The feature bike coach:Hey, this feature with Panhead Richie is an opportunity to let anyone know what we need to put a quality feature together on Bikernet. I like build shots, but first and foremost we need top quality shots of the completed bike, from both sides, and ¾ overall shots from both sides front and rear. Plus we need sharp, uncluttered shots of details, like the engine, trans, front end, wheels, seat, bars, controls and sheet metal. Then get your girl involved and have some fun. A riding shot is always a plus. That's all, enjoy the show.–Wrench
I was born in Freeport, Long Island, New York and at the age of 12 saw my first motorcycle club ride past my folks station wagon, and that's all it took, I was hooked! Shortly after, I started building bicycles with engines in them. One after another, I built them bigger, better, and faster.
By the time I was 20; I saved enough money to by my first motorcycle, a 1961 Harley-Davidson Panhead. I paid $2000.00 for it. Over the year's I rebuilt the engine, transmission, rewired, and refined every part on that bike. The only things I did not handle included paint and chrome. I sent those out to be professionally finished.
I moved to Florida in 1999 (too cold in N.Y.) and decided to refine it into show bike level condition. The awards and trophies I've won over the years make the experience and building time all worthwhile. The process became a part of my life and me. I'm retired now and the enjoyment I get from people admiring the workmanship and detail in this machine is just amazing.
Now a bit about this bike: I pumped up the engine to a 82-inch stroker (3.5''x4.25'') with Truit&Osbourn flywheel's, S&S heavy-duty rods and Keith Black 9.5to1 Pistons. Exhausts are 1.75-inch Gooseneck Drag Pipes (no baffles). Sure, I'm breaking the law. I installed an Andrews B cam, with chrome-moly pushrods by S&S and solid lifters.
The panheads are ported and polished by myself. The original components were replaced with Black Diamond valves, with Sifton springs and retainers. The polished carb is an S&S Super B(early 1970s). The oil pump was also polished and HV by S&S. The oil return runs through an '05 Buell oil cooler mounted on the left front down tube.
The primary side is driven by a vintage Phase 3 -2.5-inch (early 1970s square tooth belt, known as a Gilmore Belt) belt drive with aluminum engine pulley, aluminum basket, and a stock fiber H-D clutch (very reliable for the last 38 years).
The transmission (original H-D case) is a 4-speed, completely chromed exterior with Andrew's 1st (2.60) 2nd, and 3rd gears. All clearances and endplays were set-up in house by me. The front end is a 1943 H-D springer, modified to 6-inches over stock and completely chrome. I added 20-degree drag bars and 6-inch risers.
The front wheel is a 19×3-inch SuperSpoke rim (1978) mounted with an Avon Speedmaster ribbed front tire (no front brake, don't need it). The rear wheel is a 16×4-inch by Chica, with a Dunlop 130 tire. Performance Machine 4-piston rear caliper and a mirror polished 12-inch stainless steel rotor bring it all to a stop.
The rear fender (7-inch) is a custom design I fabricated myself. Fuel tank (1961 original) was split and holds 5 gallons. On top of it is a 1943 Catseye dash (orig.) with working speedo and trip gauge.
The frame took the longest to do (molding and fabrication), but in the end, it was all worth it. It came out beautiful. The frame and sheet metal tins were painted by H.G.H. Custom Cycle (my son Harley) in Freeport, N.Y. He did a fantastic job. Todd owner of Classic Chrome, in Florida, plated the chrome pieces. My parts and accessories all came from Owners Gerard & Tommy of Rolling Thunder Cycles, Hempstead N.Y.
This is not just a show bike. I ride it 10K a year, and there is nothing more I'd rather do than ride and show my bike. I'd like to thank everyone for the time and help they have given.
–PanHead Richie
