The Most Reliable Harley Davidson Engine, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the engine you think is the most reliable!

Updated on Apr 18, 2024 07:48

For Harley Davidson enthusiasts, the engine is the heart of the ride. The dependable purr of a well-maintained engine not only provides a smooth experience but also deepens the bond between rider and machine. Knowing which engines stand the test of time aids buyers and collectors in making informed decisions. This continuously updated list reflects the opinions of thousands of riders who have shared their experiences and insights. By voting for the engines they trust the most, users help others in the community identify which models are worth their investment. Your votes matter in shaping this dynamic guide to the most reliable Harley Davidson engines.

What Is the Most Reliable Harley Davidson Engine?

1

67
votes
Twin Cam 88

Harley Davidson

This engine was introduced in 1999 and was known for its reliability and power. It was used in Harley Davidson's touring and Softail models.
The Twin Cam 88 is a Harley Davidson engine that was introduced in 1999 as a replacement for the Evo engine. It is a V-twin engine with an 88 cubic inch (1450 cc) displacement.

Engine Type: Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin

Displacement: 88 cubic inches (1450 cc)

Compression Ratio: 8.9:1

Fuel System: Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)

Max Power Output: Standard: 62 horsepower (46 kW) / Screamin' Eagle: up to 85 horsepower (63 kW)
2

21
votes

Milwaukee-Eight

This engine was introduced in 2017 and is currently used in Harley Davidson's touring and Softail models. It is known for its improved power and efficiency.
3

23
votes
Evolution

This engine was introduced in 1984 and was used in Harley Davidson's Sportster models. It was known for its durability and low maintenance.
Evolution is the process by which living organisms have diversified and adapted over time through genetic variation, natural selection, and environmental factors. It is the fundamental mechanism shaping the diversity of life on Earth.

Genetic Variation: The occurrence of genetic differences within a population.

Natural Selection: The process by which certain traits become more or less common in a population over generations based on their impact on survival and reproduction.

Adaptation: The process by which organisms change in response to their environment to improve their chances of survival and reproduction.

Speciation: The formation of new and distinct species through the evolution of reproductive isolation.

Mutation: A change in the DNA sequence, which can introduce new genetic variations.
4

17
votes
Shovelhead

This engine was used in Harley Davidson's Big Twin models from 1966 to 1984. It was known for its power and reliability.
The Shovelhead is a Harley Davidson motorcycle engine that was produced from 1966 to 1984. It is an iconic air-cooled, V-twin, four-stroke engine known for its distinctive shovel-shaped rocker covers, which inspired its name.

Engine Type: V-twin, four-stroke

Displacement: 1200cc (74 cubic inches)

Production Years: 1966 - 1984

Valvetrain: OHV (Overhead Valves)

Compression Ratio: 8.0:1 - 10.0:1
5

10
votes
Panhead

This engine was used in Harley Davidson's Big Twin models from 1948 to 1965. It was known for its durability and smooth ride.
The Panhead is a type of V-twin engine used in Harley Davidson motorcycles. It is notable for its distinctive pan-shaped valve covers, which gave it its name. The Panhead engine is regarded as one of the most iconic and reliable engines in Harley Davidson history.

Engine type: V-twin

Valve arrangement: Overhead valve (OHV)

Valvetrain: Pushrod-operated

Compression ratio: 7.0:1

Displacement: 61 cubic inches (999 cc) or 74 cubic inches (1,208 cc)
6

11
votes
Knucklehead

This engine was used in Harley Davidson's Big Twin models from 1936 to 1947. It was known for its power and reliability.
The Knucklehead is a V-twin, air-cooled motorcycle engine produced by Harley Davidson from 1936 to 1947. It is an iconic engine that played a significant role in shaping the company's history.

Engine Type: V-twin, 45-degree

Displacement: 61 cubic inches (1000cc) initially, later increased to 74 cubic inches (1200cc)

Valve Train: Pushrod-operated overhead valves (OHV)

Engine Cooling: Air-cooled

Ignition System: Battery/coil ignition combination
7

12
votes
Flathead

This engine was used in Harley Davidson's Big Twin models from 1929 to 1973. It was known for its simplicity and reliability.
The Flathead engine is a type of internal combustion engine used in Harley Davidson motorcycles. It is known for its simplicity, durability, and longevity.

Engine type: Four-stroke V-twin

Valvetrain: Side valve arrangement (flathead)

Displacement: 45 cubic inches (739 cc)

Compression ratio: 5.5:1

Horsepower: 22 horsepower
8

8
votes
Ironhead

This engine was used in Harley Davidson's Sportster models from 1957 to 1985. It was known for its power and durability.
The Ironhead engine is a classic Harley Davidson engine known for its durability and distinctive appearance. It was produced from 1957 to 1985 and gained a reputation as a reliable powerplant for Harley motorcycles.

Engine Type: 45-degree V-twin

Displacement: 883cc or 1000cc (later increased to 1100cc)

Valvetrain: OHV (Overhead Valve)

Camshaft: Gear-driven

Compression Ratio: 9:1
9

4
votes
V-Rod

This engine was introduced in 2001 and was used in Harley Davidson's V-Rod models. It was known for its power and performance.
The V-Rod is a line of motorcycles manufactured by Harley Davidson that features a unique liquid-cooled, V-twin engine. It was introduced in 2001 as a departure from Harley's traditional air-cooled engines, showcasing a more modern design and performance-oriented characteristics.

Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, Revolution V-Twin

Displacement: Revolution 1250cc

Bore x Stroke: 105.0 mm x 72.0 mm

Compression Ratio: 11.5:1

Fuel System: Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
10

2
votes
Sportster Evolution

Harley Davidson

This engine was introduced in 1986 and is currently used in Harley Davidson's Sportster models. It is known for its durability and low maintenance.
The Sportster Evolution engine is a renowned and highly reliable engine used in Harley Davidson motorcycles. It is known for its durability, smooth operation, and power delivery. The engine has been a popular choice among Harley enthusiasts for its strong performance and low maintenance requirements.

Engine Type: Air-cooled, V-twin

Displacement: 883 cc or 1200 cc

Bore x Stroke: 3.00 in x 3.81 in (883 cc) or 3.50 in x 3.81 in (1200 cc)

Compression Ratio: 9:1 (883 cc) or 10:1 (1200 cc)

Fuel System: Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)

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Ranking factors for reliable engine

Age of the Engine

The older the engine, the more prone it may be to breakdowns, malfunctions and other issues.
Design and Manufacturing Quality

The longevity of a Harley Davidson engine largely depends on how well it was designed, manufactured and assembled.
Maintenance and Care

Proper maintenance and care, including regular servicing, oil changes and cleaning, can go a long way in extending the life of a Harley Davidson engine.
Performance

A reliable engine should be able to deliver consistent power and performance over a long period of time without breaking down or experiencing any issues.
Customer Reviews

Feedback from other Harley Davidson owners and riders can be a valuable source of information when evaluating the reliability of different engines.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable Harley Davidson engine. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or engine is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1434 views
169 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each engine once every 24 hours. The rank of each engine is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most reliable harley davidson engine

Harley Davidson is an iconic American motorcycle brand that has been around for over a century. Over the years, Harley Davidson has released various engine models, each with its unique features, strengths, and weaknesses. The question of which Harley Davidson engine is the most reliable is one that has been asked by motorcycle enthusiasts for decades. While there is no straightforward answer to this question, some engines are more reliable than others. Factors such as maintenance, riding style, and usage all play a role in determining the longevity and reliability of a Harley Davidson engine. In this article, we will explore some of the most reliable Harley Davidson engines and what makes them stand out.