The 1936 Knucklehead.

[@ronbros]

truth, my 1st ride on a motorcycle, my father brought home a 1936 Harley 61 inch, around 1946, had a small forward seat on top of tanks ,he called a jiffy seat, i was around 8 yrs old sat in front of dad, and went to a local Donut shop! some times you never forget the great times of life!

[@hellbentholland1008]

So awesome. Thanks for sharing the story with us. In these times, it's a shame that we can't go back to those days. I'm pissed that I missed those but I do have some good times of my own even at only 37. Never thought I'd see times like this but I wish old were the new for certain instead of this bullshit.

[@joshuataft5541]

Great story...

[@richardlewin9282]

That must have been a ball👍

[@toddricketts9498]

It's amazing the key things that had your interest never fade . Dad's who ride rock that's how I started

[@haydenwilliams1114]

Great memory.

[@robertdahse4569]

Growing up,lived on 35th and Juneau,use to watch the build motorcycles through the window at ground level at the factory 👍

[@supertramp6011]

How amazing to think about that! , best wishes from Scotland fella!👌🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 my dad rode a Triumph Thunderbird,but I love old knuckles,very rare over here.

[@deanlawrence3881]

The most beautiful bike ever produced.

[@grammyhall53]

my first harley was a 47 fl knuckle in 1964,still one of my favorite bikes. ty santee

[@southernshop8424]

Met a guy on an original paint '37 knucklehead sitting off by himself at mcfarland park in florence ,al at the break of the first trail of tears ride. I approached him and he gave me a really laid back history lesson. What was ironic to me was all the other people ohhing and aahing all the new shiney bikes and his was the best one there. It was the green silver paint, very faded. A memory i will always treasure.

[@davidvaughn7778]

The Knucklehead is my favorite Harley engine. It just looks super interesting!

[@davidsuprenant893]

That paint is just absolutely stunning. Love the two tone fenders with the tank being solid color, and the pinstripe on the wheels.Just pops.WOW !! What a beauty. Folks in design department at Harley need to check out this paint and adapt to like maybe a heritage,or slim.You guys KNOCKED it out of the park with this one.

[@kennethdills8176]

i painted that

[@johnnylipscomb4556]

@@kennethdills8176 what's the paint code

[@johnnieguitar5724]

What a beauty. It looks very much one my dad owned back in the early 40s. So glad I have a colour photo.

[@steveperry1344]

my favorite hd bikes '36 to '48, i'm in love.

[@MarkOnDrums1976]

Beautiful paint job. Most iconic and important motorcycle ever produced. It's design by Mr. Harley, revolutionized the industry.

[@rodcoleman3346]

Brings back memories of my 37’

[@justinmilam6899]

This is the best channel on KZbin! Matt you are a wealth of knowledge and I’m soaking it up! Thank you for what you do! Can’t wait to be able to go to Wheels Through Time! Semper Fi!

[@joshuataft5541]

I agree

[@dang2473]

Absolutely!

[@Maxtowers71]

agree totally, Matt it's the best, i could listen to him speaking of these old bikes for hours, just like with his father

[@davebarnessr.5805]

The 1936 Knucklehead was revolutionary. And the one displayed here is beautiful. In viewing this Masterpiece and it’s lines, I easily see the genealogy between the Knucklehead and my 2012 Fatboy Lo, a bike that required walking past Ultras and Road Kings at the Dealership to Special Order. Viewing this Knucklehead creates that same spark for me.

[@michaelowen6579]

Beautiful machine. Your motorcycle knowledge blows me away.

[@toddhaakenson6301]

That’s the most beautiful knucklehead I’ve ever seen! I really need to take a ride down there some day.

[@chadkegley9458]

I kinda just stubbled upon this channel and now I could listen to Matt talk about bikes forever lol.

[@tomb.8485]

A piece of moving art. Beautiful job on the restoration.

[@Porsche996driver]

What a beauty. Those lines and who knew gold could be so subtle. Great paint sample Rolodex. Thanks for sharing this! 👌🏾

[@roynelson7613]

EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BIKE IS AMAZING AND THE PAINTSDIDN'T HAVE THAT TYPE OF PAINT BACK THEN THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THIS WONDERFULNESS 💯💪🏾💪🏾♥️👍🏾👍🏾🇺🇲

[@joshuataft5541]

Jst found your channel..I'm obsessed..you got my sub from here on out...I love bikes with a passion..I am no mechanic but I love them with my being.almost gave my life for the joy

[@kenwise4596]

The paint cards are amazing. I hope you scanned all the colors for some extra insurance so they are never lost to history.

