1956 Harley-Davidson KHK to KHKRM spec, original condition, 1 owner, RARE!!

1956 Harley-Davidson KHKEngine number 56KHK1685 Introduced in 1952. Harley’s Model K Sport and Sport Solo motorcycles were an all-new design. They featured styling and influence that was part 125 Model S. part W 45 Sidevalve and part FL 61 OHV Big Twin. with other innovations incorporated. The Model K was an exciting and different motorcycle. It represented the most technologically advanced and modern motorcycle that Harley Davidson had produced to date. Based on the proven 45 Side Valve formula from 1929. the engine was a fresh design with larger cams. carburetor. and higher compression than the W. The engine and transmission now shared the same engine cases. The transmission had four speeds and a hand operated clutch. The K was the first Harley-Davidson to incorporate modern hydraulic dampened suspension at both ends. with telescopic forks in front and a rear swingarm and shock absorber combination. The K foot-shifted on the right and braked on the left not so much as to copy the British but to lay out the controls in anticipation of flat track racing. The engine had a relatively high (for a Side Valve) compression ratio of 6. 5 to 1. The cylinder bore originally had a total displacement of 45. 12 Cubic Inches. but that increased in 1954 to 54ci. It came with a 1 1/2" Bore Linkert "Bombsight" carburetor Model M-53. The engine produced 30 horsepower. Standard tires and wheels were Goodyear or Firestone and measured 19" by 3. 25". front and rear. By 1956. the transportation scene in America was changing fast with some 46. 00 miles of Super Highways constructed. allowing the public and the 56 K-model riders a whole new playing field. All the Ks were now quite refined and enjoyed success on and off the racetrack. and in many forms of competition. The factory KR racers dominated the National Championships. winning every class `C` race with the efforts of brave men like Joe Leonard and Brad Andres. These two stables were at the top of the list for K horsepower development. Joe said the Factory would give them a $1. 00 bonus for each bhp found. Technical input for reliability and performance was born at the racetrack and lived in the new K model. The newly popular entertainer Elvis Presely chose a Pepper Red KH for his first Harley V-Twin and was pictured astride it on the cover of The Enthusiast magazine. The new ‘56 Model Ks ran more mechanically reliable and handled the road better than ever. The ‘56 model is lower and sleeker looking thanks to major changes including an all newly designed chassis with a much lower center of gravity. A sturdier 1" raised steering neck. 9/16" shorter rear shock absorbers. stronger seat casting with lower seat position and stronger upper shock attaching area and shock mounts. All this plus new larger shocks with more oil capacity and nice chrome covers. stronger swingarm coupled with 18" Wheels front and rear and speedster handlebars equals a lower. better handling Model K. This geometry remains basically the same through 1966. The 1956 frame is one year only. as it has a cast upper engine mount while the 1957 and later have a Fabricated Steel Mount of basically the same dimensions. Internally. the ’56 enjoyed such upgrades as polished heads. intake and exhaust ports to increase flow and resist carbon deposits. while the oil pump was made more reliable with increased oil return capability to avoid oil stacking in the crankcase. A woodruff key replacing the pin and the relief valve were eliminated to avoid the oil tank draining into the crankcase while the motorcycle is parked. All engine and gearbox parts were “beefed up” for strength and reliability. The 1956 Ks were more refined than ever. with the KHK as a souped up version of the KH with greater performance. and to receive a little extra recognition. it carried a special decal in color carrying the `KHK` letters on a Shield with crossed Checkered Flags at the top. placed on the sides of the oil tank and tool box. "Happy and proud indeed will be the owners who ride these special KHKs in 1956" sayeth The Factory. The KHRM was designed as a scrambler version of the K-model. In production for just 3 years. it featured a raised exhaust system. heavy-duty shocks. a full skidplate and rear fender pad. The final-year 1956 KHK offered here was delivered new to DeKalb Harley Davidson in Illinois. The owner. a dedicated and successful enduro competitor. was a great fan of the KHRM and owned several for events in the backwoods of the Illinois countryside. Becoming a franchised dealer for Harley-Davidson. after a great deal of coaxing by the company. Wayne Pierce began a collection of Harleys of great significance. including this example of a KHK. with cycle parts rebuilt to KHKRM standard. Having seen very little use in its 58 years. it is offered in truly excellent original condition. Not perfect. by any means. but a great original bike in original Black with Champion Yellow slash paint. The engine starts and runs well with good compression. It shifts well through the gears via a good clutch. Brakes and suspension work well. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a rare Harley model with unrivalled ownership history in superb original condition.