When Harley-Davidson released its first production V-twin roadster with an overhead-valve engine design in 1936, it did so with characteristic caution, omitting its new “Sixty-One” model EL Big Twin from its catalog and advertisements. By the time its big brother, the 74 CI (1200cc) model FL rolled out, the basis for this strapping bobbed FL Knucklehead from 1942, the Motor Company’s timidness proved unwarranted as its OHV Big Twins had become the darlings of the culture. The larger, 74 CI FL model debuted in 1941, delivering enthusiasts the increased power and performance they desired while capitalizing on the refinements and improvements made to the Knucklehead platform over its first six years in production. Its smaller sibling, the 61 CI (1000cc) EL, had introduced a radically new architecture for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Gone were the simplistic total-loss oiling systems of the first-generation sidevalve engines, the sinewy chassis and the angular bodywork of its Depression-era predecessors. The Knucklehead ushered in the modern age with a brawny, streamlined design, more robust frames, springer forks and shapely aerodynamic fenders and fuel tanks. The now legendary OHV V-twin, nicknamed the Knucklehead for its distinctive rocker boxes, featured a dry-sump (recirculating) oiling system, hemispherical combustion chambers and dramatically improved internal gas flow, which doubled the Knucklehead’s horsepower over its flathead counterparts. Combined with its new constant-mesh 4-speed gearbox, six years of mechanical developments, improved metallurgy, tuning refinements and a bump in displacement, the 74 CI FL Knucklehead remains the ultimate expression of the motorcycling icon. Still, just as Harley-Davidson and its Knucklehead were beginning to hit a new level of post-Depression success, the U.S. involvement in World War II quickly shifted manufacturing to military production, and only 799 of the Special Sport Solo FL models were built in 1942. As a result, this handsome black and blue 1942 FL bobber is a rare example from a low production year. Built with the all-attitude, no-nonsense bobber style of the period, this 1942 Harley-Davidson FL features an OEM frame, springer fork and wheels, as well as an S&S engine and carburetor, Baker 4-speed gearbox and electric starter system. The 74 CI FL Knucklehead emerged as the pinnacle of Harley-Davidson’s post-Depression triumph, a stylish and modern harbinger of the future ahead for Harley-Davidson. F215 1942 HARLEY-DAVIDSON KNUCKLEHEAD
