The 1938 Triumph Speed Twin from United Kingdom was powered by a 498cc OHV twin producing 27hp at 6300rpm. Weighing 168.0kg (370 lbs) and with a seat height of 780mm, it was aimed at standard riders.
The 1936 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead, hailing from United States, by contrast offered 989cc of OHV V-twin Knucklehead power, delivering 40hp at 4800rpm. Tipping the scales at 245.0kg (540 lbs) with a top speed of 150km/h (93 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. Pre-war motorcycles are extremely rare and highly sought after by serious collectors, with values appreciating steadily year over year.
Specifications Comparison
| 1938 Triumph Speed Twin | 1936 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 498 cc | 989 cc |
| Power | 27 hp | 40 hp |
| Torque | 36.0 Nm | 70.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 148 km/h | 150 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 168.0 kg | 245.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 180.0 kg | 265.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 780 mm | 680 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 L | 14.0 L |
| Gears | 4 -speed | 4 -speed |
The Verdict
These two machines serve fundamentally different purposes. The 1938 Triumph Speed Twin is built for all-round versatility and everyday riding, while the 1936 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead targets relaxed highway cruising and long-distance comfort. On paper, the 1936 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead's 40hp trumps the 1938 Triumph Speed Twin's 27hp, but raw numbers don't tell the whole story in such different segments. Choose the 1938 Triumph Speed Twin if you value all-round versatility and everyday riding; pick the 1936 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead for relaxed highway cruising and long-distance comfort. Parts availability is moderate for the 1938 Triumph Speed Twin and difficult for the 1936 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead — an important factor for any restoration project.
About the 1938 Triumph Speed Twin
The 1938 1938 Triumph Speed Twin packs a 498cc OHV twin engine with 27hp into a standard motorcycle package from Triumph.
Full 1938 Triumph Speed Twin Profile →About the 1936 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead
Harley-Davidson released the 1936 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead in 1936 with a 989cc OHV V-twin Knucklehead powerplant making 40hp — a definitive cruiser.
Full 1936 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead Profile →