These motorcycles were built in the late nineties. The cases, wheels, rods, cylinders and pistons were from S&S Cycles. Offered by Panzer Motorcycle Works USA, the 'Neo-Pan' motor was built by Accurate Engineering exclusively for Panzer. Over the next several years, the line expanded, and engines are now offered in all stages, including completely assembled. After S&S released their long blocks series, many builders switched to using all S&S products. Several other companies entered the market, but interchangeability between different manufacturers parts became an issue. In the mid-nineties, S&S Cycle introduced their 'Evolution' style crankcases and cylinder heads. With a bike weighing nearly 700 pounds, the new brake system was much appreciated by riders. Second, the addition of hydraulic rear brakes (all earlier models had mechanical rear brakes). First, it was the introduction of rear suspension on Big Twin models, making the Hydra-Glide the Duo-Glide. The year 1958 is very significant in Harley Panhead history. Mid-year saw the introduction of the FLH, which had a higher compression ratio and produced 60 horsepower. This lasted for less than a year, and by late 1955 the 12-bolt cover was back to stay. The solid lifter/hydraulic push rod was switched to a solid push rod and a hydraulic lifter/tappet.Īlso this year, valve covers changed from 12-bolt to 6-bolt. In 1955, the Panhead's intake manifold, a carryover from the Knucklehead, was upgraded with O-ring style ports. Why 1954 and not 1953 is a topic of debate - all subsequent H-D anniversary models would use 1903 as year one.ĥ0th anniversary models were specially trimmed and decorated. Increasing Panhead sales, which accounted for nearly half of all Harley-Davidsons sold in 1954. The 1954 Hydra-Glide offered the buyer options such as two-tone paint and color-matched hand grips and kick-start pedal, In addition to designing the 1954 Hydra-Glide, his diverse portfolio including theĮdmilton Petipoint clothes iron (1941), Lawn Boy lawn mower (1954), and the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile (1958).Īs an automobile designer, Stevens worked at Studebaker during the company's last years,īefore going on to create and produce the Excalibur car. When Indian closed its doors, Harley-Davidson, now the only American motorcycle manufacturer, enjoyed increased sales.īrooks Stevens was an industrial designer, as well as a graphic designer and stylist. These all gave the Panhead a cleaner, more modern look.Īctor Lee Marvin rides a Harley Panhead in 1954 movie "The Wild One" Indian Goes BankruptĪfter nearly 50 years as Harley's arch-rival, the Indian Motorcycle Company went bankrupt in 1953. The Hydra-Glide was one of the first streamlined motorcycle designs, with teardrop shaped gas tanks and instrument cluster.Īlso new was a horizontal shielded front fender and chrome enclosed front forks. Hydraulic fork tubes replaced the springer front end, nearly doubling the amount of wheel travel.Īnother update for 1949 was front brake drum diameter increased to eight-inches. In 1949, the Harley-Davidson "Hydra-Glide" was first offered. Gas tank capacity was 3.75 gallons with a one-gallon oil capacity. The first year of the Panhead was also the last year of the springer (leading-link) front end for Harley Big-Twins.Ĭolor options included Flight Red, Azule Blue, and Black. To accommodate the new taller engine, the Panhead received a redesigned frame with double down-tubes.ĭesigned with a mounting plate for engine-guards as well as a steering lock, it became known as the "wishbone" frame. Like the Knucklehead, the Pan was offered as either the EL (61 cubic-inches) or FL (74 cubic-inches). Total bike weight was around 565 pounds, and a stock Panhead had a top speed of about 100 miles per hour.
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