c1952 Harley-Davidson Panhead 1200cc Motorcycle

Description

Harley-Davidson's replacement for the legendary Knucklehead was unveiled in 1948 and like the earlier model, the new Panhead was sold in two versions, displacing either 61-cid or 74-cid and designated Models E and F respectively. Although the motor retained the same bottom end found in its predecessor, the Panhead boasted new cylinders and alloy heads with hydraulic valve lifters, while internal oil lines did away with the old Knucklehead's external ones. Initially used in a revised version of Harley's ?wishbone? frame, within a year the new engine was complemented by a new HydraGlide frame boasting modern, telescopic front forks although the rigid rear end remained. Dubbed ?the nearest thing to flying and as modern as a spaceship?, the new chrome-laden HydraGlide was the two-wheel equivalent of a Cadillac and perfectly encapsulate the Fabulous Fifties today - many fans regard this as the most beautiful bike ever made. Detail changes continued to improve the Panhead over the years, the first major change being revised cylinder heads with larger ports in 1950, boosting power by a claimed ten per cent. Harley-Davidson stuck with the traditional hand-change gearbox until 1952 and it remained an option for die-hards thereafter. The Panhead's bottom end was redesigned in 1953 while the ?wishbone? frame lasted until 1954, when a new "straight-leg" design was adopted. Idolised by popular culture, most notably Peter Fonda's chopper from Easy Rider, the legendary Panhead remains the very essence of Harley-Davidson and the classic looks are still being used for a new generation of retro bikes today.