I bought my first Harley Davidson in Colorado Springs in 1978. It was a '75 Sportster, and I had it repainted to look like a '77 Low Rider, being I couldn't afford the real thing. Turned out so beautiful, it got stolen soon after. I'd collected so many cool old bikes ever since, but this '56 is beyond special. All I can do is shake my head in disbelief. I'm too old to own or ride bikes anymore, just watching this is enough to get my blood flowing again. You don't need a DeLorean to go back in time. This Pan will take you straight back to 1956. And, light whatever you smoke.
Absolutely incredible, there aren't words that justify the beauty of that machine. I've always wondered what a brand new FLH would look like back then. I've seen many but patina and brittle if they were original, never have I seen a scoot this old that is as immaculate as this Harley is. Back then, like you said "there is no absolute" it's so cool how dealer's would just cobb parts together depending on what they had available, so two of the exact same bikes that went to two different dealers could be accessorized differently from each other, even though they are the same parts. That process alone identified each Harley as it's own, almost as if there were two that were never %100 alike. I've always used restored Pan's or Knuckle's as a platform to see what these machines looked like brand new and I gotta say, there's a huge difference! Most restores, the bike is too perfect. This, as far as I'm aware and I'm sure the talent is out there but would be an extremely hard look to replicate, they're only original once! Too cool guys, good luck topping this one.
wow i was born june 10th 1956, that is so cool, it feels like im a part of that bike in time. and i love harley davidson motorcycles, thats old school.
What an amazing find this bike takes me back to my first ride on a motorcycle. My grandmothers neighbor was a truck driver who owned a 1957 Harley FLH and one Sunday he took us kids for a ride on his motorcycle. That ride lit a fire in that six year boy. I have owned and ridden since my teens. I am seventy now and still ride my 2000 FLSTC.
Very slick ,awesomely sweet.I was born on that year .Just looking at it makes me happy .Thank you guys for showing it and taking care of that treasure.I salute you ,sirs.
i'm happy to make the 100th comment on this beautiful machine, I have a '55 myself and I will be stopping by the museum to check it out in person, thanks so much for bringing it to the masses.
robert okeefe Same here, Roberto. I would give most of what I have to own this motorcycle. I think it may be the single most beautiful machine of any kind that I have ever seen.
This is so cool. One thing I find funny, I have Harley quarts of oil in my garage, think nothing of it, it's just the oil recommended to use for my bike. But 68 yrs from now, people may be looking at my bike and going "oh wow he still has the oil in the old timey black plastic bottles!!" lol
Funny you say about the keys,because I always have mine all facing the same way,same keyring for last 40 years and my father who was a military man always told me put your keys all the same way,GREG sure knows his stuff,pleasure to listen to such a knowledgeable person,thankyou,beautiful bike,thankyou JOHN D,RIP,,thankyou JIM,best original pan I,ve ever seen,,,best wishes to all,from,Auckland,New Zealand.🥰🤩🙂👍👍
I also live in Auckland New Zealand. I have a 55 FLH, not as nice as that one, but still a very nice surviver. Mostly original paint, 19843 miles, and pretty blinged up. I'm the 3rd owner, previous owner 51 years. According to the records I have seen, it is the 11th to last bike made in 1955. Atomic blue, in Grey Lynn.
Always remember, any year bike, the rarest H-D is a stock one. Owned many custom bikes, every new one I buy, I only change things with factory parts. I get top dollar, when I sell. It takes awhile, but the right guy always shows up. Great bike, great video. This guy knows his stuff, because there are minor differences in same year models, back in the day. They got bikes out the door, period. Plus, the factory would offer more options/deletes, than today.
Absolutely a top quality museum piece , top shelf , what a beauty , thank you for such an in depth , and sensual walk through . This is my favorite so far . I'd love to see one on a 63 machine , just because of my birth year . Thanks for sharing , again absolutely the best so far .
