Successor to the Knucklehead, the Panhead embodies old-school Harley-Davidson cool .
Successor to the Knucklehead, the Panhead embodies old-school Harley-Davidson cool . Much like its predecessor, the Panhead earned its name from its engine's tappet placement and upturned-pan valve covers, which was capable of producing 60 horsepower in its later years. Produced from 1948 to 1965, the Panhead truly set the bar for motorcycle powertrains for nearly twenty years, as it was the same engine used in Harley-Davidson's Hydra-Glides and Duo-Glides. This power was all the more impressive because of the streamlined design of the bike itself, allowing it to perform at its highest level without any additional weight to hold it back. Nowadays, Panheads are also highly sought after items by collectors and enthusiasts, with some willing to spend a considerable amount of money to acquire one.