Sold - 1945 Harley Davidson EL Knucklehead - Sold

$42,500.00
/

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1945 Harley Davidson EL Knucklehead 


Year:  1945
Make:  Harley Davidson
Model:  EL " Knucklehead"
Color:  Red and Silver
Engine Size:  100cc - 61"cu
Cylinders:  2
Transmission:  4 Speed
Mileage:  1000
VIN Number:  45EL1468
Frame Number:  No Frame numbers in 1945
Belly Numbers:  Matching 42-2557
Frame Number:  No Frame number in 1936
Motorcycle Currently Registered:  Yes
Ownership:  Clear Title in Owners Name

This 1945 Harley Davidson EL has been resting in storage for about 20 years. Running when parked, it just took clean fuel and a fresh battery to fire right up, video available. The bike was then cleaned in preparation for the sale; she is a beauty! Bike was restored and rebuilt by Famous racer/mechanic/dealer Roy Burke. Burke built beautiful, hearty runners and was not concerned about AMCA judging. This bike has great paint and runs as good as it looks. The bike completed the Borrego Springs road run back in the early 90’s and was put away. It has less than 1000 miles on the mechanical rebuild and the restoration.  

This bike is once again ready for show and go! Brought out of storage, serviced and cleaned June 1, 25 

Sheet Metal:
Original Tanks, Good Quality Reproduction Front and Rear Fenders.  Sheet metal is well fit, free of dings and dents.

Paint Condition:
Paint scheme is modeled after the 1939 Harley Davidson Paint Scheme, it really looks great with this color combination.  Paint is  in excellent shape with few blemishes noted. The bike cleaned right up from storage and takes a great shine. There is a scratch on the bottom of the chain guard from the chain, see the pictures. Blemish noted in the decal left tank.  

Chrome / Nickle / Misc. Plating Condition:
All Chrome, Nickel, and Packetized plating's are in perfect condition for the age, shines u well

Wheels and Rims:
Front Wheel Size and Make:  16" Drop Center Rim
Rear Wheel Size and Make;  16" Drop Center Rim
Front Tire Size and Make:  5.00x16 Avon
Rear Tire Size and Make:  5.00x16 Avon

Wheel and Tire Condition:
Wheels and Spokes are in great condition, appears to have new spokes. Rolls very well, Tires are brand new with no mileage on them but are starting to dry crack, they will be good for short trips but if you really plan to ride this, would advise to replace the tires.

Mechanical Condition
This bike was built by Roy Burke, a famous builder/rider. Bike was built back in the middle 90’s. to be a beautiful rider and that it is. The bike completed the Borrego Springs Road run and was noted to be a strong runner, typical of Roy Burke. It is believed to have less than 1000 miles on the build. Tanks are clean and dry, carb is clean and a new battery installed. Fresh oil in place and the bike is an easy start and smooth runner.  

Additional Descriptions of Motorcycle:


Valuation:
This 1945 Harley EL is in good condition  

Hagerty Value Guides: 

1 Concours      $130,000
#2 Excellent      $77,800
#3 Good             $51,000
#4 Fair               $30,100


Model description

The 1945 Harley-Davidson Model EL is a rare and historically significant motorcycle, produced at the tail end of World War II. This model belongs to the Knucklehead family—named for the distinct shape of its rocker boxes—and represents one of the last civilian motorcycles built before Harley shifted its focus back to peacetime production.

🏍️ Historical Context

  • Production year: 1945

  • Model family: EL Knucklehead

  • Harley’s focus during the war: From 1942 to early 1945, Harley-Davidson primarily produced military motorcycles like the WLA.

  • Civilian production in 1945: Very limited due to wartime restrictions; only a small number of ELs were made post-V-E Day as civilian production slowly resumed.

Because of its scarcity, a 1945 EL is highly collectible, especially if it's in original or accurately restored condition.

⚙️ Technical Specifications

Specification Detail
Engine 61 cu in (1000cc) air-cooled, 45° V-twin OHV Knucklehead
Bore x Stroke 3.31 in × 3.50 in (84 mm × 89 mm)
Compression Ratio Approximately 6.5:1
Carburetor Linkert M-61
Ignition Battery and coil
Horsepower ~40 hp @ 4800 rpm
Top Speed ~95 mph (153 km/h)
Transmission 4-speed, hand-shift (tank-mounted), foot clutch
Frame Tubular steel frame with rigid rear
Front Suspension Springer front fork
Rear Suspension Rigid (no rear suspension)
Brakes Drum front and rear
Fuel Capacity ~3.5 gallons (13.2 liters)
Wheelbase ~58 inches (147 cm)
Weight ~565 lbs (256 kg)

🛠️ Notable Features

  • Knucklehead engine: Introduced in 1936, it was Harley's first production overhead-valve (OHV) V-twin.

  • Rigid frame: No rear suspension, consistent with the era.

  • Springer front end: Pre-hydraulic fork design offering limited suspension travel.

  • Classic styling: Teardrop tanks, solo saddle, and tank-mounted gauges.

📈 Collectibility

Because of the short post-war production window and the transitionary period it represents, the 1945 EL is among the rarest of the Knuckleheads. Well-preserved examples are highly sought after by collectors, often fetching high prices at auctions.