Vintage Vehicles … Harley-Davidson Panhead Motorcycle

The Panhead motorcycle, an iconic model created by Harley-Davidson from 1948 to 1965, marks a significant chapter in North American motorcycling history. With its distinctive design and powerful engine, the Panhead has attracted a dedicated following among bike enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Why is it called the Panhead?

The name Panhead comes from its unique valve covers, which resemble a pan. This design was both aesthetic and functional, allowing easier access to the engine’s rocker arms. The Panhead was powered by an overhead valve (OHV) V-twin engine, a major advancement at the time that provided improved performance, efficiency, and smoother operation compared to its predecessors.
Earlier models featured a displacement of 61 cubic inches (1,000 cc), while later models had 74 cubic inches (1,200 cc). The Panhead engine produced a satisfying roar that thrilled riders. The chassis featured the classic Harley-Davidson frame, which offered stability and maneuverability, making the Panhead a comfortable choice for long journeys and city cruising alike.

The Panhead quickly became synonymous with the burgeoning motorcycle culture of the 1950s and 1960s. Its rugged image and the distinctive sound of its engine perfectly captured the spirit of freedom and rebellion that defined the era. In popular culture, the Panhead has appeared in numerous films, music, and art, becoming a symbol of the counterculture movement.

Notably, the motorcycle gained fame through its association with legendary riders and custom builders who embraced its potential for customization. The Panhead’s design lent itself well to modifications, allowing enthusiasts to personalize their bikes with unique paint jobs, aftermarket parts, and custom accessories.

Today, the Panhead motorcycle is highly sought after by collectors and restoration enthusiasts. Vintage models, especially those in original condition or with historical significance, can fetch impressive prices at auctions. Restoring a Panhead can be a labour of love, requiring a deep understanding of the bike’s mechanics and a commitment to preserving its authenticity.

Many owners take pride in the challenges of restoration, sourcing original parts, and carefully refurbishing every detail of the motorcycle. This dedication not only enhances the bike’s value but also keeps the spirit and history of the Panhead alive for future generations.

The Panhead motorcycle isn’t just a machine; it represents a lifestyle and a history steeped in the free spirit. From its innovative engine design to its status as a cultural icon, the Panhead continues to captivate motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide. Whether cruising along open roads or showcased at classic motorcycle shows, the Panhead remains a timeless symbol of freedom and individuality on two wheels.

The motorcycle shown in the accompanying photograph is a local, custom-built Panhead old-school chopper.

Back in 1998, the current owner was randomly browsing eBay deals when he stumbled upon a fantastic offer on a Panhead-style rigid frame. “I had to have it,” he recalls, and thus began his journey.

“At a Vancouver P&E Swap Meet, I found a fresh bottom end of a Panhead motor, built by Roger Goldamer, a well-known engine builder from Kelowna. I found heads and barrels at a local Harley shop. I chose to use mostly new parts to create a reliable Panhead for which replacement pieces are readily available. After collecting the parts I needed, I spent the winter of 1999 building this dream machine and finished it with a new paint job. During the summer of 1999, I rode it locally and we even took a trip to Calgary. The following year, my cousin saw it and had to have it, so I sold it to him in 2000.

He rode it for a year and a half but eventually decided he didn’t like the lack of shocks, so he parked it. Four years ago, he offered to let me buy it back, which of course I did. The price was right, but it needed some serious TLC. There was a dent in the tank, and it hadn’t run in 20 years. Fortunately, it didn’t take much work, and it fired up right away. I am still riding it today!”

Here is a list of everything the current owner has put into the bike for the build:
Paughco rigid frame
Knucklehead-style springer front end
19-inch front wheel
16-inch rear wheel with hydraulic brake
3.5-gallon gas tank
Horseshoe oil tank
12-volt electrics with a solid-state regulator
Foot clutch with a suicide shifter mounted on the transmission
Upswept exhaust with a vintage Bates muffler
STD Panhead engine cases
S&S rods and flywheels
88-inch reproduction Panheads from Sweden (predate STD heads)
J&P rockers with solid lifters and pushrods
S&S Super E carburetor
Auto-advance distributor with points
 S&S oil pump

This one-of-a-kind gem is most definitely a showstopper, garnering second looks no matter where it is seen.

PHOTO CAPTION: THAT HARLEY-DAVIDSON RUMBLE: This week, we are featuring a motorcycle, but not just any motorcycle. This model, produced by Harley-Davidson, garnered an immediate following upon its introduction, and that enthusiasm continues to this day.