Beautiful bike. My friend found a 1948 Pan that was the most factory complete bike I ever worked on. No missing tabs no welds all original sheet metal. Pete did have it repainted and the motor rebuilt. I disassembled and it reassembled it nothing was missing and we salvaged all most everything. I had a 56 for a short time until I was going to deploy to Germany and sold it. My orders was change two days later to Ft. Bliss TX. That is a great find you don't see that any more thanks for posting it.
I had a 55 I rebuilt and ended up selling it because I had orders for Germany but after I sold it my orders got changed and I ended up at Ft Jackson SC as a range officer for BCT. I have owned seven Harley's and two Indians over my life time. I still have three Harley's but only one cool bike my 1972 FLH police special the others are twin Cams. Beautiful bike thanks for sharing.
@@nicolebblaylock8108 I sold the two twin cams a 2001 FLHRCI Road King and a 2002 FLSTC and bought a own owner low mileage 98 FLSTF Fatboy Evo. It is very factory except for a Vance & Hines exhaust and a Mustang seat. I have it and my 72 FLH police special. I restored the 72 as factor as i could except for the leather saddlebags off my 55 pan. These are the newest bikes I plan to own. Trying to work a deal for a 57 Pan basket case but no luck on a price yet being a cheap bastard that I am.
I always loved flh. I have a 72 stock dresser. But that Pan you got here, is absolutely stunning. I got to say ,its the nicest survivor I think I ever seen. Thanks for making the video! I'm drueling.😛
I wish you would have started it, beeped the horn, and hit the turn signals. Just to see what it was like to own one back in the day. Nice bike though.
I never knew the bubble bags came in any color other than black or white, cool. I have a 59 but 48 is my favorite Pan. Your 56 is amazing! Great video thanks.
John D knew that bike would out live him. thats why he did what he did. Hopefully that panhead will stay that way for hundreds of years. PANHEADS FOREVER.
Unbelievable motorcycle and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the video and you guys sharing the story. I have an original paint 56 and have always been curious about it having slotted screws on the transmission jockey top. Being that those started working their way into production in 51-52, I always imagined I would have seen more of them over the last 20 years, but have really yet to see them on a bike. My example has a lot more miles than yours, but I always wondered if they were replaced with slotted screws over the years or were that way from the factory. If you have time, I would sure like to know what you have on that machine. I can almost see them in the video, but they appear to be slotted, I just can’t tell for sure. Anyway, hope this finds you well and thanks again for your time! Regards, Thom
Hello I had a 1951 FL 61ci that I had built back in 1970 for my brother that died.It wasn't stock though. It was a race motor & had a wide glide 12"over extended front end. Was a 1948 cradle leg hardtail frame. Real fast too. Would go 200 miles an hour. Had to wear aircraft goggles as tears flowed out of your eyes.These roads around here wern't safe @ that speed.miss those days.I knew the man that sold the motorcycle new His name was Bud. I bought parts from him many times also through the years.Just wanted to share with my biker brothers .Ride safe all.
Beautiful bike unbelievable the original owner of the bike was truly a great Good man I love harleys and most all I love the panhead always will one day I may be honoured to own a panhead my dream harley God bless you all regards Alan from the UK
Didn't you used to be able to get glide forks with an adjustable rake on them? I had a '57 and as much as I love Pans, I still found my gaze drifting off to the Knuckle motor just lounging on a stand in the background. I keep sadly missing my '38 lately.
Outstanding find. No disrespect to anyone but if I was able I would have ridden it way more and detailed it way less. I'm 72 and have owned a 59 Fl for many years and I still ride it a good bit. I ain't savin it for the after life, all that fire and brimstone would melt the tires anyway.
If I owned that bike , I would have rode it and enjoyed it while I was able to . In an old Harley Radio Commercial, a young Man asks his Grandfather : "Grampa , looking back , would you have done anything different in your Life ? Grampa Replies : Well , I would have BOUGHT that Harley Davidson Motorcycle when I was Young "
Hey guys , Don't forget to tighten that spark plug with a spanner. I have seen them blow out when not tightened and believe me they go off like a 303 bullet.
