9 Favorite Panhead Custom Models
The Panhead slots in between the original Knucklehead and the Shovelheads of the late 60s and 70s, and has many fans who love it for its clean simple shapes. We went looking on the internet and picked 9 of our favorite Panhead powered customs.
1. 1948 Sidecar Beauty
Would you rather have an Evo Heritage Springer Softail, or would you rather have an original Panhead powered hardtail? With the balloon tires, and cushy sprung seat, you'd hardly notice the last of rear suspension, though you will notice the lack of modern brakes. What a powerful statement this custom sidecar beauty makes, tuned up with 10% more hp and extreme eye candy appeal.
2. 1955 FLH Hydra Glide
A smooth riding Hydra-Glide, with fringed seat, vintage accessories, and two-tone Chile Pepper Red accents make for a classic ride. The FLH motor with higher compression, better flowing heads, polished ports, and hot cams makes this the equivalent of a Chevy Impala SS - A big comfortable cruiser that's surprisingly fast.
3. 1952 Stripped Down Pan
This Canadian Panhead was custom built by stripping it back down to the bare nuts and bolts, and bolting it back together with only the minimum parts needed to ride. The motor was rebuilt for more power too, so combined with the loss of weight, this naked Panhead flies. You can read more about it, and 3Legged Enterprises the builder, over at Motorcycle Mojo Magazine.
4. 1948 Retro Panhead Custom
This Bronze Bobber is masterfully engineered and is a true work of art, having won the 2010 AMD European Championship. Starting with a post war Panhead motor, they folks at Abnormal Cycles built a custom more in the style of the time between the wars, complete with Indian 1/4 elliptical springer front end. You can read more about it and check out the pictures at Motorivista.
5. 1965 Rare and Collectable
This first year Electra Glide is, of course, the only year Panhead that came with electric start. This bike has been in the same family since the late 1970s, and only just got freshened up, and mildly customized recently, to roll on for another 40 years. You can read more about it on Hot Bike.
6. 1955 Down Under Wonder
Who says a Panhead has to be stuck hauling around a FL touring bike? This stripped down, vintage hot rod style Panhead bobber was built down in Australia and took home the best not an Evo award at a local show a few years ago. You can read all about it and see more pictures on Dirty Love Magazine.
7. 2008 Softail Panhead
That is not a typo, this bike is a 2008 Harley Softail, backdated with Panhead power, FXR transmission, and old school style. Its nice to see a custom bike done up in an original style with such attention to details, without huge wide rear wheels, or a 30" front wheel. This bike mixes the retro looks of the Softail, with real retro touches everywhere. You can see more and get the details on Hot Bike.
8. America's Queen of Speed
Valarie Thimpson has 7 motorcycle speed records and recently set a new world record for World's Fastest Female Motorcycle Racer at over 300 mph. How fast is she on the "world's fastest Panhead"? She has been clocked at over 160 on the partially streamlined bike, and over 140 on the bobber! YOu can read more about her on her site here.
9. Double your Fun
Without the models on it, this bike may look a little awkward, but it sure is different. This 11 foot long motorcycle built for two that took 10 years to build was the labor of love of Mark Kozak. You can read more about it at Cycle Connections.
FOr help with your hog, check out the how to sections of HDForums.com
