Description
Harley-Davidson Knucklehead | 1948
Highlights:
– 1,524 cc V-twin engine, Knucklehead style
– 2,600 km indicated on odometer
– Custom-built bobber known as “The Liberator”
– Five-speed hand-shift set-up with kickstart
– German TÜV inspection passed in September 2025
The private seller offers for sale this 1948 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead, powered by a 1,524 cc V-twin engine. Known as “The Liberator”, this first registered 1948 machine is a uniquely characterful bobber built around a simple, raw and purposeful philosophy: no indicators, no ABS, no plastic and no unnecessary gadgets, just pure motorcycle. It is finished in a matt grey with hand-applied pinstriping on the custom-made tank, the name lettered proudly on its flanks, and set off by gold-finished details such as the air cleaner cover, fuel cap and tank-mounted gauge. The seller indicates that the tank, fenders and handlebar are custom-made items, complemented by a tall sissy bar, wrapped exhaust headers and fat-tyred wire wheels that give it a muscular, unmistakable stance. True to the old-school spirit, it is ridden with a five-speed hand shift, the so-called suicide shift, operated by a sculpted gold hand-shaped lever, and it is started by kickstart. The free-flowing exhaust lets the big V-twin breathe without restriction, giving a deep and thunderous soundtrack. The odometer shows 2,600 km. According to the seller, the motorcycle has been used very sparingly over the past five years, has been kept indoors, has never been ridden in the rain and has covered only around 300 km since its German TÜV inspection in September 2025. A custom-made fender seat cushion is included in the sale.
The Knucklehead holds a legendary place in American motorcycling history. Introduced by Harley-Davidson in 1936 with the EL model, it was the company’s first overhead-valve big twin and earned its nickname from the distinctive rocker boxes on top of the cylinder heads, which resemble the knuckles of a clenched fist. Its recirculating oil system, bold styling and strong performance set the template for every Harley-Davidson big twin that followed, and after the Second World War the Knucklehead became the motorcycle of choice for returning servicemen who stripped their machines down into the first bobbers and choppers. That stripped-back, hand-shifted, kick-started culture is exactly what “The Liberator” celebrates, combining the evocative look of the Knucklehead with the larger displacement of 1,524 cc. Knucklehead-era Harley-Davidsons are among the most coveted motorcycles in the world, and a characterful, individually built example like this one offers a rare chance to own a rolling piece of American motorcycle culture with real presence on the road.
Condition of the bodywork & paint
4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical condition
4 — Very Good. Mechanically solid, with potential for minor servicing.
Overall condition
4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