I look at a bike this old with that few miles on it, and wonder why did they purchase this machine in the first place only to Park it and keep it pristine all these years… I purchased a 2019 Road king and the stories it will have will unfortunately come with scratches, some rust and a few paint chips, dings, and dents. But the owners will have road this bike and got all of the pleasure out of it by riding it.
I,m saving my 2012 Ultra Limited for my grandson, he,s seven right now, and will ask to keep it until he,s sixty five, and then, passing it on to a, museum hoping he will get through this challenge.
Great video. Would there be a way of locking in the trip odometer, at it's current reading of 83 miles? Would be a shame if it was accidentally erased. Thanks for sharing. Safe Travels.
I wished my Dad had kept his 47 Indian Chief, I'd love to have it, used to ride Harley's but had to switch to BMW's, 09 1200rt for less vibration, a few too many car accidents left me with a messed up back, I can still ride. Gorgeous bike, been lookin for an old Harley to rebuild, people want way too much for them.
BSG1982 - You should've never sold your 1955. Man I shouldn't have even sold my 2009 Electra-Glide Classic. When you own a Harley, you've really got something. I foolishly traded it in for a lighter 2019 Japanese bike. The chrome and the paint are proving to be half às deep as the Red Hot Sunglo on the Harley. It's fun like all bikes are but just not the same soul and pride and comfort. The HD in Harley-Davidson also stands for heavy duty (that's why they remain popular with police service).
I bought my first Harley Davidson in Colorado Springs in 1978. It was a '75 Sportster, and I had it repainted to look like a '77 Low Rider, being I couldn't afford the real thing. Turned out so beautiful, it got stolen soon after. I'd collected so many cool old bikes ever since, but this '56 is beyond special. All I can do is shake my head in disbelief. I'm too old to own or ride bikes anymore, just watching this is enough to get my blood flowing again. You don't need a DeLorean to go back in time. This Pan will take you straight back to 1956. And, light whatever you smoke.
Always liked sound of Sportster
Absolutely incredible, there aren't words that justify the beauty of that machine. I've always wondered what a brand new FLH would look like back then. I've seen many but patina and brittle if they were original, never have I seen a scoot this old that is as immaculate as this Harley is.
Back then, like you said "there is no absolute" it's so cool how dealer's would just cobb parts together depending on what they had available, so two of the exact same bikes that went to two different dealers could be accessorized differently from each other, even though they are the same parts. That process alone identified each Harley as it's own, almost as if there were two that were never %100 alike.
I've always used restored Pan's or Knuckle's as a platform to see what these machines looked like brand new and I gotta say, there's a huge difference! Most restores, the bike is too perfect. This, as far as I'm aware and I'm sure the talent is out there but would be an extremely hard look to replicate, they're only original once! Too cool guys, good luck topping this one.
wow i was born june 10th 1956, that is so cool, it feels like im a part of that bike in time. and i love harley davidson motorcycles, thats old school.
What an amazing find this bike takes me back to my first ride on a motorcycle. My grandmothers neighbor was a truck driver who owned a 1957 Harley FLH and one Sunday he took us kids for a ride on his motorcycle. That ride lit a fire in that six year boy. I have owned and ridden since my teens. I am seventy now and still ride my 2000 FLSTC.
Very slick ,awesomely sweet.I was born on that year .Just looking at it makes me happy .Thank you guys for showing it and taking care of that treasure.I salute you ,sirs.
i'm happy to make the 100th comment on this beautiful machine, I have a '55 myself and I will be stopping by the museum to check it out in person, thanks so much for bringing it to the masses.
I was made in 56 sure do wish I looked that good
robert okeefe Same here, Roberto. I would give most of what I have to own this motorcycle. I think it may be the single most beautiful machine of any kind that I have ever seen.
