HARLEY CITY COLLECTION

“1946 61 OHV” Knucklehead

The biggest skirmish the universe had ever seen was barely over when in September 1945 in the time honored method at the national dealer conference Harley-Davidson introduced its 1946 models. The future was looking good. Lots of ex-servicemen with money in their pockets looking for excitement of a less like threatening kind than what they had been exposed to in recent years.

Harley had produced some 100,000 bikes for the military machine. This had primed the Milwaukee factory for returning to civilian production.

Bill Harley and his design team’s brainchild the now called ‘Knucklehead’ but then referred to as the 61 OHV and in 1941 extended to the 74 OHV was ready to be produced in serious numbers.

After some teething problems during the initial production run in 1936 the 61 OHV was quickly developed into a sporting mount with few equals. Its modern looks, excellent performance and handling along with excellent durability had set a foundation for Harley for the next 50 years.

As previously mentioned, in 1941 the 1000cc design was extended to the 74 cubic inch 1200cc model. These 2 capacities were offered in parallel until 1952. 1940 had seen the introduction of 16” wheels as an option that by 1946 most bikes would have.

Our bike from the “Harley City Collection” shown here has led a sheltered life having covered a mere 14000 miles since new. It features the unlisted paint option of black fenders and flight red gas tanks. 1946 models were still experiencing some of the World II created shortages such as rubber and chromium. This Knuckle did not fair too badly. While it still has the black painted headlamp rim and the embossed steel footboards it received chromium plated wheel rims and air cleaner. Very unusual for the period are the plated handlebars with the short racing type advance retard and throttle controls. Quite possibly they were fitted at a later date they certainly have the patina to suggest they have been on the bike for at least half a century.

Riding this original 64 year old 61 cubic inch OHV is a real treat. Starting after a couple of primer kicks is instant and the 1000cc engine runs like a sewing machine. (Well by Harley standards anyway) The smaller engine does not have the stump pulling torque of its bigger 1200cc brother but revs harder and is much smoother.

The Knucklehead is much smaller than modern day Harleys (70kgs lighter than a Softail) with a very low centre of gravity. By 1946 Harley had kicked out the rake enough to allow for the 16” wheels providing better stability at speed. Brakes as on Harleys of today are adequate without being fantastic.

One can only say that in 1946 purchasing a new 1946 Knucklehead gave you one hell of a ride.

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Footnote.

2011 will see the 75^th Anniversary of the Knuckleheads first year of production. Brunswick HOG members Kendal Maroney and David Sanderson are putting together a Celebration weekend to be held at Milawa in one of Victoria’s most prominent wine regions. This location is close to major Highways for the strong interstate contingent expected. To be held on the 4^th to 7^th of March the weekend will start with a gala dinner at Harley City. Catch up with Kendal or Sando for details.