Topic: 47 knucklehead (Read 9866 times)

sadunbar · « **on:** April 07, 2008, 04:09:43 PM »

So, a good riding buddy emailed me today saying he was going to try and buy a one owner 47 knucklehead that has been stored in a barn for 50 years. He says to me:

"Any idea what it is worth? All the parts appear to be there. Metal is all there - no dents, no holes. Speedo says 13K. Tires are flat and cracked badly but appear to be original. The wife of the original owner just passed away and her daughter wants to sell it. Gonna try and buy it this evening."

So - that is everything I know about it... I know nothing of the value of old bikes... What's it worth? What should he look for?

Hobo · « **Reply #1 on:** April 07, 2008, 05:17:07 PM »

Boy, I can't wait to see how this turns out! GOOD LUCK WITH IT!

Hobo

icybay · « **Reply #2 on:** April 07, 2008, 05:23:38 PM »

I have all the original parts for a 47 knucklehead too. If you friend gets it have him call me and tell me where they all go.....

icybay · « **Reply #3 on:** April 07, 2008, 05:24:17 PM »

I think I know where these go

icybay · « **Reply #4 on:** April 07, 2008, 05:24:55 PM »

but how about these?

icybay · « **Reply #5 on:** April 07, 2008, 05:27:22 PM »

and these?

sadunbar · « **Reply #6 on:** April 07, 2008, 06:47:20 PM »

Quote from: icybay on April 07, 2008, 05:27:22 PM

and these?

Do you have a picture of the tank? thanks...Scott

icybay · « **Reply #7 on:** April 08, 2008, 01:05:23 AM »

Not a very good one Scott

icybay · « **Reply #8 on:** April 08, 2008, 01:31:05 AM »

annother

sadunbar · « **Reply #9 on:** April 08, 2008, 08:02:43 AM »

Is that the only tank emblem that came on 47's?

The bike my friend is looking at has a different tank emblem.

I am not sure the daughter that is selling this bike is clear as to what year it is. She says the paperwork is a safety deposit box. I saw pictures of the bike last night. It is a knucklehead for sure. It looks like all the parts are there, but I have no idea if they are original or not. I thought the '47's had tank emblems like yours, but the emblem on this bike is round...

rednectum · « **Reply #10 on:** April 08, 2008, 08:32:14 AM »

icybaby-------------------------i guess you missed the class on tag and bag.

miker · « **Reply #11 on:** April 08, 2008, 10:27:25 AM »

Quote from: sadunbar on April 07, 2008, 04:09:43 PM

So, a good riding buddy emailed me today saying he was going to try and buy a one owner 47 knucklehead that has been stored in a barn for 50 years. He says to me:

"Any idea what it is worth? All the parts appear to be there. Metal is all there - no dents, no holes. Speedo says 13K. Tires are flat and cracked badly but appear to be original. The wife of the original owner just passed away and her daughter wants to sell it. Gonna try and buy it this evening."

So - that is everything I know about it... I know nothing of the value of old bikes... What's it worth? What should he look for?

Original paint is the biggie for attaching value...I have seen OP bikes at 40k or better...
A nice rider that looks good with matching case numbers on the motor 20-25k + sometimes.
If the cases don't match and the paint is rehashed but it looks good and rides well, 15-20k.
Parts are readily available for that model too.

Post some pic when you can...Let me know if he doesn't want it...I have not had a knuck in 25 years or so..

murphy · « **Reply #12 on:** April 08, 2008, 10:55:25 AM »

I googled 1947 harley davidson knuclehead images and there are a number of different tank emblems that come up.

miker · « **Reply #13 on:** April 08, 2008, 11:02:00 AM »

I do not have any reference materials in front of me for tank badge ID......the VIN will tell what year it is, it is located on the crank case belly, then you can tell if it has original parts and paint...If is re-pieced together, the value is considerably less but still a great bike!

miker · « **Reply #14 on:** April 08, 2008, 11:33:42 AM »

In 47 you had E(standard comp), EL (high compression) and ES for sidecar. Tank badging may have been different for different models too...

icybay · « **Reply #15 on:** April 08, 2008, 11:42:32 AM »

Don't forget the 74" F FL and FS also

miker · « **Reply #16 on:** April 08, 2008, 11:54:17 AM »

Try here:

http://www.antiquemotorcycle.org/bboard/index.php?s=5aa665895ff0d679692c74b3688fc57e

Miker
AMCA 9919

FLYNDYNA · « **Reply #17 on:** April 08, 2008, 12:15:21 PM »

Would love to see pic's of it, and know what the outcome is. Keep us posted!

