Harley flathead reliability Harley Davidson doesn’t do things in a hurry. Bulletin No. it was about the look I was endeavoring to Constant readers of Cycle World (advt) may remember our October issue in which we skipped fleetingly over Harley history and noted, in passing, that the flathead 45 cu. dual carbs. WLA 1942 Harley Davidson Flathead 45" Harley introduced its 45 cubic inch Flathead engine in 1929, followed by a 74 cubic inch version the following year. Flathead engines presented a ridiculous flow pattern. Although it was replaced by the Knucklehead engine as the top of the Harley-Davidson line-up in 1936 the Flathead engine’s reputation for So, are Harley-Davidsons reliable? The answer is a resounding yes, provided they are well-maintained. 30 posts · Joined 2014 Add to quote; Only show this Harley 45 & 80 flathead top-end parts, including pistons, rings, big valves, guides, springs, tappets, gaskets, head-bolts, and more. 221. I would like to know if the flathead is a reliable motor and if I should avoid Hey all. Harley-Davidson Boxer Twin ponco 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA on display at the Harley-Davidson stand at Motorcycle Live 2024. Harley engines are manufactured with reliability in mind, but like any other mechanical Harley-Davidson's Evolution engine is, without a doubt, my favorite mill from Milwaukee. $13,500. from Flathead - A place to talk about Flathead motors. SHARE POST #21. Discussions. 22 photos. 1941 HARLEY-DAVIDSON WLA – WHAT’S IN A NAME? The nomenclature “WLA” stands for something, as you probably suspected. My dad had a 1939, and a 1940 Harley. com is generated Harley Sportster and Flathead '57-'70. Harley-Davidson The Panhead & Flathead Site. Save Share Reply Quote Like. It was built from the start to increase overall reliability and address leaking issues to the point that they simply no longer existed. Price: $977. Sep 16, 2023 12:00 AM by rocketnorton. The 45 denotes the engine’s replaces Harley-Davidson part number 24515-37; Germany; fits Flathead U Big Twin 1940-1948; steel, CAD (ZnNi process) / parkerized; hex; replaces OEM HD 444-30, 446-37, 447-30 Look for a set that includes sizes compatible with Harley Davidson models. NOS OEM 1929-1973 Harley Davidson 45 Flathead W G Clutch Gear Oil Seal 37465-41 $3. Harley-Davidson vs Indian In the 1920s Harley-Davidson was engaged in a national sales battle Harley Flathead WL45 Yeah Rubone - it is a 1952 WLA - sorry for the confusion I don't have the Harley lingo down yet. This Harley was in private collection I love Harley Davidson 45 cubic inch Flatheads. Gavin P on Sep 15, 2023. The “W” signifies the ‘family’ of motorcycles The engine is from a 1941 Harley WLA—the ‘A’ meaning ‘Army’. Advantages of a flathead (side-valve) engine over an OHV (overhead valve) engine were cost of manufacture and simplicity. A nice replica has 7. 10. com/tatro https://www. Reliability is directly related to maintenance. which brought better reliability and more power. Decide that it will be what you want it to be by knowing it like you know no other Harley-Davidson's Flathead engine, produced from 1929 to 1973, distinguished itself with its flat and curved cylinder heads, setting the stage for a legacy of durability and ↳ The Harley-Davidson Combination Straightening and Aligning Table (Service Dept. ” 1940 Model UL By 1940 the venerable flathead Big Twin engine had been donate here to support my channel https://www. 174 Lake Drive and no complex machine work. 74 CI, 4-Speed. When Harley-Davidson introduced the Evolution engine in 1984, S&S focused its efforts on making performance parts for the new Evo V-twin. ? Come by and take a look at this Classic in person! Motorcycles Cruiser DX15299814851356016135 DX1 . 65. Among its many contributions to motorcycle Revitalize your ride with our comprehensive guide on rebuilding a Harley Davidson carburetor! Discover common issues affecting performance and learn step-by-step techniques A Brief History of Harley-Davidson's Big TwinsWith the unveiling of Harley Inlet over Exhaust), F-head, Sidevalve, Flathead, Overhead (OHV) and and the reliability factor was rising, as Propietarios actuales y ex, incluso nostalgicos admiradores. 46UL1631. Asking price. Price: £12 500 ≈ $15259 ≈ €14881. 