Fun To Ride Flatty
Florence, Arizona – We met Jack Allen, currently out of Arizona City, Arizona when he rode his 1951WL to the Wrench And Ride in Florence last month. This little flatty was definitely one of the coolest bikes there, and it just so happens, Jack is one of the coolest cats we’ve met out and about. Working at “EastSide HD” as lead mechanic for some years, as well as various other shops and years of “on the road” experience, he has a tremendous wealth of knowledge that he is ever so humbly willing to share.
This little gem of a flatty is simple, modest and classy. At the same time this WL is nothing short of amazing. Picking up the bike much like you see it at the Davenport Swap, Jack tinkered with it some, and has been dragging it around the country ever since. With the K-model top, giving it an extra bit of horsepower, he says it will get up to a comfy cruising speed in the 50 range in no time, although it’ll do more.
I had a great time visiting with Jack about the bike and learning a bunch about 45’s, K-models, HD racing history and general BS! This is what it’s all about. If you’re lucky enough to catch up with Jack and his 45 be sure and ask him about his “reversing front wheel phenomenon”.
Enjoy!
-SS
Owner:Jack Allen, Arizona City-AZ via Washington
Profession: Retired Machinist, Mechanic & Drifter
Year:1951
Make:HD
Model:WL
Bike Name: None, but he names most the critters in the back yard.
Engine:’51 flathead bottom, ’56 KHK(K-model)top, Truett & Osborn flywheels, “H-beam” rods,
Displacement:883
Carb: Linkert
Transmission:stock 3speed/tank shift
Frame:stock
Wheels:19″ aluminum Akron
Tires:Dunlops
Tins:Repop stock tanks, flat fender