THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON ENGINE FROM FLATHEAD TO TWINCAM 96

The Harley-Davidson engine. Nothing sounds like a Harley engine. Here's a look at where that sound comes from. From the Harley-Davidson flathead to the Twincam 96.

THE FLATHEAD

The Flathead was produced from 1936-1947. It gets its name from the flat vented tops of the cylinder heads. This was a very reliable engine for Harley-Davidson.

THE KNUCKLEHEAD

The Knucklehead was produced from 1963-1947. It was mamed for the knuckle shaped valve covers. EL-61 cubic inch 40hp.

THE PANHEAD

The Pan head ran from 1948-1965. It got its name from the pan shaped valve covers. New features included aluminum heads and hydraulic valve lifters that supplied oil through the rocker arms.

THE SHOVELHEAD

The Shovelhead was produced from 1966-1985. The Shovelhead got its name from the shovel shaped valve covers.

THE EVOLUTION

The Harley-Davidson Evolution engine ran from 1984-1999. The Evolution engine was introduced not long after Harley-Davidson was bought back from AMF. New features included electronic ignition. It was a 1340cc 80cubic inch engine with 8.5:1 compression.

THE TWINCAM 88

The Twincam 88 ran from 1999-2006 and the Twincam 88B ran from 2000-2006. The B meaning balanced which was used on the Softail models. The Twincam 88 was available with fuel injection. It has two cams, one for each cylinder. It was a 1450cc 88cubic inch engine.

THE REVOLUTION

The Revolution was introduced in 2001 and is still used today in the V Rod models. It is the only liquid cooled Harley-Davidson engine. Features include double overhead cams, four valves per cylinder and fuel injection. It redlines at 9000rpm. It is a 1130cc 115hp engine made for higher performance.

THE TWINCAM 96

The Twincam 96 was produced in 2007-present. The new 96 cubic inch Twincam has a longer stroke which gives it more power than the Twincam 88. The Twincam 96B is available in the Softail models. The B for balanced which has very little vibration. All Harley engines are now fuel injected.

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