The owner of this bike is a committed collector, builder, fabricator, rider and lover of old motorcycles. His quiver includes show-stopping Triumphs, Flatheads and more recently, this Knucklehead. With help from very qualified friends like Frank Kaisler and Wes White, Jeff has some serious talent to lean on. Jeff has been riding this machine for a while and since these photos were taken, it's been completely torn down for paint by The Harpoon. We thought it'd be cool to document it in its rougher, "dry build" form.

Owner: Jeff Leighton

Location: SVF California

Engine year, make and model; modifications: 1938 Harley Davidson EL . It has 74" internals, flywheels, barrels and heads. Everything is original Harley parts

Transmission: An early '40s Harley 4-speed with a rachet lid

Frame: 1956 Harley straight leg panhead frame. Stock rake. The normal parts have been chopped off

Fork: Mid 1930's Harley VL front end that has been extended 4 inches and a 1-inch stem installed

Chassis mods: NOS Wassel sheet metal was used. The classic peanut tank with the small side cap and a ribbed fender

Tire/wheel size and style: Star hubs front and rear with a WM0 21" front rim and an 18" old style Harley rim wrapped in Avon rubber

Favorite thing about this bike: My favorite thing about this bike is the stance that comes from the extended front end with the uncut frame. It gives it just alittle bit extra height in the front

Next modification will be: The bike will be taken completely apart for the show bike treatment. Everything will be chromed and the frame and sheet metal will get some paint by Harpoon

Other mods, accessories, cool parts, etc: The foot peg mount,  brake and clutch pedals, risers, exhaust pipes, and sissy bar where all hand made by me. The handlebars are a set of Flanders number 1's that I narrowed. The seat and P-pad were done by Tom Fugle from Sioux City, IA

Thanks to: I want to thank Wes White, one of my best friends; he always lets me use his shop and always has a ton of moral support for me. But this bike as well as my other bikes wouldnt be on the road if it weren't for the constant help, wealth of knowledge and just great friendship of Frank Kaisler (above, left.) He is truly a great person and someone I am thankful to call a friend

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