The Harley
Davidson Knucklehead Motorcycle
Engine
All chopper enthusiasts have heard
of the Harley knucklehead engine.
However for those of you who don't
know, a knuckle head engine is a
Harley engine.
The brand name Harley Davidson
usually puts a sparkle in the eye
of anyone building a chopper
because of the company's excellent
reputation as a manufacturer of
cool, tough and powerful
motorcycles and motorcycle parts.
The Harley
Davidson Motorcycle Company first
introduced knuckle head engines in
1936. The knucklehead is one
of seven v-twin engines produced
by the company. The other v-twin
engines are the Flathead, Panhead,
Shovelhead, Evolution, Twin Cam 88
and the Revolution.
Knuckle head
engines are distinguished in
appearance from the rest of the
engines by the head. The chrome
head of a knuckle head engine resembles
the back of your hand. The
sculptural appearance of this
engine has great appeal for those
who love "the look of
power."
The Knucklehead engine was the
first overhead valve engine made
by Harley Davidson. And it came in
60 and 74 cubic inch sizes. The 74
cubic inch came out in 1941 and
produced 40 and 45 horsepower.
The Knuckle head
engine was designed for the
original Harley Davidson chopper,
which has features which include a
stainless steel trim on the tank,
a shut off rod for the knuckle
head, and a gasket under the tank
badge. Later designs introduced
the addition of a front safety
guard, wide clutch, die-cast
aluminum frame and aerodynamic
"Speedo face" to the
1941 model. The 1942 model added
on a three-stud clutch,
sixteen-inch wheels and a aluminum
front brake.
The original
knuckle head is very popular.
This is partly because of brand
name recognition and partly
because (according to some) the
knucklehead engine is perceived to
perform better than other chopper
engines.
Knuckle head
engines are popular with hobbyists
who are looking to build their own
chopper from scratch. Read the
design specifications of your
chopper kit if you are shopping
for a knuckle. You want to be sure
it’s going to fit your chopper
frame. As enticing as the
knucklehead engine is, you want to
be certain it doesn’t end up
collecting dust in your garage.
