The Harley-Davidson FL Panhead was released in 1948 as the new top of the line model, the “FL” designation meaning that the engine was the 74 cubic inch (1,208cc) version of the Panhead.

The Panhead would become one of the Milwaukee motorcycle manufacturer’s most famous engines, helped by the fact that it would power both of the choppers in the iconic 1969 film Easy Rider, starring Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, and Jack Nicholson.

This would be the first of the “Glide” models offered by the company, a name created to denote the use of hydraulic forks rather than the earlier spring forks.

Originally an American bike, it was imported to the UK in 1991, since which time it has had 3 UK owners.

The current owner acquired the bike in 1998, since which time it has remained stored in his garage for the last 24 years.

The bike is believed to be completely original and has a potentially genuine mileage of only 105 miles.

The V5c is present showing 3 UK owners.

A very rare, nice genuine and original Harley that is complete and ready for restoration. 

The seat comes with the bike but will require recovering and the rest of the bike is ready for returning to its former glory.

The bike last ran in 1998 when it was driven a short distance and then parked in the garage, to remain there ever since, so it goes without saying that it’s bound to need a considerable amount of attention in all areas.

As the Panhead has been standing for approximately 22 years, the owner has advised that it will need a complete engine rebuild before any attempts to get it running are made. 

To find a complete and original Panhead Hydra-Glide is a pretty rare thing these days and someone looking for a super-rare and iconic Harley to do a full restoration on is going to get very excited at seeing this listing.

Probably not for the faint-hearted but definitely a worthwhile project for someone with the time and knowledge to get this bike back to its former glory and historic status.