Closer Look: Media Choice Award Winning 1963 Panhead
Builder admits that the custom tank is enough to get to the next gas station.
Steep Competition
In the midst of event cancellations, Harley-Davidson announced it was holding a whole new type of motorcycle show. Held entirely online, the No Show launched on the Motor Company's Instagram page in June, 2020. Competition was steep, with more than 60 entries from talented builders worldwide. Among the stand-outs was this 1963 Panhead—winner of the Media Choice Award.
Cohesive Details
Built by Ben Zales of Los Angeles, California, the Panhead was intentionally styled after the 1960s show bikes. The 'all show and no go' approach is deliberate, resulting in a cohesive look with outstanding details. In a Harley-Davidson feature video, Zales stated that the tiny fuel tank would “probably get you to the next gas station, and that's about it.”
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Esteemed Invite
Many of the bikes on display at No Show, were originally destined for other events that had been postponed, such as Mama Tried and the Born Free Motorcycle Show. Zales himself is no stranger to the custom bike scene, having been an invited builder to Born Free 10 and 11, and the esteemed Mooneyes Hot Rod Custom Show 2019.
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Barebones Build
Zales built the show-stopping Panhead in his garage—with a little outside help. The girder frontend was farmed out to Dalton Walker at Split Image Customs in Hanford, California, and the paint, frame, and tank molding was handled by his friend Mark. With just a spool front hub and a foot clutch, the build is extremely barebones—to say the least.
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Simple Design
Built until 1966, Zales' motor is a relatively late model Panhead—an engine that saw constant development throughout its eighteen-year run. The external oil lines that 'tee' between the tappet blocks on their way to the overhead rocker assemblies were a distinctive feature for 1963. The simple design replaced the hard-to-manufacture oil passages that were previously drilled through cylinders and heads.
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Presented Wishes
The Media Choice Award was chosen by a journalist panel from industry-leading motorcycle publications. One of the most appreciated features was the fuel tank's seamless transition into the backbone. The Panhead's flowing clean lines made many judges wish that they could have seen it in person. Other awards were presented by Harley-Davidson Museum staff, and Brad Richards, Vice President of Styling & Design.
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Design Flare
Among the many stunning handcrafted details was the teardrop motif. The concept was applied to the oil tank, kicker pedal, and shifter, and also being reflected in the seat and gas tank design. Other highlights include a pop-up gas cap and the rear fender stay that flares out to hold the exhaust. All tied together with a generous wash of chrome.
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Bare Enjoyment
In a 2016 Fuel Cleveland interview Zales expressed his passion for photography and being able to tell a story one frame at a time. One of the more compelling images of the build was taken by Zales in his back lane. The eye-catching chopper is nearing completion, but still in bare metal. Like all No Show entries, this machine will have to be enjoyed virtually—for now.
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