Potential Purchase
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Potential Purchase
I may in the market for a 56 Panhead. I'm told the motor was rebuilt top and bottom 4K ago, but I haven't seen the bike in person yet. Is there anything special I should be looking for? Neck bearings, primary, etc. I've only owned bikes from 82+ and I'm far from being a mechanic.
Appreciate any advice.
Appreciate any advice.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 260
Likes: 3
From: Fort Worth, Texas
I'd ask for receipts from the build. Compression check if you can. Look for broken or cracked fins around the head. Cracks on the motor mount area on the cases. Other than that I can't think of anything specific. Depends what you're looking for as far as stock or more updated equipment. Just check it over for general wear and tear. Chain wear, primary chain adjustment, tire wear, etc. If you're not a mechanic now you'll be one after you buy a pan.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,481
Likes: 3,677
From: Santa Klaus County, Cali
Take someone with you that knows about pans. If you don't you could get really screwed. Check the vin, check lower case numbers.
Lots of people use the word 'restoration' when in fact the bike is just a pie-o-parts. There is so much Taiwan Tedd $hit on some pans that to take the bike back to 'stock' would be more than the bike could ever be worth. So do not get enamored with shiny chrome.
Ask for receipts. See if you can get the history on the bike.
Not mechanically inclined? Pans take routine maintenance. Either you learn or you lay a bunch of green out there to pay someone to do the work.
Lots of people use the word 'restoration' when in fact the bike is just a pie-o-parts. There is so much Taiwan Tedd $hit on some pans that to take the bike back to 'stock' would be more than the bike could ever be worth. So do not get enamored with shiny chrome.
Ask for receipts. See if you can get the history on the bike.
Not mechanically inclined? Pans take routine maintenance. Either you learn or you lay a bunch of green out there to pay someone to do the work.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: Albany, Oregon
I'd have to agree, be very careful. A bike that's 54 years old should look it, matter where it's been...... don't get caught up in the chrome. Or do, just realize it's not "original".
I love mine and work on it myself. It's my therapy....
I love mine and work on it myself. It's my therapy....
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 234
Likes: 1
From: Sawdust City
Take someone with you that knows about pans. If you don't you could get really screwed. Check the vin, check lower case numbers.
Lots of people use the word 'restoration' when in fact the bike is just a pie-o-parts. There is so much Taiwan Tedd $hit on some pans that to take the bike back to 'stock' would be more than the bike could ever be worth. So do not get enamored with shiny chrome.
Ask for receipts. See if you can get the history on the bike.
Not mechanically inclined? Pans take routine maintenance. Either you learn or you lay a bunch of green out there to pay someone to do the work.
Lots of people use the word 'restoration' when in fact the bike is just a pie-o-parts. There is so much Taiwan Tedd $hit on some pans that to take the bike back to 'stock' would be more than the bike could ever be worth. So do not get enamored with shiny chrome.
Ask for receipts. See if you can get the history on the bike.
Not mechanically inclined? Pans take routine maintenance. Either you learn or you lay a bunch of green out there to pay someone to do the work.
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