What Makes the Harley Davidson Motorcycle Engine Unique?

Whether it be powering a police bike, a fully-dressed touring machine or a raked chopper with a springer front end, the Harley Davidson motorcycle engine is a mechanical marvel that is quite unique. Presented here is an article which offers several reasons why the Harley Davidson motorcycle engine is so unique.

Appearance

One of the first and foremost factors that makes the Harley Davidson motorcycle engine unique is its appearance, or design. Although some smaller-sized models have been produced by Harley Davidson through the years, most of their cycles, including the engines are quite large in size.

Several different types of engines have powered Harleys through the decades. In Harley’s early years, most of the engines were known as F-heads and Flatheads, these were followed by Knuckleheads, then Panheads, onto Shovelheads, then Evolution and Twin Cam engines.

The names of the different styles of Harley Davidson engines are largely based upon the design of the various engines’ cylinder heads and valve covers. The flathead engine features flat, vented cylinder heads, the knucklehead engine includes valve covers that look like knuckles, the panhead engine features cylinder heads and valve covers that resemble pans and the shovelhead engine features cylinder heads that look like shovels.

The Evolution engines that power motorcycles made from the mid-1980’s through 1999 feature more square-shaped cylinder heads and valve covers, while the modern twin cam and Revolution engines feature radical design improvements on the basic V-Twin engine.

In recent years, many other motorcycle manufacturers have begun producing bikes that at first glance, could be mistaken for Harley Davidson. These motorcycles feature fatbob-style gas tanks, wide front ends, low frames and V-Twin engines. Upon closer inspection however, one can see that the pseudo-Harley engines do not look as solid and workhorse-like as real Harley engines.

Sound

Another factor that makes the Harley Davidson engine unique is its distinctive sound. Often described as throaty, the sound of a Harley engine is unmistakable. The deep, rumbling and muscular sound produced by their engines is one of the features that makes some people want to buy these motorcycles. Some riders like to accentuate the sound of their bike by installing custom exhaust systems. These exhaust systems usually alter the sound made by their engines, with some increasing the volume of the engine noise and others adding a different tone to the engine sound.

The sounds that are produced by the other brands of motorcycles that resemble Harley Davidson do not possess the same powerful rumble that they are known for.

Engineering

Harley engines maintain a well-deserved reputation as being some of the best-designed and engineered motorcycle engines made anywhere. These engines are designed to last and all of the parts, or components are high quality, precision-made parts.

Tradition/Quality

As with every facet of the experience, the engines on these motorcycles are legendary and steeped in tradition. With many decades of experience in producing some of the world’s most respected motorcycles, Harley consistently strives to produce technologically-advanced engines that remain true to the tradition that these machines have built over the years.

Some people are so fond of their engines, that they get images of them tattooed on their bodies. Rock bands are even named after specific Harley engines.

Image/Sexiness

Through the years, Harley Davidson motorcycles have garnered an image that promotes rugged individualism and American freedom. Movies, television programs and popular music have promoted the image of these motorcycles as being macho and sexy in nature. All over the world, this image is celebrated and upheld and the sound of their motorcycle engines can be heard in communities of all sizes.