Also many aftermarket parts for your classic Bigtwin can be found in the webshop. But the increased reliability of … Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by scratchit, May 13, 2008. Named for its flat-topped, vented cylinder heads, the side valve-equipped 45 cubic inch flathead engine debuted in 1929, and the 74 cubic inch V model Big Twin came out in 1930. The Flathead is a simple, robust and reliable side-valve engine, originally 750cc … Flathead designs have been used on a number of early pre-war motorcycles, in particular US V-twins such as Harley-Davidson and Indian, some British singles, BMW flat twins and Russian copies thereof. from Davidsonville, Md. Flathead reliability. Discussion Starter • #1 • Sep 7, 2014. Flathead Shovelhead Magneto Kickstart Rat 4 Cam CustomBuilt from a UL flathead bottom end and a Shovel top end. The 1930 Harley flathead Big Twins were about a hundred pounds heavier as a result of more robust construction including bigger brakes and heavier frames. Joined: Mar 3, 2001 Posts: 14,758. Page 2 of 2 < Prev 1 2. 45 Flathead Service also has the parts to keep your classic Harley on the road. Member Emeritus. In our webshop you find the parts for your classic 45 cubic inch Harley-Davidson WL, WLA, WLC and Servicar. In Harley Davidson Flathead history, the Big Twin model was built in … Powering the Harley was a 74” U-series flathead with a 3-speed transmission. - Harley-Davidson Flathead. Harley-Davidson had already moved away from the hybrid F-head to the Flathead side-valve and so Harley-Davidsons were acquiring a reputation for reliability and deservedly so. 8 Posts . The Cleveland Motorcycle Manufacturing Company produced … to Oxnard Ca. Harley-Davidson's first flathead V-twin appeared in 1929 as the Model D. Its 45-cubic-inch engine was smaller than the company's existing 61- and 74-cubic-inch F-head V-twins, which then became known as "Big Twins." IBRARY’s comprehensive booklet on obtaining the best speed & power from your Harley-Davidson 45” flathead 1937-73 solo, Servi-Car, military and civilian, including model letters WL, WLA, WLC, G, GE, etc. 1929 Harley-Davidson Flathead engine. However, because the New York Police Department had very specific requirements for its fleet motorcycles to ensure reliability, the company had to add a magneto ignition connected to a generator, instead of using a … for Uncle Sam. Another true story.. in 1968 I had to drive from Washington DC. tommy. Hey all, gonna be doing a lot of pick in' of y'all's brains since #1,this is my first "real" bike,and#2, you guy's know stuff! Your “obsolete” 45” side-valve is capable of surprising speed & power, without loss of original appearance or reliability. Named after its flat, curved cylinder heads, the Flathead or ‘45’ (named after the capacity of the engine in cubic inches) has enjoyed the longest life span of any engine in Harley-Davidson history. By 1940 the venerable flathead Big Twin engine had been thoroughly sorted out by Harley-Davidson engineers, making it one of the most reliable models of its time. ... Having suffered reliability and declining sales under the ownership of American Machine and Foundry, Harley… Profile Page. With a 3-speed transmission the Cleveland Motorcycle Manufacturing Company produced … Flathead.. Loss of original appearance or reliability from Washington DC also has the for. Drive from Washington DC scratchit, May 13, 2008 by scratchit, May 13, 2008 ” Flathead... Inch Harley-Davidson WL, WLA, WLC and Servicar Sep 7, 2014 to keep classic! Another true story.. in 1968 I had to drive from Washington DC Service also has parts! 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