9 Favorite Flathead Custom Models
Harley was slow to switch from IOE to the flathead configuration in 1930, but once they did they stuck with it. The classic finned heads were available on the big twin until 49, on the smaller 45ci bikes until 1956, and on Servi-cars until 1973 and makes a great start to a sweet retro custom.
1. 50's "Hot Rod" Springer Bobber
This garage built custom was mostly built by the owner from various parts collected from all over, to the point that he can't even pinpoint the model year (the W series Flathead ran from 1937-52, and the motor was in the servi-car until 1973). Natural metal Finish, checkerboard design, hand shifter, St. Christopher Medallion, metal flake seat, white walls; this bike has all the elements of a 1950s hot rod. Want to see more of the bike (and Katie) and get more details? Check out the Bikers Garage.
2. 1948 Vintage Correct Custom
This 1948 Harley-Davidson UL was restored and given a mild custom treatment with all NOS accessories. The Paint has a mirror-like black finish, retro scallops on the tank and hand-laid pinstripes, for simple and classic retro styling. The bike was for sale at RK Motors and has since been sold, but more details and tons of pictures are still on their site.
3. 1930 VC
The Harley-Davidson flathead started in 1930 with the Model V bikes, like the one above. This rare treasure is one of only 1174 made in the lower specification VC model. The dual headlights, Klaxon 11 horn, and cylindrical tool box on the fork make these bikes stand out from later models. More pictures and details are available at Flathead Bobbers.
4. 1952 KH Tracker
This Flathead KH Sportster predecessor has been stripped down to the bone for dirt track racing. These bikes ruled the county fair oval all through the 50s and 60s until the OHV iron head Sportster caught on. Choppers may be flashy, but this bike is all about a minimum weight and maximum speed. You can see more pictures and maybe even buy it from Garage Company.
5. 1954 KH Chicara Art One
Chicara Nagata is not just a custom bike maker, he is a fine artist and his bikes reflect that. This is the first bike he ever made, dubbed Chicara Art One, which took over 7500 hours to become reality. Over 500 pieces of brass, aluminum, steel, copper, and nickel, were combined to create what you see here, with a 1936 Harley Flathead as the heart. You can see more of this bike, and his other creations at his website.
6. 1940 UA Bobber
This hot bobber has nothing you don't need and is even missing some of the stuff folks today think they do, like front brakes and rear suspension. What you do get is a stripped down, hardcore, Flathead-powered bobber, in the style ridden by guys trying to be fast before the war. You can check out more pictures at the builder's Tamiami Tyrants Custom Cycles.
7. 1960 KRTT Road Racer
This isn't a custom, but instead, a purpose built, factory road racer, based on the KR flat track bike of the 1960s. With full body work and Daytona gearing, these bikes had the power to top out at over 140mph. The AMA, ever the friend to Harley-Davidson, allowed their Flathead motored bikes to run an extra 250cc, compared to the British overhead valve designs of the time, which kept them competitive. This bike was auctioned off by Bonhams, and they have more details here.
8. 1970 Custom Servi-Car
The Servi-car was sold damn near forever, always powered by a 45 cubic inch flathead motor, and did delivery and patrol duty in thousands of cities. Today they make great platforms for custom bikes that are a little different. This one shows lots of retro 1950s style, with custom paint and pinstripes, and that huge Harley logo. You can see more pictures at the Barret-Jackson site.
9. Elvis's 1956 KH
Among Elvis's many Harley's is this KH, which he mildly customized out of the parts and accessories catalog. Sure, this bike is not much different than stock, but having been owned by Elvis makes instantly super cool. Of course, it's at the Harley-Davidson museum in Milwaukee now.
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