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1948 introduced the first Harley-Davidson FL "Panhead." It was definitely a transitional motorcycle, harking back to the '30s with the last appearance of the "springer" trailing link fork, yet moving smoothly into the '50s with its more modern, more powerful (50-hp) OHV motor. The big breakthrough here was the use of hydraulic valve lifters to keep lash and adjustment problems to a minimum. Harley had taken the lessons learned during WW II and applied them to its postwar cycles. By the late '40s Harley-Davidson's machines were beginning to look more and more like the burly road cruisers of later decades.
FM has produced yet another feature-laden, high-quality image. It includes the usual working pedals and steering, with a smoothly operating front suspension. This time, the seat's done in real leather and includes a grab rail. Other features include a pair of soft saddlebags, finned exhaust tips, a package carrier, and mud flaps fore and aft with chromed fender tips. The gleaming, electric-blue paint job looks sharp as well. (I prefer it to the red paint of the rally version.) This image looks great next to the Heritage Springer, which took its styling cues from the FL.
Harley's big, solid FL must have looked like a dream-come-true for vehicle-hungry post war cycle enthusiasts. Harley-Davidson was now firmly entrenched in the American lexicon as the last word in motorcycles. The issue price is $135.
(03/26/2002)
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