the season is going to end and it’s getting cold and wet outside, so I decided to go into my garage turn the heater on and think about the upcoming season next year.
After some very good German beers I got an idea.
Turning my original bike into a custom bike with less modifications. I only will change the rear fender into a bobber style fender.
After another beer the bike was stripped down and the new aftermarket fender was provisionally attached.
I will keep you updated and hope to get some comments about that project from the community here.
Andygears, Posted: Wed Oct 25, 2023 2:08 am Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
I’ve sat after a couple beers and considered doing the same thing. But at this time, I don’t have a bobbed fender and don’t want to cut my original.
If I might suggest at the other end, I got rid of my front end tins & put rubber gators on. Not much work and easily returned to stock. Kinda matches the minimal rear fender look.
Andygears
hdmarkus, Posted: Wed Oct 25, 2023 5:49 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
Good idea will keep that in mind
Markus
panhead51, Posted: Fri Oct 27, 2023 1:01 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
I know this beer, my son-in-law buys it from time to time when I go to Germany.
What is good is that you have kept the law of purity since 1516 for the manufacture of beer.
hdmarkus, Posted: Sat Dec 09, 2023 6:56 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
Update:
Today I brought the metal parts to the paint shop. Hopefully they got the job done within the next few weeks. Will keep you updated when I got the parts back.
Best regards
Markus
hdmarkus, Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2023 12:35 am Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
Update:
Today I got my parts back from the paint shop and they did a good job. This is my personal Christmas gift.
I also got a very nice original 60’s nacelle and decided to use it for the front.
I wish all of you a merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Will keep you updated.
Regards and cheers
Markus
RooDog, Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2023 1:09 am Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
Very Nice....
....RooDog....
hdmarkus, Posted: Sun Dec 31, 2023 9:22 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
Update:
Hopefully everyone enjoy the last 2023 night together with with family or friends or with lovely motorcycles I assume that some of you, especially the guys from Australia or New Zealand are in 2024 since some hours
My family and me do not have a big party, we had a very good dinner and some veeerryy good beer. Now I'm waiting for the new year in my shed and made me some thoughts how the project would look like with all of the new painted parts.
I quickly put all part together and I'm happy with the outcome.
Now another one or two beers and then we will do a little fire work on the street
Here are some pictures from now.
Wishing all of you a very good start in 2024
Markus
RooDog, Posted: Sun Dec 31, 2023 11:21 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
Markus....
The bike is coming along nicely.
Do you have a handlebar riser link?
The MoCo found out that the handlebars on their then new HydraGlide were cracking between the risers, so they came up with this solution, the Riser Link. I can't seem to locate the Service Bulletin, but you may want to think about adding one. I have had my own drilled bars crack for lack of this item....
....RooDog....
Harley Risers & Link.jpg
hdmarkus, Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2024 12:26 am Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
RooDog,
with this information I definitely try to get one
Thanks
Markus
Mongrel505558, Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2024 11:41 am Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
Bike looks great! Happy New Year.
Jim
hdmarkus, Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2024 12:04 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
RooDog wrote: ↑Sun Dec 31, 2023 11:21 pm
Markus....
The bike is coming along nicely.
Do you have a handlebar riser link?
The MoCo found out that the handlebars on their then new HydraGlide were cracking between the risers, so they came up with this solution, the Riser Link. I can't seem to locate the Service Bulletin, but you may want to think about adding one. I have had my own drilled bars crack for lack of this item....
....RooDog....
Harley Risers & Link.jpg
Just found this on eBay Germany for 89 EUR + Shipping. Could that be an OEM one? The correct mounting hardware is available from W&W for another 45 EUR. Complete aftermarket set from W&W would be 76 EUR, but it´s too shiny and looks too new. Markus
RooDog, Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2024 2:53 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
That Riser Link looks OK to me.
Now be careful on the mounting kit. Be sure that both ends of the studs are American SAE threads, the hex is 7/16 inch, and the acorn nuts are not pointy but rounded and 1/2" across the flats. Often an aftermarket part will not remain faithful to the original, and simply use whatever is easily available for the vendor....
hdmarkus, Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2024 4:19 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
RooDog wrote: ↑Mon Jan 01, 2024 2:53 pm
That Riser Link looks OK to me.
