1956 models

: 1956 FLH

: 1956 FL

: 1956 FLE

1956 engine changes include redesigned right crankcase allows oil to be routed to the top end through an oil pump check valve.
cylinder heads now have 9 fins on push rod side.
the FLH gets a bigger cam with higher lift and shorter duration called the victory cam.
The oil tank gets a red v decal on both sides.

Here are some great sources for detailed information about Harley Davidson’s 1956 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

1956 models

model	engine type	actual displacement	compression	options
FL sport solo	74 c.i.high compression	73.66 c.i.	7.25:1	—
FLF sport solo footshift	74 c.i.high compression	73.66 c.i.	7.25:1	F=foot shift
FLE sport solo traffic combination	74 c.i.high compression	73.66 c.i.	7.25:1	E=traffic comb.
FLEF sport solo traffic combination foot shift	74 c.i.high compression	73.66 c.i.	7.25:1	F=foot shift E=traffic comb.
FLH super sport solo	74 c.i.high compression	73.66 c.i.	8.0:1	—
FLHF super sport solo foot shift	74 c.i.high compression	73.66 c.i.	8.0:1	F=footshift

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

1956 models available colors

paint	stripes	speedometer
*black	—	Warner speedo is redesigned with italic “Day-Glo” green numbers and hash marks with gold painted center
*pepper red	—
*atomic blue	—
*champion yellow	—
P police white	—
P police silver	—
*flamboyant metallic green	—
white	—
pepper red/white tank panels	—
black/champion yellow tank panel	—
atomic blue/champion yellow tank panels	—
* flamboyant metallic green/white tank panels	—