1948 Harley Panhead FL - Owner's Experience and Review

by Nick I
(Brooklyn, NY New York USA)

I love my old 1948 Harley Panhead even though she can be a pain and a prima donna. Plus,she has oil leaking from her belly. She is a 1948 74" and this motorcycle really keeps me young and always guessing!

She started out as a chopper that I bought back in 1984 when I got out of the Navy active duty, stationed aboard USS Kansas City AOR-3.

I took this old Harley apart took it back to stock with springer star wheels, a 3.5 gallon fuel tank with a shifter and rocker clutch. As I got older and New York City got more and more crowded; I changed it to hand clutch and foot shift.

She has been thru many changes over the years. In 1992, I was in a head on collision with a Caddy. The wreck busted me up pretty good and I was in a wheel chair for one year. Then again, she got rebuilt.

1948 Harley Panhead FL

She was kept in pretty much stock condition for most of the time of my ownership. Now, I am 59 years old and had to put a Indian Larry style electric start and 12 volt system.

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old HD pans listed for sale by owner!

My right leg won't allow me to kick start it but I don't want to sell her. This 1948 Harley Panhead is not my first motorcycle but she is and has been my best because of all the attention I get when I'm out riding. Even the cops pull me over just to check her out. Why? Because there a lot of old Harleys out there on the road, but not a lot of Panheads.

In the past, riding with my wife was a pleasure but now that she has taken ill, the Pan has been soloed; no more riders and things are better this way.

My 1948 Panhead is priceless! When I can't ride anymore my plan is to donate her to the Wheels Thru Time Mueseum, by Jon Parham.

I had pictures of her that I would like to have posted here on GoGoCycles Used Motorcycles for Sale but my phone got splattered and I don't know how to download. I haven't mastered all the new technology, you know.

Nick from Brooklyn NY