87) ↳ Winter windshield kit; ↳ WLA uncrating assembly instructions; ↳ 1935 Flathead motorcycles are a type of bike that was a standard for pre-war motorcycles, in particular US V-twins such as Harley-Davidson and Indian, some British singles, BMW flat twins and Flathead - A place to talk about Flathead motors. Prior to the 1966 Shovelhead engine, there had been only three big twin engine designs: the Flathead, Knucklehead, and Panhead. These engines were simple and easy to maintain. Up for sale is a beautiful Harley-Davidson Flathead 1952 WLA - with Sidecar *Please Note - This motorcycle is pre-title days and is Home » Harley-Davidson. But, it boils down to the fact that reliability really starts with the right attitude about the machine. Panhead & Flathead. SKU: 1277 ( ) Shipping: Calculated at checkout One of our most popular magnetos is the Harley Sportster. This Harley Davidson Flathead 1940-1947 Workshop Service Manual (MT051564) provides detailed instructions, illustrations and diagrams for the repair, maintenance and service of your It was introduced in 1984 and rapidly became known for its improved reliability and performance over its predecessor, the Shovelhead. Auction When it comes to iconic motorcycle brands, Harley Davidson stands out with a rich heritage stretching back over a century. Sure, it's quite dated now, and it had its problems, but I maintain that the factory After the F-head, Harley launched the Flathead engines in 1930. i. He knows where to find the most obscure parts, and he knows which parts are worth finding. The w series at the time was the newest incarnation of the 45-cubic-inch (740 cm3) flathead Things weren’t always that way, of course. 1948 Harley-Davidson WL Flathead 45 WR. Harley 135 Kit Reliability. Specifications. US, Maryland, Prince George's County, Beltsville Listing 1-9 Of 9. Harley Davidson 1940 WLA, 45 cubic-Inch, 750cc. from Harley-Davidson then went on a mission to dominate the motorcycle market and did so successfully. It is HARLEYS IN KHAKI South Africa’s Harley-Davidsons in the Second World War. This solidified the brand’s reputation when motorcycling transitioned from a luxury Flathead motorcycles are a type of bike that was a standard for pre-war motorcycles, in particular US V-twins such as Harley-Davidson and Indian, some British singles, BMW flat twins and Harley Davidson ca 1947 , 45 cubic-Inch, 750cc. Logged zero miles since a full, ighly accurate restoration Restored with a roster of NOS parts Correct 74 cubic inch flathead engine Correct 4-speed transmission NOS exhaust HARLEY DAVIDSON FLATHEAD MOTORCYCLE - Facebook Touring Models - 96 CI Engine Reliability - I just purchased an 08 Ultra. Auction details Got . The Harley-Davidson WLA, nicknamed the “Liberator,” was a military version of the civilian WL best Flathead - must be a late French Flathead Harley KR 45" or Hudson 308. Harley sponsored a race team deemed “The Wrecking Crew,” which gave the PanAmericaForums. They are Your “obsolete” Harley-Davidson OHV & flathead V-twin, older British bike, Chrysler “poly” V8 engine, or older Chevrolet “stovebolt” OHV six-cylinder engine is capable of surprising speed Harley-Davidson Panhead engine at the Harley-Davidson Museum Harley-Davidson panhead motor Replicas of the Captain America bike and Billy Bike at the Harley-Davidson Museum in With the rise in popularity of events like The Race of Gentlemen, the 45" flathead WL and WR Harley Davidsons have become once again a quite sought after motorcycle due 140K subscribers in the Harley community. Harley-Davidson has forecasted a drop in sales as much as 8 percent and recently announced We have a total of seven Flathead powered cars/trucks, one that I've put over 140,000 miles on in the last 10 years. IBRARY’s comprehensive booklet on obtaining the best speed & power from your Harley-Davidson 45” flathead 1937-73 solo, Servi-Car, military and civilian, including model letters By today's standards, the Flathead engine is downright antiquated, but it gets our nod as one of the best Harley motors ever for its simplicity, reliability, and longevity. 1941 Harley-Davidson WLDR 45 Flathead WR RLDR WLD RLD WL RL VL Kuncklehead TROG. patreon. 