Just how hard is owning a Panhead?

[hattitude]

I've been riding Harleys exclusively since 1978...

I had a '78 & '80 Low rider. I wasn't doing anything other than oil/filter changes in those days. I used a shop for all other stuff, but both AMF bikes were pretty much trouble free. I had about 100K miles between the two of them.. They were my only vehicle when I moved to CA in 1978...

I've since had an EVO and Five Twin Cams. I currently still have 4 Twin Cams. I currently do my own work now. I haven't had to split the cases yet, or pull the guts out of the trans, but I have done just about everything else. I use the factory service manuals to guide me..

I have always wanted a Panhead. There is something about a Panhead that just speaks to me...

I have a lead on a good looking custom Panhead bike. It's got a Paughco frame, a '53 Panhead engine, open belt primary, foot clutch, and hand shift (knob by the trans). It does have a a front disc brake along with a rear drum brake. I have not called the guy yet, but I am very tempted..

I don't buy bikes to look at... I buy bikes to ride..

Just how difficult, and/or expensive, is it to keep a panhead in good running order....??

How hard is it to get parts?

With no custom bike or Panhead experience, would I be regretting my decision the first time it needs a repair?

I'd appreciate any opinions...

[JSD]

It's not going to worth as much as a genuine frame Pan . Make sure the belly numbers match and engine number is legit . 

[Ohio HD]

I've been riding Harleys exclusively since 1978...

I had a '78 & '80 Low rider. I wasn't doing anything other than oil/filter changes in those days. I used a shop for all other stuff, but both AMF bikes were pretty much trouble free. I had about 100K miles between the two of them.. They were my only vehicle when I moved to CA in 1978...

I've since had an EVO and Five Twin Cams. I currently still have 4 Twin Cams. I currently do my own work now. I haven't had to split the cases yet, or pull the guts out of the trans, but I have done just about everything else. I use the factory service manuals to guide me..

I have always wanted a Panhead. There is something about a Panhead that just speaks to me...

I have a lead on a good looking custom Panhead bike. It's got a Paughco frame, a '53 Panhead engine, open belt primary, foot clutch, and hand shift (knob by the trans). It does have a a front disc brake along with a rear drum brake. I have not called the guy yet, but I am very tempted..

I don't buy bikes to look at... I buy bikes to ride..

Just how difficult, and/or expensive, is it to keep a panhead in good running order....??

How hard is it to get parts?

With no custom bike or Panhead experience, would I be regretting my decision the first time it needs a repair?

I'd appreciate any opinions...

Not knowing what has been done already upgrade wise, I doubt that this has the original 3 brush 6 volt charging system, but if it is, put that on the shelf and see Cycle Electric for a 12 volt generator with their solid state regulator and get a 12 volt battery and bulbs. 

That motor should have a tapered sprocket shaft in lieu of a splined shaft. I rode with a few guys that had the tapered shaft, and there was occasionally a break down from the nut backing off, then loosing the key way. So they started carrying keyways and a spare nut.

If the case and heads are original castings, I'd look closely at them for damage or repairs. Heads could have broken exhaust spigots, intake sealing can be a chore in some instances. Rocker arms and their mounts wear over time. Valve guides and seats may need attention at some point, unless they have been addressed already. OEM spare parts are very rare, so you have to determine what aftermarket parts are good. In some cases aftermarket is a better part.

You'll probably want to make some changes after you buy it, I mean it's an HD and we all do that. Hopefully Craig aka CraigArizona85248 sees this and gives his thoughts. He's who I would want to run things past. 

[hattitude]

Thank you both, I have taken notes..

I also read CraigArizona85248's post about "Panhead teardown - winter 2023" with great interest.. took some notes there too...

[CraigArizona85248]

Well, I've put well over 160k miles on my panhead since I got it. They definitely can be reliable but it takes some work. Maybe just a little or maybe a lot of work. It depends on the skills of the guy who owned the bike before you.

I would say, once you get a panhead in good running order, it's not hard to keep it there. Parts wear out though. The expense can vary from small to large depending on what needs to be replaced. Preventive maintenance is key. Fix things before they break rather than letting it go until it can't go any further.

Owning an old bike (shovel, pan, knuck, etc) takes commitment and dedication to keeping up with small tasks before they become big tasks. You kind of have to enjoy the wrenching too. If you don't enjoy the wrenching, I don't think you'll be happy.

Oh, and getting parts shouldn't be a problem. OEM parts can be hard to find, but there are many good aftermarket suppliers too.

[FSG]

Preventive maintenance is key.

            

[98s1lightning]

I'd go for aftermarket heads with Shovel valve/port layout that accept the pan rocker parts

More power and better intake seals, ports, exhaust mounting, stronger castings, bigger intake valves, the list goes on 

Idk about you but I wouldn't want less power than an 80ci Shovel, and a Panhead port layout gets you exactly that

[hattitude]

All good info.... Thanks.


I have a discerning eye when it comes to spotting issues on motorcycles...  damage, leaks, jury-rigged parts, or something that just doesn't look right etc.

Maintaining and modding my bikes is my retirement hobby... I'd be willing to learn about panheads and get my hands dirty...

I may just go give a look at this bike, and see how it runs...

[98s1lightning]

If you dump any money into upgraded heads go for the 3 bolt flanges, you'll be glad you did

[JSD]

STD don't make heads anymore. If you are not chasing more performance. A panhead rigid will be fast enough. Power to weight.