That makes 3 of us! I just love this gorgeous HD!!♡
This is so cool. One thing I find funny, I have Harley quarts of oil in my garage, think nothing of it, it's just the oil recommended to use for my bike. But 68 yrs from now, people may be looking at my bike and going "oh wow he still has the oil in the old timey black plastic bottles!!" lol
Funny you say about the keys,because I always have mine all facing the same way,same keyring for last 40 years and my father who was a military man always told me put your keys all the same way,GREG sure knows his stuff,pleasure to listen to such a knowledgeable person,thankyou,beautiful bike,thankyou JOHN D,RIP,,thankyou JIM,best original pan I,ve ever seen,,,best wishes to all,from,Auckland,New Zealand.🥰🤩🙂👍👍
I also live in Auckland New Zealand. I have a 55 FLH, not as nice as that one, but still a very nice surviver.
Mostly original paint, 19843 miles, and pretty blinged up. I'm the 3rd owner, previous owner 51 years. According to the records I have seen, it is the 11th to last bike made in 1955. Atomic blue, in Grey Lynn.
Always remember, any year bike, the rarest H-D is a stock one. Owned many custom bikes, every new one I buy, I only change things with factory parts. I get top dollar, when I sell. It takes awhile, but the right guy always shows up. Great bike, great video. This guy knows his stuff, because there are minor differences in same year models, back in the day. They got bikes out the door, period. Plus, the factory would offer more options/deletes, than today.
Thanks for showing this great looking machine. Wow.
Absolutely a top quality museum piece , top shelf , what a beauty , thank you for such an in depth , and sensual walk through . This is my favorite so far . I'd love to see one on a 63 machine , just because of my birth year . Thanks for sharing , again absolutely the best so far .
Perfect video to get one's day started..thanks Jim and Greg. Awesome motorsickle.
This bike is a piece of engineering art . Beautiful .
Beautiful bike. My friend found a 1948 Pan that was the most factory complete bike I ever worked on. No missing tabs no welds all original sheet metal. Pete did have it repainted and the motor rebuilt. I disassembled and it reassembled it nothing was missing and we salvaged all most everything. I had a 56 for a short time until I was going to deploy to Germany and sold it. My orders was change two days later to Ft. Bliss TX. That is a great find you don't see that any more thanks for posting it.
I learned soooo, much from this video. I have the same reverence for these beautiful time pieces. Thank you.
This is just like the first motorcycle I ever rode on as a kid . this picture brought back a lot of memories
Panheads Forever.....Thanks Greg and Jim for sharing this beautiful Panhead.....
Sweetest bike I’ve ever seen. Un believable love went into this machine.
Fantastic-wish I could have met this guy- he must have been a real character.
I had a 55 I rebuilt and ended up selling it because I had orders for Germany but after I sold it my orders got changed and I ended up at Ft Jackson SC as a range officer for BCT. I have owned seven Harley's and two Indians over my life time. I still have three Harley's but only one cool bike my 1972 FLH police special the others are twin Cams. Beautiful bike thanks for sharing.
I took my driving test on a1972 (year i was born)FLH police special. What are your other three bikes? ---Niki💋
@@nicolebblaylock8108 I sold the two twin cams a 2001 FLHRCI Road King and a 2002 FLSTC and bought a own owner low mileage 98 FLSTF Fatboy Evo. It is very factory except for a Vance & Hines exhaust and a Mustang seat. I have it and my 72 FLH police special. I restored the 72 as factor as i could except for the leather saddlebags off my 55 pan. These are the newest bikes I plan to own. Trying to work a deal for a 57 Pan basket case but no luck on a price yet being a cheap bastard that I am.
We Have DEVOLVED Since 1956 - I Can Only Imagine Life In Those Post War Years
Great job great bike. I have a sweet stock 55 but Dam it's unreal how pristine that bike is ,Congratulations on the score and keeping it in your state
All I can say after watching this video. Absolutely amazing!!!!!!!👍🇺🇸🇨🇦
ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!!! Everything about this motorcycle and it's owner!!
Thank you so much for the video and the story. What a find.