[@lesthiele4921]

That was a great presentation of a very iconic machine, I think these older bikkes are far 'sexier' than anything you can get today, you have yourself another subscriber, best regards from Australia.

[@garystratton4125]

My Dad rode Indians & Harleys . This '36 is just beautiful!

[@clavo3352]

Helped a guy, young engineer, build a chopper out of one of these in 1974. Straight cut cam gear. Started it in his living room!

[@thorstenkracht241]

YAEH, BEST HARLEY. THE 36' SPECIALY THIS ONE IS MY ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE BIKE. A PEECE OF ART. 🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️💛🖤🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@bryonkidder6199]

Luv the pin stripe on the wheels!

[@waynebastianelli8391]

What a marvelous machine a true classic ..sounds amazingly smooth and responsive ....

[@jimilite]

One day I will get to America, and one of the places I really want to go is right here. But until then these vids are just awesome, I love the history and the love you show for these old beauties. It's wonderful

[@markjohnston2675]

Wow stunning....Love the color combo....Thanks for showing it off...It's a work of art.

[@firebearva]

Can't wait to visit the museum. Will definitely be taking a day trip to Wheels Through Time the next time I'm at my cabin in Blue Ridge, GA.

[@MrOnelegnick]

Friend of mine here in northern Wisconsin just got a few of them in a huge buy he made!!!

[@revelationakagoldeneagle8045]

Absolutely Beautiful 🌹 Thanks for sharing your knowledge of these old machines. I love that color combo. 🪶🪶🪶

[@brianhaenlein8287]

This was the best event I was on with Dale. He was a great man.

[@JohnMcClain-p9t]

Growing up, I always wanted a knucklehead, first Harley was a 74 sportster, second was a 37 WLA, then got a 74 Shovel. I miss my old WL, it never let me down, about twenty bikes later, still missing that flathead. I was single, living in the barracks, had no place other than the parking lot. What a gorgeous bike this is, I think I can get by Wheels through time this summer, just a few hundred miles away. Thanks as always, Matt.

[@AmericanVoter]

First time visiting Wheels through time ! Never been so impressed with a museum in my life! Thank you and I will always be a fan ! Best museum ever!

[@davidwood1923]

Just a Stunning Bike!... I can't thank you enough.

[@beer1for2break3fast4]

Excellent video! Learned a lot in those 15 minutes. At 11:48 when the camera zooms into the rolodex the bottom right colour combo is what my '07 FLSTN has.

[@fireball1322]

Thanks. Listening to that old knuckle head engine running in such fine tune, had me on Cloud 9. Congrats!

[@brianellison3525]

And, the ULH still takes the prize for best looking Harley. By far. Have fun

[@fabieneldridge3414]

That’s one of the most beautiful Harley Davidson Motorcycles I’ve ever seen ! Just a fantastic job ! 👍🇺🇸

[@paulboon1100]

Yep, worked on these 40 years ago when they were still affordable, my favorite Harley of all time! Should have bought one then!

[@edwardhasiak7961]

What did they go for 40 years ago?

[@paulboon1100]

@@edwardhasiak7961 depended on condition of course but I've seen them then for around 4-7 grand Australian for a knuckle head in reasonable state, bought a 80cube new tour Glide (not AMF) in 83 including drill swarf from machining the block in the factory (!!!)and 1200cc under size piston rings!!, Had a stern talking to Willy G about that one, never got any satisfaction out of that, for 10k, a new 1200/80 FLH at the time was around 9k in 82, yes EL/FL, worked on a beauty EL "38, knuckle 61cube model in 1982 I think it was, a "48 FL stroker etc. Wasn't easy to get those heads oil tight but got it done. Rocker covers bent ,over tightened etc. Even then it was a labour of love. Long time ago now! Now it's a completely different matter. Name your price?

[@edwardhasiak7961]

@@paulboon1100 Thank you for the response.

[@toddclark332]

Again love that bike love the paint and the colors thanks again buddy have a great night

[@garyseaton4619]

The paint is perfect. The bike is outstanding. Can't argue with your statement that it's the most beautiful example of this groundbreaking machine...

[@TheLoneRanger745]

WOW ,. LISTEN TO THAT WHINNY ,. THE SOUND OF A TIGHT MOTOR. OUTSTANDING. , AND THAT CARD FILE . WHAT A RARE PEICE.

[@angryray2701]

Outstanding!!!!! Gorgeous piece of history!!!!!

