Harley-Davidson Knucklehead hillclimb racer – 1939 - motorcycle photo photograph

Description

A superb and rare photo featuring a
Harley-Davidson Knucklehead hill climb racer
, in tantalizing action during a
1939 hillclimb
.
This gorgeous photo shows a
Harley Davidson Knucklehead hill climb racer
, well up flying above the hill just after the rider lost control of the bike close to the finish line, during a
1939
hillclimb.
At the time, HD made special hill climb racing machines for their factory supported riders.
These machines featured a H-D
45 c.i.
(750cc) V-twin engine, which was the maximum capacity for a hill climber in the professional class.
The rider on the photo is using a hillclimber based on a regular Knucklehead OHV V-twin road model.
In
1936
H-D introduced the
61 c.i. (1,000cc) OHV Knucklehead
model series. Its massive V-twin overhead valve HD engine performed remarkably well, so it quickly became a popular mount for all kinds of motorcycle sporting events, including hillclimbing. The popular, non professional, hill climb classes had no limits in cylinder capacity for the participating motorcycles.
So the 61 c.i. Knucklehead also showed an advantage in that aspect compared to the hill climbers with a 45 c.i. engine.
The
Harley-Davidson
Knucklehead
engine was named after the distinct shape of the rocker boxes. The V-twin engine featured two valves per cylinder which were operated by pushrods. It was the third type of V-Twin engine used by Harley-Davidson, replacing the Flathead engine in 1936 (which had replaced the F-head or IOE engine on big twins in 1930). The engine was manufactured until 1947 and was replaced by the Panhead engine in 1948. As the design of Harley-Davidson engines has evolved through the years, the distinctive shape of the valve covers has allowed
Harley
enthusiasts to classify an engine simply by looking at the shape of the cover. A knucklehead engine has round knobs on the cover resembling knuckles that give the knucklehead its name.
We have more photos, also listed on Ebay, of various Harley Davidson and other (racing) machines. Please check out our auctions and take advantage of our shipping discount! The auction selection is refreshed and changed continuously.
It is a superb and rare
non period
photo, and this is your rare chance to own it! It reflects a very interesting and historic piece of motorcycling history in a great way! The size is perfectly suited for framing as it is large: ca. 8 x
10”
(ca.
20 cm
x
26 cm
).
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy.   For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files
and board backed envelopes.
We have photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and excellent quality.
After many decades of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.