1948 Harley-Davidson FL

What was your intended objective when you started the build?

To have something that looked nostalgic but with a little more umph than it was designed for.

What motivated you to start your project?

I was looking for an old bike that I could learn on. My first HD I needed to understand how things work and the best way I know how is to take things apart and put them back together.

What was the most unique and creative thing you did to the bike?

Fitting 80″ STD panheads to the 74″ cone motor with higher compression Keith Black Hypereutectic pistons and an Andrews “J” grind cam.

What are you most proud of?

The bike went through several iterations. I would find things that I thought I could do to make the bike better and more unique and with a little creativity add them.

5 Comments

Roy Hooser says:

June 1, 2021 at 6:33 pm

I have a Johnny Cash Special bike of my own (as a lot of people have), so I can appreciate what it takes to put one together. The 50’s style bikes always look good.

Reply
- 48mirage says:
  
  June 2, 2021 at 6:34 am
  
  In the upper right corner there are stars. Click on the star that you think is appropriate.
  
  Reply
Wade Edge says:

June 2, 2021 at 2:07 am

How do you vote? I want to add a five star rating for this bike… immaculate!

Reply
Tom T says:

June 2, 2021 at 6:34 am

Beautiful job on the bike, looking good and the kiddo cracked me up.

Reply
Wade Edge says:

June 7, 2021 at 9:17 am

Five stars! Badass build, just begs to be on a cross country trip!

Reply

Rate this build

- (0 ratings)

Submitted by: James G

Submit your email to win fantastic prices. This is completely optional. Visit our email submission page to enter.

Specifics

Make, Model & Year: 1948 Harley-Davidson FL

Fondly known as: Johnny Cash Special

Time spent: All of them

Motorcycle cost: $4,000

Money spent: Too much

Engine: 1972 FX shovelhead engine with STD 80″ dual plugged panheads, KB Hypereutectic pistons and an Andrews “J” grind cam with a Hi-4 Crane ignition.

Intake: S&S Super E

Exhaust: Aftermarket 2 into 1 with 3 bolt exhaust flanges

Transmission: 1972 FX 4 speed

Frame: unmolested 1948 rigid.

Suspension: Front forks were from a 1969 with a right side drum.

Wheels, tires and brakes: Stock laced wheels fitted with Mitas E-07 50/50 tires. Living off the paved road a more aggressive tire was called for.

Finish – Paint: Simple black and white paint scheme reversed of the police bikes of its time. The tank was emboldened with the Johnny Cash Special moniker as a way to give the attempted intimidation a badge of honor.

Accessories: Full windscreen, after-market reproduction period correct bags. Oil tank from a knucklehead police bike. Period correct luggage rack.