[@kelliegrase4658]

I love this channel! You are so thorough and knowledgeable with these amazing machines!

[@gordonjewett6256]

What a beautiful bike. Enjoyed your presentation of the improvements that the knucklehead brought to the motorcycle of 1936. Love the color and love the sound.

[@roberymcgoff1904]

I'm watching this on my phone and you can still hear how smooth that motor runs. Excellent presentation as usual. RMM

[@caesarforlife1663]

Amazing technology. You certainly know your stuff. Sure is amazingly beautiful!!

[@SAXONWARLORD1000AD]

Beautiful paint job and the engine sounds fantastic

[@dave434]

I so want to visit the Museum this Summer... Really enjoy watching your videos here....

[@shuacliff_7029]

What an absolutely beautiful work of art. Hard to believe someone very lucky is going to win this

[@alanquintus2069]

A friend of mine had a 39 EL. RIP Bob Ezarski

[@CarcassGrater]

Absolutely gorgeous piece of history

[@willyboyw.5771]

Love the color scheme

[@ElmerJFudd-oi9kj]

That is one beautiful bike.

[@thewey]

My grandfather was chief of police in Agawam, MA. in 1936. They had two of these in white, with police lights. Totally BOSS!

[@rustymacneil3227]

American art at it's finest !!!

[@firebearva]

Beautiful, what an artistic looking machine. It truly is a work of art worthy of preservation.

[@highdownmartin]

Not knocking the 36 knuckle head but another radical step forward came in the UK in 1937. Turners Triumph speed twin. Four speed, foot change, dry sump, enclosed OHV gear, cradle frame. I’d take the view that it was this bike that started the development route of most production motorcycles of the fifties sixties and seventies through to today.

[@kevinseiler1592]

Also, contemporary Brough Superior SS100 Alpine Sports had all the features of the 36 EL but also had rear suspension, and foot shift. I'd argue that dry sump isn't so much a revolution. BMW's of the era outperformed many other twin cylinder bikes and I doubt anyone would argue that they were less reliable with a wet sump. One weak point for reliability of knuckleheads is the open valve gear. Not great for keeping out dirt. The 36 EL WAS a revolutionary bike for Harley, but it was just catching up to some of their contemporaries. Still a bitching bike.

[@robedmund9948]

Is it wrong to almost fall asleep to the rhythm of that motor? What a lullaby!!

[@dukecraig2402]

Another possible reason that the engine cases are early one's on a late VIN number bike is that they might have been replacement cases. Every dealership has a list of tools that they're required to have in their inventory, back in those days dealerships were required to have a set of Harley issued number and letter stamps for when an engine needed new cases which back in those days was very common, the aluminum in those old engines was like a sponge, that's why you'll see that red paint inside of engine case's from back in that era, the aluminum was so porous and full of porosity that when the engine got hot the motor oil would bleed right through the aluminum, the paint is a high heat electrical insulation paint that they used for that. Engine cases spider cracking was very common on those old bikes, when cases would need replaced the dealership would order new one's and stamp the original VIN on them, it's been years since they've been allowed to do that by law and nowadays the original case's (or the section with the VIN number can be cut out) have to be sent back to Harley themselves via a dealership and replacement case's with the VIN will be sent to the dealership with Harley destroying the original one's, that's if you have an engine that Harley still offers case's for, otherwise you're looking at aftermarket cases with that Bill of Origin that you have to keep as proof that you don't have a stolen engine.

[@ReiMonCoH]

The real All Original... Brand new and shiny. That bike is Awesome 🤘🏻

[@stevenking2469]

You and the team did a beautiful job on this motorcycle. She is definitely the whole package. One kick start very Impressive!! Keep up the good work!! Going to come see the museum this year if allowed to!! I'm in East TN so I don't have to far to go. As soon as the temps and weather get better I'll be heading that way!! Be good and be safe!!

[@whatyoumakeofit6635]

I know a guy that uses his knucklehead to rin a conveyor in his chicken coup. He is in his 70's. The conveyor knuckle was originally his dads bike. This man rides a bike all year round in northwest Indiana. He raises chickens for eggs. Delivers the eggs to restaurants, local farmers markets, and some residential customers. I know this guy through a coworker of mine and I just met him this year. Im told, his father and him have always riden Harley's. Both of them have always riden all year long.

[@katiepenner5379]

Thank you for sharing this incredible motorcycle. I love watching your videos. We hope you visit the museum some time soon on our 86 fxsb and 86 fxst!

[@dang2473]

Stunning bike,great explanation! Can't wait to see it in person, thanks Matt!

