Buying a Panhead?
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Joined: Nov 2006
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Buying a Panhead?
Looking at possibly buying a couple different panheads out there, the first is an almost stock 1950 and the other is a 57 thats custom. dont know much about these bikes so looking for some advise or info about the goods and bads of owning a classic. and feedback would be appreciated.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
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RE: Buying a Panhead?
If you want a custom bike, you would be better off buying one that's already been modified. If you want a Panhead beacuse it's a cool classic it's easier to buy a basically stock one to start with. Of course you don't say what condition they are in or how much they will cost.
For the record, I prefer not to bugger up an unmolested classic.
For the record, I prefer not to bugger up an unmolested classic.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,481
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From: Santa Klaus County, Cali
RE: Buying a Panhead?
hammer, not sure how much you know about pans, but ask for receipts for any work that is claimed to be done on either. I too am like Buzz Kanter, if its almost stock leave it as is and just ride it.
Word of caution, lots of folks claim a bike is almost stock or described as OEM restoration. Be carfeul cuz if you have an eye for detail, sometimes it is, sometimes its not. You dont want to pay top dollar for something claimed to be a complete restoration and find out important things like the speedo, tail light, sheetmetal, tank emblems are all Tawain Ted parts. The owner may have done a nice job of putting it all together, but on a 50 model those components alone are some mean green to replace with OEM parts.
Pick up Palmers book an pans as well as Greg Fields book on pans. Both are good at providing key info for the panhead years.
Word of caution, lots of folks claim a bike is almost stock or described as OEM restoration. Be carfeul cuz if you have an eye for detail, sometimes it is, sometimes its not. You dont want to pay top dollar for something claimed to be a complete restoration and find out important things like the speedo, tail light, sheetmetal, tank emblems are all Tawain Ted parts. The owner may have done a nice job of putting it all together, but on a 50 model those components alone are some mean green to replace with OEM parts.
Pick up Palmers book an pans as well as Greg Fields book on pans. Both are good at providing key info for the panhead years.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 942
Likes: 323
From: Grew up in Texas, moved to AZ
RE: Buying a Panhead?
hammer1,
I your case, I really suggest taking someone who knows Pans with you when you go looking. You will have to check both bikes differently. I assume the stock Pan will cost more than the custom. First and foremost, check the VIN and title. Go to the library and check out Palmer's book. If you skim through it, you will be a little better off.
dave
I your case, I really suggest taking someone who knows Pans with you when you go looking. You will have to check both bikes differently. I assume the stock Pan will cost more than the custom. First and foremost, check the VIN and title. Go to the library and check out Palmer's book. If you skim through it, you will be a little better off.
dave
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 770
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From: East NM
RE: Buying a Panhead?
If you are looking to ride a stock classic bike, the '50 would be an easier way to go rather than trying to restore a customized bike. If you want to ride a custom, get the '57 ainstead of buggaring up a rare stock classic. If you are just out to get something to enjoy riding, the '57 is probably the better way to go if both are in equal condition. There are a lot of upgrades in the '57 design, most of which were introduced in the '55 model year and you will be happier with those changes in a dialy rider.
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Banned
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,706
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From: Woodstock, Ont , Can
RE: Buying a Panhead?
The 50 could also be the el engine that's 61 ci andthe 57 will be the fl version which is 74 ci.
Ron
Ron
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