Everything about the 1947 Harley Davidson Knucklehead
Explore the history, innovations, and cultural impact of the iconic 1947 Harley Davidson Knucklehead, a motorcycle that defined an era of American craftsmanship and style.
History:
The 1947 Harley Davidson Knucklehead EL 61-inch K was manufactured by Harley Davidson, featuring 46 to 48 offset forks, handlebars from 55 to 57, a strong frame, original barrels and heads, S&S engine cases, 3-piece fenders, and several new chrome parts. It includes a dash, horn, primary cover, exhaust, lights, luggage rack, toolbox, and wheels. The Knucklehead is one of the most coveted American Classic bikes, admired by many enthusiasts.
The 61cuin EL, ES, and E Harley Davidson models marked the shift from the low-powered flathead engine to the higher-powered and more advanced overhead valve pushrod engine.
The 61 E model, introduced in 1936, featured innovations that became central to Harley Davidson’s design philosophy, earning it the nickname "Knucklehead" due to the unique appearance of its engine rocker covers, resembling clinched fists.
HD Knucklehead – ‘Clinched Fist’:
The distinctive appearance of the Knucklehead engine’s rocker covers earned the bike its nickname. The term "Knucklehead" refers to the shape of the engine's components, which resemble clinched fists. Over time, the Knucklehead became known as a powerful and desirable motorcycle.
In 1947, the world was recovering from the Great Depression and the looming threat of global conflict. The Knucklehead series was introduced during these turbulent times, earning recognition for its performance and design. Record-setting performances solidified its reputation as a high-performance machine.
In 1947, Harley Davidson also introduced the iconic black leather biker jacket. Around 4,000 bikers attended a rally in Hollister, California, during the same year, which escalated into a media frenzy due to the chaotic events and multiple arrests.
Knucklehead and the Wild One:
The events in Hollister also inspired the film "The Wild One," starring Marlon Brando. The movie, along with the media coverage, contributed to the portrayal of bikers as outlaws in popular culture.
In 1947, Harley Davidson introduced the Knucklehead to the world, with the 61cuin EL and 74cuin FL models. The Esolo was the base model, offering 37hp with a compression ratio of 6.5:1, while the EL model had a 7.0:1 compression ratio, producing 40hp and was known as the SSS (Special Sports Solo).
