Hello all, newb to the forum and am hoping that someone can give me some advice.
I have a family member who may be looking to sell his Dad's Harley. It is a hybrid, a '51 experimental racing engine (pan head, ball bearings) built on a 48/49 hard tail w/hydra-glide front end. The bike was built, raced and owned by my Dad's Uncle, and later raced and owned by my dad in the early 50's. My dad joined the military and gave the bike back to his Uncle.

The bike has not been ridden in since the mid 50's, has been kept indoors, and is occasionally started up. I'd like to keep it in the family. Problem is, I have no idea what to offer him. Can anyone help?

I want to make sure my cousin is fairly compensated and would love to give the bike to my dad as a surprise.

 

Pics are worth a 1000 words. You would need to provide some pics and more info before we could give you any real advice on value.

 

As stated...pics help. If it is as you say, a period correct pan modified for racing, it could easily be worth 10-15K. Unmolested original paint pans can easily go for an additional 10K tacked on. It is all about documentation and pics of your dad and uncle with the bike/on the bike go farther down the road than just a statement.

As to a hybrid 'experimental racing engine', guess I am trying to figure out what you are saying here. Lots of riders were bobbing/chopping bikes even back then. Lots of pics to show it (somehow folks think it was started in the 60s). Same goes with modifying motors to race them (how Tom Sifton got started).

Pan years went from 1948-1965. Rigid frames were used until 1958 models when they chaged to a swingarm frame (what makes you sure it is a 48/49 frame). The hydra-glide front end was introduced on 1949 models.

And what do you mean about 'ball bearings'? Pan motors are set up with caged bearings.

Good luck with what you decide to do. Cool to be able to keep it in the family. If you get it you should check out the AMCA. They are totally dedicated to old iron. Additionally check out www.caimag.com The site is totally dedicated to American made old iron. Lots of knowledge there.

Lastly, if you get the bike, get a copy of Bruce Palmers book on restoring old iron. His second edition is in print now for about a C-note. It is two volumes and covers 1937-1964 Harly Davidson motorcycles.

 

Welcome aboard.

 

a 51 Pan would have had a both a HydraGlide front end and the 48/49 wishbone style hardtail frame, so nothing "hybred" about any of that. Engine number will be 51EL**** for the 61" motor or 51FL**** for the 74" motor (low compression) There was no FLH until 1955. The wishbone hardtail frame was changed to the straight leg hardtail in 1956.

 

Prices for something like that is driven by a very real and active collectors market.
A fully functional, running 51 pan recently sold at a local shop for 8K.
It was only there 2 days,,
And the 8K was considered a bargain price, it sold when the shop opened on the 3rd day,, the buyer was waiting at the door with Cash in hand.

Prices of course go higher with evidence of original parts, the more stock and/or original HD parts of the specific time frame the higher the value.

 

Why don't you talk to the man that is holding the bike and tell him what your plan is and find out what he wants for it? Never know.

 

That's really cool. I know you want to do right, but sounds like the bike was your uncle's and your dads. If I was your cousin I'd cut you a deal to see it returned to someone that appreciated it and keepin it in the family and there's no price for that

. Wish I could still talk bikes with my Dad.

 

FWIW, there is another resource that you might want to consider.
There is a motorcycle museum in North Carolina called Wheels through Time; they had a tv show. I suggest them because they not only are very knowledgeable about old Harleys (I contacted them once) but also value of bikes, and are genuinely nice guys (father and son). Below is a link to their website - GL

http://www.wheelsthroughtime.com/

 

i was thinking the exact same thing,^^^^