Trying to locate a a 1965 Harley FLH with batwing faring & windshield (Black/White paing scheme), that was registered, titled and sold out of philadelphia.

This bike was my grandfathers, Matthew Leszczynski that lived in the Frankford section of philadelphia pa at the time.

I believe the bike would have been sold in the early 70's

65 FLH 13143

D17412769

I would be greatly appreciative if anyone here had any information on this specific bike, as i am trying to locate it. Also, any information on the model and yr in general would be awesome !

Pics attached

 

Good luck! After 50 years it's going to be pretty much impossible to find. Sorry dude, but that's the truth of the matter.

 

Interesting fairing on the bike. HD first introduced them for 1969 models. The one in the pic has been customized to fit completely around the headlight and also painted to match the tank design. He also added the chrome battery cover (introduced for Shovel models starting in 1966 but added by many, including me). The passenger backrest was an available option as was a two tone seat and the front fender rail

1965 was the first year for the electric start for Big-Twin models. It was also the last year for the Panhead models. BIkes prior to 1970 were registered by the VIN number. Your grandfather's bike has a VIN # of 65FLH13143. 65 = year, FLH = the high compression motor (first introduced with 1953 models), 13143 is the production number. There were a total of 6,930 F series models sold for 1965 (2,130 FL; 4800 FLH). Production numbers for FLH models started at 65 FLH 1001 and ended at 65 FLH 15012. That VIN# indicates it was manufactured very near the end of the production line for 1965.

This is a factory photo pic to introduce the "all new" model


There were a lot of changes for the model year 1965 but here are a few: redesigned oil tank, 5 gallon gas tanks for footshift models, aluminum inner and outer primary, redesigned transmission case to bolt to the inner primary, 12 volt starting sytem with the added Delco Remy starter and 12 volt battery that was now mounted to the right side of the bike, 12 volt bulbs all around, auto advance timer (one year only; it was changed again for 1966-1969 models) which negated the need for the spiral control on the left handlebar, left crankcase redesigned to accept the aluminum primary, smooth gear cover that lasted until the cone motor was introduced for 1970.

Great pic you have there. Panhead models seem to be holding some decent value, the closer to stock the better the value, with original paint models even better value (becuase it can only be original once).

 

This is going to be a really long shot to find that bike, but it would be way cool if it happens . Good luck and i hope you find it. If everyone here would look at any pans they see out there it could happen.

 

as a first & last 65s have an almost cult following.
So IF the op finds it and it’s still stock he then has to ante up big money to get the owner to part with it

Of course that engine could be in a chopper by now

or recycled into beer cans

 

That pic is full of vintage cool - the bike, the guy, the old Chevy and Caddy in the background, the houses....

 

 

Cool pics and history! One thing you might look into is requesting info from your DMV. In CA, you can send a request for reasons like collectible stuff and if the vehicle is still registered to someone, they will send an inquiry to the registered owner and if he/she is willing, they will give you the info or put you in touch. Of course, at this point that is a massive long shot. Good luck!

 

Your Grandfather was as cool as it gets.......
i'd be looking for that bike too
good luck !!

 

Fair chance that bike went to Europe in the late 70’s or early 80’s, containers full of old bikes and parts left regular.

Good luck in your search my friend, not many will part with a 65 anymore in any condition.