Harley-Davidson Big Twin: Books - History and Models

Harley-Davidson Knucklehead - Eighty Years

Motorcycle technology lagged far behind automotive technology since the earliest days of the internal-combustion engine. All that changed in 1936 when Harley-Davidson introduced the Model EL. For the first time ever, a company was manufacturing a high-performance overhead-valve engine for the masses.

And what an engine it was - in addition to bringing state-of-the-art technology to the motorcycling world - a work of art. Because of the shape of its rocker covers, the engine was given a nickname to match its looks: the Knucklehead.
The technology used in this engine was so advanced that it laid the foundation for every future Harley-Davidson motorcycle, including the current models built in the 21st century. To this day, every cruiser-style motorcycle adheres to the shape of that original Knucklehead.

Celebrate the engine that changed the motorcycle world. "Harley-Davidson Knucklehead" tells the entire Knucklehead story - accompanied by modern and period photography - from the very first overhead-valve V-twin Harley produced for the public through the post-war models, continuing right up until today, when aftermarket manufacturers reproduce complete Knucklehead crate engines because of its continuing popularity.

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Harley-Davidson Super Glide (1971-1981) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book about the Harley-Davidson Super Glide motorcycles from the years 1971-1981. Describes the Harley-Davidson Super Glide FX, FXE, FXS 1200 Low Rider, FXS80, FXB80 Sturgis, FXWG 80 Wide Glide and FXEF Fat Bob.

• The articles, taken from contemporary British and American motorcycle magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and technology.
• Also driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, technical specifications, etc.

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Harley-Davidson FXR Series 1982-1992 - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book about the Harley-Davidson FXR motorcycles from the years 1982-1992. Describes the Harley-Davidson Super Glide II, Sport Glide, FXR, FXRS, FXRT, FXRDG, FXRD, FXLR, FXDB and FXDC.

• The 29 articles, taken from contemporary British and American motorcycle magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and technology.
• Also driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, technical specifications, etc.

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More information on the Brooklands Portfolio books

Harley-Davidson Big Twins - FL, FX / Softail and Dyna Series - 1340, 1450, 1584 cc (1984-2010) - Essential Buyer's Guide

There are lots of books about Harleys, about their history, performance, lineage and the minutae of their specification, but none of them will tell you what to look for when buying one second-hand. That's what this book is about - it aims to be a straightforward, practical guide to buying a used Harley-Davidson.

It won't list all the correct colour combinations for each year, or analyse the bike's design philosophy, or consider its background as a cultural icon - there are excellent books listed at the end of this one which do all of that. But hopefully it will help you avoid buying a dud.

Point by point, it takes the reader through everything that needs looking at when buying a Harley, plus spares prices, which is the best model to buy for your needs, and a look at auctions, restorations and paperwork. A unique points scoring system sums up the intended purchase and its correct price category.

Covers the Harley-Davidson FL, FX / Softail and Dyna Series - 1340, 1450, 1584 cc (1984-2010).

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Harley-Davidson Knucklehead, 80 ans

In the early years of motorcycling in the United States, motorcycle technology lagged behind automobile technology. But that all changed in 1936 when Harley-Davidson introduced the Model EL engine, better known as the Knucklehead because of the appearance of its rocker covers.
For the first time, an American motorcycle manufacturer mass-produced a high-performance overhead valve engine for the general market.

"Harley-Davidson Knucklehead, 80 ans" covers the entire history of the Knucklehead from the very first Harley overhead-valve V-twin produced for the public, to the present day when manufacturers are once again producing new complete Knucklehead engines in response to the continued demand for these legendary models.

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Harley-Davidson Softail - Historie, Modelle, Technik, Umbauten

At the end of the 1970s, Harley-Davidson was in a deep crisis. The company was on the verge of collapse when, after seven years of development work, a brand new model in 1984 marked the beginning of an incredible success story: the Softail. In the following 30 years, the Softail became the most modified motorcycle of all time, while the company owed its survival to epochal models such as the Heritage, Springer Softail and Fat Boy.

This book shows the development of the Softail models - from the first Softail Standard in 1984 to the latest generation with the powerful Milwaukee-Eight engine. There are also chapters with spectacular conversions, custom tips, Evo tuning as well as detailed advice on buying used bikes and much more. A must for motorcycle aesthetes and Big Twin fans.

Edition: 4th completely revised and expanded edition (2018)

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Harley-Davidson Touring

With the appearance of the first Electra Glide in 1965, Harley-Davidson brought the ultimate touring motorcycle onto the market. Hardly any other machine allows you to manage longer journeys in such a comfortable and sensual way. The only difference is that nowadays it is not an oily 1200 Panhead, but a water-cooled 1690 Twin Cam V2 that provides the appropriate propulsion.
In the 2015 model year, the company's Touring range consists of the Road King, Street Glide, Road Glide and E-Glide models, and there are also limited factory custom versions of the last three with a 1.8-liter engine.

This book tells the story of Harley's touring models, shows unique conversions and spectacular baggers, gives tips on buying used bikes and presents all members of the Touring family in words and pictures.

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