Can We Revive This RARE Barn-Find Harley Racer?

Dale's Wheels Through Time Museum, located in Maggie Valley, NC, features over 375 American motorcycles, unique cars, and transportation history.
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[@petercroft9895]

I love seeing old machinery of any sort coming back to life, and migod, that's probably the nicest sounding HD ever.

[@leetownsend46]

Every day is a skool day 😁thanks guys

[@lawrenceklein3524]

When I bought my badly abused 1947 el Knucklehead in 1977, it took me a while to figure out how to start it; timing sequence, fuel accomodation, checking for the correct needle settings on an M-36 Linkert, and all the rest. I finally got it down to a science but it was always a process. Not like modern Push a button and go bikes. Now, I'd give my left nut to have that bike again. Yes, I entered the drawing for the Knuck! 👍

[@michaelguzman7363]

"Its gonna start on one kick!" Wink, wink. Awesome! We LOVE you Matt! Lots of health and long lives to all of the great folks at Wheels Through Time.

[@acr21957]

Every time I’m left shaking my head at every awesome project 😮

[@TheZl9000]

Good stuff as usual . I hope Matt realizes he has the best job in the world.

[@justinmilam6899]

It was a pleasure meeting you yesterday, Matt! I could spend days at wheels through time! I will be back!

[@Walkercolt1]

My buddies and I re-build pre-WWI "barn-find" motorcycles! "ACEs", "Curtiss's", "Excelsior's", and others, built on Columbia and Wright Bros. (yeah those Wright Bros.!) bicycle frames, many street bikes, but some alky burning "board track racers"! Riding a 61 CID 65 HP board track racer with no brakes, no clutch, no throttle, no gears, only a kill switch to control your speed on BICYCLE TIRES pumped up to 90 PSI on a 1/4 mile dirt track takes some big brass ones! I can't imagine Glenn Curtiss racing on an 1/8 mile track of boards with 32 OTHER racers, who would KICK, PUNCH, RAM each other at over 115 MPH for a $25 or $50 prize!!! I can appreciate your efforts. Some of us are machinists who CNC new pistons and rods, even crankshafts. Many of our street bikes are total loss lubricated, and all the racers are, and all these ancient engines use 100% caster oil. Great work!

[@redr1150r]

I wonder if you have one of these tools in your shop ? Its an aluminum block threaded for a spark plug in one side, and a thick plexiglass window in the other, then add a tire valve, or a shop air hose fitting in one of the open edges . I found the best size for this device is to use a an aluminum block that is 3x3 inches square and 1 inch thick. I bore the middle out and make sure that it's big enough so that when you put a spark plug in it, that you can readily see the plug gap. I would also drill and tap the sides of it, so I could test systems with other sizes of plugs. You connect it to shop air at 100-120 psi to pressurize the block. You also add a ground wire with a cylinder clip. The idea of this device is to test the ability of that bikes ignition system. If an ignition system is weak , it won't throw a spark under compression, but if you lay it out on the cylinder head it will.. I don't have any right now, of course I lent them out and never got them back, but I could easily supply a diagram.

[@thinman8621]

Starting a kick-start-only Harley is becoming a lost art. Each bike has its own personality.

[@J2ROOSTER]

When Dale said, What's it gonna sound like, I said to myself "exhaustion". Been there, done that! Fun video, thx.

[@09sethman]

I love Maggie Valley ..i use to vacation there i the 70s i met old Popcorn Sutton there...the OG hillbilly! RIP

[@Simon-hf3lw]

For Matt is nothing hi can fix his dedication to restore this monocycle are unique he puts 200 % on every job that he doesn't incredible 👍😎

[@greasyhitchball]

Best looking Harley I've ever seen. Perfect proportions and design.

[@Ruhnow86]

It’s top of the line 1930’s technology but God help me do I love that sound!!! Awesome job gents!!!

[@byAlmad]

JUST LOVE IT., HD REAM .....

