- 1948 police
- 1948 model E
- 1948 panhead
1948 is the first year of Harley Davidson’s new engine design that would be dubbed the “panhead” referring to the pan shaped valve covers. Innovations of the new engine design included internal oiling to reduce oil leaks.Hydraulic valve lifters reduced valve train noise and maintained push rod adjustment. Aluminum cylinder heads for more efficient engine cooling.
view complete brochure at riding vintage.com
1948 speedometer
this speedometer is used from 1948-1952
1948 gas tank emblems
Here are some great sources for detailed information about Harley Davidson’s 1948 Panhead
How to restore your Harley-Davidson by Bruce Palmer 111
the Jocky Journal web forum
hydra-glide.com The panhead and flathead site
The Harley Davidson Panhead service manual 48-57 rigid
1948 models
model | engine type | actual displacement | compression | factory options |
---|---|---|---|---|
E sport solo | 61 c.i. low compression | 60.32 c.i. | 6.5:1 | — |
EL special sport solo | 61 c.i.high compression | 60.32 c.i. | 7.0:1 | — |
ES sidecar twin | 61 c.i. low compression | 60.32 c.i. | 6.5:1 | S = sidecar gearing |
F sport solo | 74c.i. low compression | 73.66 c.i. | 6.6:1 | — |
FL special sport solo | 74 c.i.high compression | 73.66 c.i. | 7.0:1 | — |
FS sidecar twin | 74c.i. low compression | 73.66c.i. | 6.6:1 | S = sidecar gearing |
NOTE: the ” S “ denoting sidecar gearing will not be stamped in serial number.
1948 models available colors. paint. stripes. speedometer colors
paint | stripes | speedometer |
---|---|---|
Brilliant black | —- | bluish gray center. cream white mph numbers. red indicator |
Flight red | —- | |
Azure blue | —- | |
Police silver | —- | |
white | —- |
Brilliant black

Flight red

Azure blue

Police silver

White
