Wednesday, March 4, 2009

13 Rebels


Arden Van Scykle on his Bobbed Knuckle. Special thanks to Top of the 13 Rebels for the use of some of their great historic pics. The 13 Rebels are one of the original motorcycle clubs from post war So Cal. Thanks Top for keeping the club alive.

10 comments:

KNUCKLE BUSTER 1939 said...

Any idea what year this was taken?

drsprocket said...

By pushrod covers,cam cover,and dash,plus 18" wheels on each end it's probally a pre-'40 knuckle. With the flags flying it's probally between the war years,'41 to'45. What do you think Jedd?

Anonymous said...

that background flag is beautiful!!!

Flathead Jedd said...

I will in know way dispute the year of the bike with the Dr. As for the picture it's hard to tell. We know for sure it was pre 1959 by the 48 star flags as Hawaii was not a state yet. My guess would be a Fourth of July during the war or around VE of VJ day. I'm leaning more towards VJ day. I would say just post war. I'm totally guessing. Anyone out there that knows please share the info.

KNUCKLE BUSTER 1939 said...

A pre 40 bike, no question. The upsweep pipes is what makes me think 50s. This would be a very early example of upsweeps if its in the 40's.I am building a knuckle now with all 1950 and earlier parts and I am torn between upsweeps and a high rise pipe, but if this picture is pre 1950 I am going with the upsweeps!

KNUCKLE BUSTER 1939 said...

Upon further investigation I would say the bike is a 1939 EL based on the oil tank fittings (38&39)and the outside greasefitting on the springer's spring perch (39 first year for that)also the closed brake stay visable through the rear wheel is 38 and up.
My 2 cents...

drsprocket said...

Knucklebuster, I have several photos of Indian and HD bob jobs with upsweeps prior to 1950. I even had them on my 1930 101 scout I copied from a friend of mine who had them in the '30's.

KNUCKLE BUSTER 1939 said...

Thanks Doc. Up Sweeps it is!

Anonymous said...

I'd like to know where that 45-star big flag came from- obviously somewhere significant. This pic says American West all over it. I concur with the Doc that it's gotta be during WWII, with the 48-star flag on the bike, and old 45-star glory behind. Cool.

AC&C said...

what about the air cleaner? looks like a 7". wasn't 1941 the first year for that?

-billy