Now be careful on the mounting kit. Be sure that both ends of the studs are American SAE threads, the hex is 7/16 inch, and the acorn nuts are not pointy but rounded and 1/2" across the flats. Often an aftermarket part will not remain faithful to the original, and simply use whatever is easily available for the vendor....
This is the bolt kit which is available from W&W
Panacea, Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2024 5:08 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
Speaking from experience, the riser link is a "must have". On a trip down the Blue Ridge Parkway my 'Chubby" bars broke between the risers. Quite a surprise when you least expect it!
RooDog, Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2024 5:13 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
That bolt kit looks to be good.
hdmarkus, Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2024 6:34 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
RooDog wrote: ↑Mon Jan 01, 2024 5:13 pm
That bolt kit looks to be good.
I just bought the riser link on eBay and also ordered the bolts and nuts !
Panacea wrote: ↑Mon Jan 01, 2024 5:08 pm
Speaking from experience, the riser link is a "must have". On a trip down the Blue Ridge Parkway my 'Chubby" bars broke between the risers. Quite a surprise when you least expect it!
I think this is not so funny and could get dangerous!
hydra74, Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2024 12:08 am Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
Here's the service bulletin
Hydra74
hdmarkus, Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2024 3:19 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
Interesting
the recommendation is for rubber-mounted handlebars and not for solid-mounted handlebars. Since I have the solid version I wouldn’t need the link. Nevertheless to be on the safe side, I will install the link
Markus
RooDog, Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2024 4:26 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
hdmarkus wrote: ↑Tue Jan 02, 2024 3:19 pm
Interesting
the recommendation is for rubber-mounted handlebars and not for solid-mounted handlebars. Since I have the solid version I wouldn’t need the link. Nevertheless to be on the safe side, I will install the link
Markus
? ? ? So your Hydra-Glide risers are solid mount, quite unusual. Perhaps in the future you will want to change them out for the isolated kind. Let us know how the hard mounted version works out for you. Handlebar vibration can be an irritating thing....
dontsink, Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2024 5:56 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
Mine are solid mounted too. And the vibes from the handelbar ends are not uncomfortable at all. But the world in the rear mirror is a bit distorted
hdmarkus, Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2024 6:26 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
I’ve only know them solid since I have the motorcycle.
I haven't had any problems with it over the last few years, apart from "tingling fingers“ from time to time
RooDog, Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2024 6:31 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
Now, don't those risers have internal rubber bushings?
hdmarkus, Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2024 6:52 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
Good question, I can't say that. I'll have to check.
Information for the rubber bushings from W&W says that they do not fit into OEM hydra glide risers.
RooDog, Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2024 7:23 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
hdmarkus wrote: ↑Tue Jan 02, 2024 6:52 pm
Good question, I can't say that. I'll have to check.
Information for the rubber bushings from W&W says that they do not fit into OEM hydra glide risers.
Reproductions of the steel jacketed rubber bushings which are pressed into the Hydra-Glide and Springer handlebar risers until 1959 and the upper triple trees of 1960–1972 models in order to reduce vibrations.
I have never had the OE Solid Risers in hand.
Are you sure that is what you have?
hdmarkus, Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2024 7:32 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
RooDog wrote: ↑Tue Jan 02, 2024 7:23 pm
Are you sure that is what you have?
I’m not sure, have to check tomorrow.
hdmarkus, Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2024 8:27 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
Hi,
I checked the risers today and they have no rubber inside.
My question is: Are these risers for solid mount or rubber mount and what is the difference?
When I look to the spare parts, I’m not really understand how these rubber mount risers should work??
Has someone maybe a picture of the rubber and the solid version. Are they different?
Cheers
Markus
RUBONE, Posted: Thu Jan 04, 2024 1:35 am Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
Those are indeed factory solid mount risers and cannot be converted to rubber mount, they are machined totally differently. The solid mount type were used on most "utility" packages such as low end police bikes and commercial units like package truck equipped bikes and Servi-Cars. They were generally black, I'm not even sure if a chrome one was ever offered by the factory. See the section on handlebars in this '55 order blank.
hdmarkus, Posted: Thu Jan 04, 2024 9:54 am Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
RUBONE wrote: ↑Thu Jan 04, 2024 1:35 am
Those are indeed factory solid mount risers and cannot be converted to rubber mount, they are machined totally differently. The solid mount type were used on most "utility" packages such as low end police bikes and commercial units like package truck equipped bikes and Servi-Cars. They were generally black, I'm not even sure if a chrome one was ever offered by the factory. See the section on handlebars in this '55 order blank.
