Overview
This 1948 Harley Davidson EL Panhead is a survivor. Purchased by the first owner new after his return from the war, this 1948 Harley EL is ready for a new curator. The motorcycle comes with pictures detailing its adventures through the years with the one owner. There has been very little change to this motorcycle over the years and it has only accumulated 57,291 miles. In the early seventies the chrome on the motorcycle was painted black. The old chrome exists under the black and the current owner decided to remove all of the black paint and expose the chrome as shown in the early pictures. The new pictures show this removal. Check out the air cleaner. Any idea what the owner did in the war?
The paint on this motorcycle appears to be a repaint of the original fleet red. After a previous posting the paint was reviewed and it has been confirmed that a repaint occurred sometime possibly in the 70’s. All sheet metal and accessories also appear to be original on this incredible survivor. Exception is that the front fender was bobbed at some time in the 70’s also. It does appear to be original metal.
With the fluids flushed and engine serviced, this motorcycle starts on first ignition kick and idles right out. Smooth and sure through the gears, it is time for this machine to show proudly on the next ride or show. During the removal of the black paint, the brake pads were changed, all bearings cleaned and greased and the cable were replaced. New Coker tires, tubes and flaps were also installed.
Mileage
57,291 miles on a working odometer
Paint
This is an older repaint over the original color, fleet red. It has aged well with some great patina. (Current pictures that have black paint over chromed areas are there to show other details of the motorcycle, but the paint is now removed, see the first 5 pictures)
Sheet Metal
Sheet metal is all original. No dents or dings to speak of. Tanks are complete and secure. No blisters underneath and minimum rust inside. The front fender was customized about 3 or 4 inches but appears to be the original metal.
Chrome
All chrome was painted black for some reason when customized in the 70's? The black paint has all been removed revealing the original chrome which has deteriorated with the age. Decision was made to let the new owner ride as is or re-chrome and restore the entire motorcycle. Previous pictures of chromed items with black paint may have been seen here, however, the black paint has been removed, from the chr
Mechanical
This motorcycle is in excellent mechanical condition. A full service was performed when it came out of storage. Battery installed, new points, carburetor cleaned and this is a sound machine. Smooth and sure through the gears, clutch perfectly adjusted. The motorcycle has just undergone a complete mechanical review and is ready for the riding season. New brake pads installed, all grease spots cleaned and re-greased. There is a video of the motorcycle running available on this page, below. Please note this video was created before the removal of black paint over the chrome.
Wheels & Tires
The rims were painted black and that has been removed revealing original surfaces, correct rims and spokes.
Front Tire is new Coker 500 X 16 with new tubes and wheel flap
Rear Tire is new Coker 500 X 16 with new tubes and wheel flap
Title
Clean Florida Title -- (This motorcycle is currently in California)
Engine # 48 EL 2603
Frame # none N/A
Belly # Matching
Valuation Resource Guide
This would rate as a 2+ or 1- because of originality suggested value of $29,225
Accessories
8 original pictures proving its stated history offered with the bike as well as two saddle bags.
