The 1936 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead from United States was powered by a 989cc OHV V-twin Knucklehead producing 40hp at 4800rpm. Weighing 245.0kg (540 lbs) and with a seat height of 680mm, it was aimed at cruiser riders.
The 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA by contrast offered 739cc of SV V-twin power, delivering 23hp at 4600rpm. Tipping the scales at 260.0kg (573 lbs) with a top speed of 105km/h (65 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
| 1936 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead | 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 989 cc | 739 cc |
| Power | 40 hp | 23 hp |
| Torque | 70.0 Nm | 40.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 150 km/h | 105 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 245.0 kg | 260.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 265.0 kg | 280.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 680 mm | 680 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1500 mm | 1470 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 L | 13.0 L |
| Gears | 4 -speed | 3 -speed |
The Verdict
Comparing these two Harley-Davidson machines reveals the brand's evolution. The 1936 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead laid the groundwork with 40hp, while the later 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA pushed output to 23hp. From a collector's perspective, the 1936 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead holds the edge with a 10/10 rating. Either way, both are worthy additions to any Harley-Davidson collection. Parts availability is difficult for the 1936 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead and moderate for the 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA — an important factor for any restoration project.
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 →About the 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA
The 1942 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA is a 739cc twin-cylinder standard motorcycle that became one of Harley-Davidson's most memorable motorcycles of the 1940s.
Full 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA Profile →