: Because the original 1903 prototype no longer exists and has no known photographs, the production team had to "cobble it together" based only on oral histories and stories. According to Hemmings , bike builders worked until 3:00 AM most nights to maintain the fragile, period-accurate replicas used during the high-stress racing scenes. Harley and the Davidsons: Miniseries, Episode 3
: In an interesting historical "goof" noted by IMDb , the company didn't actually call it the "Knucklehead" at the time. They simply called it the "OHV" (Overhead Valve) ; the iconic nickname only became popular in the postwar chopper culture. Harley and the Davidsons - Season 1Eps3
While the episode highlights several historical milestones, it also blends drama with fiction. Here are the key "features" and interesting facts from the finale: 1. The Legendary "Knucklehead" Engine : Because the original 1903 prototype no longer
: The show introduces a fictional character named Wharton , a chairman of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) who acts as a primary antagonist trying to shut down outlaw races. 3. Business Maneuvers They simply called it the "OHV" (Overhead Valve)
: The series finale depicts Bill Harley calling the engine "the fastest damn motorcycle in the world" after its successful trials. 2. Historical Creative Liberties
: The episode portrays "hooligan" or outlaw racing as being open to black and female riders in the 1930s with Harley-Davidson's support. While inclusive, critics from Cycle News describe these scenes as mostly fictionalized drama.