New Old Stock: Norman Reedus’ Knucklehead

Powerplant Knucklehead

The saying, “Everything old is new again” applies here in a literal sense. Using all new parts, Yaniv Evan, owner of Powerplant Motorcycles in Los Angeles built actor Norman Reedus' stunning Knucklehead chopper from the ground up. With its classic lines, Reedus' chopper is a tasteful build that carefully considers the intersection of form and function. [Images: Bike EXIF and Powerplant] 

Shop of Choice

Reedus commissioned the Knucklehead build in early 2018. In the past decade, Powerplant Motorcycles has become the shop of choice for well-heeled enthusiasts. As a repeat client, Norman Reedus is well-known for his motorcycle-riding, hillbilly character on the popular post-apocalyptic television show The Walking Dead, and for his laid-back, talk-show-of-sorts, Ride With Norman Reedus. 

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Special Order Foundation

The Powerplant Knucklehead looks like a survivor of the late 1960s California chopper scene. However, looks can be deceiving. The Knucklehead chopper is actually a contemporary build using all new parts. Starting with the foundation, the frame is a special order Paughco rigid Big Twin unit that was modified in-house with a custom backbone. 

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S&S KN93

Propelling the chopper is an S&S 93 cubic-inch Knucklehead replica. The novel S&S KN93 engine is a modern version of Harley-Davidson's iconic but antique 1936-engineered 61 cubic-inch overhead valve engine. Power delivery is via a five-speed Indian transmission case with an electric start option.  

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Pony Up

Feeding fuel to the KN93's jugs is accomplished with an S&S Super E carburetor topped by a velocity stack. Keeping the combustion activity in correct sequential order is an S&S Super Stock electronic ignition system. In total, the KN93 hammers out a respectable sixty-one horsepower, coupled with eighty-three-foot pounds of seat jamming torque.  

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Exhausting Job

Dispensing the burnt gasses is done through a set of custom-made, shot-gun pipes. Internally-baffled, the pipes highlight the considered design with just enough offset and up sweep. Tagging the top pipe is a Powerplant exclusive P16 badge.  

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Springer Smooth

Keeping the Powerplant Knucklehead on the straight and narrow is a replica 1947 Springer front end. A set of polished aluminum trees keeps the front end cinched up and connected to the chopper, while a Bates-style headlight throws out just enough illumination for late-night runs. 

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Hang Around

Steering input is conducted through a set of 'apes' mounted on brass Powerplant risers. As Yaniv Evan revealed during an interview, “Norman really liked ape hanger-style bars, he tried several options...but always came back to the ape hangers.” The hand-engraved brass gas cap is just one of the many subtle styling features on Reedus' chopper. 

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Sneaky Logo

Holding just a few gallons of gas is a chopped, hand-painted Sportster tank with a slim accent line added along the top. The gas tank logo is a clever reworking of a 1936-1939 Harley-Davidson gas tank decal that at first glance looks authentic —apart from the Powerplant name. 

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Custom Touches

Rounding out the creature comforts is a classic Bates seat and pillion-pad. Emulating hill-climb racers of the 1930s, the 'p-pad' is more of a bump-stop than a comfortable passenger perch. To keep Reedus' feet planted, practical mid controls sport dirt-bike ‘bear trap’ pegs. A handmade aluminum oil tank and custom sissy bar serve to dial-in the rest of the chopper vibe on the Powerplant Knucklehead. 

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