Crafted To Perfection Knucklehead

1knuckle2knuckle3knuckleIt’s one of the most desirable Harley models and if you are looking for one in its original/untouched state, good luck to you during your price negotiation. The Knucklehead (1936-1947) is not only sought after as a motorcycle but also as a stand alone motor. Many very reputable builders that I know are actively looking for the EL, two-cylinder, 45 degree, overhead valve, 61 cubic inch engine to power one of their retro mod projects, and this whatever its condition.

4knuckle11knuckle8knuckleAlthough relatively new on the custom scene – he created his shop in 2008 but has decades of engineering and racing experience – Uwe Hinger has created some of the most distinctive and stylish vintage motor based motorcycles of these last years. This Knuckle project is a perfect illustration of his skills at reinventing a classic motorcycle to make you love it even more after he is done  performing bold styling and re-engineering 

6knuckle5knuckle9knuckle10knuckleAs evidenced here, Uwe Hinger is not into the spectacular and instead excels at simplifying a motorcycle to its bare essentials. Looking at the bike from all angles I challenge any reader to find any part of this Knuckle that coud have looked more simple and where his craft is not perfect. The 1940 Knuckle motor was fitted with a more efficient Dell’Orto carburetor replacing the original Linkert unit, then it was cradled in a 1957 straight-leg Panhead frame.

12knuckle7knuckleIgnition is via a Morris Magneto with the driveline upgraded to a narrow 1’ belt setup. In front, a 2”-over VL style front end sourced at European distributor W&W. The bike rolls on a 21” front, 19” rear setup, both wheels shod with Pirelli MT60 tires. Gas tank, rear fender, seat pan, bars and so many little parts and custom brackets are one-off shop fabricated parts. As is the simple stainless steel exhaust with both pipes running parallel on the bike left side. For paint job, an industrial machine olive color is a great choice to make this custom Knuckle look like a piece of art belonging to the 40’s motorcycle history. Ehinger Kraftrad  (photography @ E.K)

23 Responses to “Crafted To Perfection Knucklehead”


  1. 1 Freddy Manson Jun 13th, 2016 at 8:41 am

    Love it.

  2. 2 P. Hamilton Jun 13th, 2016 at 8:43 am

    The essence of a Knucklehead. No BS custom parts on this one. Beautiful.

  3. 3 Joshua Jun 13th, 2016 at 8:44 am

    Pure. Excellent.

  4. 4 SIGFREED Jun 13th, 2016 at 8:57 am

    Class build – well done.

  5. 5 Ralph Dalberg Jun 13th, 2016 at 9:04 am

    I want a Knuckle just like that

  6. 6 Brett Garner Jun 13th, 2016 at 9:09 am

    Old school revisited without altering Harley’s spirit. It’s a very good “custom”.

  7. 7 Tommy Jun 13th, 2016 at 9:13 am

    Never underestimate the visual appeal of stripping a motorcycle to its bare essentials. This bike is an excellent illustration.

  8. 8 RBinTEX Jun 13th, 2016 at 10:09 am

    Ralph Dalberg said that he wanted a knuckle just like that…..

    I want that one!

  9. 9 richards Jun 13th, 2016 at 10:34 am

    Being a “minimalist”, I think this is just about perfect.

  10. 10 burnout Jun 13th, 2016 at 10:49 am

    Very smooth. Love it. peace

  11. 11 domino Jun 13th, 2016 at 12:39 pm

    As it should be ……….

  12. 12 grmp54 Jun 13th, 2016 at 5:26 pm

    Sweet scooter, right down to the magneto!

  13. 13 Grumpy Jun 13th, 2016 at 7:38 pm

    I like this simple exhaust on the left side.

  14. 14 BuzzD Jun 14th, 2016 at 7:17 am

    awesome—makes my heart soar like an eagle

  15. 15 Troy Jun 14th, 2016 at 7:23 am

    More like that Cyril.

  16. 16 Matt W. Jun 14th, 2016 at 7:32 am

    Brilliant!

  17. 17 Patrick Preston Jun 14th, 2016 at 8:02 am

    I own a Knuckle almost in stock dress. I hesitate, take the plunge to go the full custom route like the bike above? I’m tortured. I love so much what I see here.

  18. 18 James R. Boy Jun 14th, 2016 at 9:31 am

    Very cool Bike !!

    Nice and clean.

  19. 19 Francesco Jun 14th, 2016 at 4:28 pm

    Tres tres très belle moto!!!j’aime bien.

  20. 20 pasmotorcycle Jun 14th, 2016 at 9:45 pm

    His BF8 bike is even sicker

  21. 21 nicker Jun 15th, 2016 at 1:17 pm

    Back to basics……. 🙂

    -nicker-

  22. 22 Blackmax Jun 15th, 2016 at 6:10 pm

    Absolutely beautiful !!!
    What so many bikes try to be, but never are !!
    And you can ride it too !!!

  23. 23 Martin Twofeather Jun 17th, 2016 at 12:14 pm

    Simply the best…

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Cyril Huze