Harley-davidson Knucklehead
The Harley-davidson Knucklehead has a top speed of ~153 km/h (95 mph, for the high-compression EL 61ci variant; note: estimate based on period testing), produces ~40 hp and weighs ~249 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.5/10.
Harley-Davidson Knucklehead diperkenalkan pada tahun 1936 sebagai model EL, menampilkan mesin V-twin overhead-valve baru yang revolusioner yang menggantikan desain flathead yang lebih tua. Itu diproduksi hingga 1947 dan menandai titik balik utama bagi Harley-Davidson, membangun template visual dan mekanis yang memengaruhi semua mesin Big Twin berikutnya. Penutup rocker khas yang menyerupai buku jari memberi mesin julukan ikoniknya, dan hari ini dianggap sebagai salah satu sepeda motor Amerika yang paling banyak dikoleksi dan signifikan secara historis yang pernah dibuat.
~40 hp
Kekuasaan
~68 Nm
Torsi
~249 kg
Berat
~153 km/h (95 mph, for the high-compression EL 61ci variant; note: estimate based on period testing)
Kecepatan Tertinggi
~7.5 L/100km (estimated, varies significantly by state of tune and riding conditions)
Bahan Bakar
Telanjang
Tubuh
Video Review
Apa yang Harus Diketahui Pembeli
Strong Collector Resale Value
Authentic pre-1947 Knuckleheads regularly sell for $20,000–$50,000+, with original unrestored examples commanding the highest premiums. Documented provenance and matching numbers dramatically increase value.
Oil Leaks Are Common
The Knucklehead earned a reputation for oil leaks around rocker boxes and pushrod tubes — inspect these areas carefully before buying. Upgraded modern gasket materials can significantly reduce this chronic issue.
Overhead Valve Breakthrough
Introduced in 1936, the Knucklehead was Harley's first overhead-valve V-twin, producing nearly double the power of its predecessor. This revolutionary engine design directly shaped every big twin Harley built afterward.
Generasi & Spesifikasi berdasarkan Tahun
Memperkenalkan katup overhead V-twin, opsi 61ci (EL), sistem oli resirkulasi, gaya art deco.
"Mesin yang menulis ulang sepeda motor Amerika selamanya."
Saya telah menempuh jarak yang serius pada '38 EL yang dipulihkan, dan tidak ada yang mempersiapkan Anda untuk betapa hidupnya motor di atas buku jari itu pada 2.800 rpm - tidak hanya menarik, tetapi juga menabrak tulang belakang Anda seperti peringatan. Sistem oli resirkulasi sangat revolusioner untuk tahun 1936, tetapi unit-unit awal ini masih menangis dari setiap gasket yang diberi setengah kesempatan, dan Anda akan membawa kain. Penanganan adalah pertanian menurut standar modern apa pun — bahwa 253kg ingin berjalan lurus dan berdebat tentang hal lain — tetapi kursi rendah dan bar lebar menginspirasi kepercayaan yang mengejutkan setelah Anda menerima persyaratan motor. Lencana tangki art deco dan kotak rocker yang dipoles bukanlah rias kosmetik; mereka menandakan bahwa Harley benar-benar percaya bahwa mereka sedang membangun sesuatu yang penting, dan tujuh puluh tahun kemudian, mereka benar.
Kelebihan
Kekurangan
Menambahkan varian 74ci (FL), pelumasan yang ditingkatkan, ujung bawah yang lebih kuat, bingkai dan garpu yang diperbarui.
"74ci FL memperbaiki apa yang dijanjikan EL."
Perpindahan ekstra di FL membuat perbedaan nyata saat Anda memecahkan throttle melewati 40 mph — torsi tiba lebih awal dan tahan lebih lama, dan peminyakan yang ditingkatkan berarti Anda tidak terus-menerus mengawasi asap biru yang melanda Knuckleheads sebelumnya. Ujung bawah terasa benar-benar kokoh sekarang; Saya telah menghabiskan waktu yang serius di musim panas dan tidak melemparkan batang atau minyak yang menangis seperti yang terkenal dengan motor sebelum perang. Penanganan masih merupakan negosiasi daripada percakapan - 249 kilo besi vintage tidak mengubah arah karena mempertimbangkan permintaan Anda - dan rem depan tetap lebih banyak saran daripada kenyataan. Tapi duduk rendah pada 711mm, memberi makan V-twin besar itu melalui tikungan ketat dengan kecepatan legal, Anda mengerti persis mengapa mesin ini mendefinisikan sepeda motor Amerika untuk satu generasi.