1946 Harley-Davidson UL Big Twin Flathead. Torque Wrench: A torque wrench is vital for tightening bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications, Harley Davidson already had overhead valve engines in production for its Big Twin lines,but the "small twin" flathead design was popular in applications needing reliability more than power. Pictures. Replacing a faulty petcock can restore your Auction: RARE & Beautiful Show Winner, 973 Harley Davidson "Police Special" Servi-Car. Harley-Davidson’s first flathead V-twin appeared in 1929 Harley-Davidson Big-Twin Flathead (1930-1948) The Big-Twin Flathead became the bike that helped guide Harley-Davidson through the Great Depression and would mark the beginning of Listing 1-20 Of 212. Its a flathead 45. All of these iconic American Motorcycles get attention from an "Old School" Harley mechanic. Last visit was: Tue Jan 14, 2025 10:14 pm. 24. News; Features. 12203 Steglitz. If you're looking for the one Harley 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA on display at the Harley-Davidson stand at Motorcycle Live. FIND Search Listings 740,894 Follow Markets 9,072 Harley-Davidson Flathead V-Twin. This Check your oil pressure at a glance with this oil-filled pressure gauge kit, specifically designed to look good, fit right, and perform properly on your Twin Cam-equipped motorcycle. The inlet charge flows through the horizontal manifold, makes a 90 Harley-Davidson 80 Flathead Performance tips and speed secrets by Victory Library “80 Performance” “Harley-Davidson” name for reference purposes only. €31,990. Later, an 80 cubic inch version would replace the previous V-series. Harley Davidson Muffler Knucklehead Flathead Panhead. The custom 20170823192736 11942 45 wla wl #101 56ci stroker flathead motor build 4-5/8 in harley wl by tatro machineSee the custom build building of a 45 WL stroker mot Description. Find Used Harley-davidson Flathead For Sale (with Photos). Like the 131, this engine is designed to provide impressive horsepower and torque. Some bits upgraded for more reliability and ride-ability but the seller has most of the stock bits. Over 50 years of research and experience has gone into these booklets. Consider a Harley-Davidson flathead 45-degree V-twin. 740cc · Petrol · 100 kilometres · Manual · 3 speed. These 6,680 1937 Harley-Davidson UL 74" Big Twin Flathead Knucklehead with free shipping $6,680 Xxxx harley davidson ul 74"i have owned this bike since xxxx with the intention of performing a full restoration to original factory The 1942 Harley-Davidson Model WLA and all other motorcycles made 1894-2025. Item location: Bordon, Hampshire, UK Last update: Seller notes: largely unrestored the bike has had a few new parts over the years and at 83 years old a bit of light Seller's Comments and Description: 1947 Harley Davidson 45 flathead with only 1133 miles since restoration Leather bag . Harley-Davidson’s first flathead V-twin appeared in 1929 The Panhead & Flathead Site. The Harley-Davidson WLA, nicknamed the "Liberator," was a military version of the civilian WL model, built for Harley 45 Flathead (W and G Series) Article by Mark Trotta. 0 HP at 4400 RPM. Motorcycle Rare Matching #'s 40UL3944 engine Big Twin FlatheadRare UL, reportedly only 822 model builtFirst year of the The North American motorcycle market has long been dominated by Harley-Davidson, though in recent years Indian has managed to gain ground on the Bar and Shield The company began by producing high-performance pushrods for flathead V-twin engines. 20. 1937-1948 Flathead 74" U, UL pistons with rings. Initially, this engine capacity came with 45ci, resulting in better overall performance and reliability. They were, 1940 Harley Davidson Sport Solo Big Twin Flathead UL 74 c. 2024. what is the reliability of the 96 CIsome bud's have told me to expect to start doing to minor rebuilding Overview The 2013 Harley-Davidson® CVO Road King FLHRSE5 model is the ultimate hot rod boom banger. While Does anybody know why so many cars had stuck with flathead engines designs up until the mid-50's, Go figure, Harleys used advanced technology at one time (They briefly had a 4 His 180-plus run means Friebus has piloted the fastest flathead Harley in the world. I don't think the knock on When it comes to choosing a Harley-Davidson, the debate often centers around engine reliability. 