[@jamesplatek6188]

You worked it out pretty quickly. That never give up attitude you got kept you kickin' like the ol mule we had growing up. 😅

[@opiegm29]

Your dad would be proud. that engine sounds good!

[@seather863]

Amazing Racer, can't wait to see it in August!

[@mopedbabes1869]

Cool bike guys, great sound.

[@garyseaton4619]

What an amazing sound. Such an exceptional piece of motorcycling history...

[@RXRSawdustStation]

Great work, everyone! She's screaming to scream as evidenced by the kick start return spring busting out of its long slumber with feverish rust red anticipation! 😉 Sweet ride! Thanks for the most enjoyable content. Really diggin' it!

[@bigdaddydellnunya5830]

Man you have my dream job what a boss bike and the rip thru the museum at the end was the cherry on top

[@frankjacoby9460]

1952 KITT 750 cubic inch flat head side valve; 1969 on my way to the Marines and Vietnam, I had to save it with a friend, I got back home after four years, he had sold it. What’s the point: well it sounded just like this bike, loud and primitive: I really enjoy how your channel takes me back to my youth; Dale has got to be so proud of what you’ve accomplished since he took that last ride! 👍🏽 ,

[@chriswilgus4752]

Why did your friend sell it? Did you tell him to?

[@frankjacoby9460]

@@chriswilgus4752 I supposed since I was gone for four years, he figured it was okay to sell it. Upon returning I asked for it numerous times and he would heehaw until I finally got the truth. I recently heard where it might be and I’m going to try to buy it back!

[@danielcombs3048]

Super cool Matt, l use to race TT back in the early 70's. That is like the Arch of the covenant. Rarest of the rare. Thanks WTT.

[@MrPooponastickable]

That was a great episode!!! As much as I like you getting it right right off the bat I also like to see the struggle that is real life working on mechanical things. Brings me back to when I was 8 and “just one more pull” was the mantra on old Briggs and Stratton engines 🥹

[@danielmorris3687]

Your comment brings back memories. I was 8 in 1970 when my dad bought my first mini bike. Many a time I stalled it and after pulling what seemed like a hundred times I'd have to push it back home so he could get me up and running again. Usually only took him 1 or 2 pulls. 😄✌️🇨🇦

[@JamesCouch777]

Perseverance is key when you are messing with old iron, good job 👍

[@roadwarrior22]

I could watch these all day! Your passion and knowledge is second to none I've seen. I learn so much watching along and it's contagious to see your joy for these beautiful creations pop through the screen. I know more about the new harley motorcycles but i wish this knowledge were more accessible along with the bikes. I would hate to see it fade out. Thank you for all you and your family have done for the culture. I'm 36 today and watching you makes it worth it like I'm there!

[@rjoetting7594]

Love seeing these beautiful pieces of history coming back to life, you have done an excellent job of keeping your dad's dream and vision alive and well. You should be very proud of the work you've done.

[@angelofor2]

Nice video! Only: Where are the youngsters? Have they lost the noble art of kick starting a motorcycle??

[@DDGVET4]

It's great seeing you younger guys carrying on the old school traditions. I'm 65 and I thought we would be the last generation to carry the torch as my kid (who is 42 now) never seemed to have any interest in bikes. You are very fortunate to have the opportunity to lay hands on the last of these old gals that are in need of TLC. Good on ya Lad!

[@jamesmateer7732]

Don't worry pops I'm 65 and I've got a nine year-old who just loves antique motorcycles in spite of the fact that one took my leg.

[@DDGVET4]

@@jamesmateer7732 Well at least it wasn't "the diabitis" as Wilford Brimley would say. (I'm sure you can appreciate the old school dark humor.lol) Keep a tight leash on that young un'!

