1954 Harley-Davidson 74ci FL Deluxe 50th Anniversary Model, Engine no. 54FL2423

1954 Harley-Davidson 74ci FL Deluxe 50th Anniversary Model
Engine no. 54FL2423
• 50th Anniversary model
• Historic Harley-Davidson of Topeka refurbished the engine

Harley-Davidson was in a celebratory mood in 1954. After all, the Motor Company had been in business for a half century, beginning from the dawn of the motorcycle industry. Their current Big Twin offering at the time was a machine first offered in 1948, the Panhead. The Panheads differed from the earlier Knuckleheads primarily by their distinctive valve covers which contained hydraulic valve lifters, catapulting Harley-Davidson more into the modern age of motorcycling, though on their terms as no one else was producing a large displacement, heavy weight touring motorcycle. Motorcycles of that period were evolving quickly. The British bikes vibrated, the few new Japanese motorcycles buzzed while the Harleys still shook.

The ever-conservative Harley-Davidson company continued to improve their offerings through 1954, producing three different frames in that single year. The new Jubilee trumpet horn was mounted between the cylinders, one of the reasons for multiple frame offerings. The Panhead featured aluminum cylinder heads and now the oil passages were drilled, eliminating external oil lines. Faster action throttle and spark controls were brought over from the Model K Harleys. Motorcycles were available with either the old hand shift, favored by the police departments or a new foot shift transmission presenting new foot and heel levers that appealed to the average street rider. The 1954 Harley-Davidson was named the 'Hydra-Glide' in reference to its telescopic front forks. Rear suspension was still years away. The Panhead was designed to put on miles comfortably making them in their time, the pre-eminent touring bike on the roads of America. With Indian now gone, it left only Harley-Davidson to carry the flag, an American flag at that.

This 1954 Harley-Davidson Panhead, with hand-shift 74ci motor, being offered for sale is a nice mix of original paint with necessary touch-up work here and there, yellow on black. An Anniversary badge is proudly displayed on the front fender tip. On the rear fender there is a chrome factory carrier. The motor was recently run through by Historic Harley-Davidson of Topeka, Kansas – that is new rings and a valve job. The speedometer was rebuilt and the recorded miles 'returned.'

Sales of the Big Twins had been in decline since their introductory year in 1948 with the production of 1954 FLs at about sixty-percent of that leading year, making this motorcycle highly collectible today. This '54 Harley Panhead is set up to enjoy on the highways and is ready for that next excursion on a very roadworthy vintage motorcycle to your favorite destination.