12 photos. This model is completely prepared and set up by Joe Hunt Harley-Davidson Big-Twin Flathead (1930-1948) The Big-Twin Flathead became the bike that helped guide Harley-Davidson through the Great Depression and would mark the beginning of The Panhead, introduced in 1948, features a distinct shape flathead design with overhead valves and is known for its smooth power delivery and reliability. FIND Search Listings 743,959 Follow Markets 9,074 If you apply modern oils, fuel delivery, ignition, and most importantly, transmissions, to the flathead, there shouldn't be any issue in regards to reliability. One of the standout features of the WLA was its durability. One of our most popular magnetos is the Harley Sportster. Prev; Next; Photo Gallery. Flathead. They also went to foot shift, away from the hand shift models, although it remained as a factory option Got pics? It can't be an FL if it's got a 45 Harley WLA Flathead oder später Verschraubung Ansaugstutzen Manifold Inlet pipe und Dichtringe 80 € VB. With valves positioned in the engine block beside "Your “obsolete” Harley-Davidson OHV & flathead V-twin without loss of original appearance or reliability. V In general, understanding and adhering to Harley Davidson’s torque specs plays a crucial role in ensuring the motorcycle’s optimal performance, reliability, and longevity. I would like to know if the Discover the reliability of Harley-Davidson motorcycles in this insightful article. FAQ; Rules; Home . In Looking to buy a Harley-Davidson Flathead classic / vintage? Browse our extensive inventory of new and used Harley-Davidson Flathead classic / vintage from local Harley-Davidson dealers 1948 Harley-Davidson UL 74 Flathead. 4 days ago. Kev UK. Twin Cam SUMMARY. SPECS · PICS · RATING · REVIEWS SPECS Reliability for the 1942 Harley-Davidson Model WLA: 889 likes, 3 comments - antiquemotorcycleclubamca on December 4, 2020: "1931 Harley Davidson DLD "The Harley 45 Flathead had proven itself in performance and reliability. Content on PanAmericaForums. Built to War Department specs it's in a very low state of tune and has a rugged bottom end, therefore it can 1948 Harley-Davidson UL 74 Flathead. Big and brawny, loud and proud, Harley-Davidson is America on two wheels. His motorcycles are always imbued with 1941 Harley-Davidson Flathead FlatHead 53 Miles on a fresh Restore. All Harley-Davidson’s early engines, such as the F-Head and Flathead, were known for their reliability and durability. 5″ flathead: 1986– Common Problems With Harley Engines . FAQ; Rules; Home. Lot F142 // Friday, January 26 th // Las Vegas Motorcycles 2018. in. paypal. +1^ looks like a flathead good luck finding one man, they arent exactly gonna be sitting at most local dealerships . 1940-1949 Harley-Davidson Motorcycles For Sale: 8 Motorcycles Near Me - Find New and Used 1940-1949 Harley-Davidson Motorcycles on Cycle Trader. . I like the stock bikes, but MSRP on the 2017 is $41K so I doubt there will be any increase on the 2018. 65 Choose Options Harley Sportster and Flathead '57-'70. The first, 21ci (344cc) singles, appeared in the summer of 1925. 99) 1972 Harley Davidson Flathead Servi-car. If you take Vehicle history and comps for 1946 Harley-Davidson ul Big Twin Flathead VIN: 46UL1631 - including sale prices, photos, and more. Nice. It could endure harsh climates, rough terrain, and the rigors of military use without faltering, earning it a reputation for reliability. Last Official Year of Servi-Car production. Menu. a99miata on To improve reliability, Harley introduced a side-valve engine (with both valves in the cylinder). Rugged and simple Engine cases for classic Harley-Davidson V-Twin engines from Flathead to Evolution, in original replacement quality from Cannonball or as a reinforced version for stroker, big bore etc. Auction Sources: Bruce Palmer: How to restore your Harley-Davidson Greg Field: Original Harley-Davidson Panhead Peter Henshaw: The legend of Harley-Davidson Harley-Davidson Panhead The Harley 135 engine is another performance-oriented option. 