Flathead Racer Rolls on Rare Vintage Parts
'Bits and pieces' build is about combining motorcycling history.
Personal Case
Old Harley-Davidsons have backstories, but many of these narratives are lost to time, given the longevity of the company. For some, it is about creating new chapters by carefully combining vintage parts. That scenario is the case for Uwe Ehinger and his 1930s era, dirt track-inspired ULH Flathead—a 'bits and pieces' personal project.
Photos courtesy of Bernd Westphal.
History Fragment
Proprietor of Ehinger Kraftrad in Hamburg, Germany, Ehinger describes himself as a ‘motorcycle archaeologist.' Launched in 2008 with designer Katrin Oeding, the shop's primary focus is on customizing vintage Harley-Davidsons. Paramount to their direction is precision, quality and a minimalist aesthetic. A retailer of rare bike parts, Ehinger stresses that each part “comes with a fragment of motorcycling history.”
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Version Detail
Featured in a video by clothing manufacturer Dickies, Ehinger describes the Flathead as one of his best builds. At the core of the disparate machine is a 1937 ULH Big Twin—the high-compression version of the regular side-valve Flathead. Reflective of Ehinger's attention to detail, the cylinders are actually from an earlier 1935 VLH—the last year for Harley-Davidson's iconic VL series.
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Combination Engine
Relying on his decades of accumulated knowledge, Ehinger's goal was to build the best possible motor. He explained the multi-year engine combination, “The VLH cylinders were only built for one year. Their casting is better than the ULH cylinders, but the lower part of the UL engine is better than the VL engine due to its oil supply and pump.”
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Boost Can
There is a modern, yet highly functional part on the otherwise classic ULH. Usually found on small Japanese cars, an Aisin AMR 300 Roots supercharger has been fitted behind the rear cylinder. About the size of three beer cans, the rebuilt pulley-driven unit offers a small amount of engine boost without causing any maintenance or reliability issues.
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Power Swap
Stepping back in time, the frame is from a 1932 VL that was found in a barn while on a trip to South America during the 1980s. Given the simplicity and compatibility of the older running gear, Ehinger explained that it takes less than an hour to swap in a Knucklehead motor if he wants even more power.
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Brake Disguise
Once fitted to a JD, the front end left Harley-Davidson's Milwaukee factory in 1927. The early springer fork was restored and modified to fit the VL frame. To make the bike more rideable, contemporary hand controls with a vintage appearance were added to the build. The back brake is stock to 1937, while the front is a cleverly-disguised Honda XR500R unit.
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Creation Test
The traditional-looking, streamlined gas tank is a hand-hammered custom design. It incorporates both the oil and gas on the respective sides. Ehinger's plan is to put his one-off vintage creation to the test. He stated, “I would love to get a road permit for it, or ride it in one of the beach races like at Rømø Motor Festival or The Race Of Gentlemen in New Jersey.”
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For help with the service and maintenance of your bike, check out the how-to section of HDForums.com
