Wednesday, August 5, 2009

4 $ale 1953 Panhead California Cruiser

My good friend Larry Settle has this nice Panhead up For Sale SOLD

This bike was originally featured in the June '87 issue of Supercycle magazine. The original article is posted below. It had only been on the road for 3 years and then sat since 1990. It's been gone through and made road worthy once again.


Some of the original parts wandered off. It shouldn't be a surprise that a few changes have been made since it was featured more than 20 years ago.


The engine was made fresh again by JR. He built it the first time, and it now features new STD outside oiler heads with the stock type exhaust ports, an S&S Shorty "E" to take in the mixture, Mallory ignition for reliable spark, and a new Cycle Electric 12 volt generator for reliability as well.


The frame is a wishbone and in very good shape. The neck and tank mounts have never been messed with. The tanks are now genuine later style H-D 3.5 gallons. The fork appears to have an original H-D dampener.


Side car mounts are still in tact. jockey shift/foot clutch is the current set up and a new belt drive system is lurking behind a new primary cover. The engine is Blue tagged but, the bike is titled in CA as a 1953 Harley-Davidson.


The bike is a classic and retains the original mechanical brakes. That's a big plus to me. The paint on the tanks and fender is new. The original pillion pad (see article below), is also included if you want it.


Do what the plate says! Price $12,000 firm.

I've known Larry for 30 years and have bought three bikes and my 45 engine and trans from him. Too bad I can't buy this one.
His shop is in Harbor City near California Harley. He does all the stuff they can't handle and that goes for me as well. Give him a call at (310) 326-3466 or email lsettle1948@sbcglobal.net

Don't forget to tell him Chris from MC art sent ya!

Here's the June 87 Supercycle spread

When the subject of show or magazine feature bikes comes up, I always wonder, where are they now? We now know the answer on this one.


90% of he bike is the same. If you wanted to, it wouldn't take much to put it back to this look..


Fat tank tight chops were very popular in the 80's. This classic style was a favorite in Supercycle.