Build Your Custom V Twin Knucklehead Engine Powered Motorcycle Model | Stirlingkit

Today I want to share with you a story about my friend Donny Uherek, who is a true Harley fan. He loves the classic look and powerful sound of Harley motorcycles, and dreams of owning one of his own one day.

After a long period of saving and hard work, Donny finally realized his dream and bought a real Harley motorcycle. He was so excited and proud that he rode his Harley through the streets of the city every day.

Donny & his 1955 Panhead chopper bike

However, Donny wasn't content with just riding and admiring his Harley. He wanted a way to honor his beloved motorcycle brand and show it off to his friends and family.

As a recently retired structural engineer, he has a lot of time on his hands. He got his 3D printer about 6 months ago and had been busy learning the program. One day, he happened to run across the Stirlingkit website and fell in love with the mini V2 knucklehead engines as he's been on motorcycles all his life. The first time he saw it, an interesting idea came into his mind. So why not modify a miniature motorcycle model? (find more similar v2 engine models from Stirlingkit)

So Donny started thinking about making a model Harley motorcycle that would perfectly reproduce his Harley. He chose to use welding &3d printing technology because of the highly accurate detail and fidelity it can provide.

After purchasing the Retrol Knucklehead engine model, he thought it would be different to build a frame for it to sit on instead of a wooden base.

In his studio, Donny used 3D modeling software to meticulously design an exact replica of his own Harley. He spent a lot of time tweaking every detail, surfing the internet to download many pics of the original 40s models, and making sure the model was as close to the real Harley as possible.

He used the Retrol engine and blue up-the-side view of the original bike to closely match. Once the engines closely matched, he scaled the wheelbase and started laying out the bike on paper. The frame was drawn by hand using a protractor to match all bevels, (unfortunately, he left 3D cad and additional AutoCAD software at work) he had the frame laid out first and bought 5 & 6mm tubing and used a hand bender to match. The frame was then tig welded including custom mounts for the engine.

He then tackled the springer front end basically the same. He bought mini springs to match the originals.

The next was to build the wheels. He went online to see how the spokes were laid out on most wheels. he utilized his 3D printer to do the hubs, rims, and tires. He bought a .032 piano wire to make the spokes. What a challenge!

From there, he used The Tinkercad program to design all the other makeable components. he was able to modify the oil tank and mount the Retrol gas tank inside. The original pipes were removed and he used 6,8, and 10-mm tubing bent to match as close as possible. Building the bike was a challenge for sure, but he enjoyed every minute of it. some parts had to be remade a few times to get his satisfaction. After that, he uses advanced 3D printing equipment to print out and painted the various parts of the Harley motorcycle layer by layer. It has many flaws but he will live with them... This is how life goes.

Finally, he installed the v2 model engine into the printed car shell. After connecting the wires, starting with one button, and listening to the roar of the real engine, his thoughts suddenly returned to the crazy years of his youth. What a great sweetheart. Now his other three Stirlingkit engines want their own frame, LOL

New update

Donny re-did the headlight, it was larger than he wanted.

Other than the knucklehead build, Donny also modified the miniature panhead chopper bike projects. Please comment if you want to know more details.

Inspiration | V Twin Engine Shop for Miniature Harley. Stirlingkit - Build Your Model Bike Your Way. Why not customize your model bike projects, stylish, powerful, and ready to make a statement on the road?