Flyndyna

sadunbar · « **Reply #18 on:** April 08, 2008, 12:18:58 PM »

Quote from: FLYNDYNA on April 08, 2008, 12:15:21 PM

Would love to see pic's of it, and know what the outcome is. Keep us posted!

Flyndyna

I have not seen it myself - it is a riding buddy - I saw a few pictures last night. Sounds like the daughter is looking for in the range of 15K...but neither her or my buddy are sure as to exactly what it is.....

I will update the thread as I learn more... I will try and get digital pics...

miker · « **Reply #19 on:** April 08, 2008, 12:38:20 PM »

Remember, the belly case numbers don't match, it is another reconstruct...even though it is wikit old...
Hope for the best...Matching number, original paint...15K, good deal! Just talk him into a "Rusto-ration". resto's are too hard and expensive. Believe me.

miker · « **Reply #20 on:** April 08, 2008, 02:05:14 PM »

This one in FL, the big motor...repainted but drawing a big number...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1947-FL-Harley-Davidson-Knucklehead-The-Last-of-Knucks_W0QQitemZ160225284670QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item160225284670

porthole · « **Reply #21 on:** April 08, 2008, 05:04:10 PM »

Quote from: sadunbar on April 07, 2008, 04:09:43 PM

What's it worth? What should he look for?

It is not worth very much, have him offer $37.29 and I'll give him an even $50 for it.

sadunbar · « **Reply #22 on:** April 08, 2008, 06:26:54 PM »

Quote from: porthole on April 08, 2008, 05:04:10 PM

It is not worth very much, have him offer $37.29 and I'll give him an even $50 for it.

There's a deal....

sadunbar · « **Reply #23 on:** April 08, 2008, 06:47:51 PM »

The latest from my friend...

" It is a matching numbers bike. I hope to do one better than just send you pictures, I will let you take your own. As far as I can tell it is missing the horn, fender trim, front fender marker light, a rear cross bar that wraps around the front of the rear fender, and possibly a fancy rear bumper if it had one, it may have the wrong handle bars and the bags are incorrect for the year but the saddle bag mounting hardware seams to be intact. And it has a 1946 gas tank and it was painted a 2tone which is not correct for the year. Oh the exhaust has been changed. All the missing items I was told can be found the bags would be the toughest to find. As soon as I know its mine I will let you know. talk later..Ken"

spydglide · « **Reply #24 on:** April 08, 2008, 11:05:42 PM »

I am 'lovin' this thread....

.....since I rode a '47 FL Knuckle for 19 years of my life straight.

har! spyder

murphy · « **Reply #25 on:** April 09, 2008, 03:45:34 AM »

Quote from: spydglide on April 08, 2008, 11:05:42 PM

I am 'lovin' this thread.... .....since I rode a '47 FL Knuckle for 19 years of my life straight. har! spyder

I've never ridden a "knucklehead" before, but I did date a few before I was married... hang on a second, I guess I have ridden a couple of knuckleheads after all!

Twolanerider · « **Reply #26 on:** April 09, 2008, 04:04:09 AM »

Quote from: spydglide on April 08, 2008, 11:05:42 PM

I am 'lovin' this thread.... .....since I rode a '47 FL Knuckle for 19 years of my life straight. har! spyder

I'd at least have to stop to pee every so often....

FLYNDYNA · « **Reply #27 on:** April 09, 2008, 07:24:01 AM »

I've known a few terrible knuckleheads myself...
joking aside, I am stoked for your friend and hope he can get a good deal on it...best of luck!

Flyndyna

spydglide · « **Reply #28 on:** April 09, 2008, 08:51:08 AM »

Quote from: Twolanerider on April 09, 2008, 04:04:09 AM

I'd at least have to stop to pee every so often....

quite often...

