Thoughts on this 1947 Knuckle at Mecum ..........

[KNUCK]

There are a few 47's at the auction coming up but this one caught my eye and wondered what others think of it. I see a few of the obvious things that are in need of some attention but would like input from any and all on this. https://www.mecum.com/lots/1156146/1...l-knucklehead/

Also looking at this 1970 XR 750. I know XR's some what but 1970 is a one of a kind, your thoughts. https://www.mecum.com/lots/1154551/1...50-flat-track/

And another 1970 XR 750 https://www.mecum.com/lots/1165196/1...aa_id=753355-0

[sswaney]

First thing that jumps out to me is the broken fin on the rear cylinder.
Was that broken after the restore? If not, then why would you not repair it while doing the motor work?
Make me wonder what else was overlooked or ignored.

[knucklehead 61]

first thing that jumped out for me are the very obvious cheap repop speedball badges on the tanks.
why would anyone spend that much restoring a bike & put those on?!?

[duffeycycles]

'47 had black tailight

[KNUCK]

I think this was more of a rider bike and maybe the broken fin was not a concern for the guy, I don't really know. I wondered about the badges but photo was sort of fuzzy. I saw the chrome rear lamp and black dash. Lot of chrome rear lamps added later. Also see the Parkerizing is a bit weathered .

[T. Cotten]

.... Also see the Parkerizing is a bit weathered .

The manifold nuts gotta be fresh, Knuck!

....Cotten

[exeric]

When you look at H-D 1947 brochures, the photos (albeit, retouched) show chrome rims but the order blanks don't mention chrome rims. Many period pictures I have seen of 1947 BT H-Ds and Indians show bikes with chrome rims. I recall talking to many old timers (God rest their souls) that said CHROME ruled after WW2 and everyone wanted chrome if they could get it. My point being, I think by 1947, most BT Harley-Davidsons wore chrome rims and that is what I would expect to see on a Deluxe, or Special Solo group Big Twin. I question a restoration with black rims on a bike that fits into that post war demand for chrome, and do-dads.

[duffeycycles]

image_51155.jpg Chrome was still not as common in early '47. Here is a low serial number, low mileage OP '47.Original owner was dealership family member.Had not been run for 50 years, hadn't been ridden in almost 60 years.

DSC_0776.JPG

[Jerry Wieland]

image_51155.jpg Chrome was still not as common in early '47. Here is a low serial number, low mileage OP '47.Original owner was dealership family member.Had not been run for 50 years, hadn't been ridden in almost 60 years.

DSC_0776.JPG

Roger Your 47 must be a higher numbered one. Anybody know when in 1947 the factory went from 4 bolt saddle bags to 5?

Jerry

[duffeycycles]

Not mine. It is under 1400, the bags have the early parkerized latches. It has a UU frame.The owner thought the bag brackets might have been changed.


DSC_0153.JPG DSC_0789.JPG

[marksg]

I think all early Knuckles were five hole. Went to four hole sometime in 47"
Knuck. Pretty poor pictures to be able to tell much. There could be some good stuff on there but you just can't tell.
My thought would be with out seeing the bike, you would have to want a 47' pretty bad to pay over $60k.

[duffeycycles]

Thanx Mark, I've never looked, my Palmer's books say 1948 was 1st 4 hole so the 5 hole mounts were correct for the early '47. I think my customer quesioned weather they had parerized mounts that matched early the latches but Palmer says chrome mounts.

[KNUCK]

Really appreciate these photos and information.

[duffeycycles]

DSC_0384.JPG DSC_0387.JPG 2 more, outside pics of both sides