Vintage Motorcycle Show Introduction with the '36 Knucklehead & '37 Flathead UL

Everyone loves a vintage motorcycle show. Fix My Hog catches up with Kevin Baas at the Baas Metal Craft Vintage Motorcycle Show in Prior Lake, Minnesota. Surrounded by vintage motorcycles, friends, and family, Kevin is amped up for the event.

Every time we hear from Kevin, there is something to be learned. Whether through direct instruction or from conversation, he is a wealth of information on classic American motorcycles and know-how. At the vintage motorcycle show, Kevin shows us two beautiful pre-war Harley-Davidsons: a 1936 EL owned by Jerry Buffington and a 1937 UL owned by Jason Shovert.

Some background on these two motorcycles

In 1936, Harley-Davidson pulled ahead of Indian with their first overhead valve V-Twin, later deemed the Knucklehead. The frame, forks, engine, and much of the styling were all new. Styling at Harley-Davidson reached new heights during this era. The “Comet” tank emblem was used from 1936 to 1939. There were the new oval section Springer front fork tubes, a new style and design for the exhaust system, and a tank-mounted speedometer. The 1936 EL could even be purchased in several two-tone paint jobs.

In 1937, Harley released a new generation of side-valve motors. These U series motors were a dry-sump oil design. Most parts were made in common with the Model E 61ci OHV motor from a year earlier. However, this motor was completely revised with many updates that separated it from the earlier V motor. Changes included new cases, cylinders, and bearings throughout the lower end.

The UL was designated as the Special Sport Solo. The higher-compression motor was available in 74 or 80 cubic-inch size. While technology for the side valve twin was trickled down from the more advanced OHV motorcycle, Harley-Davidson produced three times as many side-valve motorcycles than the OHV.

The UL production in 1937 was 2861 units. These motorcycles sold for $395. Knucklehead motors are highly sought after by collectors. The 61 and 74 cubic-inch overhead valve V-Twins were produced for 12 model years (1936 through 1947).

**More important than classic Harley-Davidsons: Thank you to Jerry Buffington for bringing his HD to this vintage motorcycle show and for his service to our country. You are the reason we can enjoy such a beautiful day & event!!**

Watch Knucklehead How-To Videos Here

Watch Panhead How-To Videos Here