Photo: Triple-green · CC BY-SA 2.0
Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead
79/100 Overall
57 On the road100 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead vs Harley-Davidson WLA
Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead scores 79/100 overall against Harley-Davidson WLA on 74/100. On the road: 57–53. As classics: 100–95. Overall result: Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead.
Harley-Davidson WLA
74/100 Overall
53 On the road95 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Harley-Davidson Knucklehead | Harley-Davidson WLA | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 7 | 4 | Harley-Davidson Knucklehead |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 6 | 5 | Harley-Davidson Knucklehead |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 4 | 3 | Harley-Davidson Knucklehead |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 5 | 7 | Harley-Davidson WLA |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 5 | 8 | Harley-Davidson WLA |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 7 | 5 | Harley-Davidson Knucklehead |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 10 | 9 | Harley-Davidson Knucklehead |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 10 | 10 | Level |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 10 | 9 | Harley-Davidson Knucklehead |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 10 | 10 | Level |
Choose the Harley-Davidson Knucklehead if…
you want landmark Harley-Davidson engineering, exceptional visual character and one of America's most collectible motorcycles.
Choose the Harley-Davidson WLA if…
you want unmistakable wartime history, rugged simplicity and one of the world's most recognisable military motorcycles.
Background
History
Harley-Davidson Knucklehead
The Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead was produced from 1936–1940 and used a 989cc air-cooled overhead-valve V-twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, historic importance, collector appeal. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Harley-Davidson WLA
The Harley-Davidson WLA was produced from 1940–1952 and used a 739cc air-cooled side-valve V-twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for historic importance, character, styling. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Harley-Davidson Knucklehead
- Its production span in this library runs from 1936 to 1940.
- The recorded engine description is: 989cc air-cooled overhead-valve V-twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, historic importance, collector appeal.
Harley-Davidson WLA
- Its production span in this library runs from 1940 to 1952.
- The recorded engine description is: 739cc air-cooled side-valve V-twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are historic importance, character, styling.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Harley-Davidson Knucklehead
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead. Its library score for styling is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Harley-Davidson WLA
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Harley-Davidson WLA. Its library score for historic importance is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Harley-Davidson Knucklehead
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check primary drive, charging system, engine mounts and evidence of non-standard modifications.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Harley-Davidson WLA
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check primary drive, charging system, engine mounts and evidence of non-standard modifications.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Harley-Davidson Knucklehead
Rivals to the Harley-Davidson WLA
Final result
The verdict
Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.