Harley-Davidson’s Knucklehead is one of the rarest, most expensive and most revered vintage powerplants still being used by builders today. Because of the simplicity, style, and heritage of the bike, it’s still the first choice for many customizers that can afford one. And, of course, Born-Free doesn’t just have tons of them chopped up and out on display, no, it gave away an epic barn find as well.

Knuckleheads were made from 1936–1947, straight through the middle of WWII, which meant that supplies needed to build motorcycles were also needed for the war effort. Throughout these years, there were countless small changes and many single-year-only parts, which makes them not only hard to find but hard to know and understand as well. For example, the bikes were made with several different configurations based on what part of 1936 it was manufactured. I’m no Knucklestorian, but I can appreciate the story of these bikes, their beautiful design, and what each of their riders has done to make their bike their own.

Check the links for more galleries from the 10th Annual Born-Free show and be sure to follow along with us on Instagram for a steady stream of more awesome content!

1936 Harley-Davidson EL

Morgan Gales

A Knucklehead with a pink tank and green frame?? Love it. Far-out rules.

Morgan Gales

A winning Knucklehead from the Race of Gentlemen

Morgan Gales

Another clean looking rider

Morgan Gales

Awesome scroll work on this sprung Knucklehead

Morgan Gales

Chris Huber’s Knucklehead from the cover of Street Chopper

Morgan Gales

Clean and classy, this chop is more mild (but probably more rideable) than many of the other Knucklehead chops

Morgan Gales

Dennis Babin did some incredible paint and molding on this survivor

Morgan Gales

Kiyo’s single-cylin Knuck gets me every time

Morgan Gales

Merging a few different styles—it all looks good to me!

Morgan Gales

Tall and skinny Knucklehead in the Invited Builder paddock

Morgan Gales