Cults OMG - Chapter III : Ode To The Brothers

abelkb69 · February 13, 2025

1948 model year was when Harley Davidson released its new OHV engine, nicknamed the "Panhead" because its valve cover looked like a sauce pan. It was available as both a 61 CI engine and a 74 CI engine. The 61 was known as the EL; the 74 as the FL. If the engine had higher compression, it was known as a FLH, which featured a distinctive emblem on the side. The last year for the springer front end was 1948, as the telescopic fork would be introduced in 1949. The telescopic fork was becoming the industry standard at this time.

Long considered one of the more esoteric collector pieces is the 1948 Harley Davidson Panhead. This is the connection link between the older and new Panhead engine designs. The knucklehead had a run of 12 years and had served its purpose. The Panhead shared the same dimensions and nomenclature. They featured hydraulic lifters and aluminum heads. With their big valve set up, they became popular with drag racers, and chopper builders also liked the look of the engine. Probably one of the most famous Panheads was the "Captain America" bike ridden by Peter Fonda in the 1969 movie "Easy Rider."

Harley Davidson kept the Panhead until 1965, when it installed an electric starter and became known as the Electra-Glide.

Source: grumbleronwheels

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