...on a hardtail. har! spyder

Twolanerider · « **Reply #29 on:** April 09, 2008, 11:01:08 AM »

Quote from: spydglide on April 09, 2008, 08:51:08 AM

quite often... ...on a hardtail. har! spyder

oooooh, yeah. Only question after a long day on a hard tail is how much blood is in it.

spydglide · « **Reply #30 on:** April 09, 2008, 03:25:38 PM »

Quote from: Twolanerider on April 09, 2008, 11:01:08 AM

oooooh, yeah. Only question after a long day on a hard tail is how much blood is in it.

Those ole tar strips on the concrete slabs (ie: US301 to Daytona) would always cause at least a 'trace' if not more.

Those days are over now that I've got the CVO w/ Legend Air Suspension and the electric kickstart.

har! spyder

sadunbar · « **Reply #31 on:** April 10, 2008, 08:51:52 AM »

Well, he bought it for 15K...

Unfortunately, he is going out of town on business today for a couple of weeks, so he can't bring it home until the 28th or so...

I'll post pictures when I can...

miker · « **Reply #32 on:** April 10, 2008, 09:30:47 AM »

Quote from: sadunbar on April 10, 2008, 08:51:52 AM

Well, he bought it for 15K...

:orange:Unfortunately, he is going out of town on business today for a couple of weeks, so he can't bring it home until the 28th or so...

I'll post pictures when I can...

Great, that is a pretty fair price, was it Fl or El?
I love to hear of old bikes getting a new lease...Ride em don't hide em!

FLYNDYNA · « **Reply #33 on:** April 10, 2008, 12:10:28 PM »

Congratulations to your friend, I think that is a good price. He'll have alot of fun restoring it and have one awesome bike when finished. Miker...nice pic o' the red knuck...

Flyndyna

sadunbar · « **Reply #34 on:** April 10, 2008, 01:38:54 PM »

Quote from: miker on April 10, 2008, 09:30:47 AM

Great, that is a pretty fair price, was it Fl or El?I love to hear of old bikes getting a new lease...Ride em don't hide em!

I don't know any details...I'll pass on information as I find out! He is pretty excited! I am too, and it's not even mine...

miker · « **Reply #35 on:** April 10, 2008, 02:01:40 PM »

Quote from: sadunbar on April 10, 2008, 01:38:54 PM

I don't know any details...I'll pass on information as I find out! He is pretty excited! I am too, and it's not even mine...

I am too!!! It is great when one comes out of hiding!

Talon · « **Reply #36 on:** April 10, 2008, 04:15:48 PM »

Hey Miker, here's one for you.

sadunbar · « **Reply #37 on:** May 26, 2008, 07:58:33 PM »

Quote from: sadunbar on April 10, 2008, 01:38:54 PM

I don't know any details...I'll pass on information as I find out! He is pretty excited! I am too, and it's not even mine...

Here are a few pictures...

sadunbar · « **Reply #38 on:** May 26, 2008, 07:59:18 PM »

Quote from: sadunbar on May 26, 2008, 07:58:33 PM

Here are a few pictures...

.

sadunbar · « **Reply #39 on:** May 26, 2008, 07:59:55 PM »

Quote from: sadunbar on May 26, 2008, 07:59:18 PM

.

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sadunbar · « **Reply #40 on:** May 26, 2008, 08:00:41 PM »

Quote from: sadunbar on May 26, 2008, 07:59:55 PM

.

.

sadunbar · « **Reply #41 on:** May 26, 2008, 08:01:21 PM »

Quote from: sadunbar on May 26, 2008, 08:00:41 PM

.

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murphy · « **Reply #42 on:** May 26, 2008, 10:41:05 PM »

Awesome!

miker · « **Reply #43 on:** May 27, 2008, 07:44:46 AM »

Great bike! Enjoy. Handshifting rules!

Capo · « **Reply #44 on:** May 27, 2008, 08:50:07 AM »

Very Sweet Scoot! What an awesome project looks like everything is there too. Waiting for the after picstures!

Thanks for sharing.

