The Most Reliable Harley Engine, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the engine you think is the most reliable!
Updated on May 3, 2024 06:55
Choosing the right engine for a motorcycle can significantly influence the long-term satisfaction and utility a rider derives from their machine. For enthusiasts of Harley-Davidson, the reliability of the engine is paramount. This ensures not only enduring performance but also enhances the overall riding experience. Identifying which engines stand out in terms of dependability can guide new buyers and veteran riders alike.
This site hosts a dynamic ranking driven by your contributions. By voting on the reliability of different Harley-Davidson engines, you help create a resource that aids fellow enthusiasts in making informed decisions. Your participation ensures that the rankings reflect the collective experience and insights of a diverse community of riders.
What Is the Most Reliable Harley Engine?
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172votes
Lightburst · CC BY-SA 4.0Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight Engine
Harley-DavidsonThe Milwaukee-Eight engine is the most advanced and reliable engine from Harley-Davidson to date. It comes in two versions, the 107 and 114, and offers improved cooling, reduced vibration, and better fuel efficiency.The Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight Engine is the latest generation of engines produced by Harley-Davidson. It was introduced in 2016 and has quickly gained a reputation for its power, reliability, and smooth performance. The Milwaukee-Eight engine is designed to provide enhanced power, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced heat, resulting in a more refined riding experience.- Displacement: 107 cubic inches (1753 cc)
- Bore: 3.937 inches (100 mm)
- Stroke: 4.374 inches (111 mm)
- Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
- Valvetrain: Single cam, pushrod-operated, overhead valves
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267votes
Harley-Davidson Twin Cam 88 Engine
Harley-DavidsonThe Twin Cam 88 engine was introduced in 1999 and was produced until 2006. It was a significant improvement over the Evolution engine, with better performance and reliability.The Harley-Davidson Twin Cam 88 Engine is a renowned V-twin engine developed by Harley-Davidson. It has gained popularity for its reliability and powerful performance.- Engine Type: V-twin
- Displacement: 1,450 cc (88 cubic inches)
- Bore x Stroke: 95.3 mm x 101.6 mm (3.75 inches x 4.00 inches)
- Compression Ratio: 8.9:1
- Fuel System: Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
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335votes
Harley-Davidson Evolution Engine
Harley-DavidsonThe Evolution engine was produced from 1984 to 1999 and was a big step forward for Harley-Davidson. It offered better performance and reliability than its predecessor, the Shovelhead engine.The Harley-Davidson Evolution Engine is a V-twin motorcycle engine series produced by Harley-Davidson from 1984 to 1999. It replaced the Shovelhead engine and was succeeded by the Twin Cam engine. The Evolution Engine is known for its durability, smoothness, and power delivery.- Engine Type: V-twin
- Displacement: 883cc - 1340cc
- Compression Ratio: 8.5:1 - 9.2:1
- Horsepower: 46-72 hp (Depending on model)
- Torque: 50-78 lb-ft (Depending on model)
Harley-Davidson Evolution Engine in other rankings- Position 6 of 10 in Most reliable motorcycle engine
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423votes
Harley-Davidson Shovelhead Engine
Harley-DavidsonThe Shovelhead engine was produced from 1966 to 1984 and was a popular engine for Harley-Davidson during the 1970s. While it had some reliability issues, it was still a very popular engine among Harley enthusiasts.The Harley-Davidson Shovelhead engine is an iconic V-twin motorcycle engine produced by Harley-Davidson from 1966 to 1984. It is recognized for its distinctive shovel-shaped rocker box covers, which give the engine its name. The Shovelhead engine played a significant role in establishing Harley-Davidson's reputation as a leading manufacturer of heavyweight motorcycles.- Engine type: V-twin
- Displacement: 1,208cc - 1,340cc
- Valvetrain: OHV (overhead valve)
- Years of production: 1966-1984
- Compression ratio: 7.2:1 - 9.0:1
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511votes
Harley-Davidson Panhead Engine
Harley-DavidsonThe Panhead engine was produced from 1948 to 1965 and was a significant improvement over the Knucklehead engine. It offered better reliability and performance and was a popular engine among Harley enthusiasts.The Harley-Davidson Panhead Engine is an iconic V-twin motorcycle engine that was produced by Harley-Davidson from 1948 to 1965. It earned its name due to the distinctive shape of the rocker covers, resembling upside-down cooking pans.- Engine Type: Air-cooled, four-stroke V-twin
- Displacement: 61 cubic inches (1000 cc) or 74 cubic inches (1200 cc)
- Valvetrain: Overhead valve (OHV)
- Power: Approximately 55-60 horsepower
- Compression Ratio: 7:1
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610votes
Harley-Davidson Knucklehead Engine
Harley-Davidson Motor CompanyThe Knucklehead engine was produced from 1936 to 1947 and was the first Harley-Davidson engine with overhead valves. It was a significant improvement over the Flathead engine, with better performance and reliability.The Harley-Davidson Knucklehead Engine is a classic V-twin motorcycle engine known for its iconic appearance and reliability. It was first introduced in 1936 as a successor to the Harley-Davidson Flathead Engine. The engine earned its name due to the distinctive shape of its rocker box covers, which resembled the knuckles of a closed fist. With its advanced design for the time, the Knucklehead Engine greatly enhanced the performance and durability of Harley-Davidson motorcycles.- Engine type: V-twin
- Displacement: 61 cubic inches (998cc) initially, later increased to 74 cubic inches (1,213cc)
- Valvetrain: OHV (overhead valve)
- Compression ratio: 6.0:1 initially, later increased to 7.0:1
- Horsepower: Approximately 40-55 hp, depending on the model and year
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76votesThe Flathead engine was produced from 1929 to 1973 and was the first V-twin engine from Harley-Davidson. While it had some reliability issues, it was still a significant improvement over the single-cylinder engines that Harley-Davidson had been producing.The Harley-Davidson Flathead Engine is a type of internal combustion engine developed by Harley-Davidson. It is a four-stroke, side-valve V-twin engine with a flathead design.
