1938 Knucklehead and 1956 Panhead

Once again, Fix My Hog catches up with our friend Kevin Baas at the Baas Metalcraft Vintage Motorcycle Show in Prior Lake Minnesota. Kevin has been introducing us to some of his old friends who own, even older, Harley Davidsons. We get to check out Luke’s 1938 Knucklehead and a 1956 Panhead owned by Tim Saba. Both of these motorcycles have been meticulously restored by their current owners. It is easy to see their excitement and pride of ownership.

In 1936 a Knucklehead was originally sold for around $380. Today, a bike like Luke’s 1938 Knucklehead can go for anywhere between $75,000 to $150,000. These early Knuckles are one of the most important and sought-after American motorcycles ever made. The overhead valve, 61 cubic inch V-Twin was a huge milestone for Harley Davidson.

With top end oil leak issues finally resolved, the first overhead valve models left the factory in 1936. The Harley Knucklehead motor was sold in two versions. The standard E model had 6.5:1 compression and the EL models had 7:1 compression. In 1936, the motorcycles were sold with a newly designed clutch, transmission, and oil system. The old 3 speed transmission was replaced with a 4 speed constant mesh transmission. The dry sump oil system would now carry engine oil in a separate oil tank rather than inside a section of the fuel tank, like prior models.

The frame and forks were also changed. Drop-forged, I-beam Springer forks were replaced with extruded, tubular forks that had twin legs and leading links. Also new, the instrument panel was moved to the top of the fuel tank and the oil tank was designed to fit around the battery. Luke’s 1938 Knucklehead is one of these rare survivors.

And like the rest of Kevin’s friends at the show, Luke’s Knucklehead and Tim’s Panhead were restored to be ridden.

Knucklehead Buyers Guide

Watch Knucklehead How-To Videos Here

Watch Panhead How-To Videos Here