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 1957 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL by contrast offered 883cc of OHV V-twin Ironhead power, delivering 40hp at 5500rpm. Tipping the scales at 200.0kg (441 lbs) with a top speed of 160km/h (99 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 | 1957 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 989 cc | 883 cc |
| Power | 40 hp | 40 hp |
| Torque | 70.0 Nm | 56.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 150 km/h | 160 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 245.0 kg | 200.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 265.0 kg | 220.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 680 mm | 740 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1500 mm | 1460 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 L | 13.0 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 1957 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL pushed output to 40hp. 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 good for the 1957 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL — 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 1957 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL
Introduced in 1957, the 1957 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL features a 883cc OHV V-twin Ironhead engine producing 40hp, establishing itself as a notable standard motorcycle.
Full 1957 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL Profile →