In 1932 Harley Davidson came out with a........?

Question

Overhead cam, and the valve cover bolts looked like Knuckles, so the called it a Knucklehead.
My question is,
What came out before the Knucklehead was it a "flat head?
because I am thinking that was the type.
where can I learn more?

where can I get a picture of a flat head also a blow out diagram?

Answer 1

The Pre-Knuckle side-valve twins were:

Model 30-50: 1930 - 1934

Model 45: 1929 - 1951

Model 74: 1930 - 1936

Model 80: 1935 - 1936

The knuckle was:

Model 74: 1937 - 1948

Model 80: 1937 - 1941

Model 61OHV 1936 - 1948 (Overhead Valve)

Model 74OHV 1941 - 1948 (Overhead Valve)

I haven't seen a sectional, but there's some good photos here: http://www.thisoldbike.us/flathead.htm and if you have a library near you there's some really great photos of the flatheads and knuckleheads in a book called "Harley Davidson" by Ron Bacon, Denis Chorlton, Richard Fleury, and Ian Kerr.
(Thunder Bay Press)

Answer 2

3 new models in 1929, a 45 cu-inch (750cc) V-twin, a 30.5 cu-inch (500cc) single, and the VL-a 1200cc side-valve engine ( the VL was recalled, due to massive power loss and vibration above 50 mph, then redesigned with larger flywheels, more radical cam and valves, and a redesigned frame to accomodate the larger crankcase-Could this be the Flathead you're asking about? )

Looks like the Knuckle actually came out in '34--the 61E--"By 1934 Harley Davidson was recovering from the Great Depression....At the Juneau Avenue works drawing boards were dusted off and plans laid for a model...to be christened the Knucklehead... It was the lumpy shaped rocker covers atop the engine which gave the bike its Knucklehead tag. It was the first OHV motorcycle to be built in the United States." ).

Answer 3

Actually, the "Knuckle" head (EL model) was introduced in 1936. See link below:

http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/H-D_History/history_1930s.jsp?HDCWPSession=J6J2GPJNynry6xyrG3Hry1XbbNPnNWkpJJ1yQp2jxwVyWH2ZSKPv!479735024!578276615&locale=en_US

It was NOT a overhead cam, but it WAS Harley's first overhead VALVE engine (61 cu in at first).
Prior to the Knuckle Head, they were Flat Head engines, which were available (45 cu in) up until 1973 on the "Servi-Car" (three wheeler, meter maids used a lot of them out here).
Hope this helps

Answer 4

the knuckle head was a push rod motor..not over head cam..
but you are correct before that was the flat head

Answer 5

flat head. then knuckle head, pan head, shovel head, and evo in that order

Answer 6

Go either to Harley archives or post this question with the librarian at the Library of Congress' website: www.loc.gov

Answer 7

Yes, a flat head.....

Answer 8

ur right it was a flathead try www.harley.com or harley hann.com

Answer 9

i think in was the shovel head

Answer 10

GO TO HARLEYDAVIDSON.COM AND TALK TO THE TECHS. GO TO A HD DEALER, THEY ARE ALL OVER.