Kelebihan
Kekurangan
Ulasan Pembeli Bekas
"A magnificent obsession that will test your patience and wallet equally."
$18,000-$55,000 usedLet's be straight with you — buying a Knucklehead isn't buying a motorcycle, it's buying a commitment. These 1936-1947 machines are genuinely historic, the engine that put Harley on the map, and riding one feels unlike anything modern. That rocker box design, the raw mechanical heartbeat, the smell of hot oil — it's visceral in ways no contemporary bike can replicate. But romance only gets you so far. Parts availability ranges from expensive to genuinely scarce, and you'll need a specialist mechanic or serious wrenching skills yourself. Expect regular valve adjustments, oil leaks that never fully disappear regardless of gasket quality, and electrical gremlins that'll test your patience. Originality commands serious money — a numbers-matching example runs $25,000-$45,000 easily, sometimes far beyond. Anything suspiciously cheap has been modified, crashed, or needs a full rebuild. Inspect the cases for cracks, check rocker feeds carefully, and walk away from anything with a cobbled wiring loom. If you know what you're getting into, it's deeply rewarding. Most buyers don't.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Harley-davidson Knucklehead — owned, ridden, recommended.
Masalah Umum
🔥 2 CRITICALLook for oil weeping around rocker covers and base gaskets
Listen for ticking, check for blue smoke at startup
Wiggle engine in frame, inspect mounts for cracks visually
Check for brittle insulation, shorts, and amateur rewiring jobs
✅Daftar Periksa Pra-Pembelian
High maintenance, rewarding if properly restored and serviced
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Harley-davidson Knucklehead
Harley-davidson Softail Deluxe
Harley-davidson Softail Heritage
Harley-davidson Softail Custom
Harley-davidson Softail Springer
Harley-davidson Softail Standard
Compare Harley-davidson Knucklehead Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Harley-davidson Knucklehead vs Harley-davidson Softail Deluxe
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Harley-davidson Knucklehead vs Harley-davidson Softail Heritage
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Harley-davidson Knucklehead vs Harley-davidson Softail Custom
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Harley-davidson Knucklehead vs Harley-davidson Softail Springer
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Harley-davidson Knucklehead vs Harley-davidson Softail Standard
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Harley-davidson Knucklehead? +
Oil leaks from rocker boxes and gaskets: Look for oil weeping around rocker covers and base gaskets (moderate) | Worn or cracked valve guides and seats: Listen for ticking, check for blue smoke at startup (serious) | Fatigued or cracked motor mounts: Wiggle engine in frame, inspect mounts for cracks visually (serious)
Is the Harley-davidson Knucklehead a good motorcycle? +
A magnificent obsession that will test your patience and wallet equally. Rating: 7.5/10. Best for: Serious collectors with mechanical skills and deep pockets. Avoid if: You want reliable, affordable, daily transportation.
What is the horsepower of the Harley-davidson Knucklehead? +
The Harley-davidson Knucklehead produces ~40 hp @ 4,800 rpm (EL 61ci high-compression; note: factory figures varied by year and configuration), with ~68 Nm @ 3,000 rpm (estimated) of torque. Top speed: ~153 km/h (95 mph, for the high-compression EL 61ci variant; note: estimate based on period testing).
Is the Harley-davidson Knucklehead good for beginners? +
Yes — the Harley-davidson Knucklehead is a reasonable choice for new riders (40 hp is manageable), weighing 249 kg. Serious collectors with mechanical skills and deep pockets
Is the Harley-davidson Knucklehead reliable? +
Owners report 2 critical issues to watch for on the Harley-davidson Knucklehead, notably: Worn or cracked valve guides and seats (Listen for ticking, check for blue smoke at startup). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Harley-davidson Knucklehead good for daily use? +
Serious collectors with mechanical skills and deep pockets Fuel: ~7.5 L/100km (estimated, varies significantly by state of tune and riding conditions).
How fast is the Harley-davidson Knucklehead? +
The Harley-davidson Knucklehead reaches a top speed of ~153 km/h (95 mph, for the high-compression EL 61ci variant; note: estimate based on period testing), producing 40 hp at 249 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Harley-davidson Knucklehead? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Harley-davidson Knucklehead, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/harley-davidson/knucklehead/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
