Knowing engine displacement helps riders understand performance, character, and the evolution of Harley motorcycles over the years.
Below is a complete chart of major Harley‑Davidson engine families, showing displacement in both cubic inches (ci) and cubic centimeters (cc), along with typical models that used each engine.
Harley Davidson Engine Size Chart
F-Head Engines (1914–1929)
| Displacement | Cubic Inches (ci) | Cubic Centimeters (cc) | Typical Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45 ci | 45 ci | 737 cc | Model J, JD |
| 61 ci | 61 ci | 1000 cc | Model F, JD Big Twin |
| 74 ci | 74 ci | 1210 cc | Model K, JD Big Twin |
Flathead Engines (Side-Valve, 1929–1973)
| Displacement | Cubic Inches (ci) | Cubic Centimeters (cc) | Typical Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45 ci | 45 ci | 737 cc | WL, WLA, Servi-Car |
| 61 ci | 61 ci | 1000 cc | EL Big Twin |
| 74 ci | 74 ci | 1212 cc | EL, FL Big Twin |
Related Harley Davidson Engine Oil Capacity Chart(For ALL Models)
Knucklehead Engines (Overhead Valve, 1936–1947)
| Displacement | Cubic Inches (ci) | Cubic Centimeters (cc) | Typical Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61 ci | 61 ci | 983 cc | EL, FL, UL |
| 74 ci | 74 ci | 1212 cc | FL Hydra-Glide, EL Big Twin |
Panhead Engines (1948–1965)
| Displacement | Cubic Inches (ci) | Cubic Centimeters (cc) | Typical Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61 ci | 61 ci | 983 cc | FL, Duo-Glide, Hydra-Glide |
| 74 ci | 74 ci | 1200 cc | FL Hydra-Glide, Electra-Glide |
| 82 ci | 82 ci | 1343 cc | FL Electra-Glide Custom |
Shovelhead Engines (1966–1984)
| Displacement | Cubic Inches (ci) | Cubic Centimeters (cc) | Typical Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| 74 ci | 74 ci | 1212 cc | FLH, FLT, FX Super Glide |
| 80 ci | 80 ci | 1343 cc | FLH Electra-Glide, FX Custom |
| 82 ci | 82 ci | 1343 cc | FX Super Glide, FLH Custom |
Related Harley Davidson 1340 Evo Engine Oil Capacity(+ Recommended Oils)
Evolution (Evo) Engines (1984–1999)
| Displacement | Cubic Inches (ci) | Cubic Centimeters (cc) | Typical Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| 54 ci | 54 ci | 883 cc | XL883, XLH Sportster |
| 61 ci | 61 ci | 1000 cc | XL1000, XL Sportster |
| 73 ci | 73 ci | 1200 cc | XL1200, XLH1200 |
| 80 ci | 80 ci | 1343 cc | Softail, FL Touring, Dyna |
Twin Cam Engines (1999–2017)
| Displacement | Cubic Inches (ci) | Cubic Centimeters (cc) | Typical Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| 88 ci | 88 ci | 1442 cc | Softail, Dyna, Touring |
| 88B ci | 88 ci | 1442 cc | Counterbalanced Softail |
| 95 ci | 95 ci | 1550 cc | Touring, Dyna CVO |
| 96 ci | 96 ci | 1584 cc | Softail, Touring, FXD |
| 103 ci | 103 ci | 1690 cc | Touring, Softail, CVO |
| 107 ci | 107 ci | 1753 cc | Touring, Softail |
| 110 ci | 110 ci | 1800 cc | CVO Softail, Touring |
| 117 ci | 117 ci | 1923 cc | CVO Softail, CVO Touring |
| 120R ci | 120 ci | 1967 cc | Screamin’ Eagle Crate Engine |
Related Harley Oil Filter(Top 3 Quality Filters 2025 & Guide)
Milwaukee-Eight Engines (2017–Present)
| Displacement | Cubic Inches (ci) | Cubic Centimeters (cc) | Typical Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| 107 ci | 107 ci | 1746 cc | Softail, Touring, Street Glide |
| 114 ci | 114 ci | 1868 cc | Softail, Fat Boy, Touring |
| 117 ci | 117 ci | 1923 cc | CVO Softail, CVO Touring |
| 121 ci VVT | 121 ci | 1977 cc | CVO Limited, CVO Street Glide |
| 128 ci | 128 ci | 2097 cc | Screamin’ Eagle Performance CVO |
Revolution Max Engines (2021–Present)
| Displacement | Cubic Inches (ci) | Cubic Centimeters (cc) | Typical Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| 975 ci | 59.5 ci | 975 cc | Nightster, Custom Sportster |
| 975T | 59.5 ci | 975 cc | Nightster T |
| 1250 ci | 76.3 ci | 1250 cc | Pan America, Sportster S |
| 1252T | 76.3 ci | 1252 cc | Pan America Special |
| 1280 ci | 78.0 ci | 1280 cc | Pan America 1250S Special Edition |
Related Harley Davidson Oil Filter Cross Reference(For All Models)
Understanding Harley Engine Families
Classic Air-Cooled Engines
Harley’s early engines were air-cooled V-twins, rugged and reliable:
- F-Head & Flathead: Built in the early 20th century, small by modern standards but crucial in Harley’s rise.
