Classic All 'historic' bikes.

Will 1983 4 Speed Transmission Work With Panhead?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 5, 2011 | 02:02 PM
  #1  
dieselskid's Avatar
dieselskid
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Default Will 1983 4 Speed Transmission Work With Panhead?

Will 1983 4 Speed Transmission Work With Panhead?

I have a early 50's wishbone frame and need a transmission that will work with a Panhead engine.. Came across a 1983 tranny in good condition. Will this bolt on? ( I'm not sure about electric start options that were available with this transmission) my bike will be a kick only. Thanks.
 
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2011 | 04:44 PM
  #2  
Tom84FXST's Avatar
Tom84FXST
Seasoned HDF Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
Default

Simple enough to make it work with the correct combination of parts....but that is one of the least desirable trans that Harley makes. The "rotary top" 4 speed has less aftermarket support, and is more expensive to fix than the 78 down ratchet top. I would find an 78 down 4 speed or a 91 up 5 speed since you are building frame up...virtually all 80's trans are less desirable and harder to find parts for
 
Reply
Old Nov 9, 2011 | 03:39 AM
  #3  
TwiZted Biker's Avatar
TwiZted Biker
Club Member
15 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 10
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,128
Likes: 51,461
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Default

It can but depends on your bike configuration & frame . If you've got the old 6 v style oil bag it may not plus those things are butt ugly and the shifting linkage sucks on them .
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Curated Content Editor
General Harley Davidson Chat
5
Mar 7, 2017 04:38 PM
novascotiairon
Frame/Suspension/Front End/Brakes
0
May 5, 2016 03:25 PM
vipersniper
Frame/Suspension/Front End/Brakes
31
Jan 23, 2013 04:37 PM
rocktower
Want To Buy Motorcycles/Parts/Accessories
0
Jan 3, 2011 04:35 PM
ironbutt4sure
Want To Buy Motorcycles/Parts/Accessories
0
Aug 9, 2008 12:35 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:43 AM.

story-0
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

Slideshow: From military-inspired singles to scooters and three-wheel utility vehicles, these Harleys took the company far outside its comfort zone.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-02 18:34:10


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-6
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-7
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-8
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE