Manshed Auctions’ massive Harley auction closing soon

Easter is just around the corner, but if bunnies, chocolate and cavities aren’t your thing, how about knuckles, shovels and flatheads? That’s what’s on offer – and plenty more – at the next big Harley-Davidson clearance from Manshed Auctions.

With desirable classic motorcycles, plus a cornucopia of rare parts on offer, this latest Harley-Davidson Vintage Bikes & Parts auction can’t be missed. Pre-bidding is open now, ahead of the live webcast auction on Sunday, 19 April, 2026.

Harley-Davidson parts in this auction cover early Big Twins, through the Knuckle, Pan and Shovel eras, including frames, front ends, wheels and some complete engines, plus engine, gearbox and brake parts. There are also all manner of bolt-on items and accessories, some are still in original boxes, which is sure to appeal to collectors.

For WLA owners, restorers and enthusiasts, there’s a rebuilt motor, frame, transmission, front end and other parts on offer, plus military-spec items, including a scabbard, first aid kits and tool rolls. There’s also a US Army-style helmet, goggles, ammo pouches, canteen and mess tin to enhance your WLA at displays, and even some tins of Olive Drab paint if your WLA needs a touch up!

For collectors, this auction also has an abundance of vintage Harley-Davidson workshop manuals and catalogues, plus workshop tools, empty H-D parts boxes, cloth banners, tin signs and posters - including the iconic Chiko Roll posters – to enhance the man cave.

In addition, there are copies of the ‘Harley-Davidson Enthusiast’ magazine from the 1930s (a real time capsule), and bundles of Live to Ride, Ozbike, Easyrider and other Harley-themed magazines.

Complete Harley-Davidson motorcycles in this auction include two WLAs in authentic military colours, equipped with period-correct accessories. There are also a pair of rare Model R 45ci v-twins – one restored and one unrestored original – plus a trio of Panheads, including a Duo-Glide that’s loaded with period accessories.

The prime bike in this group is arguably the 1948 FL Panhead (Lot #6). From the first year of the model that replaced the Knucklehead in Harley’s big twin Model E and F range, this example has been subjected to a $20,000+ rebuild. It retains its original frame, forks and tinware. Saddlebags are refurbished period units, too. The speedo has been rebuilt, with a new wiring harness installed, using period-correct cloth-wrapped wiring.

Finished in glossy black, with authentic handlebars, footboards and hand-shifter, this Panhead has covered 3,000 miles since refurbishment, so it’s ridden in and ready to enjoy on club runs and vintage Haley-Davidson Rally events.

A contemporary to the ‘48 bike is a mild custom 1952 FL Panhead (Lot #7). Despite a telescopic fork front end being available from 1949, Springer front suspension remained popular and was often preferred for sidecar use. The steering damper and ride control kit on this example suggest it may have been originally equipped as such.

Rebuilt in 2011 by an individual who ran a Harley-Davidson mechanics school, this Panhead retains most of its original parts, but the turquoise paint, saddlebags and other items are custom touches. An upgrade to M74B Linkert carbies with their distinctive bronze finish includes velocity stacks, but the stock barrels will be included in the sale.

The third Panhead in this auction is a 1961 Duo-Glide (Lot #2). Looking like it rolled straight out of the early-1960s, this bike was actually restored in the early 2000s, but retains a lot of patina.

Sold new in San Francisco, the additions and modifications made in period include a set of factory ‘bubble bag’ plastic panniers, footboard extensions, a modified single-silencer exhaust, rare Police-spec hand shift, red-tint windshield (with glovebox) and retrimmed buddy seat to match the two-tone red-and-white paint.

Some new and additional chrome parts, like a trumpet horn, have been added, but the bike retains its period look, with minimal miles covered since the resto.

An icon amongst early Harley-Davidson models, the first 1942 WLA (Lot #4) in this auction has been restored to concours standard, with only test ride miles since. Powered by the 45ci (742cc) v-twin, WLAs were built like tanks (and about as quick!), but they served the US Army and allied nations well, with many finding new life in the civilian market after 1945.

The restoration of this example saw new fuel and oil lines added, plus a new exhaust system and wiring. Blackout head and tail lights, machine gun scabbard, ammo box and saddlebags are fitted. A tool kit and rare NOS leg shields are included, as well as an entrenching tool and period walkie talkie.

If one WLA isn’t enough, there’s a second 1942 WLA (Lot #5) in this auction. This one has also been restored to a high standard, with only test miles since. Combined, these WLAs would make a great sight at Anzac Day parades, military-themed events and other special occasions.

As with the first WLA, this example was fitted with all new lines, wiring and exhaust as part of the restoration. A new leather seat, saddlebags and machine gun scabbard are fitted, with the fork-mounted ammo box and correct canvas lower for the windshield, too.

Like its sibling, this WLA also comes with blackout lights, tool kit, NOS leg shields (not fitted), entrenching tool and period walkie talkie.

The Model R isn’t high on a lot of Harley-Davidson enthusiasts’ wish lists, due in part to being overshadowed by its successor, the Model W (and related WLA), and the poor timing of its launch (during the Great Depression). It is worthy of closer attention, though.

This 1936 Model RL (Lot #1) comes from the final year of production, with the ‘RL’ designation signifying a medium compression 742cc engine. Enclosed fork springs are unique to this final year, with improved engine cooling and brake, too.

Subjected to a thorough nut-and-bolt restoration, this RL was also upgraded with ‘Ricardo’ heads that improve power and efficiency. Cream and blue paint is correct for ’36, as is the black frame.

An alternative to the restored RL is this unrestored 1936 Model RL (Lot #3), which was a one-owner bike for its first 30 years, when it was ridden in New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland and Victoria.

Fitted with a Corbin speedometer by the original owner, plus crash bars, saddlebags, leg shields and a windshield, all of these are included with the sale, along with a period tyre pump and fire extinguisher.

Stored between 1968 and 2011, when it was purchased by the current owner, this rare bike has since been mechanically refurbished and made roadworthy without altering its patina.

A true time capsule with a great story, this original Model RL has already attracted strong interest.

Parts a Plenty

Highlights amongst the hundreds of parts available in the April Harley-Davidson Vintage Bikes & Parts auction include a complete Springer front end to suit a Knucklehead, rebuilt C1966 Genny Shovelhead engine with S&S dual-throat carby, rebuilt 1947 Model U 74ci flathead engine, a Corbin speedo with all fittings, head and tail light lenses, mousetrap clutch assembly, a 1939 4-speed transmission, 1947 frame, 1947 Knucklehead transmission, bolt-on cosmetic parts and an abundance of spark plugs, as well as the WLA parts already mentioned.

Pre-Bidding Open Now, Auction on 19 April

The Manshed Auctions April Harley-Davidson Vintage Bikes & Parts auction is open now for pre-bidding, with the live webcast auction to get underway from 9:00am (AEDT) on Sunday 19 April. at Manshed’s premises in Seven Hills, Greater Western Sydney.

Inspections prior to the auction are available by appointment only – contact Manshed for further information.

For further details, call: 0499 099 906, email: [email protected], or go to: manshedauctions.com.au