A First. 1939 Harley Knucklehead And 1948 Indian Chief Demo Rides

cyrilhuzeknuckleheadOldies but Goldies. Don’t just admire old bikes. Try one out in Daytona. I am not kidding. Visitors to Daytona Bike Week will get a chance to experience history firsthand, thanks to The Antique Motorcycle Club of America. The AMCA will host a display at the Limpnickie Lot (Stone Edge Skate Park, 1848 S. Ridgewood Ave. in South Daytona Beach.) to give visitors a chance to see historic motorcycles…and to try them out as well. In addition to a collection of classic machines for visitors to admire, the AMCA will have two bikes set aside for hands-on demonstrations of decades-old technology.

 Those machines—a 1948 Indian Chief and a 1939 Harley Davidson Knucklehead—will be set up on stands so that anyone stopping by can try to kick-start them and learn how to operate a “dead man’s” throttle, hand shift and foot clutch. Those demonstrations will take place all day on Wednesday, March 4th.

 “There have been a lot of times in the past, where I was out riding old bikes with friends, and whenever we stopped for a bite to eat, or to fill up gas, our group of old bikes would get bombarded by curious people.” said Matt Olsen, youth coordinator for The AMCA. “I thought that it would be neat to provide the modern motorcycle public with an opportunity to learn about these old machines and to give people a chance to try out a classic machine for themselves.”

On Friday, March 6, The AMCA will sponsor a class for motorcycles from the Linkert-carburetor era in the Cycle Source Ride-in Bike Show at the Limpnickie Lot. Linkert was the primary supplier of carbs to American motorcycle manufacturers from 1933 to 1965, and the class will be open to Indians, Harley Flatheads, Knuckleheads and Panheads, along with any bike that has been retrofitted with these carbs. For more information, visit the Limpnickie Lot Website.

10 Responses to “A First. 1939 Harley Knucklehead And 1948 Indian Chief Demo Rides”


  1. 1 John K. Endrizzi Feb 25th, 2009 at 8:47 am

    Matt Olsen is a great shot in the arm for the Ride Em, Don’t Hide ‘Em philosophy. He restored and rides a 1936 EL ( 1 st year Knucklehead). Together with his father Carl, Matt has built a great business doing antique motorcycle restorations. Matt. Is the youth co-ordinator for the Antique Motorcycle Association of America. Carls Cycle Supply is giving away a WL (45 cu in. Flathead ) to a lucky young person who writes the winning essay in a contest co-sponsored by the AMCA. Go here to learn more :http://www.antiquemotorcycle.org/bboard/showthread.php?t=13375
    You can raech Carl and Matt here:http://www.carlscyclesupply.com/

  2. 2 steveb Feb 25th, 2009 at 9:43 am

    Wow – what a fantastic idea, what a great experience to have.
    Major props to Matt Olsen, the AMCA, Cycle Source and the Limpnickie lot

    This is demonstrating they’ve got vision & leadership, and it is great to see!
    On a personal note it is good to see disparate groups coming together & cooperating

  3. 3 Marc Feb 25th, 2009 at 10:29 am

    Great idea. Thanks Cyril for advising us. Will make a spin to the Lot.

  4. 4 Nicker Feb 26th, 2009 at 2:03 am

    A classic scooter is like a custom scooter.
    Every classic is unique.
    They all have their own individual personalities and temperament.

    RE:
    “..get a chance to experience history firsthand,..”

    Ya, don’t miss this opportunity.
    Owning one of these jewels is being a member of a rather “exclusive club.”

    BUT…… the “price of admission” is kick-starting ….. 🙂

    -nicker-

  5. 5 rodent Feb 26th, 2009 at 7:11 am

    Ya think the yuppie poser will be able to start a bike that doesn’t have a thumb starter?

  6. 6 Mike Kiwi Tomas, Kiwi Indian M/C Co Feb 26th, 2009 at 10:12 am

    Everybody that gets the chance to ride an old Indian is extremely impressed with their rideability and ease of handling which certainly helps in the bikes that we build. They are so light with their low center of gravity and absolutely fun to ride. Stick them on 18″ tires and now you have an even better handling m/c both on and off the road. I had to move one of my clients new bobber builds during a photo shoot and with 1 hand full of camera gear I just grabbed 1 end of the handlbar and spun it around into position. Take Matt up on his offer and ride both bikes and then you’ll experience what we love our old bikes. And built properly Indians ARE extremely reliable. After all, thats all I ride all over the world!!!!!
    And to make the experience even better I’m working on a hand clutch and foot shift conversion.
    You can’t beat an Indian Scout or its big brother the Chief. They’re built like rocks to take hard knocks, it’s the Harley’s that cuase all the grief. Just an old poem from the past

  7. 7 Nicker Feb 27th, 2009 at 12:25 am

    Rodent,

    RE:
    “…Ya think the yuppie poser will be able to …”

    A betting man would probably say … Ahhhh NO!…

    However, this is an excellent chance for one or two to prove us both wrong
    and thus end their “poser” standing .

    Could make a great spectator sport this would make.
    Set up bleachers and sell beer-n-popcorn….. 🙂

    Sort-a like out this way ya can spend a leisurely summer mourning, eating breakfast, watching the “new” boat owners trying to back their boat-n-trailers down the launching ramp.
    (….”I thought you were holding the rope”….”What plug honey”….???)

    -nicker-

  8. 8 Matt Olsen Feb 27th, 2009 at 10:11 am

    Hi everybody,
    I just wanted to drop a quick note and let you know that the two demo bikes will be on stands that lift the back wheel off of the ground. I want to provide people with an first hand oppurtunity to learn about how these old bikes work, with out the fear of falling over or wrecking. The bikes will not be moving, just the rear wheel. I am looking forward to meeting you guys,
    best regards,
    Matt Olsen

  9. 9 Nicker Feb 28th, 2009 at 2:05 am

    Matt.

    Oh common….
    At least let-em try kick starting.
    Preferable at full advance……… 🙂

    -nicker-

  10. 10 Eric G. Mar 1st, 2009 at 3:32 am

    Just “kick it like a man! Like ya got a set!” eh Kiwi!
    Here’s another oldie but a goodie for ya…
    “If I had a Harley,
    I’d leave it for a thief,
    And with the insurance money,
    I’d buy an Indian Chief!”

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Cyril Huze