1946-1951

___1946 UL 74___

Production   15,554

Power plant  74 CI flathead

Features      High compression

List price    

The "L" model of Harley's 74 featured a higher compression ratio, which boosted overall performance. Flathead engines, however, were doomed to the technological improvement of the OHV designs, which proliferated after WWII.

____1947 EL 61 OHV____

Production    20,392 (total)

Power plant   61 CI V-twin, 4-speed

Features       First OHV

List Price     

The 1947 model was the last to use the famous "knucklehead" engine, which was superseded by the more advanced "panhead" design in 1948.

____1947 EL 61 OHV____

Production   20,392

Power plant  61 CI V-Twin

Features      Knucklehead engine

List price     

In its 12th year of production, the "Knucklehead" OHV engine was in its last year. Only 2 years after the war, the iron-head design was destined to be superseded by an aluminum-head version, the famous "Panhead".

____1948 FL61OHV____

Production   31,163 (total)

Power plant  74 CI V-twin, 4-speed

Features       First Panhead, last Springer

List Price    

The 1948 OHV twins were unique because they were the first to use the new "Panhead" engine, but last to have a "Springer" type front end. The telescopic Hydra Glide fork replaced the Springer fork in 1949.

___1948 FL Panhead____

Production   31,163

Power plant  74 CI V-Twin

Features       First Panhead, last Springer

List price      

The second generation of Harley OHV engines was introduced on 1948 models in 61 and 74 cubic inch displacements. This was the last year of the "Springer" type front suspension, so this model-year is a rare collectable.

___ 1949 FL 74 Hydra Glide___

Production  32,740

Power plant  74 CI V-Twin

Features       Hydraulic front fork

List price      

The Hydra Glide featured a brand new hydraulically oil-damped front suspension. This set a new standard, and became original equipment on all mototcycles

___1950 EL 61 Hydra Glide____

Production   18,355

Power plant  61 CI V-Twin

Features       OHV performance

List price      

The "E" designation in Harley's nomenclature indicated a 61 cubic inch displacement. The "61" engine had only a couple of years left before the forthcoming 74 and 80 CI OHV engines would replace it.

___ 1951 Servi-Car___

Production  N/A

Power plant  45 CI V-Twin

Features       Versatility

List price      

The 3-wheeled Servi-car proved popular with police departments for city work. It was economical and maneuverable, but more important to many police departments, the 3-wheel platform was stable in snow and ice during winter.