|
Harley Davidson FL 1200 Type 74 Knucklehead
1946 Harley-Davidson 1200cc
Knucklehead Type 74 In its 90 year history, Harley-Davidson could never have
been accused of being technically adventurous. But this conservative outlook has
saved the Milwaukee company from making disastrous mistakes. In the early
Twenties, Harley-Davidson became the world's biggest motorcycle manufacturer,
with an annual capacity of 35,000 machines.
Consistent Policy
Since 1909, the firm's hallmark has been the big vee-twin, a policy that has
ensured the survival of Harley-Davidson when all the other American motorcycle
manufacturers have fallen by the wayside. In 1936 the company introduced the
valve-in-head 61 cubic inch. (100cc) Type EL, nicknamed "Knucklehead" because of
the shape of its rockerbox castings.
Conservative Specs
The Knucklehead boasted such features as a four-speed gearbox with hand change
and food clutch, a double cradle frame and pressure lubrication. After the war,
America (which had imported only a handful of European motorcycles before the
war) discovered the charms of the light, fast British twins. In 1946, American
built just 20,000 motorcycles-and imported 9,000, of which 8,000 were English!
To respond to this new scenario, Harley offered the Type 74, a 1200cc derivative
of the prewar Knucklehead, which saw the light of day in 1941. It remained in
production only until 1948.
Specifications
Engine: 1208cc (61x61cc)four-stoke vee-twin
Power Output: 53 hp
Valves: overhead valves
Fuel System: single carburetor
Transmission: four speed hand-change gearbox; chain final drive
Suspension: (front) "Springer forks"; (rear)rigid
Brakes: (front) drum; (rear) drum
Wheels: wire 16in balloon tires (optional)
Weight: 560lb
Maximum Speed: 110 mph
Source Bikerenews.com |