I always loved flh. I have a 72 stock dresser. But that Pan you got here, is absolutely stunning. I got to say ,its the nicest survivor I think I ever seen. Thanks for making the video! I'm drueling.😛
I had a 1950 Hydra Glide when I was in high school. Wish now that I'd kept it.
I too was born in 56, and also had a 56 pan back in the late 70s
I owned a 1956 Harley that was same color except mine had white bags..Oh how I wish I still had it!!
What a beauty. Thank you for posting this.
I wish you would have started it, beeped the horn, and hit the turn signals. Just to see what it was like to own one back in the day. Nice bike though.
Biggest letdown tbh otherwise, really good video.
I never knew the bubble bags came in any color other than black or white, cool. I have a 59 but 48 is my favorite Pan. Your 56 is amazing! Great video thanks.
Wow, just gorgeous. I can only imagine taking a cruise on that beauty and living in those times of great music and motorcycles.
Great old days
John D knew that bike would out live him. thats why he did what he did. Hopefully that panhead will stay that way for hundreds of years. PANHEADS FOREVER.
I *LOVE* THAT BIKE THAT IS BEAUTIFUL! thank you for the video!!
What a machine. Thanks for posting
Just Beautiful. 👀👀👀
Stunning!!!
Unbelievable motorcycle and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the video and you guys sharing the story. I have an original paint 56 and have always been curious about it having slotted screws on the transmission jockey top. Being that those started working their way into production in 51-52, I always imagined I would have seen more of them over the last 20 years, but have really yet to see them on a bike. My example has a lot more miles than yours, but I always wondered if they were replaced with slotted screws over the years or were that way from the factory. If you have time, I would sure like to know what you have on that machine. I can almost see them in the video, but they appear to be slotted, I just can’t tell for sure. Anyway, hope this finds you well and thanks again for your time! Regards, Thom
What a dream come true.
Harley-davidson are crazy to make new motorcycle designs.
California....emissions......
The holy grail! Would have loved to hear it run!
What a gorgeous piece of machinery
Hi Greg, this is the first time I've seen this video. How fantastic.
Hello I had a 1951 FL 61ci that I had built back in 1970 for my brother that died.It wasn't stock though. It was a race motor & had a wide glide 12"over extended front end. Was a 1948 cradle leg hardtail frame. Real fast too. Would go 200 miles an hour. Had to wear aircraft goggles as tears flowed out of your eyes.These roads around here wern't safe @ that speed.miss those days.I knew the man that sold the motorcycle new His name was Bud. I bought parts from him many times also through the years.Just wanted to share with my biker brothers .Ride safe all.
Prettiest thing I ever saw.
I’m lost for words it’s beyond beautiful . My oh My…😇
Watched this several times....Why did he quit riding the bike?????
great story, great share
Excellent video. The clinch nuts you referenced are trade name "Flexloc" these are still widely used over nylock nuts.
UNREAL!
My favourite Harley. The Evos and onwards l wouldn't give them a second look
Gorgeous bike. Great year too!
Awesome bike and video! My guess would be that the fishtails are Superior.
@@rodmaxwell332 They are marked Buco. No guesses needed.
Wow . Privaledge to see !!
Absolutely beautiful Classic Harley!!!
What a gorgeous bike!😎
Its a shame you didn't have any photos of the original owner with the bike. Always adds so much to the story
Beautiful bike unbelievable the original owner of the bike was truly a great Good man I love harleys and most all I love the panhead always will one day I may be honoured to own a panhead my dream harley God bless you all regards Alan from the UK
Didn't you used to be able to get glide forks with an adjustable rake on them? I had a '57 and as much as I love Pans, I still found my gaze drifting off to the Knuckle motor just lounging on a stand in the background. I keep sadly missing my '38 lately.
I was made in 56 too. Nice bike Nice bike.
Awesome Bike! Great video!! I like the bug coming out of the box at 28:12...
That wasn't a bug, it was the washer to the part that rolled out. He picks it back up and puts in the box
My dad had one like this one in 61 I
Was 11yrs old rode on it many times. I have a 2011 ultra now.
that's as pristine as it gets...wow.
