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.
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
| model | engine type | actual displacement | compression | options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FL sport solo | 74c.i.high compression | 73.66 c.i. | 7.0:1 | — |
| FLF sport solo footshift | 74 c.i.high compression | 73.66 c.i. | 7.0:1 | F=foot shift |
| FLE sport solo traffic combination | 74 c.i.high compression | 73.66 c.i. | 7.0:1 | E=traffic comb |
| FLEF sport solo traffic combination foot shift | 74 c.i.high compression | 73.66 c.i. | 7.0:1 | F=foot shift E=traffic comb |
NOTE: the ” F “ denoting foot shift will not be stamped in serial number.
1953 models available colors
| paint | stripes | speedometer |
|---|---|---|
| black | — | Blue with Silver Blue Outside Perimeter. Silver Center |
| pepper red | — | — |
| glacier blue | — | — |
| forrest green | — | — |
| glamour green | — | — |
| police silver | — | — |
| cavaier brown | — | — |
| white | — | — |
black
pepper red
glacier blue
forrest green
glamour green
police silver
cavaier brown
white