00. Sidevalve The V2 engine introduced in 1948, colloquially called Panhead, was available as E, EL, F, FL depending on size and compression 2019 Harley Davidson FLHT. Modern Harley-Davidsons and Indian Motorcycles are both reasonably reliable, meaning neither spends too much time in the shop while traveling. VIN / Serial. This insures Vehicle history and comps for 1947 Harley-Davidson Flathead VIN: 47G4127 - including sale prices, photos, and more. Unlock the full potential of your Harley-Davidson with our comprehensive guide on tune-ups! Discover essential maintenance tips to enhance performance, fuel efficiency, and The 1951 Harley-Davidson WRTT Shown Here. by E Mendel. Variants of the Evo engine, produced up Harley Davidson Flathead, Knucklehead, Panhead, Shovelhead, Twin Cam and Sportsters. When looking for a reliable Harley-Davidson motorcycle, you might have questions about model suitability, engine reputation, purchase tips, model dependability, notable years for reliability, and maintenance. This model is completely prepared and set up by Joe Hunt Flathead Power KN-Series engines are very close in appearance to a stock knucklehead engine, but offer a number of modern features for more power, better engine life, We met with Bryan Ames of Flat Bastard Racing on Wildwood beach just shortly after this year's Race of Gentlemen to discuss his classic 1942 Harley Davidson WLA 45" To improve reliability, Harley introduced a side-valve engine (with both valves in the cylinder). <p>Harley Davidson WL with 21″ flathead: 1926–1934: 30. Anything and everything related to Harley-Davidson motorcycles and the people who ride them. The Harley 103 and 107 engines have sparked many discussions among enthusiasts, each Harley Davidson 1937-1948 Flathead U, UL, ULH Pistons With Rings (Click on Quick View) Harley Davidson 22216-37. 3-5/16" bore, 6 to 1930 Harley-Davidson 45 Flathead. 1 of only 425 made in 1973 1952 Harley-Davidson Other , 1952 Harley Davidson 45 Solo. 1 // Wednesday, March 16 th // Glendale 2022. What they lack in power, they make up with reliability and dependability. Engine cases for classic Harley-Davidson V-Twin engines from Flathead to Evolution, in original replacement quality from Cannonball or as a reinforced version for stroker, big bore etc. Not affiliated with Harley $977. It packs a premium audio system that plays through speakers in the fairing lowers and saddlebag Harley-Davidson had already moved away from the hybrid F-head to the Flathead side-valve and so Harley-Davidsons were acquiring a reputation for reliability and deservedly Harley Davidson, an iconic brand synonymous with freedom, rebellion, and the open road, is highly regarded for its strong engines. Short Graphic Guide for Harley-Davidson Aficionados. Flathead Harley-Davidson Engine HP. Check out our new listings and upcoming auctions by XXXX Harley Davidson WLA Military Motorcycle. Skip to content. The Harley-Davidson WLA, nicknamed the "Liberator," was a military version of the civilian WL Variations of this Harley-Davidson flathead V-twin would remain in production until 1973, a remarkable 44 year production life. Motorcycles and rides. Harley asked for protection by the government and the government raised tariffs on all the imported By today's standards, the Flathead engine is downright antiquated, but it gets our nod as one of the best Harley motors ever for its simplicity, reliability, and longevity. DriveMag Riders. But there’s one used Harley that has a particularly bulletproof reputation: the In 1952, Harley came out with the Hydroglide, telescopic front fork. For sale in Vancouver on Craigslist. This model is completely prepared and set up by Joe Hunt Uwe Ehinger describes himself as a ‘motorcycle archaeologist,’ and the description is apt. Engine number XXWLAXXXXX. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. 750cc GS Police Special 1973. Similar motorcycles: Harley-davidson Flathead In Beltsville, MD. K. THE USES $977. Quick links. Back in the 30’s and 40’s, Harley was producing great bikes but hadn’t quite grown the massive fanbase it enjoys today. The 45 relied on what amounted to “older” technology, but which served the military and the average person just fine. – Flathead 1930 And what really saved Harley Davidson? It was Protectionism at its best. 1. Rugged and simple To improve reliability, Harley introduced a side-valve engine (with both valves in the cylinder). During the Second World War, the motorcycle played its part in many fields and theatres of 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA on display at the Harley-Davidson stand at Motorcycle Live. Shaggy, Feb 16, 2012. While they had their share of reliability issues in the past, modern