Local man adds classic motorcycle to collection

Just one more motorcycle.
That’s what Dale Dokuchie was thinking last Thursday when he acquired a second 1948 Harley Davidson 165 “Hummer” for his motorcycle collection.
Dokuchie already has several bikes at his Couchiching home, where he’s done the odd automotive repair over the years. “I’ve probably had 15 through the years–all Harley Davidson,” he noted.
His most recent acquisition–a little white number–even came with its own original advertisement, which boasted: “90 miles to the gallon! A six-watt battery generator ignition and lighting system! Cushion-ride tail-glide forks!”
“It was really a go-fer bike. They used it just after the war,” said Dokuchie. “Kind of a quick A to B vehicle.”
Dokuchie picked up the bike from a fellow motorcycle enthusiast from International Falls–a deal that was some time in the making. “I’d been haunting this one guy, Todd Jensen, for a while but we finally settled today,” he smiled.
Despite being not exactly new, the motorcycle was in good shape, with its original detailing and “guts” intact. The only repairs Dokuchie has to make are to the wiring.
But that shouldn’t be a problem since he’s restored–and sold–several Harleys since he could drive.
“Among other work, I’ve restored a 1942 military and I’ve had a 1965 pan head around,” he noted. “I like to fix them but the ones I like, I keep.”
In fact, Dokuchie said he’s planning on stepping up his “hobby” to something more serious.
“I’m really getting into this heavy now–I’m on the lookout for outdated and used parts, and I’ll get a bigger garage,” he remarked.
“After I get some bikes into shape, I plan to spread the word across Canada and into the States,” he added.
But for now, Dokuchie said he’d focus strictly on the 51-year-old bike, which also has surprisingly few miles on its odometer–and should see some serious riding once it’s up and running.
“It only has 12,638 miles on it. That’s amazing,” he remarked.
And after a while, Dokuchie noted his first “Hummer” could join this one cruising down the highway–after he puts it together.
“It’s ‘in the basket’ as we say. But I’ll have them up and on the road by [next] July 1,” he smiled.