1941 Harley-Davidson FS

Motorcycle

2-cyl. 989cc/37hp

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$78,700 CAD*

-2.7%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Value Graph07/2310/2301/2404/24$20k$40k$60k$80kJun 2024
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1936-1947 Harley-Davidson EL/FL Knucklehead stats
Highest sale
$270,270 CAD
Lowest sale
$7,165 CAD
Most recent sale
$150,865 CAD
Sales
137
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Model overview

Model description

In 1936, Harley-Davidson debuted the 40 bhp, 61 cubic inch EL “hemi” overhead valve model. Thanks to the prominent bumps on the cylinder heads, it quickly earned the nickname “Knucklehead”, and it was a name that stuck. First planned as early as 1931, the overhead valve engine and its development had been delayed since 1934 by the economic climate of the Great Depression, but after its initial teething problems wore mostly sorted out, it remained a solid performer in Harley’s lineup, with a 50 bhp 74 cubic inch model added 1941. A four-speed gearbox was offered from the start, and 61 ci and 74 ci knuckleheads were built until 1947.

While Harley-Davidson had designed and built overhead-valve race engines in the past (some even with four valves and double overhead camshafts), this was the company’s first fully overhead valve street engine. The base model was dubbed the “E”, while “EL” became the name of the Special Sport, and “ES” was given to bikes set up for use with a sidecar. In addition to being the first Harley with overhead valves, it was also the company’s first bike to come with a speedometer as standard equipment.

As for the initial teething problems with the new engine, these were mainly characterized by trouble regulating oil flow to the valves. By 1937, however, a re-circulating oil system had alleviated the issue, and by 1941 the oil supply problem was solved with a gear-driven centrifugal pump with a bypass valve for higher up in the rev range.

The 74 ci model that was introduced in 1941 was supposedly for sidecar use, but it was more likely a step to face challenge of the big Indian Chiefs, which were notably fast. This was the model that was dubbed the FL. The year 1941 also saw the clutch grow in size by 65 percent as well as an improved air cleaner, quieter muffler and 50 percent larger rear brake. Gauges also became black-faced and both the hand-shift and foot-clutch mechanisms were improved.

16-inch tires were introduced in 1940, and new cylinder heads had bigger ports. The following year’s 74 cubic inch FL then required larger crankcases and flywheels. The US entry into the Second World War shortly thereafter meant that American manufacturing attention turned to military production, and only a few OHV models were produced during hostilities.

When civilian production resumed in 1946, sales of the E and F series boomed (still the same base, sports and sidecar models). In all, over 11,000 Knuckleheads were sold in 1947, which made up over half of Harley-Davidson’s total sales of 20,000. In 1936, the number was closer to 20 percent. That sales total of 1947 was the company’s best since before the Great Depression, but the company didn’t content itself with coasting on its strong postwar sales. For 1948, Harley had an ace up its sleeve, the “Panhead”.

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Common Questions

The value of a 1941 Harley-Davidson FS can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $57,900 USD for a 1941 Harley-Davidson FS in good condition with average spec.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are representative of stock condition vehicles only and based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. Value adjustments for optional equipment are in U.S. dollars. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.CA/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of the Hagerty Group LLC, ©2024 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.