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Introducing: The Leafspring-Forked Knucklehead

Introducing: The Leafspring-Forked Knucklehead

W&W CYCLES has always been about resurrecting and riding as fast as possible ancient Harley-Davidson machinery. A few of the dudes here have owned and ridden springer forks of all types. We even tried using ancient Indian springers on a 74 frame. Which proved to be less than satisfactory, as far as ride stability was concerned. The Harley and Indian frame geometries just don’t match up. So we decided to have our own forks exclusively built, combining interesting looks with state of the art geometry. The maker is situated in Italy; when they aren’t making our forks those guys are building replica frames for classic European bikes, which means they know what they’re doing.

The first prototype of the forks was tested under severe conditions. We had it on our rigid framed "Wrecking Crew" (which is a kind of W&W SpecOps) Shovelhead, and ran it in icy Finland, on a Canadian ice road and on Florida’s sandy beaches (big deal!).

The next step was to build a chopper using as many of the way cool products that live in our catalog and warehouse. Apart from the forks we used a 7Metal West fender and oil tank. The frame is OEM; this is the only way to get a legal vintage registration in Europe. Engine used is a S&S Knucklehead.

Most of the remainig parts come from small or medium sized fabricators in Europe, Japan, or the U.S. of A.: Baker N1 4-Speed K-Tech Handcontrols, Fork Air cleaner and exhaust guards, our own chain guard, race gas tanks, oil cooler/filter and experimental mid controls were used by our head wrencher, Paul.

Based on the experiences made with the two bikes, the production of the "Cannonball" springer was launched.

By now the forks have a German TÜV certificate, which makes us offer them with confidence and pride to riders who are looking for something different.

Parts used in the build:

Kustom Tech Deluxe Handlebar Controls
Kustom Tech Deluxe Handlebar Controls
The lever design of these beautiful Kustom Tech Deluxe brake and clutch controls derives from the 1930’s and perfectly combines retro looks with modern technology. Brackets and master cylinder reservoirs are made of forged aluminium, with your choice of brass or aluminum levers and cover plus a satin, black or polished finish. Kustom Tech Deluxe controls fit all 1" handlebars.
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Kustom Tech Throttle Housings
Kustom Tech Throttle Housings
This external throttle housing works with single cable and matches perfectly with the DELUXE handlebar controls. For retro-style handlebar projects.
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Cannonball Leaf Spring Forks
Cannonball Leaf Spring Forks
The retro custom bike builder scene sometimes likes to experiment with parts of different brands on the same bike project. For example Indian parts are installed on Harleys and vice versa, with often astonishing results. Among the most positive mergings was the combination of an Indian leaf-spring fork with an H-D Big Twin rigid frame. This type of fork was used by the Wigwam in the 1910 to 1945 period which proves that this was a very successful suspension principle with excellent driving chracteristics.
Of course, the stock item doesn't fit a Harley frame without major alterations, so W&W decided to produce its own version which allows such an installation without many difficulties. But, of course, not another quick and dirty copy with ugly welding seams and wrong rocker geometry. The Cannonball fork is a professionaly made part with a design as close as possible to its original pattern, manufactured by expert craftsmen in Italy. The first complete prototype was rigorously tested during W&W’s winter tour in Northern Canada and after that sent to the German technical authorities for a certificate of stability (included). Both tests were passed without any flaws. After that production started.
All test rides were performed with a rigid frame, 30° neck chassis, with which both handling and braking characteristics proved well balanced and stable.
The Cannonball leaf spring fork features a fork stem with two Ø1” bearing seats for the use of 1949-up Timken bearings and leg tops to accept the 36-up Springer handlebars (inline). A horizontal bracket to mount the headlamp is also there. The fork is wide enough to accept disc brake or drum brake systems. Rockers are drilled for 17 mm axles but can be enlarged to 19 mm. Neither axle, spacers nor brake are included and must be purchased or fabricated separately. Each fork is shipped preassembled to insure proper function and fitment, however, all components are bare and require painting or plating.
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Fork Air Sucker Carburetor Cover
Fork Air Sucker Carburetor Cover
A no-compromise, blower-inspired design is what makes this carb cover stand out in the crowd. Made by the Japanese company Fork from cast aluminum with the raised ribs polished. Comes without filter element and fits all Super E/G Vergaser carburetors. An S.U. carb adapter is available separately.
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The Cyclery Mesinger Racer Solo Seats
The Cyclery Mesinger Racer Solo Seats
Phantastic reproduction of the legendary Mesinger Racer seat, which was equipment of most American race bikes during the Teens and Twenties. Absolutely perfect down to the last detail, handcrafted by a master saddler using the finest cowhide available. It is really good to know that such guys still exist. Certainly looks cool on Old School Bobbers or Retro Racers, too, definitely better than bicycle saddles.
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BAKER 4-Speed Footshift Transmissions
BAKER 4-Speed Footshift Transmissions
The love affair with classic motorcycles will never stop and there’s nothing like putting authentic, vintage styled components on your nostalgic bike. That’s why BAKER has taken the time to reinvent the 4-speed transmission. BAKER 4-speeds are intended as stock replacements and work as bolt-in transmission on most models, whether you’re running a stock closed type primary or open belt drive. While looking like the original patterns on the outside, they are packed inside with improvements and extras:
Gearset is made out of high grade 8620 steel, Gears ride on needle bearings, High tensile cast aluminum (A356-T6) transmission case, designed for roller ball bearing main drive gear, With 1979-83 Big Twin 5 speed sprocket, Ratchet top cover with linear detent system for smooth reliable shifting, Billet steel machined and case hardened shift drum rides on two Permaglide bushings, With BAKER Klassic kicker gears, Vintage style cast kicker cover, Includes 1939-75 style throw-out bearing and release rod,
Gear ratios: 1st - 2.50:1
2nd - 1.70:1
3rd - 1.25:1
4th - 1:1

