Let’s be honest: we all love the aesthetic of a 1940s Harley-Davidson. The lines are perfect, the mechanical noise is intoxicating, and the history is palpable. But very few of us have the patience (or the mechanical masochism) to live with an 80-year-old machine. The oil leaks, the 6-volt electrical gremlins, and the “will it start?” anxiety are part of the charm, sure, but they ruin the ride.
Justin Powers, the man behind Bull Motor Company, has a solution. His concept is bold: a “production” Knucklehead Bobber. It isn’t a museum piece you have to baby; it’s a limited-run machine designed for people who want the soul of 1947 with the reliability of 2025.
Modern Heart, Ancient Soul
The centerpiece of this build is, undeniably, the engine. At a glance, it looks like a restoration-quality vintage mill, but it is actually a brand new S&S KN93. With 93 cubic inches (approx. 1,500cc), this powerplant offers torque and reliability that the original engineers could only dream of, yet it retains those iconic knuckle-shaped rocker boxes that define the era.
Powers didn’t just bolt the engine in and call it a day. He worked tirelessly to maintain the period-correct illusion. The bike uses a Morris Magneto for ignition (eliminating the need for a visible battery) and a Cycle Electric charging system that hides in plain sight. It’s a Knucklehead that rumbles like an ancient beast but fires up with the dependability of a modern clock.
Stance and Geometry
To achieve that low, aggressive posture typical of the post-war era, the bike sits on a V-Twin Manufacturing rigid frame with straight legs. There is no rear suspension here; comfort is provided solely by the high-profile tires and the seat springs.
Up front, an inline Springer fork completes the silhouette. Wheel choice is critical on a Bobber: Justin opted for 18-inch rims front and rear, wrapped in vintage-style Firestone Deluxe Champion tires. This “square” setup balances the bike and gives it a muscular, compact presence, avoiding the spindly look of over-sized 21-inch front wheels often seen on choppers.
Functional Minimalism
What makes this bike shine is what isn’t there. There are no hanging wires, no ugly plastic switches, no excess. The fuel tank is a split-tank design that has been narrowed to show off more of the engine’s rocker boxes.
The paint job is a tribute to tradition: deep, glossy black with gold leaf lettering. No loud graphics, just pure class.
But one detail gives away that this bike is built to be ridden: the controls. Instead of awkward forward controls, Powers installed mid-controls. This puts the rider in a commanding, active position, allowing you to attack corners with confidence rather than just hanging on for dear life.
The Antidote to Vintage Headaches
Bull Motor Company has achieved something difficult: capturing the essence of the golden age of motorcycling without inheriting its mechanical nightmares. This Knucklehead Bobber is not a cheap replica; it is a re-engineering of the past. It is the perfect machine for the rider who wants to roll into a vintage meet making all the right noises, but wants to ride home, not wait for a tow truck.
