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All Bikes/Harley-davidson/Knucklehead
Harley-davidson Knucklehead
Classic

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.

哈雷戴维森 Knucklehead 于 1936 年作为 EL 车型推出,采用了革命性的新型顶置气门 V 型双缸发动机,取代了旧的平头设计。它一直生产到1947年,标志着哈雷戴维森的重大转折点,它确立了影响所有后续Big Twin发动机的视觉和机械模板。类似于指关节的独特摇杆罩赋予了该发动机一个标志性的昵称,如今,它被认为是有史以来最具收藏价值和历史意义的美国摩托车之一。

~40 hp

权力

~68 Nm

扭矩

~249 kg

重量

~153 km/h (95 mph, for the high-compression EL 61ci variant; note: estimate based on period testing)

最高速度

~7.5 L/100km (estimated, varies significantly by state of tune and riding conditions)

燃料

裸体

身体

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买家应该知道什么

💰

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.

按年份划分的世代和规格

1936–1940 Gen 1

推出了顶置气门 V 型双缸、61ci (EL) 选项、再循环机油系统、装饰艺术风格。

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8.2/10

"这个发动机永远改写了美国摩托车运动。"

我已经在修复后的 38 EL 上投入了大量的里程,没有什么能让你为那个转速为 2,800 rpm 的指关节顶部马达的活力做好准备——它不只是拉动,还会像警告一样猛击你的脊柱。循环机油系统在 1936 年是革命性的,但这些早期的装置只要有半个机会,仍然会从每个垫圈里流出来,而且你会随身携带破烂的衣服。以任何现代标准衡量,操控性都是农业的——253kg想要直行并争论其他任何事情——但是,一旦你接受了自行车的条款,低座椅和宽杠就会激发出令人惊讶的信心。装饰艺术风格的坦克徽章和经过抛光的摇杆箱并不是化妆品;它们表明哈雷真的相信他们在建造一些重要的东西,而七十年后,他们是对的。

优点

+OHV 扭矩确实会让人上瘾
+如今,装饰艺术风格仍然令人惊叹
+低座椅可激发自信的低速操控性
+具有重要历史意义,零件仍可采购

缺点

早期的漏油事件持续不断
刹车是正确的周期——严重不足
重型转向需要体力投入
原始 6V 系统上的电气小鬼
最适合: 痴迷于历史的长途运输者 跳过 if: 你期望现代的机械可靠性
1941–1947 Gen 2

增加了 74ci (FL) 变体,改进了润滑效果,更坚固的底端,更新了车架和前叉。

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8.2/10

"74ci FL 修复了 EL 的承诺。"

当你将油门打破40英里/小时的那一刻,佛罗里达州的额外排气量就会产生明显的不同——扭矩更早到达,保持时间更长,而且润滑的改善意味着你不必时刻关注困扰早期 Knuckleheads 的明显蓝烟。现在的底端感觉真的很粗壮;在炎热的夏天,我已经花了很长时间了,它没有像战前发动机那样投掷棒子或润滑油。操作仍然是谈判而不是对话——249公斤的老式铁不会改变方向,而是会考虑你的要求——而且前刹车与其说是现实,不如说是建议。但是,坐在711mm的低处,让那台大型V型双缸车以法定速度穿过狭窄的弯道,你就能确切地理解为什么这种发动机定义了美国一代人的摩托车运动。

优点

+74ci 扭矩确实可用
+在负荷下注油终于值得信赖了
+更强的底端可以存活真实里程
+标志性的排气音符,周期正确

缺点

前刹车几乎不值得使用
重量可以惩罚慢速错误
零件采购需要专用网络
最适合: 自杀的耐心骑手 跳过 if: 你需要现代的流量可靠性

二手买家评论

7.5/10
最适合
Serious collectors with mechanical skills and deep pockets

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

$18,000-$55,000 used

Let'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.

优点
缺点
跳过 if: You want reliable, affordable, daily transportation

Top 10 Accessories

Curated picks for the Harley-davidson Knucklehead — owned, ridden, recommended.

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常见问题

🔥 2 CRITICAL
⚠️Oil leaks from rocker boxes and gaskets MODERATE

Look for oil weeping around rocker covers and base gaskets

Fix cost: $200-$600
🔥Worn or cracked valve guides and seats SERIOUS

Listen for ticking, check for blue smoke at startup

Fix cost: $500-$1500
🔥Fatigued or cracked motor mounts SERIOUS

Wiggle engine in frame, inspect mounts for cracks visually

Fix cost: $300-$800
⚠️Deteriorated original electrical wiring MODERATE

Check for brittle insulation, shorts, and amateur rewiring jobs

Fix cost: $150-$500

购买前清单

Verify engine and frame numbers match title
Request full restoration or service history
Cold start test reveals true engine health
Inspect for non-original reproduction parts

High maintenance, rewarding if properly restored and serviced

Full Specifications

Engine Power ~40 hp @ 4,800 rpm (EL 61ci high-compression; note: factory figures varied by year and configuration)
Torque ~68 Nm @ 3,000 rpm (estimated)
Top Speed ~153 km/h (95 mph, for the high-compression EL 61ci variant; note: estimate based on period testing)
Weight ~249 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel Consumption ~7.5 L/100km (estimated, varies significantly by state of tune and riding conditions)
Type Classic
Fairing No Fairing (Naked)

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Community Reviews

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.