1955 Harley Davidson FL Panhead

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What was your intended objective when you started the build?

Just to make a cool daily rider.

What motivated you to start your project?

The bike was ugly and outdated when I got it, but it was a solid runner.

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

Hard to say. I feel it’s the sum of the small parts and details that make the whole thing what it is.

What are you most proud of?

I really like the stance and how comfortable it is to ride.

What do other people say about your motorcycle?

I get a lot of compliments on the old school style of it, the coffin tank, the seat, and the paint.

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Submitted by: Zack K

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Specifics

Make, Model & Year: 1955 Harley Davidson FL Panhead
Fondly known as: The 55
Time spent: Hours? Don’t know. A few nights a week from November to March.
Motorcycle cost: $9k
Money spent: About $4k
Engine: 1955 Panhead, matching bellies, built by Paul Shimek. 74ci, ported heads, Elgin cam.
Intake: S&S Super E Carburetor
Exhaust: The bike had some upswept gooseneck pipes on it when I bought it. We cut the goosenecks off, extended them, and welded on the fishtails.
Transmission: 1955 4 Speed ratchet top
Frame: 1955 Harley frame with 2” upstretch in the legs.
Suspension: Rigid frame, 1955 Hydraglide front end with 10” over tubes and shaved sliders.
Wheels, tires and brakes: 1936-39 step star hub laced to an HD 21” wheel on front. Original 16” star hub wheel with mechanical drum on the rear. Avon speedmaster tires.
Finish – Paint: Sea foam and gold paint and molding by Mike Stodolka.
Accessories: 8” Z-bars, 70s Triumph coffin tank with added 22mm petcock at rear of tank. Eliminated the 1/4 npt bungs. Hand made seat pan, upholstered by Jordan Dickinson of Union Speed. Chopped shovelhead fender with 3/8 round bar trim, Stainless fork stops. Hand made sissy bar, Anderson pegs, I don’t know. Lots of little handmade bits.

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