Menu

This website uses affiliate links. That means that if you order something through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

< Overview >

Harley-Davidson Big Twin: books - history and technology

A book on the Harley-Davidson V-2 Knucklehead, Softail, Super Glide or FXR? Find here on the history of Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

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.

Author:Greg Field
Specs:200 pages, 31 x 25.5 x 1.6 cm / 12.2 x 10 x 0.63 in, hardback
Illustrations:200 b&w and colour photographs
Publisher:Crestline Books (USA, 2019)
Book: Harley-Davidson Knucklehead - Eighty Years

Harley-Davidson Knucklehead - Eighty Years

Language: English

Buy from Amazon UK
Buy from Amazon CA
Buy from Amazon.com

Harley-Davidson Knucklehead, 80 ans

Au cours des premières années du motocyclisme aux états-Unis,la technologie motos prend du retard par rapport à celle de l'automobile. Mais tout change en 1936 quand Harley-Davidson introduit le moteur Model EL plus connu sous le surnom de Knucklehead en raison de l'aspect de ses couvercles de culbuteurs.
Pour la première fois, un constructeur de motos américain produit en série un moteur à soupapes en tête à haute performance destiné à l'ensemble du marché.

"Harley-Davidson Knucklehead, 80 ans" couvre toute l'histoire de la Knucklehead depuis le tout premier V-twin Harley à soupapes en tête produit pour le public, jusqu'à nos jours où des constructeurs fabriquent à nouveau des moteurs Knucklehead neufs complets en réponse à une demande toujours active en faveur de ces modèles légendaires.

Author:Greg Field
Specs:200 pages, 30.5 x 25 cm / 12 x 9.8 in, hardback
Illustrations:425 b&w and colour photographs
Publisher:ETAI (F, 2018)
Book: Harley-Davidson Knucklehead, 80 ans

Harley-Davidson Knucklehead, 80 ans

Language: French

Buy from Amazon UK
Buy from Amazon CA
Buy from Amazon.com

Harley-Davidson Super Glide (1971-1981) - Brooklands Performance 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.

Click here to know more about the Brooklands Portfolio books

Specs:140 pages, 27 x 20 x 0.8 cm / 10.6 x 7.9 x 0.31 in, paperback
Illustrations:250 photographs
Publisher:Brooklands Books (GB, 1999)
Book: Harley-Davidson Super Glide (1971-1981) - Brooklands Performance Portfolio

Harley-Davidson Super Glide (1971-1981)

Language: English

Buy from Amazon UK
Buy from Amazon CA
Buy from Amazon.com

Harley-Davidson FXR Series 1982-1992 - Brooklands Performance 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.

Click here to know more about the Brooklands Portfolio books

Specs:140 pages, 27 x 20 x 0.9 cm / 10.6 x 7.9 x 0.35 in, paperback
Illustrations:profusely illustrated
Publisher:Brooklands Books (GB, 1999)
Book: Harley-Davidson FXR Series 1982-1992 - Brooklands Performance Portfolio

Harley-Davidson FXR Series 1982-1992

Language: English

Buy from Amazon UK
Buy from Amazon CA
Buy from Amazon.com

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

Ende der 70er Jahre steckt Harley-Davidson in einer tiefen Krise. Die Company steht kurz vor dem Aus, als nach sieben Jahren Entwicklungsarbeit 1984 ein brandneues Modell den Beginn einer unglaublichen Erfolgsgeschichte markiert: die Softail. In den folgenden 30 Jahren avanciert die Softail zum meistumgebauten Motorrad aller Zeiten, während die Company epochalen Modellen wie Heritage, Springer Softail und Fat Boy ihr Überleben verdankt.

Dieses Buch zeigt die Entwicklung der Softail-Modelle - von der ersten Softail Standard des Jahres 1984 bis zur jüngsten Generation mit dem bärenstarken Milwaukee-Eight-Motor. Dazu gibt es Kapitel mit spektakulären Umbauten, Custom-Tipps, Evo-Tuning sowie eine ausführliche Gebrauchtkaufberatung und vieles mehr. Ein Muss für Motorrad-Ästheten und Big-Twin-Fans.

