Identify Old Bike

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Oct 17, 2019 | 09:06 PM

mark_hogan

Thread Starter

Stage II

Joined: Oct 2019

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From: St. Louis

Identify Old Bike

Attached is a picture of my dad. Sometime just post WW-II. Can anyone identify details on his bike from this picture? I appreciate any help.

Thanks.

Oct 17, 2019 | 11:22 PM

mmesa005

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Joined: Aug 2010

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From: Northern California

It appears to be a 194X WLA 750 - though with just the front photos it's just a guess.

Last edited by mmesa005; Oct 17, 2019 at 11:24 PM.

Oct 18, 2019 | 12:03 AM

dickey

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2010

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From: Florida

No; It's definitely a Panhead; not sure of the year, but I believe it's pre-'57.

Oct 18, 2019 | 12:03 AM

Thingfish

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2010

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From: coast to coast

Seems to have a pan head rocker box cover...

Dickie beat me to it..

Oct 18, 2019 | 01:16 AM

Agoober

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Joined: Jan 2019

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From: Nunya.

48 Springer Panhead ?

Peace.

Oct 18, 2019 | 04:43 AM

Pale Horse Rider

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Joined: Sep 2014

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From: Central Florida

He sure had good taste in motorcycles!

Oct 18, 2019 | 05:27 AM

SMR65

Road Warrior

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From: Eastern Ont.

I'm guessing there is a couple different years in that bike. I'd say it is defiantly a pan and 1948 was the only year of the pan and springer front end. Saying that, the 48's only had one hand leaver, front brake and it was on left side of the handlebar. They had a foot clutch and hand shifter. The pic of your dads bike has two hand leavers, so id think hand clutch and front brake. Have forgotten what year they changed from foot clutch to hand clutch.

Just looked it up, 1952 was the first year of the hand clutch.

Last edited by SMR65; Oct 18, 2019 at 05:40 AM.

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Oct 18, 2019 | 06:22 AM

Architect

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Joined: Apr 2010

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From: Long Island, New York

Assuming the bike is original, 1948 Panhead. First year Pan, only year with a Springer from the MoCo. 1949 was the first Hydra Glide. Front fender obviously missing and the handle bars appears to be a Flanders setup. Hand clutch could also be a hot rod accessories from the time, Speedy Shifters, B&H and all of that. All popular Bobber modifications of the era. Tank badge looks to be a Speedball badge, also correct for '49.

Based on one picture, I will say 99% 1948 Panhead, cool picture, cool bike, I hope this helps.