In an effort to compete with the popularity of the vertical twins arriving from Europe, the 1956 Harley-Davidson KHK motorcycle was built with a more advanced design and a larger V-twin, giving riders greater performance.
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Introduced in 1952 to replace the aging WL, the K series incorporated a couple of Harley "firsts." Aside from the little S-125, which was actually a DKW of Germany design, the K introduced unit construction to the marque, and was the first of its street machines to boast rear suspension.
Though the K was powered by a 45-cubic-inch flathead like the WL, it was of a more advanced design and housed the transmission in the same case as the engine. Telescopic forks replaced the WL's leading-link arrangement, while a swingarm rear suspension was cushioned by enclosed coil-over shocks.
By 1954, the K series became the KH as the V-twin grew to 55 cubic inches (about 900 ccs), providing riders greater performance in an effort to compete with the onslaught of vertical twins arriving from Europe.
A "K" suffix added to the model name indicated the machine was equipped with lower handlebars, less chrome trim, and more performance-oriented camshafts.
But the K and KH were really stopgap measures until the overhead-valve Sportster could be readied, which would happen for 1957.
Therefore, this 1956 KHK was the last of the breed, and aside from the three-wheeled Servi-Car, represents the final flathead motorcycles Harley-Davidson would ever produce.
Check out the next page to see more 1956 Harley-Davidson KHK pictures.
For more great motorcycle articles and pictures, check out:
- Classic Motorcycles
- How Motorcycles Work
- Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
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