[@johnsargeant2041]

Man you have any great videos and yall have a beautiful group of history... Thank You..

[@whydahell3816]

I'm planning my next vacation around ur museum and the surrounding alleys mountains. I can't wait to get there!

[@NVZ249]

Very well explained. I've learned quite a lot with the bike. My dream classic bike. I love that gold finish on the paint work. It really is a golden one. ❤

[@VintageMotorcycles]

Absolutely gorgeous.

[@adamakins9748]

truly enjoy all your videos and the wealth of knowledge you share

[@chemxfan]

I'm not even going to ask what it would cost to recreate such a machine - but I'd like to have one. I miss watching you guys on History, but I'm glad you're here.

[@erikrhafer6644]

I believe the best looking stock Harley ever made. But what do I know ✌️

[@crosspean]

I’m a pan guy, first year swing arm. 1958, miss that bike.

[@pskemster]

What a real looker Matt!

[@shaneedmonds80]

Love the paint.

[@brucemiller1220]

Looks better than me @ 20 years older .Great Job as always 👍

[@floydstowe]

Who doesn't love a knucklehead dam that's nice thanks for the video

[@3r4s]

Superb, thanks for showing.

[@killerb4202]

Could listen to you and your pops talk about old bikes for hours and hours. Amazing machines and amazing guys who have the upmost respect and appreciation for these incredible machines!!

[@annafraley5388]

Amazingly Beautiful 1936 (middle of the Great Depression) era, Dad was 15 then. Great information and items there too.. Very kool Rolodex..!!! ✅

[@IIIcouleurs]

amazing story, you are a man full of passion, beautiful bike, cheers

[@tyrssen1]

Stunningly gorgeous!

[@blessedtrucker]

That bike is a true masterpiece

[@ranndalld]

Great job on everything! Well done!

[@nelsong4719]

Great presentation as usual. I remember a lot of these beauties were being butchered in the late 60s to feed the Chopper craze.

[@dougfielding8215]

Just like the chopper craze in the '60s and '70s, future classics are being butchered to create bobbers and cafe bikes today. Triumph Bonnevilles, W650s and W800s, Royal Enfield, BMWs and Harleys etc. I have a feeling when we all are forced to buy electric bikes, these old collectables will be even more sought after, especially in stock form.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

Those bikes are ridiculously overpriced you can go to S&S Motors you can buy a brand-new knucklehead motor flathead motor Panhead motor shovelhead motor EVO motor you can pick the front-end you want the size wheels you want to sheet metal you want to gauges you want you can powder coat all the parts whatever color you want and you could put the bike together within the course of a week it would be roughly the equivalent of buying a big twin through Harley but I can guarantee you're not going to spend $75,000 on one unless you were super rich and felt like it

[@robpeters2296]

what a beautiful timeless machine

[@cameronlawrence1254]

My favorite all time Harley Davidson motorcycle.

[@victorbitter583]

In 1989 my cousin picked up a '40s knuckle basket case. It was in just about every single piece it could be . He stripped everything back, new paint everywhere, new chrome, new or rebuilt parts where needed, a total rebuild. It was red and i did the seat for him in red leather with red suede piping and buttons. Not the original seat. Anyway, It was absolutley gorgeous. He was out one day and his Mothers friend and her downs syndrome son came to visit. The son, left unattended, went into the shed and covered that bike with anything and everything in that shed that was in a bottle or spraycan. The chrome, polished ally, paint and seat were ruined. Heartbreaking and not a thing he could do about it. He didn't even get angry. Anyone else would had copped the hiding of a lifetime.

[@edwestbrook989]

If I could take home 1 bike from the museum this would be it

[@vics8873]

Hanging close to home due to Covid but hope to get back to you this season and see that wheel in person.

[@hieronymusbosch693]

Masterpiece.

[@peyotepete4903]

What a beautiful beast!

[@randalmontgomery4595]

You sure explain it well, professor.

[@setheverett2838]

I appreciate what you guys do. I’m planning a trip there soon

[@mr1pearl]

What a bike I am drooling !

[@leeleland1183]

I had a '46 Knucklehead, a barn find in the mid '60's. $75. Like fool, I traded up to a '52 Pan. Wish I had both of them back.

[@NewFurCat]

Who ever thought to preserve that paint RoloDex, I wish you could know how much you have helped the antique motorcycle community!

[@dave434]

I did make it ,So enjoyed it. Something to see for sure!! Amazing place!

[@JohnPaul-ii]

Sweet ride. Thanks for sharing again.