1950 Panhead
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6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: South Dakota
1950 Panhead
Hey guys i recently aquired a 1950 panhead of my fathers.He passed away a number of years ago... It is all original and a absolutely BEAUTIFUL bike... Althoughknow it hasto not been ridden for 5 years... It was properly stored by a harley mechanic. But i do have a couple questions i need a battery forsure and just wondering what all of you guys would suggest to do aswell before attempting to start it up... The throttle is sticky so i have to take care of that and i imagine some fresh fluids... How do you all suppose the Carb is? I will try and get some pictures up for all of ya soon!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,582
From: Wisconsin, USA
Try searching for some of the posts by the guys on this thread:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/panhe...-starting.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/panhe...-starting.html
If the oil tank was drained before you fill it make sure there is not any sludge in the bottom..Can be rinsed with gas or diesel..
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: South Dakota
Thanks guys for the info the tank was drained so i will do that! And definitly get some fresh oil in her... That thread is very helpful Ron thanks allot! I appreciate it! i cant wait to get the old girl runnin again!
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: northern WI.
12 volt
looks like it has been converted to 12 volt, so when you get a new battery, make sure is a 12 volt. Clean or better yet put new points in it. oil fresh gas. I like lace up boots for kick starting.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,598
Likes: 14
From: navarre ohio
if it was stored rite, all it would need is a battery and fresh fuel to get it started. once its warm, change the oil.. if it was just parked, it will need a carb clean, and probably electrical... check everything over, especially the tires..
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,495
Likes: 3,705
From: Santa Klaus County, Cali
First and most importantly...get an OEM manual and parts book.
Obviously change oil and gas and inspects tanks for rust issues.
5 years of sitting...I would definitely pull clutch plates and clean them.
Check brakes, tires, electrical (pretty easy on the old bikes because there are not many wires and you are looking for frayed/ exposed wires that could cause shorts) and tranny linkage.
Do you have the original Linkert on her? Might need a reuild...very least might need jets cleaned.
Pans are quirky and each has their own particular starting sequence. Do you recall what your pop did? That is the best way to get at it.
Tank shift with the foot clutch takes some getting used to. You will probably stall out a few times while the learning curve takes place.
Brakes on these bikes is way different from modern bikes...and then factor in no 1st gear syncho. Just give yourself a lot of stopping distance and you will do fine...once you get trhe starting sequence down.
Obviously change oil and gas and inspects tanks for rust issues.
5 years of sitting...I would definitely pull clutch plates and clean them.
Check brakes, tires, electrical (pretty easy on the old bikes because there are not many wires and you are looking for frayed/ exposed wires that could cause shorts) and tranny linkage.
Do you have the original Linkert on her? Might need a reuild...very least might need jets cleaned.
Pans are quirky and each has their own particular starting sequence. Do you recall what your pop did? That is the best way to get at it.
Tank shift with the foot clutch takes some getting used to. You will probably stall out a few times while the learning curve takes place.
Brakes on these bikes is way different from modern bikes...and then factor in no 1st gear syncho. Just give yourself a lot of stopping distance and you will do fine...once you get trhe starting sequence down.
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Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 931
Likes: 112
From: Oregon
Am I missing something here?????????????
The foot pedal for the clutch looks interesting.
Just sayin, one direction only? Hmmmmm.
Awesome ride I will admit. But no whitewalls for me with all the oil and grease slingin around.
The foot pedal for the clutch looks interesting.
Just sayin, one direction only? Hmmmmm.
Awesome ride I will admit. But no whitewalls for me with all the oil and grease slingin around.
Last edited by lownslow; Oct 25, 2012 at 12:13 AM.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: South Dakota
I have checked the tires and wiring and everything appears to be fine, the original linkert was replaced in the early 90's this was a regular ride of my dads in his day so he had it pretty road ready. In fact the last time it was rode it went from Denver Colorado to Sturgis to the Rallies... BUT... That was 5 years ago.... I will be checking the tanks for rust and such aswell... From what i have heard my dad had ther starting sequence perfected pretty well.. From what i hear he would always show off how easy he could get it to start... I have heard the ride will take some getting used to aswell with the clutch and shifting... It will be a good winter project i figure... I have a nightster i recently baught too i want to get some stuff done on this winter too... I know where my tax return will be going this year...