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.
O Harley-Davidson Knucklehead foi introduzido em 1936 como o modelo EL, apresentando um novo e revolucionário motor V-twin com válvula suspensa que substituiu o antigo design de cabeça plana. Foi produzido até 1947 e marcou uma grande virada para a Harley-Davidson, estabelecendo o modelo visual e mecânico que influenciou todos os motores Big Twin subsequentes. As capas de balanço distintas que lembram juntas deram ao motor seu apelido icônico, e hoje ele é considerado uma das motocicletas americanas mais colecionáveis e historicamente significativas já construídas.
~40 hp
Poder
~68 Nm
Torque
~249 kg
Peso
~153 km/h (95 mph, for the high-compression EL 61ci variant; note: estimate based on period testing)
Velocidade máxima
~7.5 L/100km (estimated, varies significantly by state of tune and riding conditions)
Combustível
Nua
Corpo
Video Review
O que os compradores devem saber
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.
Gerações e especificações por ano
Introduziu a válvula suspensa V-twin, opção 61ci (EL), sistema de recirculação de óleo, estilo art déco.
"O motor que reescreveu o motociclismo americano para sempre."
Eu percorri muitos quilômetros em um EL 38 restaurado e nada prepara você para a sensação de vida desse motor a 2.800 rpm — ele não se limita a puxar, mas bate na coluna como um aviso. O sistema de recirculação de óleo foi revolucionário em 1936, mas essas primeiras unidades ainda choram de cada junta, dada meia chance, e você carregará trapos. O manuseio é agrícola de acordo com qualquer padrão moderno — 253 kg querem andar em linha reta e discutem sobre qualquer outra coisa — mas o assento baixo e as barras largas inspiram uma confiança surpreendente quando você aceita os termos da bicicleta. Os emblemas de tanques art déco e as caixas de balanço polidas não são uma vaidade cosmética; eles indicam que a Harley realmente acreditava que estava construindo algo importante e, setenta anos depois, estava certa.
Prós
Contras
Foi adicionada a variante 74ci (FL), lubrificação aprimorada, extremidade inferior mais forte, estrutura e garfos atualizados.
"O 74ci FL corrigiu o que o EL prometeu."
Essa cilindrada extra no FL faz uma diferença tangível no momento em que você acelera a mais de 40 mph — o torque chega mais cedo e se mantém por mais tempo, e a lubrificação aprimorada significa que você não está constantemente atento à fumaça azul reveladora que assolou os Knuckleheads anteriores. A parte inferior parece genuinamente robusta agora; percorri muitos quilômetros na minha durante o calor do verão e ela não jogou uma haste ou derramou óleo como os motores do pré-guerra eram famosos. O manuseio ainda é uma negociação e não uma conversa — 249 quilos de ferro vintage não mudam de direção tanto quanto consideram sua solicitação — e o freio dianteiro continua sendo mais uma sugestão do que realidade. Mas, com 711 mm de altura, alimentando aquele grande V-twin em curvas apertadas em velocidades legais, você entende exatamente por que esse motor definiu o motociclismo americano por uma geração.
Prós
Contras
Avaliação do comprador usado
"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.
Problemas comuns
🔥 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
✅Lista de verificação de pré-compra
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
More Harley-davidson Knucklehead Guides
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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.