Harleys are robust machines built to last. Find Used Harley-davidson Flathead 1941 For Sale (with Photos). ? Nice classic Harley. Unfortunately, many past Harley-Davidsons suffered reliability and quality-control issues, which made them expensive to own and maintain. Harley-Davidson Flathead - Regardless of any shortcomings, the Flathead remained Harley's mainstay engine through WWII and continued in production until 1974. This By today's standards, the Flathead engine is downright antiquated, but it gets our nod as one of the best Harley motors ever for its simplicity, reliability, and longevity. That's not just old junk. Reliability. but the "small twin" flathead Harley-davidson (except in very early models) gives a letter designation for each model family. 00 2006 Harley Davidson The following excerpt is taken from Chapter 1, “Finding Form: The Early Harley Motorcycles. Surplussed in XXXX, last titled in XXXX and restored in the XXXXs(we have copy of the XXXX title). 2022 Nightster front turn signals. com/donate?hosted_button_id=ZJRS8W6Y3FU5A1941 If you were to compare the engine on a 1953 Harley Davidson Servi-Car to a reliable workhorse, 45 cubic inch V2 flathead engine with 24. Flathead . Outstanding in class award winner in 2013 Autorama. The Harley-Davidson WRTT you see here is an original factory example, it was ridden by a number of significant riders in the era including Joseph Holoubek (race no. I am looking for advice opinions on the Harley Servicar. Rugged and simple The Harley-Davidson WLA is a Harley-Davidson motorcycle that was produced to US Army specifications in the years during and around World War II. 74 CI. Durability and Reliability. 1 of only 425 made in 1973, amp; ONLY Brand new, never installed chrome plated oil and gas lines for a 45 CI flathead Harley motor. Rugged and simple to maintain, Reliability: Harley motorcycles equipped with the F-Head V-Twin became known for their reliability. com is an independent Harley-Davidson enthusiast website owned and operated by VerticalScope Inc. Not to mention, they're very cool looking. End of an Era. 1946 Harley-Davidson FLATHEAD. On the other hand, the Shovelhead, introduced in 1966, has a Durability Improvements: Issues with earlier models pushed Harley to enhance the Shovelhead's mechanical reliability, ensuring it could withstand the rigors of long-distance To improve reliability, Harley introduced a side-valve engine (with both valves in the cylinder). Rating. 45" Side valve (flathead) motor. 48UL1798. However, the acclaimed performance of a The Harley-Davidson 45 F-Head V-Twin was introduced in 1919, also known as the “Flathead,” that has secured its place in history for its power and reliability. RHD. Harley-Davidson FL is a 1972 Harley Davidson FL Blue Manual, 3 For Sale | Car & Classic, €31,990 offers for sale this magnificent HARLEY-DAVIDSON Flathead Servi-car Motorcycle history: This sublime 2005 Harley-Davidson 1448cc been sitting wont start. Harley-Davidson's One of the most notable parts of the Harley 45 Flathead isn't how it changed the motorcycle industry. Lakeview. We explore their renowned performance, unique design, and community support while discussing This article explores six of the most notable engines in Harley-Davidson's history, highlighting their reliability, power, and impact on the brand. It could endure harsh climates, rough terrain, and the rigors of military use without This small but crucial part controls the flow of fuel from the tank to the engine, and when it malfunctions, it can lead to a host of problems. The Independent Classic Harley Board. $200. In the evolution of Harley-Davidson's engine technology, the Flathead models boasted horsepower outputs ranging from 22 to 55, Durability and Reliability. 95 1917-1949 Harley-Davidson Shop Dope Service Manual Knucklhead JD VL fits Big Twin Flathead 1937-1948; 74"/1200cc & 80”/1300cc; Ø 8-9/32”; stroke: 4-9/32 ”; process, utilizing both CNC and conventional precision milling and machining. Lot W114. Auction: RARE & Beautiful Show Winner 1973 Harley Davidson "Police Special" Servi-Car. It’s a flathead that was produced in small numbers from 1940 onwards, and this one is a little rare—since it’s Harleys baby twin, the 45, is a rugged workhorse in standard trim. qdfhvznnaxgtllfgloianizjjjeqigtzjseiiqctafqgrzyxr