1946 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead Bobber: National Motorcycle Museum Fundraiser Bike for 2021

The first overhead valve V-twin Harleys hit the road in 1936, but their style, their amazing sheet metal design already lived in previous machines from the Motor Company. Received well at the time, the motorcycle is now an American design legend, has gained the nickname “Knucklehead” for the shape of its rocker boxes and will live on forever in high regard.

But back in the 1930’s there began a customizing trend that called for removing unnecessary bodywork like the front fender, changing exhausts, seats, even modifying frames. At first they were called “cut-downs” as modifications involved frame modifications, cutting and welding of the frame for a lower stance; pretty radical changes. A less radical course was the creation of the “bobber” primarily after World War II. The 1946 Harley-Davidson EL you see here, the National Motorcycle Museum’s 2021 Fundraiser Bike, you’d call a bobber. And though a lot of bobbers made in the day or more recently are “bitsa bikes,” mixtures of parts from different bikes, reproduction/aftermarket pieces, this 1946 Harley-Davidson 61 cubic inch EL bobber was all 1946 EL to start with.

Just as in Class C racing, less is more and this is about what a 45 inch WR for dirt track racing would look like, only street legal and a little flashier. Though modified, it makes use of all 1946 parts, rare parts and highly sought after (high dollar!) pieces. It also has some special parts like the PK Lamp Co. “limp dick” tail light and the Bakelite dice shift knob. Cadmium plated and Parkerized fasteners are styling counterpoints; flash against a subtle industrial finish, set off by just enough chrome plating. Of course, to begin with, we are talking about a cherished ’46 Knuck that builder Dave Ohrt started with well over a decade ago!

This Bobber has been fettled, as the Brits say, and has logged 1300 miles by builder David Ohrt since its complete mechanical rebuild.

Dave Ohrt as seen on the American Pickers and builder of the 1946 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead Fundraiser bike inside the National Motorcycle Museum.

Donate for your chances to win what some are already saying is the best bike the Museum has ever given away. It could be you throwing a leg across this beauty, from a bygone day!

Specifications:

• • 1946 Harley-Davidson FL Engine, Transmission, Frame, Fork
  • 1946 Harley-Davidson FL Tanks
  • Original Rear Fender, Flip Removed
  • Original HD Police Seat
  • Tool Box, Oil Tank, Foot Boards/Rubbers, Real HD
  • Original Flanders Bars, Risers and Top Clamp
  • PK Lamp Co. Tail Light
  • Antique Bakelite Dice Shift Knob
  • NOS HD Tank Trim, Horn, Badges, Air Cleaner, Mirror, Dash Lights and Ignition Switch
  • Harley-Davidson Jiffy Stand
  • Complete “CYCLE RAY” Headlamp, Rim and Glass
  • 5.00 x 16 Inch Wheels

SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE FOR DETAIL PHOTOS

Donate for your chances to win. It could be you throwing a leg across this beauty, from a bygone day!

Use the buttons below to donate by electronic check or CLICK HERE to download a form you can mail back with your donation or you may also call in and  make a donation for chances over the phone: 319-462-3925.

Click on the SILVER button below to donate $5.00 for One (1) Chance to Win!

Click on the GOLD button below to donate $25.00 for Six (6) Chances to Win!

Click on the BLUE button below to donate $50.00 for Twelve (12) Chances to Win!

Note: We will confirm your on-line ticket purchase via an email which will list your actual ticket number(s). Your ticket(s) will be put into the drum with other entries, but your actual ticket stubs will not be sent to you.

The drawing for the three winners* will be December 31, 2021 at 2:00pm Central Time. All electronic entries must be received no later than December 20, 2021. All onsite and mailed entry donations must be received at the Museum by 2:00pm Central Time December 31, 2021. The donor for the first eligible ticket pulled wins the 1946 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead Bobber, the donor for the second ticket pulled wins the $500.00 J&P Credit and the donor for the third ticket pulled wins the J&P $250.00 Credit.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR FULL RULES/REGULATIONS.

The National Motorcycle Museum • PO Box 405 • 102 Chamber Drive • Anamosa, Iowa 52205 • 319-462-3925

The National Motorcycle Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that relies on donations and fund-raising activities including this raffle to help preserve and present the exciting history of motorcycling.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR