Fully Reconditioned Harley-Davidson Panhead

I’M ONLY the third owner of this Harley-Davidson Panhead. I brought it out with me 30 years ago when I moved over to Australia from the USA. I stripped the bike down and put it in a container and it has been in parts like that right up to a few months ago until John, who used to own John’s Customs in Queensland, resurrected it.

The primary is belt drive with an original four-speed that has been rebuilt. It has original tanks; the front guard is original and rear is aftermarket. Even the tyres are original. It also has a new exhaust system.

The list of new parts is about equal if not more than the original part list. What hasn’t been replaced with new parts has been replaced with refurbished used parts. Like the wheels, for instance. They are original star-hubs and brought back to new. They have had the wheel bearings replaced as well.

The paint is a colour from that era and has been digitally matched to that original colour.

 It has a lot of extra accessories from that model, like crash bars front and back, bumper bar, indicators and wheel covers. I’m just waiting on new floorboards and mud-flaps.

There’s two seats for it. This seat is the solo seat and then there’s the original buddy seat with the rails, etc.

We have built this bike using parts that are the closest to that era as possible. We also have made it into a reliable ride with a new 12 volt generator and a new regulator. We replaced the wiring with a reproduction cloth covered wiring harness as well.

The 1949 Pan has a stroked motor now. It was originally 74 cubic inches but now it’s 80 cubic inches. The engine is fully reconditioned with new pistons, bearings, gaskets, S&S valve springs, new valves and a mild cam. It’s brought the power up close to today’s standards. Put it this way, it ain’t no slug!

Photos by Rod Cole; story by Bob