The shift drums on FL and Fx style versions are different, while the shift pattern is 1N234 for both. So, on FL style ratchets the shifter lever points downward, while on FX style ratchets the lever points upward.
Can be equipped alternatively with 1:1 ratio mechanical speedo drive or with sensor for electronic speedometers.
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Primo 8 mm 3” Belt Drives for 4-Speed Big Twin
Primo 8 mm 3” Belt Drives for 4-Speed Big Twin
Primo belt drives are developed and manufactured by Harley riders for Harley riders. Before the first Primo belt drive was sold, the belt drive systems had been tested on a Top Fuel drag bike until they would stand up to the strain. Each kit consists of the complete belt drive unit, a sprocket shaft nut, all necessary hardware and detailed installation instructions.
These are 3” versions for open applications.
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Primo 8 mm 2” Belt Drives for 4-Speed Big Twin
Primo 8 mm 2” Belt Drives for 4-Speed Big Twin
Primo belt drives are developed and manufactured by Harley riders for Harley riders. Before the first Primo belt drive was sold, the belt drive systems had been tested on a Top Fuel drag bike until they would stand up to the strain. Each kit consists of the complete belt drive unit, a sprocket shaft nut, all necessary hardware and detailed installation instructions.
These are 2” versions for more of engine power. The clutch shell will not fit into standard primary cases.
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Primo 8 mm Belt Drives for 4-Speed Big Twin
Primo 8 mm Belt Drives for 4-Speed Big Twin
Primo belt drives are developed and manufactured by Harley riders for Harley riders. Before the first Primo belt drive was sold, the belt drive systems had been tested on a Top Fuel drag bike until they would stand up to the strain. Each kit consists of the complete belt drive unit, a sprocket shaft nut, all necessary hardware and detailed installation instructions.
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Wrecking Crew Oil Cooler and Filter
Wrecking Crew Oil Cooler and Filter
Oil cooler and filter combination which ideally fills the empty space on custom generator/alternator engines. Of course it can also be installed in lieu of the generator on all HD motorcyles which were factory outfitted with such a device and don’t require a permanent charging system, e.g. magneto equipped motorcycles.
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S&S KN-Series Engines
S&S KN-Series Engines
Knucklehead - the name describes a true legend and this engine design is without a doubt one of the important milestones in the history of Harley-Davidson. Introduced in the year 1936 the ohv-engined models in short time became synonyms for sporting, fast and reliable touring machines. Economically this layout proved to be a huge success for the Motor Company, too, because brand followers - and many others - quickly realized the outstanding qualities of this motorcycle. Design and technology of the Knucklehead turned out to be supremely sound and it became the prototype of all Milwaukee Big Twins, which significantly influenced all successive model groups down to the present day. The KN-Series engines by S&S closely resemble the appearance of a stock Knucklehead engine. However, numerous reforms enhance power, engine life, and reliability. The main improvement in design is the 1958-65 style flywheel assembly, which uses a splined sprocket shaft and a Timken sprocket shaft bearing on the drive side. This increased flywheel stability and strenght became necessary to handle the significantly increased power development. The rocker arm cover “tins” are another modern improvement. They are made from die-cast aluminum, and instead of being held in place by the valve guide, they are held down by valve spring pressure. A special gasket on the bottom of the lower “tin” provides a positive seal, and is much easier to service if needed, since the valve guides do not have to be pressed.
The selection includes 93” (1560 cc) engines with crankcases for early style chassis thru 1947, with 1955-64 tin primary and 1936-64 transmissions.
S&S KN-Series engines come completely assembled and ready to run with a electronic S&S Super Stock ignition system and Super E carburetor.
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