- 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 | — |
*= extra charge
* =standard color could be ordered without tank panels at no extra charge.
P =police only
*black

*pepper red

*atomic blue

*champion yellow

P police white

P police silver

*flamboyant metallic green

white
