Harley Davidson

Harley Frames & Harley Davidson Engines

The Harley Davidson motorcycle has gone through a lot of changes since it first appeared in 1929. Although some of those changes are evident in the Harley frames, none are more pervasive than the evolution of the Harley Davidson engines. Here's a quick look at Harley Davidson Engines then and now.

Harley Davidson Flathead Engines

This original Harley Davidson engine was standard equipment between 1929 and 1974. They were called "Flatheads" because they did not have overhead valves. Instead, the valves were positioned alongside the engine and they opened up and into a special chamber located next to the combustion chamber.

The original Harley Davidson Flathead engine checked in at 45 cubic inches (742 cc) displacement and cranked out 22 horsepower.


Harley Davidson Knucklehead Engines

These were manufactured for eleven years between 1936 and 1947. This Harley Davidson engine was available in both a 60 cubic inch (990 cc), which produced 40 horsepower, and a 74 cubic inch (1,200 cc) version which produced 45 horsepower. The Knucklehead used external oil lines.


Harley Davidson Panhead Engines

These were the Harley Davidson engines of choice between 1948 and 1965. Available in a 60 cubic inch (990 cc), 50 horsepower model, and a 74 cubic inch (1,200 cc), 55 horsepower model, these Harley Davidson engines differed from the Knucklehead in that they used aluminum heads and had internal oil lines.


Harley Davidson Shovelhead Engines

1966 through 1985 offered little new in engine options except that the Shovelhead came in a 74 cubic inches (1,200 cc) version that produced a then record breaking 60 horsepower.

Harley Davidson Evolution Engines

Harley Davidson engines began to show more muscle when this model was shipped between 1984 and 1999. Displacement was an amazing 81.8 cubic inches (1,340 cc), and the engine was capable of turning out 70 horsepower. The original Harley Davidson Evolution engines are no longer available, but the Harley Sportster is available with either an 883cc or a 1200 cc Harley Davidson Evolution engine.


Harley Davidson Twin Cam 88 engines

Harley Davidson engines really got powered up in 1999 with the introduction of this 88 cubic inch (1,450 cc), 80 horsepower monster. This engine still reigns as the largest production Harley Davidson Engine.


Harley Davidson Revolution Engines

Aptly named, this Harley Davidson engine is unlike any before it. Water-cooled instead of air-cooled, it uses a 60 degree V angle, as opposed to the typical Harley Davidson engine 45 degree V angle. It has four overhead cams instead of the normal two, and it’s fuel injected. Despite all of these features, it's available only in a 69 cubic inches (1,130 cc) version that produces 115 horsepower.


Harley Frames

As much as the Harley Davidson Engine has evolved over the years, the available Harley Frames have not changed as much. Here is the short history of Harley frames:

The Sportster

This is one of the most popular of the Harley frames as it is the least expensive. Growing from just one version, the current Harley Sportster frame comes in seven versions. The frame is 88 inches long and the entire bike weighs around 500 pounds depending upon options.

The Softail

Another very popular choice in the family of Harley frames, this one is 95 inches long and weighs in at 650 pounds or so. This is the basic frame for popular Harley models including the "Deuce," "Fat Boy," and the "Springer Softail."

The VRSC

This Harley frame is reserved for use by the Harley Revolution engine. It checks in at 94 inches long and weighs around 600 pounds depending upon the installed options.

The Dyna Glide

This Harley frame is the foundation for the famous Harley "choppers." It's 94 inches long, and weighs around 630 pounds.

Specialty Harley frames include the "Road King," "Electra Glide" and the "Ultra Classic." All of these bikes run 94 inches long and weigh between 700 and 800 pounds depending upon the options. The "Road King" is a popular frame for Police Harley Davidson motorcycles.
 

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