- Knucklehead, Panhead, Shovelhead: Mid-century “big twin” engines with overhead valves, each marking a technological leap.
- Evolution (Evo): Introduced in the 1980s with better reliability and performance, used in both Big Twins and Sportster lines.
Twin Cam Engines (1999–2017)
The Twin Cam family introduced dual camshafts for smoother operation, covering 88 ci up to high-performance 120 ci crate engines. These powered Softail, Dyna, and Touring models for nearly two decades.
Milwaukee‑Eight (2017–Present)
The Milwaukee‑Eight engines form the core of modern Harley bikes. They have a single camshaft with eight valves for improved airflow and smoother power delivery. Common displacements are 107 ci, 114 ci, 117 ci, and the 121 ci VVT version. These engines are used across Softail, Touring, and CVO models.
Revolution Max – Modern Liquid-Cooled Engines
The Revolution Max engines represent Harley’s move to liquid-cooled, high-revving powerplants.
- 1250 / 1252T: Found in Pan America and Sportster S models, designed for versatility and high performance.
- 975 / 975T: Used in Nightster and related models, offering a lightweight sporty package.
These engines use modern technologies like dual overhead cams, variable valve timing (on some models), and broad torque curves suitable for all types of riding.
Related Engine Liters to Cubic Inches Chart(For All Engine Sizes)
Why Engine Size Matters
Engine displacement, measured in cubic inches (ci) or cubic centimeters (cc), indicates the total volume the pistons sweep inside the cylinders. Larger displacement usually means:
- More torque and horsepower
- Better ability to carry heavy loads or cruise comfortably at highway speeds
- Stronger low-end power and acceleration
For Harley riders, engine size is also part of the bike’s character, often reflecting performance and tradition.
FAQs
How many cc is a Harley-Davidson engine?
Harley-Davidson engines vary widely depending on the model and engine family. Classic Sportster engines start around 883 cc, Big Twins like the Evolution and Twin Cam range from 1,343 cc to 1,923 cc, and modern Revolution Max engines can be 975 cc to 1,280 cc.
How many cc is a 114 Harley-Davidson engine?
The 114 Milwaukee-Eight engine has a displacement of 114 cubic inches, which is approximately 1,868 cc. It is commonly used in Softail, Touring, and Fat Boy models for strong torque and cruising performance.
How many cc is a 103 Harley engine?
A 103 Twin Cam or Milwaukee-Eight engine has a displacement of 103 cubic inches, equivalent to around 1,690 cc. This engine is often found in Softail, Touring, and CVO models.
How fast is a 1000cc Harley?
A 1000cc Harley engine, typically found in smaller Sportsters or early F-Head/Flathead designs, can reach speeds of 110–120 mph depending on the bike model, weight, and gearing. Modern 1000cc Revolution Max engines can exceed 120 mph with sporty tuning.
Is a 1200cc Harley good for beginners?
A 1200cc Sportster engine can be manageable for some beginners, but it depends on experience. It produces enough power and torque that new riders must control throttle carefully. Beginners often start with smaller 883cc or 975cc engines before moving to a 1200cc bike.
What is Harley’s most powerful engine?
Harley-Davidson’s most powerful production engines are Screamin’ Eagle CVO and Performance Milwaukee-Eight engines, with displacements up to 128 cubic inches (≈2,097 cc). They deliver the highest torque and horsepower in the Harley lineup, used in CVO Softail, Touring, and Pan America 1250S Special Edition models.
Final words
From the 737 cc Flathead to the 1,252 cc Revolution Max, Harley‑Davidson engines show over a century of evolution, blending heritage with innovation. Understanding engine size helps riders appreciate both the history and performance of their motorcycles. Whether you’re a collector, enthusiast, or prospective buyer, this engine size chart provides a clear overview of Harley’s diverse powerplants.