Auflage: 4. komplett überarbeitete und erweiterte Auflage (2018)

Author:Carsten Heil, Heinrich Christmann
Specs:376 pages, 22.5 x 22 cm / 8.9 x 8.7 in, hardback
Illustrations:numerous b&w and colour photographs
Publisher:Huber Verlag (D, 2018)
Book: Harley-Davidson Softail - Historie, Modelle, Technik, Umbauten

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

Language: German

Buy from Amazon UK
Buy from Amazon CA
Buy from Amazon.com

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

Author:Peter Henshaw
Specs:64 pages, 19.5 x 14 cm / 7.7 x 5.5 in, paperback
Illustrations:100 colour photographs
Publisher:Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2011)
Series:The Essential Buyer's Guide
Book: Harley-Davidson Big Twins - FL, FX / Softail and Dyna Series - 1340, 1450, 1584 cc (1984-2010) - The Essential Buyer's Guide

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

Language: English

Buy from Amazon.com

Harley-Davidson Touring

Mit dem Erscheinen der ersten Electra Glide bringt Harley-Davidson 1965 das ultimative Tourenmotorrad auf den Markt. Mit kaum einer anderen Maschine lassen sich längere Reisen ähnlich komfortabel und gleichermaßen sinnlich bewältigen. Nur dass heutzutage kein ölender 1200er Panhead, sondern ein wassergekühlter 1690er Twin Cam-V2 für standesgemäßen Vortrieb sorgt.
Im Modelljahr 2015 besteht die Touring-Palette der Company aus den Modellen Road King, Street Glide, Road Glide und E-Glide, von den drei letztgenannten gibt es auch limitierte Factory-Custom-Versionen mit 1,8-Liter-Motor.

Dieses Buch erzählt die Geschichte von Harleys Touring-Modellen, zeigt einzigartige Umbauten und spektakuläre Bagger, gibt Tipps zum Gebrauchtkauf und stellt alle Mitglieder der Touring-Familie in Wort und Bild vor.

Author:Carsten Heil, Stephan Haarschneider
Specs:128 pages, 22.5 x 22 cm / 8.9 x 8.7 in, hardback
Illustrations:numerous colour photographs
Publisher:Huber Verlag (D, 2014)
Book: Harley-Davidson Touring

Harley-Davidson Touring

Language: German

Buy from Amazon UK
Buy from Amazon CA
Buy from Amazon.com

Related titles:

Harley-Davidson Mythos Sportster

Harley-Davidson Mythos Sportster - Historie, Modelle, Technik, Umbauten

Carsten Heil Heinrich Christmann

German | hardback | 368 p. | 2018

Harley-Davidson Sportster: Sixty Years

Harley-Davidson Sportster : Sixty Years

Allan Girdler

English | hardback | 176 p. | 2017

Harley-Davidson Sportster soixante ans

Harley-Davidson Sportster soixante ans

Allan Girdler

French | hardback | 176 p. | 2017

Harley Davidson Sportster (Paperback)

Harley Davidson Sportster (Paperback)

Allan Girdler, Ron Hussey

English | paperback | 130 p. | 2014

Harley-Davidson Sportster

Harley-Davidson Sportster, son histoire mécanique et humaine

Pascal Szymezak

French | hardback | 192 p. | 2009

Harley-Davidson Sportster 65-76

Harley-Davidson Sportster 1965-1976

English | paperback | 140 p. | 1999

Harley-Davidson XR-750 - The Complete History

Harley-Davidson XR-750 - The Complete History

Allan Girdler

English | paperback | 180 p. | 2014

[RL] Aermacchi

Aermacchi - Harley-Davidson Motorcycles

Mick Walker

English | paperback | 216 p. | 2005

< Top >


The TMB Bookshop offers not only general books about Harley-Davidson . Click here to discover all books about Harley-Davidson (including technical books like workshop manuals, restauration manuals, driver's handbooks, parts catalogues, etc.).


Last update:20-04-2024