Harley-Davidson Swing-Arm Panhead
"The beauty of building a bike like this is using parts I had sitting around or parts from other bikes I could modify to fit," said John.
![Harley-Davidson Panhead](http://i0.wp.com/www.ozbike.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Harley-Swingarm-Panhead-Ozbike_06.jpg?fit=602%2C439&ssl=1)
I BUILT this chopper to the era of a ’70—’73 model bike. For example, the forward controls are floorboard converted to foot pegs. It has the original, old, round swing-arm which lowers the bike about 1.5 inches. I went with a Kraftech drop-saddle frame for this build. I wanted to go back to the days of true choppers; the era works with this frame nicely.
The colour of the frame is chrome powder-coat. I wanted something to tie in with the Harley racing orange that I painted the Sporty tank and Fat Boy front guard that I converted to fit the rear of this bike.
The oil tank is a stocker with a FX battery cage carrier.
![Harley-Davidson Panhead](http://i0.wp.com/www.ozbike.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Harley-Swingarm-Panhead-Ozbike_03.jpg?resize=586%2C419&ssl=1)
![Harley-Davidson Panhead](http://i0.wp.com/www.ozbike.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Harley-Swingarm-Panhead-Ozbike_10.jpg?resize=708%2C463&ssl=1)
![Harley-Davidson Panhead](http://i0.wp.com/www.ozbike.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Harley-Swingarm-Panhead-Ozbike_09.jpg?resize=708%2C517&ssl=1)
Handlebars are ’73s with the original type switch-blocks. I fitted indicators purely for a safety aspect.
It has a ’73 tail-light with the original glass lenses.
The front guard is a standard black Narrow Glide guard on a Narrow Glide 35 mm front end.
![Harley-Davidson Panhead](http://i0.wp.com/www.ozbike.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Harley-Swingarm-Panhead-Ozbike_05.jpg?resize=649%2C399&ssl=1)
![Harley-Davidson Panhead](http://i0.wp.com/www.ozbike.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Harley-Swingarm-Panhead-Ozbike_13.jpg?resize=698%2C435&ssl=1)
![Harley-Davidson Panhead](http://i0.wp.com/www.ozbike.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Harley-Swingarm-Panhead-Ozbike_04.jpg?resize=672%2C429&ssl=1)
The front wheel is a chrome spoke chrome hub, 19 inches, while the rear is a 16 inch wheel. I used 11.5 inch rotors front and rear with Harley calipers. The shocks are standard FLH type 12 inches.
I have a few brass bits on the bike including upper push-rod tubes and kick-pedal.
![Harley-Davidson Panhead](http://i0.wp.com/www.ozbike.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Harley-Swingarm-Panhead-Ozbike_01.jpg?resize=655%2C408&ssl=1)
![Harley-Davidson Panhead](http://i0.wp.com/www.ozbike.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Harley-Swingarm-Panhead-Ozbike_08.jpg?resize=708%2C487&ssl=1)
![Harley-Davidson Panhead](http://i0.wp.com/www.ozbike.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Harley-Swingarm-Panhead-Ozbike_07.jpg?resize=549%2C403&ssl=1)
I fully re-built this 1951 Panhead engine. It’s been stroked, new pistons with a top-end rebuild. I converted it to a 12 volt genny with a electronic regulator. It also has chrome engine cases. I fitted a Super B carby which has the old Pan running like a dream. The exhaust on the Pan is an original two-into-one, Dick Allen made system. Dick was making chopper parts through the ’70s and passed away in ’83.
It’s running a belt drive primary with a tin cover with a four-speed ratchet top gearbox.
Overall it’s just a simple bike, nothing extravagant about it. Just like they were in the day. The beauty of building a bike like this is using parts I had sitting around or parts from other bikes I could modify to fit.
![Harley-Davidson Panhead](http://i0.wp.com/www.ozbike.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Harley-Swingarm-Panhead-Ozbike_02.jpg?resize=708%2C497&ssl=1)
Photos by Rod Cole; story by John
Beautiful bike mate – if I win the lottery then I’ll get back to you…. I am in England !