Harley introduced the first Panhead — the FL — in 1948 as a replacement for the aging Knucklehead. That’s because, as riders continued to travel faster and over greater differences, the Knuckle’s cast-iron cylinder heads proved prone to overheating. To remedy the issue, Harley-Davidson not only switched the material to cast-aluminum but also added large fins and hydraulic lifters to facilitate efficient heat dissipation.
What’s more, the bike came equipped with an uprated oil pump to improve lubrication. In order to minimize the potential for leaks, Harley enclosed the rockers and valve springs under a large pie-pan-shaped cover, giving rise to the “Panhead” nickname favored by HD enthusiasts around the world.
Other updates included a hydraulically-damped telescopic fork as well as a larger front drum brake. Taken together, these changes made the bike more comfortable and considerably easier to stop.
Alongside the top-of-the-line FL, Harley-Davidson also sold the EL Panhead. Though visually very similar, the two models differ in their displacement. The former boasted some 74 cubic-inches (1,208cc) while the latter offered 61 cubic-inches (1,000cc).
This example is VIN: 49EL6377. The seller states that his “father purchased the motorcycle in 1971 in Cheyenne, Wyoming” and that he inherited the bike after his father “could no longer start or ride it.”
During his ownership, the seller has put roughly 500 miles on the bike since restoring it.The odometer shows 33,104 miles.
Maintenance:
Per the seller: “it was restored in 2012 with new paint, wiring (period specific), some chrome, new period specific saddle bags, leather seat upholstery, and other minor accessories.”
Modifications:
The seller reports that his “father rebuilt the engine in 1971, including 61 cubic-inch, 7:1 compression pistons oversized by .020.”
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection: “Tiny scratch on the front fender.”
“Some damage to the clutch cover on the very bottom.”
“Some small scratches in some of the chrome (could probably be buffed out professionally).”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Continental tires from 2010.
The sale includes the original rider’s handbook as well as supplemental rider instructions.
Currently located in Gilette, Wyoming, this Harley-Davidson is offered on a clean Wyoming title with registration current through June 2023.
Have any EL stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
Additional Information
Location
Gilette, Wyoming
Year
1949
Make
Harley-Davidson
Model
EL
Mileage
33,104
VIN
49EL6377
Title
Clean
Title State/Country
Wyoming
Private Party/Dealership
Private Party
Additional Charges
No
Total Bids Placed: 19
Auction has ended.
Auction expired without reaching reserve price.
Highest bidder was: b****8
Bidder Name
Bidding Time
Bid
Auto
b****8
February 17, 2023 9:59 am PST
$14,100
b*****n
February 17, 2023 9:59 am PST
$14,000
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
b*****n
February 17, 2023 8:57 am PST
$13,655
y*******y
February 17, 2023 8:57 am PST
$13,555
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
y*******y
February 17, 2023 8:57 am PST
$13,100
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
b*****n
February 17, 2023 8:57 am PST
$13,000
y*******y
February 17, 2023 8:57 am PST
$10,100
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
b*****n
February 17, 2023 8:57 am PST
$10,000
y*******y
February 16, 2023 4:47 pm PST
$8,500
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
r**2
February 16, 2023 4:47 pm PST
$8,400
y*******y
February 16, 2023 4:46 pm PST
$8,300
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
r**2
February 16, 2023 4:46 pm PST
$8,200
y*******y
February 16, 2023 6:59 am PST
$8,100
b****8
February 16, 2023 6:59 am PST
$8,000
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
b****8
February 13, 2023 8:22 am PST
$6,100
t*****e
February 13, 2023 8:22 am PST
$6,000
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
t*****e
February 11, 2023 10:46 pm PST
$1,000
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
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