[@jamessoares516]

Love this stuff! I got a kick at seeing all the old grime fall off of it when it was started even some rest was even puffing out of it so damn cool! 😂

[@toddclark332]

Great job love seeing it come alive thanks for the update have you and the family a great 4th July later 🇱🇷👍😁

[@frankburdi1001]

That being said Matt you and your dad are the man among men I hope your dad is resting in peace

[@johnnydscyclesservice3603]

That is an amazing bike. Its always good to know the little intricacies about those old carbs. That information is going on paper so I never forget. Thanks for all you guys do. We will be coming up this year.

[@robertcook5204]

What beast well done bro good work another golden oldie running again

[@olskool3967]

that thing sounds like a monster!

[@davidjeromedawson]

As rough as it looks, it’s beautiful and sounds like a beast! Nice job guys.

[@scottarmstrong1172]

Sounds great! I love the pipes, and that primary cover is perfect.

[@willardsmith2435]

I don’t even own a motorcycle but I just love what you guys do at WTT! I first heard of your dad by watching American Pickers! Keep on reviving those pieces of mechanical history!

[@atcjoe1600]

More cool Harley history, always worth watching.

[@michaelbrill6609]

If you enjoy Harley JUNK, yea...lol

[@americanbornwalkaway9110]

VERY VERY COOL

[@normangraber1047]

Watching you gas out kicking that thing reminds me of my first new bike a 1967XLCH.mag fired with a Tillotson carb. 50 degrees out trying to get it to fire so I could get to work. By the time I got it lit I was down to my 'T' shirt. Finally got smart and swapped the Tillotson for an earlier DC Linkert which helped a lot with starting.

[@brucejeric6701]

Beautiful bike Matt. You’re doing a great job!!! Lots of memories you and Dale. BJ OHIO

[@eugenedolcini695]

My knucklehead had to kick a gazillion times until I called morris and they said if you don’t want to kick it 14 times you should run a .020 plug gap. Stock plug gap was .030. I know it’s a racer, so maybe I’m wrong.

[@rodcroan6304]

My thanks go out to the Bearded One for putting me on to your site. Great stuff.

[@michaelmitchell5909]

Absolutely amazing....that thing sounds bad ass Matt....

[@jeffhill4229]

Reminds me of starting my '65 XLCH with that old Fairbanks Morse mag on it. I'd have to kick it a hundred times. I finally put a distributor on it after installing an oil tank with a space for a small battery and it was a typical one kick Harley after that.

[@johncavar2914]

Dude 🎉has humongous passion and info on this lovely 🎉Harley Davidson

[@HarleyGeezer1954]

Awesome. I'll have to come back and see this one.

[@seanmiller5253]

ahhmann great job ! i luvit' when you rev it up the rust cloud coming off kick start cool and thank four your carb,instuctions luv what you guys do !?! thankyou...

[@davidmcgahan5328]

Awesome bike !!! Thanks for the enjoyment.

[@loupuleff571]

That sounds great good job !

[@stevethepirate123]

if i ever visit America, the only place i want to visit is your museum 👍🤜🤛 keep up the fantastic vids as only way i get to see it

[@jsdjsd2]

Love it- Brilliant job

[@garytallard2321]

I used a treadmill to start the motorcycle I just ratchet straped it down to the treadmill turn it on put the bike in gear hold the clutch in you know and let it go fires right up . Your videos are awesome 👍

[@DarrenHoward-th8bt]

Beautiful sound

[@brucewootan291]

I like watching them work on old bikes good looking motorcycles

[@jackmeads6554]

you guys are awesome cheers from Aotearoa [New Zealand ]

[@josephwatts2904]

I was hoping to see this bike outside on a ride, but it’s amazing as is!

[@user-yo1wo6yg2r]

You must drive the whole family crazy opening your presents Christmas morning

[@KeithSage]

YES!!

[@MarkFowler1]

Was hoping for a burnout! And was not disappointed!!

[@randycrager4074]

I shoulda took a selfie when that thing fired up! Dang. that thing sounds sweet!

[@greghelms4458]

Great stuff Matt.

[@lakeacid6431]

Beautiful Bike !

[@MJ-pb4eu]

What a beautiful machine.

