2007-01-13 12:32:19 · 4 answers · asked by robert p 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
in 1948 the new Pan Head motor was the introduced, The cover looked like a inverted cooking pan.. so the term, Pan Head was born.
The new heads were now aluminum instead of cast iron Also added was new 14 mm spark plugs replaced the 18 mm, A new face for the speedometer with an easy to read lighted red speed indicator needle and later that same year a reinforcing "D" ring was also added to the valve cover to make a better seal, Stainless steel exhaust clamps, steering head lock,wishbone frame was also add this year The basics of the lower end of the motor was relatively unchanged since the 1947 model
http://home.san.rr.com/harley/one.htm
The Overhead Valve (OHV) Panhead model was produced from 1948 to 1965. It's development and refinement set standards in design that are still influencing motorcycle styles today. The new OHV, introduced in 1948 was borne of the economic boom following WWII. It's predecessor, the OHV Knucklehead was Harley-Davidson's first production OHV twin engine model. Immediately popular with riders, it pioneered new ground with it's introduction in 1938. It suffered continual teething problems with oil leaks, soiling both engine and rider.The industries of World War II reversed the Depression and reinvigorated the economic landscape in this country. Women went to work while their men were away fighting on foreign battlefields. Harley's war model WLA did much to introduce and popularize a whole new generation to the fun and excitement of motorcycling. Faced with surging demnad for motorcycles after the war, Harley-Davidson was challenged to develop better products and keep up with the demand. Raw materail shortages made matters worse for manufacturing firms trying to supply post war demands for goods and services. Today's demand outstripping the supply of new Harley Big Twins is deja vu to Milwaukee. Advertising literature apologized profusely into the 1950s and explained they were doing everything possible to meet demand and maintain high standards.
http://stroked.virtualave.net/erpage1.html
2007-01-13 12:43:46 · answer #1 · answered by cubcowboysgirl 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
1948,I own a '59 panhead so I keep up with these things.
2007-01-14 18:02:06 · answer #2 · answered by bill b 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to Harley-Davidson history.com
2007-01-14 02:03:52 · answer #3 · answered by LifeRyder 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1950's on harleys
2007-01-13 13:17:24 · answer #4 · answered by jojo_shly 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