1949 . A year of many choices at the Harley dealer. Harley Davidson offered more models in 1949 than any other year of panhead production. fifteen big twin models.1949 also saw seven one year only models, more than any other year. all one year only models equipped with springer forks.1949 would be the last year springer forks would be available on new models.

1949 enthusiast magazine
1949 enthusiast magazine

 

 

 

1949 speedometer

1948-1952 speedo
1948-1952 speedo

 

1949 gas tank emblems

1947-1950 emblems
1947-1950 emblems

Here are some great sources for detailed information about Harley Davidson’s 1949 Panhead

How to restore your Harley-Davidson by Bruce Palmer 111

Riding vintage website

the Jocky Journal web forum

hydra-glide.comThe panhead and flathead site

The Harley Davidson Panhead service manual 48-57 rigid

1949 models

ModelEngine typeActual displacementCompressionOptionsOptions
E hydra-glide solo61 c.i. low compression60.32 c.i.6.5:1
EL hydra-glide sport solo61 c.i.high compression60.32 c.i.7.0:1
EP sidecar twin61 c.i. low compression60.32 c.i.6.5:1p=springer forks
ES hydra-glide twin sidecar61 c.i. low compression60.32 c.i.6.5:1S = sidecar gearing
ELP sport solo springer61 c.i.high compression60.32 c.i.7.0:1
p=springer forks
ELS hydra-glide sport solo sidecar61 c.i.high compression60.32 c.i.7.0:1S = sidecar gearing
EPS sidecar twin springer61 c.i. low compression60.32 c.i.6.5:1p=springer forksS = sidecar gearing
ELPS sport solo springer sidecar61 c.i.high compression60.32 c.i.7.0:1p=springer forksS = sidecar gearing
F hydra-glide solo74 c.i. low compression73.66 c.i.6.6:1
FL hydra-glide sport solo74 c.i.high compression73.66 c.i.7.0:1
FP sidecar twin springer74 c.i. low compression73.66 c.i.6.6:1p=springer forks
FS hydra-glide twin sidecar74 c.i. low compression73.66 c.i.6.6:1S = sidecar gearing
FLP sport solo springer74 c.i.high compression73.66 c.i.7.0:1p=springer forks
FLS74 c.i.high compression73.66 c.i.7.0:1S = sidecar gearing
FLPS74 c.i.high compression73.66 c.i.7.0:1p=springer forksS = sidecar gearing

NOTE: the ” S denoting sidecar gearing will not be stamped in serial number.

1949 models available colors

paintstripesspeedometer
white—-bluish gray center. cream white mph numbers. red indicator
burgundy—-
metallic congo green—–
peacock blue—-
black—-
silver—-

White

1948 panhead police white paint color

Burgundy

Metallic congo green

Peacock blue

Black

1948 panhead black paint color

Silver