Harley Davidson Terms Know the Knucklehead from the Shovelhead
The American Motorcycle Company Harley Davidson has made motorcycles for 100 years. The dream began in an old wooden shed. Today Harley Davidson is a household word. But the terms used to describe the different types and models still confuse everyone new to the world of Harley Davidson. In this article you will find some of these terms and what they mean.
Harley Davidson motorcycles have been with us for a lot of years now it’s time we understand what the different terms that are associated with Harley Davidson.
Harley Davidson Ape Hangers
Ape Hangers are handlebars which have been elevated so that they raise the hands of the rider above their shoulders.
Harley Davidson Big V Twin and Small V Twin
Big V Twin relates to the larger sized engines used in Harley Davidson motorcycles. Models such as the Sportster come with engines ranging from 883 to 1200 cc (cubic centimeters), while most others have engines whose sizes range from 1340, 1450 and 1584cc.
Big V-twins
F-head, also known as JD, pocket valve and IOE (intake over exhaust), 1914–1929 (1000 cc), and 1922–1929 (1200 cc)
Flathead, 1930–1948 (1200 cc) and 1935–1941 (1300 cc).
Knucklehead, 1936–1947 61 cubic inch (1000 cc), and 1941–1947 74 cubic inch (1200 cc)
Panhead, 1948–1965 61 cubic inch (1000 cc), and 1948–1965, 74 cubic inch (1200 cc)
Shovelhead, 1966–1984, 74 cubic inch (1200 cc) and 80 cubic inch (1345 cc) since late 1978
Evolution (aka "Evo" and "Blockhead"), 1984–2000, 80 cubic inch (1340 cc)
Twin Cam 88 (aka "Fathead") 1999–2006, 88 cubic inch (1450 cc)
Twin Cam 88B (counter balanced version of the Twin Cam 88) 2000–2006, 88 cubic inch (1450 cc)
Twin Cam 96, since 2007, 96 cubic inch (1584 cc)
Twin Cam 103, 2003–2006, 2009, 103 cubic inch (1690 cc) (engines for C.V.O. models)
Twin Cam 110, since 2007, 110 cubic inch (1802 cc) (engines for C.V.O. models)
Small V-twins
D Model, 1929–1931, 750 cc
R Model, 1932–1936, 750 cc
W Model, 1937–1952, 750 cc, solo (2 wheel, frame only)
G (Servi-Car) Model, 1932–1973, 750 cc
K Model, 1952–1953, 750 cc
KH Model, 1954–1956, 900 cc
Ironhead, 1957–1971, 900 cc; 1971–1985, 1000 cc
Evolution, since 1986, 883 cc, 1100 cc and 1200 cc
Harley Davidson Bobber
Bobber motorcycle is often referred to as the Bobtail, and was one of the first custom motorcycles to appear and dates back to the early 1950's and were used by men returning back from the Second World War. These were ridden as a way of rekindling the thrill some of the got from flying fighter planes
Harley Davidson Blockhead
Blockhead is a term is to do with the innovative Evolution V Twin engine which the Harley Davidson Company designed and produces. It was this engine which replaced the shovelhead and features overhead valves. It is most commonly to be found on motorcycles that were produced after 1980 such as the Sportsters and Big V Twins.
Harley Davidson Fat Head
Fat Head is a term used to describe the twin cam engine that the company brought into production in 1999 and is still to be found on many of their machines today.
Harley Davidson Fat Boy
Fat Boy is the bike that was ridden by Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator and has certain characteristics such clearly show what it is. The front disc wheel on this machine is solid and all gauges for the machine are mounted on the engine. This particular motorcycle has now become the company's top selling model.
Harley Davidson Hardtail
Hardtail refers to any motorcycle within the Harley Davidson range where the frame has no suspension. Many of those who ride Harleys may also refer to this type of motorcycle as a rigid.
Harley Davidson Low Rider
Low Rider motorcycle first appeared on the scene in the 1970's and it is because of the low riding position due to the lowered seat is what gives this machine its name. One of the motorcycles which are classed as this type is the Harley Davidson Super Glide.
Harley Davidson Shovelhead
The Shovelhead engine which has now been replaced by the blockhead was originally introduced and fitted to Harley Davidson motorcycles from 1966. It was the same engine that replaced the Panhead engine which in turn had replaced the Knucklehead engine that had been used in this company's motorcycles from 1936 to 1947.
Harley Davidson Softail
Softail models of motorcycle resemble the Hardtail which we have discussed above. However this one does have suspension but is hidden from view because it is placed underneath the engine.
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