Panhead for Sale: Buyer's Guide

Panhead for sale! Hold on—watch this video first. Kevin Baas gives us an overview of what to look for if you’re in the market for a Harley-Davidson Panhead motorcycle.

Here is Kevin’s checklist when you see that Panhead for sale:

– Tires: Front & rear tire condition. Look at thread depth. Check for cracking. Look for the manufacturer’s production date code.

– Wheels: look for possible bent rims. Check for loose or missing spokes. Check for correct wheel spacing and front axle.

– Front end: inspect mechanical front brake assembly. Look for possible loose or missing brake lugs on that Panhead for sale. Inspect lower sliders. Look for possible fork seal leaks. Inspect front fender and fender hardware.

– Lighting: inspect the headlight, passing lamps, and taillight assemblies. Inspect any visible wiring for condition and correct routing.

– Handlebars: inspect handlebars and handlebar risers. Verify everything is secure with no missing hardware.

– Neck area: Inspect the steering stem and dampner assembly. Check for proper function of the fork lock.

– Fuel tanks: Look at fuel tanks, tank mounting and condition of the fuel lines. Check for fuel leaks.

– Crash guard & floorboards: Inspect conditions and for correctly securing hardware.

– Motor: Check the motor VIN number. See if the motor is correct for the year and model. Check for possible broken cylinder fins and for leaks. If a motorcycle is running, make sure that it sounds healthy.

– Exhaust system: inspect condition of pipes and check all Exhaust mounting points.

– Rear brake system: inspect all moving points of this mechanical brake system. Inspect for proper lever actuation.

– Oil system: Inspect the oil tank, oil tank mounting points, inspect oil lines, and look for possible leaks.

– Transmission: Check the transmission for proper, secure mounting. Check for possible leaks.

– Battery: inspect battery, battery cables.

– Rear fender: Inspect fender mounting, center stand, saddlebags and saddlebag mounting.

– Primary and secondary drives: Inspect the drive chain condition and adjustment. Inspect the rear sprocket and chain guard. Inspect the outer primary cover hardware and for possible leaks.

– Shift assembly: Test for proper movement and function of tank shift assembly. Check to see if the rocker clutch assembly and linkage are correctly adjusted.

– Coil: Inspect the coil and related wiring. Look at the condition and routing of spark plug wires.

Also inspect:
– Kickstand assembly & function
– Choke condition and function
– Horn assembly & function
– Generator condition and related wiring
– Speedometer and speedo cable
– Petcock assembly and proper function
– Turn on the ignition switch and check for oil and generator indicator lights.
– Inspect headlight and taillight/brake light functions.

*Added note when looking at that Panhead for sale*

1948 – Stand alone year!!
Rigid frame with Springer front end.

1949-1957 – Hydra Glide
Rigid frame with hydraulic front end.

1958 – DuoGlide – Swingarm frame (rear shocks) with hydraulic front end.

More Buyers Guides:

Buying a Harley Knucklehead: What to Look For

Used Harley-Davidson Buyer’s Guide

How To Buy Used Choppers

1984-1999 Harley-Davidson Evolution Buyers Guide

Buy a Used Harley and Make It Your Own Project Videos Here

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