Ride Safe!

miker · « **Reply #45 on:** May 27, 2008, 09:02:45 AM »

He is gonna want to put that pogo back in...To keep from pissin blood

sadunbar · « **Reply #46 on:** May 27, 2008, 10:18:34 AM »

Quote from: miker on May 27, 2008, 09:02:45 AM

He is gonna want to put that pogo back in...To keep from pissin blood

He is looking for an orginal seat, orginal tanks (these are not 47 tanks - I think he said they are 46 or 48 tanks) and various fender trim pieces. He says the transmission is out of a 41, but the motor is orginal to the bike. The handlebars are not orginal stock either. He has located someone who is somewhat of an expert on old HD's who has told him the 41 tranny is quite rare, and if he finds the right buyer, he should be able to buy a 47 tranny with lots left over - as the 41 is rare and valuable. Apparently sometime this summer, there is a swap meet/auction in the Davenport Iowa area where he should be able to find about everything he needs.

miker · « **Reply #47 on:** May 27, 2008, 10:26:07 AM »

Labor day weekend...It is known as the "Big One" hundreds of acres of swap meet! I wish him good luck, he should be able to swap out for what he needs....

To "restore" according to amca means to showroom condition!

Panhead_Jimmy · « **Reply #48 on:** May 27, 2008, 03:10:16 PM »

"How To Restore Your Harley-Davidson" by Bruce Palmer III

This is a must have book for anyone who intends to restore a Harley from 1937-1947 Knucklehead, 1948-1964 Panhead, 1937-1948 Big Twin Side-Valve, 1937-1952 45 Solo, 1937-1963 Servi-Car. This is the complete guide to correctly restore your Harley-Davidson motorcycle to factory-original specs. Five years in preparation, How To Restore Your Harley-Davidson is the biggest and best book ever written on restoring Harley-Davidson motorcycles, an encyclopedia telling you what parts are correct and what's not including correct finishes (cad, parkerizing, chrome) and factory paint options.

With well over 600,000 words of detailed text, charts, and tables, this book will become the reference work on Harley-Davidson restoration.

Author Bruce Palmer III is a noted Harley-Davidson restorer who has been building and restoring motorcycles for 24 years.

My 1945 Knuckle (45E1254) is pictured as an example of a 1945 model. Have fun.

Panhead Jimmy

sadunbar · « **Reply #49 on:** May 27, 2008, 03:46:55 PM »

Quote from: Panhead_Jimmy on May 27, 2008, 03:10:16 PM

"How To Restore Your Harley-Davidson" by Bruce Palmer III

This is a must have book for anyone who intends to restore a Harley from 1937-1947 Knucklehead, 1948-1964 Panhead, 1937-1948 Big Twin Side-Valve, 1937-1952 45 Solo, 1937-1963 Servi-Car. This is the complete guide to correctly restore your Harley-Davidson motorcycle to factory-original specs. Five years in preparation, How To Restore Your Harley-Davidson is the biggest and best book ever written on restoring Harley-Davidson motorcycles, an encyclopedia telling you what parts are correct and what's not including correct finishes (cad, parkerizing, chrome) and factory paint options.

With well over 600,000 words of detailed text, charts, and tables, this book will become the reference work on Harley-Davidson restoration.

Author Bruce Palmer III is a noted Harley-Davidson restorer who has been building and restoring motorcycles for 24 years.

My 1945 Knuckle (45E1254) is pictured as an example of a 1945 model. Have fun.

Panhead Jimmy

Thanks...my buddy who bought the bike has a birthday in a couple of weeks and I was going to try and find a restoration book for him. This sounds perfect!

icybay · « **Reply #50 on:** June 25, 2008, 08:52:34 AM »

I might be a little biased, but it is hard to find a prettier bike than a knucklehead

miker · « **Reply #51 on:** June 25, 2008, 08:55:17 AM »

Knucks are very nice, I would lke one too...Even though the a fancey modern bikes...The art deco era had some nice ones too...My 35, a great rider

icybay · « **Reply #52 on:** June 25, 2008, 09:17:46 AM »

Beautiful ride Miker, I missed you at Eustis this year, maybe next time. Heres one of my favorite sunny day rides as long as this thread is hijacked.

miker · « **Reply #53 on:** June 25, 2008, 09:28:36 AM »

Wow! Lucky dawg! I'd like one of those too!

Talon · « **Reply #54 on:** June 25, 2008, 09:52:34 AM »

If you like nice older HD's, check out these pictures.

http://groups.msn.com/ToddsHarleyPix/classicharleys.msnw

Author Topic: 47 knucklehead (Read 9866 times)