Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.harley
From: Bruce Bryner <BBry...@iusb.edu>
Date: 1999/03/25
Subject: HD tidbits from '48
HD tidbits from '48
[ HD's hoping it'll all Pan out. ]
1948 was the year the Panhead was introduced. The Panhead was a different top end on an existing bottom end. The E and F designations remained. A Panhead Springer is rare in that this is the last year for the Springer front end, (pre-Evo anyway). This is also the first and last year for chromed Pan covers, as subsequent years would be stainless steel. Panheads were made to improve oil flow and consumption, [or - leaking]. One of the biggest advances, was the hydralic lifter, (which to this point might only be otherwise found on high priced automobiles), which meant less adjusting, and a cooler running engine. The frame would need to be stretched to accomodate the taller engine, and was designated the "wishbone" for it's bowed downtubes.
FL specs: 73.73ci, (1208.19c), 3.44" x 4" bore/stroke, 7:1 compression, 50hp @ 4,800rpm, 33.3mm Schebler carb, chain drives, 59.5" wheelbase, 565lbs, 1 gallon oil, 3.75 gallon fuel, 100mph.
Also, HD introduced the 125cc, (7.6ci) single two stroke. It's intent
was to be an economical alternative, (cheap to buy and 90 mpg). It was
also sold as a beginners motorcycle for the young enthusiasts. The S
Model would be the precursor to the Hummer family, and would meet with favor amoung the racing element. The horn was mounted on the right side, alongside the front part of the back tire.
Model S specs: 7.6ci, (124.87cc), 3hp, 6.6:1 compression, L&L carb,
chain drives, single downtube frame, 50" wheelbase, 185lbs, 1.75 gallon
tank, 50mph.
Other changes to the line up include "edge lighted" speedometers by
Stewart-Warner, (with a red pointer, odometer and tripometer), optional
Deluxe Solo Saddle, (returning after the war), a wiring terminal box
under the seat, and prefab process of enamel painted surface called
" Bonderized".
All of the Big Twins received steering head locks, high-temp black
painted muffler and exhaust pipes, (late year = Silver painted pipes),
and an optional tank mounted oil filter.
Main Models, (Production #'s):
S Lightweight, 125cc single flathead, 3 speed, (10,117), $325
WL Solo, 45ci Flathead, 3 speed, (2124), $535
Servi-Cars, 45ci Flatheads, 3 speed and reverse.
G Servi-Car, w/tow bar, (1050), $755
GA Servi-Car, w/o tow bar, (728), $740
Flatheads: 74ci, (4 speed), $590
U Sport Solo, med-compression, (401)
UL Special Sport Solo, hi-compression, (970)
US Sidecar Twin, med-compression, (1006)
Panheads: OHV, (4 speed).
EL Special Sport Solo, 61ci, high compression, (4321), $635
E Sport Solo, 61ci, medium compresssion, $635
ES Sidecar Twin, 61ci, medium compression, (198), $635
FL Special Sport Solo, 74ci, high compression, (8071), $650
F Sport Solo, 74ci, med-compression, $650
FS Sidecar Twin, 74ci, med-compression, (334), $650
Specialty Models:
WL-SP 45ci, w/aluminum heads
WLS Sidecar Twin, 45ci
WR Racer, 45ci, (292)
Sidecar and Chassis:
LE - right hand sidecar
M - Package Truck w/cover
MC - chassis for M
Paint:
Brilliant black, flight red, azure blue, police silver.
MoCo Minutes:
-HD dealers conference was taken for a surprise night time train ride to
new 260,000 square foot single story plant on Capitol Drive in
Wauwatosa.
Racing:
HD wins 19 of 23 National Championship races.
Jimmy Chann wins Grand National Championship.
***tidbits taken from various sources. Exceptions may apply.
Bruce
The Journey IS the Reward.
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