| There are many features associated with a Harley | | | | and its riders. Before the introduction of the |
| Davidson which although no longer used, are | | | | knucklehead, Harley Davidson motorcycles were |
| considered vital in understanding and appreciating a | | | | powered by engines with single over-head valves. |
| well made high-quality motorcycle. One such feature | | | | The knucklehead was the first engine used by the |
| is the Knucklehead engine. | | | | company which included v-twin valves. The |
| The Knucklehead was one of Harley Davidson's first | | | | knucklehead models which were produced between |
| designed V-twin engines. It received its fitting and | | | | the years of 1936 and 1940 displaced 61 cubic inches. |
| memorable nickname from the rounded, fist-like | | | | This was increased in 1941 when a 74 cubic inch |
| rocker boxes which, from certain angles, appeared to | | | | displacement was added. |
| resemble the bent knuckles of a closed hand or fist. | | | | Many Harley owners awaited the availability of the |
| Though the original production design was labeled the | | | | knucklehead anxiously. The knucklehead predecessor, |
| 61 OHV, this engine was never referred to as any | | | | the flatheads, supplied very limited power and only |
| name other than "knucklehead" in its ten years of | | | | offered between 30 and 35 horsepower. Many bikers |
| production. | | | | rejoiced when it become known that the new and |
| To all serious bikers, whether chopper owners or | | | | improved knucklehead would supply their bikes with |
| stock configuration fans, the name Harley Davidson is | | | | up to 40 horses, making their bikes noticeably more |
| known for quality, durability and reliability. Whenever | | | | powerful. |
| an individual begins designing, building or upgrading any | | | | However, it was not only the added power that |
| motorcycle, the majority will turn to a Harley | | | | made the knucklehead a noticeable improvement. |
| Davidson power train due to the company's century | | | | The knucklehead engine also introduced Harley |
| old commitment to excellence. Some bikers also feel | | | | Davidson's new oil recirculating system. For years |
| that their bikes enter a higher class of prestige when | | | | Harley riders had been dealing with the inconvenient |
| powered by one of the company's many perfected | | | | and unsightly "total loss" set-up of previous models |
| and mastered engines. | | | | and were thrilled with the newly improved system |
| In 1936 Harley Davidson unveiled their newest | | | | regardless of its tendency to leak and lead to |
| manufactured engine, and the knucklehead marked | | | | wasted fuel. |
| the beginning of a new era for both the company | | | | |