In 1953 the FLE and FLEF models were introduced. The E designatining a traffic combination motor Designed for slow speed operation using special cams and smaller carb.
The the EL,ELF,ELS 61cu inch models and the FLS 74 cu inch sidecar gearing model are discontinud ending the sidecar gearing option.
both lifters and pinion shaft bearings are upgraded in 1953.
the lifters are moved to the top of the tappet block and fed
constant oil pressure via a crankcase oil feed hole to the tappet block that
feeds the lifter.
the pinion shaft bearing is upgraded from twelve rollers to twenty four.

 

!953 sales brochure
1953 speedometer
harley davidson gas tank emblem 1951-1954
1951-1954 emblem

 

here are some great resourses for detailed information about  Harley  Davidson’s 1953 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

1953 models

modelengine typeactual displacementcompressionoptions
FL  sport solo74c.i.high
compression
73.66 c.i.7.0:1
FLF sport solo footshift74 c.i.high compression73.66 c.i.7.0:1F=foot shift
FLE  sport solo traffic combination74 c.i.high compression73.66 c.i.7.0:1E=traffic comb
FLEF sport solo traffic combination foot shift74 c.i.high
compression
73.66 c.i.7.0:1F=foot shift E=traffic comb

NOTE: the ” F denoting foot shift will not be stamped in serial number.

1953 models available colors

paintstripesspeedometer
blackBlue with Silver Blue Outside Perimeter. Silver Center
pepper red
glacier blue
forrest green
glamour green
police silver
cavaier brown
white

black

1948 panhead black paint color

pepper red

glacier blue

forrest green

glamour green

police silver

cavaier brown

white

1948 panhead police white paint color