1951 Harley-Davidson FL Bobber

This custom Panhead was originally built in 1982 with a 1951 Panhead engine mounted on a 1957 Harley Davidson straight-leg rigid frame and styled in the spirit of 1970s-era choppers. The Panhead motor was later professionally rebuilt by a Harley performance specialist in New York. It was enlarged from 74 to 80 cubic inches (1340cc) and has very few miles since the rebuild. It was running when placed into storage and remains registered and insured.

It’s a kick-start bike with a 12-volt electrical system, a Performance Machine rear disc brake, and an aftermarket dual-disc wide glide front end (no front brakes installed) with a 21” chrome spoke wheel. The rear fender is custom, with a spring-supported solo seat. The bike has a very clean, streamlined profile. The shifter has a factory mousetrap clutch assembly.

I also have the Harley Davidson original frame from when the bike was originally built with a custom-molded frame and custom handmade gas tank made from a set of early Fat Bob–style Harley gas tanks. This was from when the bike was configured as a trophy-winning show bike before a head-on accident damaged the original frame and front end. After the accident, I transferred the build to the current Harley Davidson frame, on which it sits today, with the wide glide front end replaced. I still have the damaged front end; the tubes are bent, but the lower legs that were shaved and polished are still good.