Comments on: 1947 Water Cooled Drake Harley Davidson Knucklehead Engine

By: bill

bill — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 03:40:07 +0000

cap`s sandblasting and powdercoating had some new castings made here in fresno ca,jessy james tried to get his boney paws on them first ha ha ha the loser lost

By: RaisingKane

RaisingKane — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 00:49:47 +0000

American V

Thank you for your candid response. However, I don’t fail to except that some may prefer the “A” motor over the “B.” Perhaps I overstepped by saying they should eliminate it altogether. In fact I think it would be the engine of choice in the Dyna line. Just a thought, when HD redesigned the touring frame, would have been a perfect time to change over. In talking with other tour bike riders, I have met a majority of riders that would trade in their touring models tomorrow if HD offered the B today.

By: Sean

Sean — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 11:24:57 +0000

Yes, I’m sure the J.B. Weld is alot cheaper…

By: rafe03

rafe03 — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:58:35 +0000

I just Googled “Drake Motorcycle Engine” & got several links to get more info & pics:–

http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2008/06/09/drake-harley-davidson-water-cooled-v-twin-engine/ – Car driven by Bill Vukovich Sr

http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2006/01/23/hotrodhawg-harley-powered-roadster/
– Street rod powered by Harley engine

http://www.beautyofspeed.com/gallery/motor_drake/index.htm – Other pics & a history lesson. Other V-twins built for Midget racing.

By: rafe03

rafe03 — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:41:26 +0000

Somebody had a pretty good idea of what he was doing back then! Both cylinder/heads have bosses to attach the engine mounting plate. Good planning that! Should help mounting it on your Morgan Trike! How’bout onto a VW or Hewland transaxle for a front-wheel-drive cyclecar?!

That’s a trick little weight jacker on the front end. Just a 1/2″ drive ratchet with 2 links back to the pilot in the cockpit. Tune while you drive. Adjust when the track dries & the blue groove appears. Slick!

Is Drake the same one who, with Meyer built the Offy engines after Fred Offenhauser retired?