flathead twins were discontinued in 1948, leaving the OHV EL and FL models as Harley-Davidson's large-frame, large capacity, highly stylized motorcycles.
Few films encapsulated the 1960s in the same way the Easy Rider did. Released July 14th, 1969, it was met with immediate commercial success being the 4th top grossing film of 1969. Its cultural impact was much farther reaching and long lasting. The movie follows two characters Billy and Wyatt as they ride from Los Angeles to Mardi Gras in Louisianna. Intertwined with Peter Fonda's and Dennis Hopper's characters are the choppers they ride. Built by Ben Hardy, who was a pioneer African American southern California Chopper builder, in conjunction with civil rights activist Cliff Vaughn. Using late 1940s former LAPD service motorcycles as a basis for the bikes Ben and Cliff created two characters that immediately became part of the 1960s counter culture lexicon. None of the original bikes survive today, and as such almost immediately people were reproducing these two characters.
THE MOTORCYCLE OFFERED
An extremely true-to-form example, utilizing a period 1954 Harley FL engine, 4 speed ratchet top gear box, and wishbone frame, this Billy Bike is as though it leapt off the screen. The machine on offer here was also signed by the actor who plays Billy, the late Dennis Hopper. This example has resided in a stable of other incredible Harley's for years and is being offered for sale for the first time since its construction. This Billy Bike presents a rare opportunity to own a truly iconic piece of film history. Truly an American icon, it would be a welcome addition to any mechanical collection.
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