48 vs 49 panhead frames

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foundationapps
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48 vs 49 panhead frames

#1

Post by foundationapps »

My 48 Pan has a wide glide front end. Don't know if it's a JP type product, or of it's off a salvaged wide glide bike. Any way to identify that?

What is the difference between a 48 - 49 frame. Vulcanworks carries some nice triple trees for the rough looking set of trees on my bike now. They list only 49 and up Pan frames. What's the story with the 48-49 frame?

Thanks for your help as always.
RUBONE
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Re: 48 vs 49 panhead frames

#2

Post by RUBONE »

Not exactly sure what you are asking, but anyone making triple trees calls them '49 up because that is when they began. all '48 models had Springers. There are a few frame differences but very little and nothing that prevents any parts originally on one to fit the other. Things like horn mounts (not on '48 frames) and the steering damper pin (not on '48 frames) are a couple easy ones to spot.
foundationapps
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Re: 48 vs 49 panhead frames

#3

Post by foundationapps »

Yep, sorry, I can be a little wordy without getting to the point.

My pic on the profile image shows the bike. It has a wide glide front end on it, 70s era I believe.

I want to put a new wide glide billet triple tree (41mm) on the bike. Current trees are ratty looking. The Vulcanworks site lists the part set for 49 and up. What you say makes sense in that 48s were springer front ends. Thank you much.

http://vulcanworks.net/store/41mm-Mid-G ... 3217B.html
RUBONE
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Re: 48 vs 49 panhead frames

#4

Post by RUBONE »

Since you already have a Wide-Glide fork on there the tree swap should be simple. The Timken bearing head cups will already be on your frame. '48s used loose ball bearings.
foundationapps
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Re: 48 vs 49 panhead frames

#5

Post by foundationapps »

Thank you sir. Very much appreciated.

Respectfully,
Trig
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