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

Riding vintage website

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	—-