A Harley-Davidson is an invitation to ride the open road. And for more than a century, armies of faithful followers have taken up that charge with an enthusiasm that could only identify with the American ideal of freedom.
Every once and while, a person like Brian Kundratic comes along and recognizes the importance of this legacy, and rather than give away his money to a dealership to put down on a brand-new motorcycle, he gives back to the heritage and makes his way to a scrap yard or spare parts vendor in an attempt to re-create history.
In 1948, Harley-Davidson first made the panhead, a uniquely designed engine so called because of the shape of the roller rocker covers. This engine succeeded the knucklehead engine, which was also named for its shape. While being called a “panhead” or “knucklehead” may not be the most endearing compliment, Brian Kundratic knew that owning one was a different story and worth the time and investment.
A few years back, he was building the ’48 while it was owned by one of his customers. The customer didn’t have a great attachment to the motorcycle, and Kundratic eventually negotiated a deal to take it off his hands. Because he had already been building the bike, he decided to strike while the iron was hot and move forward with needed maintenance.
He started by replacing the gas tank. And for the gas cap he used a vintage car radiator cap. He lowered the front end, a signature trademark he regularly includes when building customer bikes. Then he moved backward and lowered the back. He formed and shaped the custom pipes in his shop. Kundratic also owned a hand shifter that had been in his possession for some time, and now had the project on which to use it.
Kundratic concedes there is nothing showy about his bike.
“I like the fact that when you look at the bike it looks ridden and just about tells its own story,” Kundratic said.
Avoiding chrome, high-dollar wheels and fancy paint jobs, Kundratic exchanged looks for a hard, gritty and functional exterior that doesn’t shrink in rain or other inclement weather. Getting on the road is his favorite thing to do, and there’s nothing else he wants to do with the bike except boast a bit of history in a bike whose lack of refinement is its calling card.
What do you drive? A 1948 Harley-Davidson panhead motorcycle.
Why do you drive it? I’ve got a couple of bikes and this is the one I always go to first.
What makes this motorcycle so special? This was the first year Harley made the panhead. It’s a bike you get on and go and don’t have to worry about getting it wet in the rain or getting scratched from the rocks on the road. I’d choose this bike before a show winner any day.
What is your most memorable riding experiencing with this motorcycle? When I jumped six trash cans and wrecked.
What was the first vehicle you owned? A 1971 Pro Street Pinto.
And your first ticket? What was it for? If I remember correctly, my first ticket was for speeding.
