F196 1956 HARLEY-DAVIDSON KHK Prior to World War II, Great Britain had a stunningly vast motorcycle industry. The meat and potatoes of the offerings were bikes for clients looking to get to and from work inexpensively, but a nice bit of the industry catered to the wealthier set too, with larger engines, bigger frames and all the fancy accoutrements that make a more expensive machine a more expensive machine. When the war broke out, production was limited only to military supplies, and of course, by the end of the war, Great Britain was flat broke. As such, a rule was put forth that manufacturers must export 75% of their product for sale offshore, primarily in the United States. Triumph, BSA, AJW, Ariel, Matchless and many others began establishing dealerships throughout the U.S., infiltrating the lucrative market. American riders found that these British bikes were stylish, usually smaller, more nimble and easier to ride than most American offerings, and sales began to reflect a shift in customer tastes. Harley-Davidson was shocked when it noticed how many European bikes had been sold throughout the U.S., even approaching Congress to impose higher tariffs to protect American-made bikes. Knowing it was a slim shot it would succeed, Harley-Davidson set about building a small, fun bike, and in 1952, the Model K was introduced. More youthful, the Model K was a smaller, lighter bike meant to lure back some of the customers it had lost to the likes of Triumph. By 1954, the sportier KH and hot KHK were introduced, and the engine was increased from 45 to 54 CI. The KHK was known as the factory Hot Rod using cams that were just a tick’s hair away from being a racing cam and heads that were revised to improve flow and make room for the high-lift cams. A lot of effort went into making the KH and KHK serious performance bikes to interest riders looking for that kind of thrill, and this 1956 KHK is a prime example of the breed. Presented in the stunning two-tone combination of black and yellow, the seat is upholstered in black and the frame matches. Sprinkled with the right amount of chrome and polished detailing, a grouping of more matte-finish aluminum brings in a racier look. Fitted with drum brakes and a single headlight, the KHK reminded people that Harley- Davidson’s roots were, in fact, steeped in performance and racing.
