___1936 Record Holder___

Production   N/A

Power plant  N/A

Features      N/A

List price    

Joe Petrali rode this vehicle to speed of 136.163 mph on the sandy shores of Daytona Beach in 1936, a world record. It was powered by Harley's new OHV 61 engine. Because of stability problems, the bike was stripped of it's streamlining for the actual timed runs. The factory built only one of its type.

___1936 EL 61 OHV___

Production   9,812

Power plant  60 CI V-Twin

Features      Overhead valve

List price    

Harley's first overhead valve V-Twin, introduced in 1936, has been one of the most popular collector vehicles. It was offered in both medium and high compression models. The engine's nickname is "Knucklehead."

____1938 UL 74____

Production   9,934

Power plant  74 CI V-Twin

Features      4-speed gearbox

List price     

The one-piece handlebar with dual double-acting twistgrip controls quickly made this motorcycle known for its easy and convenient handling qualities. The list price was the same as 1937 prices.

____1938 EL 61 OHV____

Production   9,934

Power plant   61 CI V-twin, 4-speed

Features      Overhead valve engine

List price      

The "EL" model featured a 61-cubic-inch overhead valve, twin cylinder engine introduced two years earlier.  It was very popular in its day, and remains popular as a collector item.  The EL was also available with sidecar gearing, in an ES designation.

___1939 ULH 80____

Production   8,355

Power plant  80 CI V-Twin

Features       Robust construction

List price      

With its large displacement engine and rugged, durable twin-downtube chassis, the ULH fitted the sidecar perfectly. It had deeply finned cylinder heads, which enhanced its performance as a workhorse.

___1940 EL 61 OHV____

Production   10,855

Power plant  61 CI V-Twin

Features       Powerful OHV engine

List price     

This was the last year that the EL 61 would remain as the only OHV Harley twin in the factory's line. The next year, a 74 cubic inch variant was introduced. A special model, with sidecar gearing and medium compression was also available.

___ 1940 WLD 45 Special Sport___

Production  10,855

Power plant  45 CI V-Twin

Features       Long production run

List price      

Eleven years after its introduction, the venerable "45" continued its popularity. It would go on to provide useful military service during WWII. The 45 cubic inch engine powered Harley Servi-cars untill 1974. 

____1941 FL 74 OHV____

Production   18,428 (total)

Power plant   74 CI V-twin, 4-speed

Features       Step-started floorboards

List price     

First 1299cc OHV Harley introduced in 1941, the enlarged displacement for Harley's overhead valve "Knucklehead" engine made it a great success.  Few "74"s were produced during or after World War II, and the 1941 74-inch model became one of the most valued Harleys ever.