World War 2 Era Harley-Davidson FL Hasn’t Been Started in 47 Years

By Richard Sachek - January 22, 2025

Will Wheels Through Time lose the shop if they can’t get this antique barn find running and riding?

It’s undeniable that “rescue” videos are all the rage nowadays. You know the type. A square body Chevy pickup that hasn’t run since Ronald Reagan was president is pulled out a wasp-infested tree row and gets driven 2,000 miles home with barely more than a new battery. A recent video from Wheels Through Time isn’t quite that dramatic, but it’s true that the subject — a classic FL model — hasn’t moved under its own power since 1977. Apparently, the prior owner of this 1941 Harley-Davidson knucklehead tore the rolling artwork to pieces during that year to repair a smoking issue. And so it remained until a few years ago.

This 1941 knucklehead was heavy with extras

Wheels Through Time’s Matt Walksler and his staff restored the “cruiser green” (don’t call it blue) FL in fits and starts over several years, not days like some internet personalities. Per Walksler, the FL is equipped with the “Deluxe Solo Group,” which loaded this scooter with options. Some of those extras include the stunning tan leather seat and saddlebags, which were faithfully reproduced during the restoration. As well, there’s chrome galore and even the colorful jewels above the saddlebags are factory original.

According to Walksler, “Every nut and bolt on this bike, almost, is what came on this motorcycle … from the factory.” That said, one flourish which didn’t come from the Motor Company is the “Super Deluxe” emblem on the front fender. That was a modification by a previous owner. Some heavy internet research actually shows this badge coming from a 1940s Ford automobile.

Another interesting wartime touch are the rocker boxes and oil pump, which are painted white. Typically painted silver, the necessary aluminum to create silver paint wasn’t available because of rationing for the war effort. Needless to say, an entire bike painted silver was also off the table during this period.

After adding oil and some fresh gas, our intrepid YouTuber fired the bike right up on the first attempt after 47 years of slumber. However, the celebration was short lived. Not only was the oil pump leaking profusely, but the motor’s bottom end clattered alarmingly. Fortunately, the former was due to an improper oil pump gasket. Likewise, the bottom end noise wasn’t anything catastrophic like connecting rod knock. Instead, it was a loose nut on the crankshaft sprocket inside the primary cover that someone forgot to torque during the long restoration.

Check out this bike if you’re near North Carolina

With the WWII-era cruiser now fully sorted, Matt kicked the knucklehead back to life and enjoyed a nice long shakedown ride. During the technical portion of the video, jokes were made about test-riding in the considerable snow visible outside the shop. But through the magic of editing, the successful test ride happens on a dry, if still cold, sunny day. If you’re anywhere near Maggie Valley, North Carolina, a visit to the Wheels Through Time Museum — where this bike is now displayed — is well worth your time. Matt’s father Dale Walksler started the museum back in 1993 and presently, more than 350 vintage bikes are on display.