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All Bikes/Compare/Harley-davidson Knucklehead vs Harley-davidson Softail Custom

Harley-davidson Knucklehead vs Harley-davidson Softail Custom

Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers

Harley-davidson Knucklehead vs Harley-davidson Softail Custom. Harley-davidson Knucklehead: ~40 hp @ 4,800 rpm (EL 61ci high-compression; note: factory figures varied by year and configuration) hp, ~249 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed ~153 km/h (95 mph, for the high-compression EL 61ci variant; note: estimate based on period testing), Motoryk rating 7.5/10. Harley-davidson Softail Custom: 58 hp @ 5,000 rpm (note: estimated for Evolution 1340cc engine; exact figures vary by year) hp, 287 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 175 km/h (estimated), Motoryk rating 7.5/10.

Performance at a Glance

Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value

Harley-davidson Knucklehead Harley-davidson Softail Custom
Horsepower (hp)
40 hp
58 hp
Torque (Nm)
68 Nm
98 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
153 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
249 kg
287 kg
Type
Classic
Cruiser
Horsepower
~40 hp @ 4,800 rpm (EL 61ci high-compression; note: factory figures varied by year and configuration)
58 hp @ 5,000 rpm (note: estimated for Evolution 1340cc engine; exact figures vary by year)
Torque
~68 Nm @ 3,000 rpm (estimated)
98 Nm @ 3,500 rpm (note: estimated for Evolution 1340cc engine)
Top Speed
~153 km/h (95 mph, for the high-compression EL 61ci variant; note: estimate based on period testing)
175 km/h (estimated)
Weight
~249 kg (wet/curb weight)
287 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
~7.5 L/100km (estimated, varies significantly by state of tune and riding conditions)
6.5 L/100km (approximately 15.4 km/L)
Fairing
No
No

Individual Reviews

Harley-davidson Knucklehead
Harley-davidson Knucklehead
7.5/10

"A magnificent obsession that will test your patience and wallet equally."

Pros
+Unmatched historical significance
+Iconic mechanical character
+Strong collector value retention
Cons
Parts scarce and expensive
Leaks oil constantly
Specialist knowledge essential
Harley-davidson Softail Custom
Harley-davidson Softail Custom
7.5/10

"A beautiful, trustworthy cruiser if you buy smart and inspect thoroughly."

Pros
+Twin Cam reliability well-proven
+Slow, predictable depreciation
+Massive aftermarket parts availability
Cons
Cam chain tensioners wear early
Chrome quality embarrassingly poor
Highway comfort genuinely suffers

Top 10 Accessories

Picks that work on either bike.

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🛢️
Engine Oil
SAE 50 mineral motorcycle oil
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🛢️
Harley-Davidson · Engine Oil
20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil
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⚙️
Oil Filter
Oil filter for Harley-Davidson Knucklehead
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⚙️
HifloFiltro · Oil Filter
HF204 Oil Filter
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🌬️
Air Filter
Air filter for Harley-Davidson Knucklehead
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🌬️
Air Filter
Replacement Air Filter
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Spark Plugs
Spark plugs for Harley-Davidson Knucklehead
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Spark Plugs
Spark Plugs
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Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet
Helmet
Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet
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Riding Gloves
Gloves
Riding Gloves
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