1941 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead Chopper Built by Slaughter Shack

May 18, 2026

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This 1941 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead chopper built by Kenny Slaughter of Slaughter Shack Customs is a perfect example of traditional chopper style done right, featuring rare Dick Allen wheels, a rebuilt 61-inch Knuckle motor, and period-perfect details throughout.

Great bikes like this one — and thousands more custom motorcycles from builders all over the world — can be found in the pages of Cycle Source Magazine, the only custom motorcycle magazine continuously in print since its beginning in 1997. We originally featured this killer Knucklehead in Issue 307 in 2024.

There are certain engines in motorcycle history that instantly stop people in their tracks, and the Harley-Davidson Knucklehead sits high on that list. For many riders and builders, it remains one of the best-looking motors Harley-Davidson ever produced. Pair one with a properly built traditional chopper, and you’ve got a machine that captures the heart of custom motorcycle culture in a way few bikes can. This particular example, built by Kenny Slaughter of Slaughter Shack Customs in St. Louis, Missouri, does exactly that.

Kenny has become known for building motorcycles with a very distinct style. His bikes carry a timeless look without feeling forced or overdone, and this Knucklehead is a perfect example of that balance. Like many true chopper builds, the project didn’t start with a complete motorcycle sitting neatly in a garage. It began in pieces collected over time from swap meets, friends, and parts hidden away in personal stashes. Kenny tracked down major components like the motor, transmission, and frame at legendary swap meets including Davenport and Gas City, slowly assembling the foundation for what would become one killer traditional chop.

Building around an early Knucklehead motor takes patience and the right people in your corner. Kenny turned to Dan Carr, better known as Bacon from DC Choppers, to rebuild the 1941 powerplant. Bacon has built a reputation for meticulous motor work, whether he’s dealing with pre-war Knuckleheads or late-model Evolution engines. This particular motor stayed true to its roots with the original 61-inch displacement rather than converting to the more common 74-inch setup. For those unfamiliar with early Harley motors, the “E” designation represented 61 cubic inches while “F” stood for 74. Kenny wanted the bike to remain smooth and true to its original character, and that smaller displacement fit the vision perfectly.

The stock bore pistons remained in place, while points ignition was retained for the sake of simplicity and reliability. Riders can debate points versus electronic ignition for hours, but there’s something undeniably fitting about points on a traditional Knucklehead chop. Fuel delivery comes courtesy of a rebuilt Linkert M36 carburetor that handles its duties flawlessly and keeps the vintage personality intact.

Backing the motor is a fully rebuilt 1952 Panhead transmission. The chassis itself started life as a 1948 Panhead frame that was modified to accept the earlier Knuckle motor. Builders familiar with these swaps know that fitting a Knucklehead into a later Pan frame requires relieving sections around the seat post and top frame tube for proper clearance. Up front, Kenny kept things traditional with a stock 41mm frontend running four-inch-over tubes to give the bike its perfect level stance.

One of the standout features on this motorcycle is the wheel combination. The bike rolls on original Dick Allen magnesium wheels, pieces that represent an important chapter in chopper history. Dick Allen’s influence on custom motorcycles still echoes through the industry decades after his passing, with many of his original designs still being copied by custom builders and even finding inspiration inside Harley-Davidson’s own styling department. The front wheel measures 18 inches and intentionally runs without a front brake, while the rear uses a 15-inch wheel paired with an OEM mechanical brake setup. Back in the ‘70s and early ‘80s, setups like this commonly ran automotive tires, adding another layer of authenticity to the bike’s overall style.

The rest of the build follows that same clean traditional approach. A set of MCM ape hangers keeps the rider positioned perfectly behind a classic Wassell-style gas tank. The rear StingRay fender came from Lowbrow Customs, while an OEM oil tank helps maintain the period-correct look. Down low, a Lee-style clutch pedal from Dayten Casting Co. adds another subtle detail that true chopper fans will immediately appreciate.

Visually, the motorcycle comes together through its flowing lines and standout paintwork. The over-and-under shotgun pipes follow the shape of the bike perfectly and may be one of the cleanest details on the entire build. The tank artwork was handled by Shane B. out of Birmingham, Alabama, who delivered an incredible Dave Mann-inspired centerfold-style paint job that fits the era and attitude of the bike perfectly. Chris Dvorchak laid down the paint on the frame and rear fender, tying everything together with a finish that complements the overall style without overpowering it.

The seat was covered by St. Louis craftsman Rich Phillips, whose work has become highly respected among builders who appreciate quality old-school upholstery. Lighting duties are handled by a Bates headlight up front and an Iron Cross reproduction taillight in the rear, keeping the bike street legal while preserving its vintage aesthetic.

Since this photoshoot took place, Kenny sold the Knucklehead to a fortunate new owner in Japan, proving once again that truly well-built traditional choppers speak a universal language. Thankfully, Slaughter Shack Customs continues pushing out fresh builds, so there’s little doubt more incredible machines are already in the works. Bikes like this remind us exactly why traditional choppers continue to matter — clean lines, timeless parts, skilled craftsmanship, and enough soul to stop you dead in your tracks.

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