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 1948 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead by contrast offered 1207cc of OHV V-twin Panhead power, delivering 50hp at 5000rpm. Tipping the scales at 255.0kg (562 lbs) with a top speed of 155km/h (96 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 | 1948 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 989 cc | 1207 cc |
| Power | 40 hp | 50 hp |
| Torque | 70.0 Nm | 85.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 150 km/h | 155 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 245.0 kg | 255.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 265.0 kg | 275.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 680 mm | 690 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1500 mm | 1510 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 L | 15.0 L |
| Gears | 4 -speed | 4 -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 1948 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead pushed output to 50hp. 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 1948 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead — 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 1948 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead
The 1948 1948 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead is a 1207cc twin-cylinder cruiser that became one of Harley-Davidson's most memorable motorcycles of the 1940s.
Full 1948 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead Profile →