Here
is some little known but basic
information on the Panhead
chopper engine:
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The
pan-head engine is
Harley-Davidson's second
overhead-valve engine. This
engine was introduced in 1948.
It was quieter and cleaner than
the Knucklehead (another type of
the Harley Davidson engine)
which had been used since 1936.
The
Knucklehead was named after the
knuckle-like valve covers
look of an upside down cake pan
on the top of the engine.
The
Pan head got its name from the large
flat covers at the top of
the cylinder heads. It had a
better cooling system than the
Knucklehead, as well as other
modifications that reduced wear.
This made it easier to maintain.
.
Throughout
this site you will be well
educated about the Harley
Davidson Panhead Engine. Stick
around for a while!
Nonetheless,
the Panhead didn't change much
from the knuckle. But it came
equipped with aluminum heads for
more power because the bikes
were getting heavier. Also, the
heat beater was depressed.
In
1955 Harley modified the pan
head engine by installing a more
efficient lower end (this is why
the panhead is quieter than the
knucklehead.)
Pan
head engines were also the first
v-twin to come with an electric
starting system in 1965.