Great information !
Then I will let them as they are with the additional riser link.
Best regards,
Markus
hdmarkus, Posted: Sat Jan 06, 2024 3:34 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
looks nice
Regards
Markus
hdmarkus, Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2024 7:14 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
A little help needed
Today I put the gas tank on and a questions would be: How is the correct routing of the headlight cable between gas tank and frame?
hdmarkus, Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2024 8:23 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
I found a way to make it work.
hdmarkus, Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2024 8:48 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
gas tank finished ! Now I will have a cold beer
Cheers
Markus
hdmarkus, Posted: Thu Jan 25, 2024 7:45 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
Yesterday I got the exhaust back from the coating shop. They sandblasted the old chrome from the surface and flame spraying the raw metal with aluminum. I used a standard heat resistant color for the finish.
Now the season can begin
Regards,
Markus
droptopford, Posted: Thu Jan 25, 2024 11:13 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
For what it's worth, my cloth wire cover (and other supposedly original Hydra-Glides I've seen) is routed a little higher. Comes upward from the neck clamp and goes behind the tank just under the dash cover. I'd say whatever works for you is good.
Bike looks great. Have fun getting it out there this season!
Curious about the numbers stamped on the neck area of your 55. Is that add-on frame number something required in Germany?
57-6.jpg
hdmarkus, Posted: Fri Jan 26, 2024 12:21 am Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
I’m not sure about the regulations, but I think the following:
The number is the engine number. As I know the engine number was stamped into the frame after the bike was imported from Guatemala to Germany in the early 1980th. German regulations need to have an identification number on the frame which matches with the engine number. Old HD motorcycles had no numbers on the frame and I think this is the reason why they stamped the number to the frame after the bike was imported to Germany.
Markus
droptopford, Posted: Fri Jan 26, 2024 1:01 am Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
hdmarkus wrote: ↑Fri Jan 26, 2024 12:21 am
I’m not sure about the regulations, but I think the following:
German regulations need to have an identification number on the frame which matches with the engine number.
Markus
That answers that. Thanks
Somewhat sad that something original has to be altered to comply with regulations.
You'd think for old bikes they'd have some kind of Großvater clause.
RooDog, Posted: Fri Jan 26, 2024 5:16 am Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
I was once told: "I know those numbers are good, I did them myself."
Buddhahoodvatoloco, Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2024 10:59 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
I heard that at a shop once, the buyer socked the seller. Funny as FK..
RooDog wrote: ↑Fri Jan 26, 2024 5:16 am
I was once told: "I know those numbers are good, I did them myself."
Buddhahoodvatoloco, Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2024 11:01 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
Grossartig gemacht.. Had bay type that, she's from Bavaria..
hdmarkus wrote: ↑Fri Jan 26, 2024 12:21 am
I’m not sure about the regulations, but I think the following:
The number is the engine number. As I know the engine number was stamped into the frame after the bike was imported from Guatemala to Germany in the early 1980th. German regulations need to have an identification number on the frame which matches with the engine number. Old HD motorcycles had no numbers on the frame and I think this is the reason why they stamped the number to the frame after the bike was imported to Germany.
Markus
Buddhahoodvatoloco, Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2024 11:30 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
Just some old examples
hdmarkus, Posted: Thu Feb 22, 2024 10:01 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
Update
today I had the idea to leave the center stand attached to the bike. What are you thinking about that? Any recommendations are pretty welcome
Cheers
Markus
hdmarkus, Posted: Thu Feb 22, 2024 10:11 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
I'm also thinking about which front fender to mount. it's hard to ride in the rain without a fender. I was thinking about getting a used FLH front fender and modifying it.
Maybe someone has an idea of the best way to do this.
Cheers
Markus
hdmarkus, Posted: Tue Mar 19, 2024 8:14 pm Post subject: Re: 1955 Panhead from original to custom
I assume that some of you, especially the guys from Australia or New Zealand are in 2024 since some hours 
