Vehicle Description
1957 Harley Davidson FL Panhead Chopper-chopped in the 60's by a
builder up in Fresno, CA 1%-Original custom paint-molded tank/frame
OEM-Original 60's AEE Springer Front end-rocker clutch-suicide
shift-New Rex Upholstery Seat-Custom Sissy Bar-Clean Cali Title
(titled as a 1957 HD FL)-tags up to date-Bates headlight-Flanders
handlebars Mechanical UpgradeS&S carb/manifoldnew ignition
coil/wiresThis bike is a survivor with original paint and
tank/frame molds and only upgrade made since the build back in the
60's is the new king/queen seat and a modern S&S carb for
reliability. Bike runs and starts but it was mostly just parked in
our showroom as display and new owner should be sure to be
familiar/comfortable riding this style of bike with no front brake
and suicide shifterThis is a true 1960's Survivor Chopper with the
exception of a S&S super E carb for reliability and easy
starting and a new King/Queen seat from Rex's Upholstery. This
Panhead runs strong and very easy to start with great
compression;-Molded Tank/Frame with original custom paint-Original
rare AEE Springer Front End-Original Bates headlight-Original
flanders handlebars-Rocker Clutch-Suicide Clutch with handmade cast
skull knob-New Rex Upholstery King/Queen seat-S&S Super E
carb shorty-Custom Sissy Bar with tail light-Clean title To start
the bike: (COLD) -turn gas on-twist throttle a couple times-prime
kick 3-4 times with choke off-turn ignition on and choke all the
way up-Should start with 3 good kicks To start the bike: (hot)
Kicks over 1st kick every time with choke half ways upCool chopper
history bike, been in various chopper shows and photo shoots.
Currently trying to track down history of it from Outlaw Archives
motorcycle historian. Has never been molested.A 1957
Harley-Davidson FLH Panhead motorcycle has a 74 cubic inch (1208cc)
Pinhead engine which is a two-cylinder, two-valve-per-cylinder,
pushrod V-twin.The 1957 FLH Panhead was the last year
Harley-Davidson produced a motorcycle with a rigid frame and rocker
covers resembling cooking pans, hence the "Panhead"
nickname.Produced in both 61 c.i. (EL) and 74 c.i. (FL, FLH)
displacements. The "Panhead" engine replaced the "Knucklehead"
engine in 1948 and was manufactured until 1965 when it was replaced
by the "Shovelhead".As Harley-Davidson engines evolved, the
distinctive shape of the rocker covers led Harley enthusiasts to
recognize an engine simply by identifying the head, with names such
as "Flathead", "Knucklehead", "Panhead", and "Shovelhead".In
addition to factory models, "Panhead" engines became a popular
choice for custom motorcycles during the rise of American chopper
culture in the 1960s and 1970s, valued for their distinctive
appearance and ease of modification.The Peter Fonda "Captain
America" chopper in the movie "Easy Rider" had a "Panhead" engine,
as did the "Billy Bike" ridden by Dennis Hoppers character in the
film.