[@Ryan-wk7us]

New to the channel cool video looking forward to see more stuff

[@DJPTEXAS]

Motor sound strong ! Great find....

[@markatkins9587]

Wow somebody went full Frankenstein on the engine modifications . Too cool

[@jeremyleatherwood4220]

That bike is so cool!

[@m-roddr.funtimes3144]

Mean sounding and looking racer!!

[@jessejames8926]

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@mitchburk5112]

Couldn't imagine taken that monster over a TT jump. Use to go to the TT races in Peoria in the mid sixties. By that time BSA and Triumph ruled the day.

[@grayfox9911]

Thanks!

[@nbowling10trio]

Curious how much power this old racer makes and how fast it is. Would it surprise me? Or would it have a hard time keeping up with an 80cu in Evo?

[@manuelserrano1428]

Adoro tus videos saludos desde mexico 🤠🤠🤠🤠👍👍👍👍👍

[@johncavar2914]

Beautiful machine listen to her sing 🎉

[@richardschaffling9882]

Sounds great I had a BSA 750 and you could kick it for a hour and it would not start and walk away and come back 15 minutes and one kick and it would start

[@NBSV1]

I think sometimes they get flooded and can’t get the gas to atomize so it’ll mix and fire off. Seems to be even worse on high performance stuff since it’s usually setup for high rpm so has very low velocity at idle/starting. And, sometimes if the ports are polished they’re so smooth there isn’t turbulence to get the gas mixed in better.

[@nbholifield]

Absolutely love it!!! Cool racing HD history Matt!!!!

[@dougshadrick9776]

This is what I love about stuff you can work on. You don't have to have a damn laptop to do it.

[@sladeb6036]

Awesome , are we gonna see you race this bad dude one day?

[@whip-its_dad4239]

Very cool machine , very good video . Thank you for taking the time to post them for us .

[@MJ-lx8pc]

Love the knuckle

[@pinslayer4579]

Usually when old school heads got larger valves and the intake runners were modified everything worked well WFO plenty of flow . But at starting ( kick) R.P.M. velocity was lost into the combustion chambers and the intake charge didn't stay atomized causing a fuel rich condition that inhibited the proper air / fuel ratio to initiate combustion. Or maybe there was dirt in the mud valve........

[@andrewbull3537]

I'm a triumph man myself but .....this old lady is how a harley SHOULD look like 👍

[@adamhoffman3687]

That would be awesome to see on a course. With fresh tires.

[@paulchristopher8634]

Oh yes, oh yes ….you got it chief

[@daviddudley1655]

It had to get its quart of sweet

[@BigHead-ge6uv]

What a ride, real hog there, the character throughout it is superb👌wish i had it hey🤪

[@LukeLong-oi4uc]

Cool bike

[@MB-hv3ic]

En mi familia la hubo,alla por los 40 ,era con sidecar y rueda atras.. 👍🎥

[@paulgibson4991]

In australia we spray stuff called START YA BASTARD into carbies really works well,someone just needs to invent CAN O SPARKS,to help as well,another enjoyable video.

[@inmate666]

I have several cans of compression I pour in my bike when a cylinder gets low

[@MollysPa]

Nice, rockin' that poe-teena!

[@wilfredprins9718]

do you have people offering their bikes or you have someone searching for you. I'm amazed how many beautiful bikes you find

[@scottmartin356]

Sorry you were doomed to 150,000 (at least!) kicks, but really great to learn about the low speed needle!!

[@kendall6030]

That is definitely a race bike! Wow!

[@AA-nt5qw]

Awesome, thanks :-) what a sound; Lucky bike having you guys around!

[@MrGixxer1300r]

I am a very experienced drag racer. Most of my racing has been sportsbikes, and a few street cars before that. The last bike I raced I campained it for six years it was a 2000 busa. If you are looking for a pro piolet to drag race any of your bikes I would be more than happy to offer my skill set to your cause.

[@bobg1219]

Sounds amazing Matt!