That is an incredibly taken care of bike !!!
Outstanding find. No disrespect to anyone but if I was able I would have ridden it way more and detailed it way less. I'm 72 and have owned a 59 Fl for many years and I still ride it a good bit. I ain't savin it for the after life, all that fire and brimstone would melt the tires anyway.
Wow what a gorgeous,original harley I'd live to own this bike...
Jeez... I can't go 10 MILES without ruining something.
That bike is sweet. I ran a 56 Panhead in my California chopper back in the 80's. I miss it but I can't ride a hardtail anymore.
Should definitely consider having a professional poster made of this bike. What a beautiful work of art to be hanging on a (my) wall..!!!
Absolutely amazing.
Harley should make this bike again... This is what a Harley should look like!!
I think it would be interesting to have some information on Mr.Deatherage like a picture of him .What he did for a living ?
Definitely museum quaility
Beautiful bike.
If I owned that bike , I would have rode it and enjoyed it while I was able to .
In an old Harley Radio Commercial, a young Man asks his Grandfather : "Grampa , looking back , would you have done anything different in your Life ?
Grampa Replies :
Well , I would have BOUGHT that Harley Davidson Motorcycle when I was Young "
Got my ‘11 heritage when I was 23. Last year. Riding it every day and enjoying it while it lasts
Hoarder and O.C.D. for certain. Guaranteed. The owner is king and that's that.
Beautiful machine.
Hey guys , Don't forget to tighten that spark plug with a spanner. I have seen them blow out when not tightened and believe me they go off like a 303 bullet.
Beautiful ride. Why did he only ride it 5,000 miles and three years ?
What a beauty
THANK YOU !!! BRAVO !!!
Outstanding!
So nice , a time capsule !
28:10 bug crawl's out of the sight gage box EPIC
I wonder if he's been waiting since 1956 for someone to open the damn box? 🤔
That was the gasket, not a bug.
I was born in 1956 and I sure would give anything to be in this good of shape lol !!!!! - !!!!!!
Unbelievable 😎👍
man what a beauty
That bike is worth a million dollars!
All I can say is wow
Thank you !!!
I look at a bike this old with that few miles on it, and wonder why did they purchase this machine in the first place only to Park it and keep it pristine all these years… I purchased a 2019 Road king and the stories it will have will unfortunately come with scratches, some rust and a few paint chips, dings, and dents. But the owners will have road this bike and got all of the pleasure out of it by riding it.
Really nice I bet that bad boy purs🎉
Amazing, Thank you for this great video ! Why do you call this 9 ribs head ? Is it to do with the heads bolts ?
I,m saving my 2012 Ultra Limited for my grandson, he,s seven right now, and will ask to keep it until he,s sixty five, and then, passing it on to a, museum hoping he will get through this challenge.
lance {cycle&cigars} 63yr old biker and restorer that is impressive machine
I had a’54 Panhead and it was a great bike. Chopped and had a suicide shift.
Pure awesomeness.
Great video. Would there be a way of locking in the trip odometer, at it's current reading of 83 miles? Would be a shame if it was accidentally erased. Thanks for sharing. Safe Travels.
I should’ve never sold my 1955 PAN
I wished my Dad had kept his 47 Indian Chief, I'd love to have it, used to ride Harley's but had to switch to BMW's, 09 1200rt for less vibration, a few too many car accidents left me with a messed up back, I can still ride. Gorgeous bike, been lookin for an old Harley to rebuild, people want way too much for them.
BSG1982 so sad men.
BSG1982 - You should've never sold your 1955. Man I shouldn't have even sold my 2009 Electra-Glide Classic. When you own a Harley, you've really got something. I foolishly traded it in for a lighter 2019 Japanese bike. The chrome and the paint are proving to be half às deep as the Red Hot Sunglo on the Harley. It's fun like all bikes are but just not the same soul and pride and comfort. The HD in Harley-Davidson also stands for heavy duty (that's why they remain popular with police service).