One-of-a-kind Dual Knucklehead Freight Train

Unique Idea

Among the hundreds of motorcycles at the Harley-Davidson Museum, one bike stands out as the weirdest. 'King Kong' is the unique creation of Felix Predko, a factory-trained mechanic from Windber, Pennsylvania. In a project that took four years to complete, Predko first cooked-up the idea of combining two motorcycles in 1949—although he never considered it finished.

Synchronized Power

In what some have dubbed Predko's magnum opus, King Kong was a thirteen foot monstrosity, powered by two synchronized Knucklehead engines. Weighing more than 1,000 pounds, the one-of-a-kind freight train of a motorcycle reportedly took over 4,000 hours to build. Among other things, it was equipped with Cadillac lights, a stereo and scuba tanks that held compressed air to power its deafening horns.

>>Join the conversation about this Dual Knucklehead right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

Lazy Mechanic

Although accounts vary, Predko worked at Zepka Harley-Davidson in Johnstown, Pennsylvania from 1940 to 1962. One certainty is that he attended the Motor Company's Service School in 1948. In a Harley-Davidson Museum video clip, Jim Fricke explained that Predko's instructors thought that he was lazy, getting others to do his work, and doubted he would ever become a good mechanic.

>>Join the conversation about this Dual Knucklehead right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

Flashier Approach

Posed with a memorabilia wall of photographs, the full scope of King Kong is a bit overwhelming. It is comprised of two factory frames, two complete 74 cubic-inch OHV motors, each with its own transmission, an extended primary chain, four exhaust pipes, two seats, and two sets of handlebars. Predko's grandson, Brian DiNinno, recalled that his grandfather's approach was “the flashier, the better.”

>>Join the conversation about this Dual Knucklehead right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

Workshop Life

Part of the bike's role was as advertising for Predko's home-based shop. His wife, Albine Predko elaborated in the short Vimeo clip, Felix Predko’s King Kong. While she gave her husband credit for being a genius in his own way, she noted that he did not participate much in family life, essentially living in his workshop—a fact supported by his daughter and grandson.

>>Join the conversation about this Dual Knucklehead right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

Adopted Taunt

DiNinno also recounted how the bike got its name. Predko was riding by a group of teenagers and one yelled out, “Hey look it's King Kong's motorcycle!” Despite its release in 1933, the movie of the same name had a lasting cultural impact—as it does today. It may have been a taunt, but Predko liked it so much he adopted the title.

>>Join the conversation about this Dual Knucklehead right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

Riding Gear

Predko's customizing did not end with motorcycles. Alongside the King Kong display at the Harley-Davidson Museum is a collection of his decorative riding leathers and his over-the-top accessories. Made from a baseball helmet, this piece of riding gear featured two 'bullet' brake lights that actually function when the helmet was plugged into his bike.

>>Join the conversation about this Dual Knucklehead right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

Factory Legacy

Predko was a creative eccentric and a gifted mechanic—contrary to his Service School report card. Among the myriad of details on King Kong was an electric starter, a mechanism he designed himself, twenty years before it was offered on factory machines. Born on February 17, 1916, Predko passed away on April 27, 2004. His legacy lives on in the Harley-Davidson archives.

>>Join the conversation about this Dual Knucklehead right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.