Brent Rogers 1946 Knucklehead

Brent Rogers 1946 Knucklehead

Brent Rogers, a passionate motorbike enthusiast from Los Angeles, had always dreamed of owning a vintage Harley Davidson. After much research, he came across Kiyo’s Garage, a renowned builder of custom motorbikes in Gardena, CA. Brent reached out to Kiyo and commissioned him to build a 1946 Knucklehead that he had always wanted.

Kiyo’s Garage is known for its expertise in fabrication, welding, and machining, and it used its skills to build Brent’s dream bike. The engine was a 1946 HD Knucklehead that had been rebuilt by Kiyo himself. The cases were OEM and polished to a high shine, while the barrel finish was black. The transmission was a 4-speed Andrews with a custom chrome engineering primary and foot clutch. The frame was an OEM Panhead straight leg, plated and molded to perfection.

The front end was a VL HD with a VL Springer model from 1936, while the rear had a Jones make with a Good Year Grasshopper 19-inch tire. The controls were custom-built by Kiyo’s Garage, with a chrome finish and internal throttle. The electrical was also done by Kiyo’s Garage, with a Mallory ignition and a vintage headlight, maker unknown.

The sheet metal was all done by Kiyo’s Garage, with tanks made in England by Wassell and fenders of English rib steel, also made in England. The paint job was done by Bill Carter in a 1950 vintage lavender pearl, with pinstriping by Danny D. The finishing touches were added by Michael Maestas, who did the seat.

The bike was completed a few years ago, and Brent has been riding it ever since. The feeling of the wind in his face and the roar of the engine is an experience that he cannot describe in words. It is exhilarating, liberating, and a complete escape from the mundane routine of everyday life.

The bike has had some good and bad experiences. Brent recalls one particularly bad experience when he was riding on the freeway, and the rear tire blew out. He was lucky to be able to pull over safely, but it was a close call. On the other hand, he has had some fantastic experiences, such as riding through the scenic Pacific Coast Highway and feeling the freedom that only a motorbike can offer.

Overall, owning and riding this vintage Harley has been a life-changing experience for Brent. It has allowed him to escape from the stresses of life and embrace the thrill of adventure on the open road. The bike has become a part of his identity, and he cannot imagine life without it. Brent is grateful to Kiyo and his team, who helped him make his dream a reality.