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.
