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 Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans
Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead scores 79/100 overall against Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans on 88/100. On the road: 57–78. As classics: 100–98. Overall result: Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans.
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Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans
88/100 Overall
78 On the road98 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Harley-Davidson Knucklehead | Moto Guzzi Le Mans | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 7 | 8 | Moto Guzzi Le Mans |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 6 | 9 | Moto Guzzi Le Mans |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 4 | 9 | Moto Guzzi Le Mans |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 5 | 8 | Moto Guzzi Le Mans |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 5 | 7 | Moto Guzzi Le Mans |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 7 | 6 | Harley-Davidson Knucklehead |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 10 | 10 | Level |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 10 | 9 | Harley-Davidson Knucklehead |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 10 | 10 | Level |
| 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 Moto Guzzi Le Mans if…
you want stable sporting handling, forceful V-twin character and distinctive Italian endurance-racer style.
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.
Moto Guzzi Le Mans
The Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans was produced from 1976–1978 and used a 844cc air-cooled longitudinal 90-degree V-twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, collector appeal, character. 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.
Moto Guzzi Le Mans
- Its production span in this library runs from 1976 to 1978.
- The recorded engine description is: 844cc air-cooled longitudinal 90-degree V-twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, collector appeal, character.
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.
Moto Guzzi Le Mans
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans. 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.
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.
Moto Guzzi Le Mans
- 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 Moto Guzzi Le Mans
Final result
The verdict
Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.