Harley Davidson

1200 cm³ Knucklehead type 74 – 1946

In its 90-year-history, Harley-Davidson could never have been accused of being technically adventurous. But this conservative outlook has saved the Milwaukee company from making disastrous mistakes. In the early Twenties, Harley-Davidson became the world's biggest motorcycle manufacturer, with an annual capacity of 35,000 machines.

Consistent Policy

Since 1909, the firm's hallmark has been the big V-twin, a policy that has ensured the survival of Harley-Davidson when all the other American motorcycle manufacturers have fallen by the wayside. In 1936 the company introduced the valve-in-head 61 cubic inch. (1000cc) Type EL, nicknamed "Knucklehead" because of the shape of its rockerbox castings.

Conservative Specs

The Knucklehead boasted such features as a four-speed gearbox with hand change and foot clutch, a double-cradle frame and pressure lubrication. After the war, America (which had imported only a handful of European motorbikes before the war) discovered the charms of the light, fast British twins. In 1946, America built just 20,000 motorbikes – and imported 9000, of which 8000 were English! To respond to this new scenario, Harley offered the Type 74, a 1200cc derivative of the prewar Knucklehead, which saw the light of day in 1941. It remained in production only until 1948.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 1208 cc (61x61 mm) four-stroke V-twin

Power output: 53 hp

Valves: overhead valves

Fuel system: single carburetor

Transmission: four-speed gearbox; chain final drive

Suspension: (front) "Springer Forks"; (rear) rigid

Brakes: (front) drum; (rear) drum

Wheels: wire; 16 in balloon tires (optional)

Weight: 560 lb.

Maximum speed: 110 mph

The big Harley offered incomparable comfort, despite its rigid rear end. Other features made up for the awkward stiffness.