Harley-Davidson Panhead Pre-Ride Checklist

In this Panhead video, Kevin Baas demonstrates the pre-ride inspection and some regular service check points that he performs prior to riding down the street on his classic Harley-Davidson Panhead.

First and foremost, Kevin reminds us that the Panhead factory service manual is packed with every bit of information needed for regular service, maintenance, and repair.

When performing a Panhead pre-ride inspection, it is a good idea to work your way front to back or back to front and inspect one side at a time. Complete the same inspection routine before every ride.

– Tires: check tire tread depth and tire pressure. Inspect the tires for possible cracking or unusual wear.

– Rims: Inspect condition of the rim. Make sure there are no excessive bends that may have sent the rim out of true. Verify that all spokes are tight. If any spokes are loose, tighten with the correct size spoke wrench. If many of the Panhead spokes are loose, the rim may need to be pulled for a closer inspection and re-true on a truing stand.

– Chain: Inspect chain condition and chain tension. Adjust tension if needed. Inspect the master link and clip. Lube the chain with chain lube as needed. Inspect the condition of the rear sprocket and its holding rivets.

– Rear brake: The rear brake is a mechanical assembly. It works with a combination of levers and linkages. Check for proper rear brake function as well as lever actuation, return, and correct lever feel.

– Clutch and Transmission: Inspect for proper gear engagement. Verify that you can shift through all four Panhead gears as well as neutral. Check for proper function of the foot clutch assembly.

– Spark plugs: Remove front & rear spark plugs to help determine how the motorcycle was running previously. You may be able to determine if the motorcycle has an intake leak or if the carburetor needs an adjustment prior to your ride.

– Fuel system: Inspect the petcock for proper function. Verify that there are not any leaks from the fuel tank, petcock, fuel lines, or carburetor.
Inspect the throttle assembly for proper function.

– Battery: Inspect battery condition and battery cables. Verify that battery cables are clean and secure.

– Panhead Oil levels: With the motorcycle upright and level, Inspect the motor oil and transmission oil levels. Correct if necessary.

– Front end: Feel for proper front brake function and feel. Turn the front end full left and full right. Feel for smooth, free motion with no binding.

– Electrical: Turn on the ignition switch and test for all electrical functions. Including high & low beam, spot lights, tail light, brake light, horn, and indicator lights.

– Panhead Start up: Turn on petcock, retard the timing with left grip and set the choke. Kick through 2 or three times to prime the system. Then, turn on the ignition switch, Kick, and start. Advance timing, and adjust the idle and choke as needed.

More Pre-Ride Checklists:

Motorcycle Pre-Ride Checklist

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