Restored Knucklehead Readied for 'Endless Highways'

Time Journey

Thunderbike are well known for their award-winning contemporary customs, but every once in awhile, they take a step back in time. Making that journey in more ways than one is this 1942 FL, a personal project belonging to Andreas Bergerforth—the founder and head of operations at Thunderbike Harley-Davidson in Hamminkeln, Germany.

Custom Brand

In business for over three decades, Thunderbike's story is one of dedication to all things motorcycle, but especially to Harley-Davidson. The current operation began as a Suzuki dealership in 1985, called Motorradschuppen, or 'bike shed.' In 2000, the business focus turned towards the Milwaukee brand and custom frame building. Growth was quick, and Thunderbike soon became an official Motor Company representative.

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Rolling Attitude

Bergerforth is passionate about his Knucklehead. While some of the meaning gets lost in translation, the metaphysical sentiment is strong. He writes, “A Harley is not just a motorcycle—it’s a way of life.” Stating his preference, “to travel the endless highways with this attitude towards life.” Bergerforth got the project rolling by stripping the FL down to its frame.

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High Performance

There is no indication if Bergerforth's Knucklehead is a military or civilian model. One thing that is certain is the engine displacement. In 1941, Harley-Davidson offered the FL variant of their first OHV engine. At 74 cubic-inch, the high-performance motor produced 48 horsepower, with a top speed of 105 mph. Due to wartime production, less than one thousand of the civilian variants were built.

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Top Model

The Knucklehead, as it was later called, had an auspicious beginning. Initially plagued by oil leaks, the overhead valve motor was the third Harley-Davidson V-Twin engine, replacing the Flathead VL model in 1936. As the Motor Company's top-of-the-line model, it featured a fully recirculating dry-sump oil system, a four-speed transmission, chain primary, and a foot-operated dry clutch and hand shifter.

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Industrial Art

Despite its shaky start, many consider the Knucklehead as one of the more aesthetically pleasing Harley-Davidsons ever built. In 1941, the FL got an Art Deco facelift from Raymond Loewy, the French-born, American industrial designer. The Knucklehead was also the first model to sport the characteristic oval Fat Bob twin tanks, and the beautifully designed, centrally-mounted 'cat's eye' speedometer.

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Project Goal

The 1942 FL project is a literal change of pace for Bergerforth. A successful racer, he spent the majority of his younger years on the drag strips of Europe, racing the bikes he and his crew had built. Although surrounded by a team of talented builders, part of his goal was to complete the majority of the work himself.

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Sedate Side

Even though Bergerforth might have switched his pace, the Knucklehead was not a slow bike by any means. Harley-Davidson factory racer Joe Petrali set a world speed record of 136.183 mph on a partly-faired EL at Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1937. A little more on the sedate side, Bergerforth's FL is now ready to rack up the miles on its own 'endless highways.'

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