- Engine Type: Four-stroke, V-twin
- Valvetrain: Side-valve
- Valves per Cylinder: Two
- Engine Configuration: Flathead design
- Cylinder Arrangement: V-twin
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87votes
Harley-Davidson Ironhead Engine
Harley-DavidsonThe Ironhead engine was produced from 1957 to 1985 and was a popular engine for Harley-Davidson during the 1960s and 1970s. While it had some reliability issues, it was still a very popular engine among Harley enthusiasts.The Harley-Davidson Ironhead Engine is a legendary V-twin engine that was produced by Harley-Davidson from 1957 to 1985. It gained a reputation for its durability and performance, becoming one of the most iconic and sought-after Harley engines in history.- Engine Type: Air-cooled, four-stroke, V-twin
- Displacement: 883cc or 1,000cc
- Cylinder Configuration: OHV, pushrod
- Bore x Stroke: 3.00 in x 3.81 in (883cc), 3.00 in x 4.45 in (1,000cc)
- Compression Ratio: 9:1 (883cc), 8:1 (1,000cc)
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911votes
Harley-Davidson EVO Sportster Engine
Harley-DavidsonThe EVO Sportster engine was produced from 1986 to 2003 and was a significant improvement over the Ironhead engine. It offered better performance and reliability and was a popular engine among Harley enthusiasts.The Harley-Davidson EVO Sportster Engine is a reliable and iconic engine model developed by Harley-Davidson. It belongs to the Evolution (EVO) engine family and has been specifically designed for the Sportster line of motorcycles. With a strong reputation for durability and performance, the EVO Sportster Engine has become one of the most dependable engines in the Harley-Davidson lineup.- Displacement: 883cc or 1200cc
- Type: V-twin
- Fuel System: Carbureted or Fuel Injected
- Compression Ratio: 9:1 (883cc) or 10:1 (1200cc)
- Bore x Stroke: 3.0 in x 3.8 in (883cc) or 3.5 in x 3.8 in (1200cc)
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1015votes
Harley-Davidson Twin Cam 103 Engine
Harley-DavidsonThe Twin Cam 103 engine was introduced in 2003 and was produced until 2017. It was an improvement over the Twin Cam 88 engine, with better performance and reliability.The Harley-Davidson Twin Cam 103 Engine is a powerful and reliable V-twin engine designed for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. It was created by Harley-Davidson, an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer.- Engine Type: Air-cooled, Twin Cam V-twin engine
- Displacement: 1690 cc
- Bore x Stroke: 98.4 mm x 111.1 mm
- Compression Ratio: 9.7:1
- Fuel System: Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
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About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable Harley 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
- 5909 views
- 220 votes
- 10 ranked items
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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 engine
Harley-Davidson, the iconic American motorcycle manufacturer, has been producing engines since 1903. Over the years, they have created a range of engines in different sizes and configurations. When it comes to reliability, the Harley Big Twin engines are often considered the most dependable. These engines have a long history, with the first one introduced in 1936. Since then, they have undergone numerous updates and improvements, including the addition of electronic fuel injection in 1995. The Harley Big Twin engines are known for their durability and longevity, with many riders reporting hundreds of thousands of miles on their bikes. However, with newer models such as the Milwaukee-Eight engine, some argue that Harley-Davidson has continued to improve on their reliability. Ultimately, the most reliable Harley engine will depend on personal preference and experience, but the Big Twin engines are a solid choice for riders looking for a dependable ride.
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