1965 police special Panhead For Sale

1965 police special Panhead.

This bike was imported from Colorado where it had been sat from many years. Originally a police motorcycle, it was bought by the previous owner in 1972 and I am technically the 3rd owner and the first owner in the uk.

When I got the bike it was in a pretty sorry state of affairs. I went through the wiring and replaced a large portion with cloth wrapped wiring where it had rotted. I’ve cleaned all the connections. I’ve flushed and changed the oil and made sure it was circulating well. I’ve also flushed the tanks and put on a 12v battery, which I just had lying around, and it fired straight up.

I replaced parts that were either broken or shot (tyre / bearings / front light etc ) but I have avoided replacing anything that was useable as to keep the bike as original as possible and preserve the history in it. So there are scratches and dents here and there (front mudguard/ right hand side fork cowbell) but it’s all part of the bikes history and charm.


This bike had years of grease and dirt covering almost every cm of it. I’ve spent time cleaning this off (not polishing everything, just cleaning off the grime) and checking the bike over.

I’d say that cream paint is original and the black was added later (maybe when it became a civilian bike?). There’s a old repair on the primary cover and chain guard but these are done well. The bike has beautiful patina and it would be a shame for someone to strip this away. What’s on the bike is correct for the year model. There are obviously some of the original components missing i. e. electric start (this hasn’t been an issue for me as it starts so easily off the kick. The clutch basket still has the starter ring for electric start on there) front light nacelle, fender trims and crash bar.

The motor has matching belly numbers and has no sigh of damage or repairs, which can be so common on these old motors. The motor cases are one of the best condition I’ve seen and the bottom end doesn’t look like it’s ever been apart. It’s running the original linkert m74b carb and air cleaner.

The motor fires straight up and pulls strong there is no smoke and for this reason I haven’t been inside the motor (if it’s not broke don’t fix it!)

The hand shift and gearbox flow and finding neutral is easy which makes riding foot clutch easy. It’s been upgraded to belt drive and the clutch works well.


I’ve got the bike into a condition to a point where I could take it through a mot and I can ride it. There are a few areas that would benefit from attention but the bike works as is. If I were to keep it, I’d probably deal with the front drum brake springs (which could do with being replaced as there not the most responsive and bind a little after being pressed. Probably stretched slightly over the years). I’d get a throttle cable guide for the linkert as the cable and return spring are looped using the head cover bolts (old grey beard method. It works but it’s not ideal). There are 3 bolts missing from the front rocker cover and it makes it a little noisy but if those were replaced and it had new felt or cork gaskets that would resolve that.


It’s the last year of production of the Panhead and being a police special tank shift is a very desirable, collectible and rare model. And this kind of patina is priceless!


I’ve also been told that police bikes were stroked so that they would be faster than civilian bikes but I really don’t know if this is fact or urban myth.


It’s a 54 year old motorcycle and it’s a Panhead so yes, it does drip oil yes, it has dents and scratches, it’s noisy it doesn’t stop on a 5 pence piece. It’s a Panhead!

So if you’re wanting a sparkling resto this bike is not for you. It has history and character. Which is harder to come by, especially in the UK.


It’s a really great start if you wanted a period correct Panhead. Ride it as is or collect the missing fender trims, light nacelle / electric starter etc and add value yourself.


The bike comes with a full mot which was just done in January 2018 and it has a full age related uk v5 registration. As of March 2018 it will be mot exempt.

This advert has now been removed through sale or otherwise.
Please see the list below for similar live adverts.

Similar Adverts

Stunning custom built cholo style chopper softail custom frame 1600 s&s motor 5 speed stretched twin tanks harrison billit brakes dual fishtails arlen ness dash bluetooth soundsystem handlebar whip this must be seen may take px chopper delivery available<br><br>

24,000
7 Mar 2024
Cheshire

a very nice 2003 Harley Sporster Sport with only 4466 klms this is 2775 miles from new, new screen fitted november last year, the chap i bought it off owned it in 2016 when it had only 357klms on it, the sport model is a lot different than the standard sporster and has twin spark plug heads, four pole coils, less restricted ...

4,466
21 Mar 2024
Cheshire
Private

Please read all ad, thank you. Harley Davidson Freewheeler year 2019. Engine Milwaukee Eight 107 (1.746cc.). Black. With electric reverse. Around 19.000km. Catalytic converter Euro 4. Including fairing. Very good condition. 27.500€ I can organize export docs and transport to any country at cost. Thank you.<br><br>...

19,000
25 Feb 2024
Spain
Private

for sale Harley Davidson model B 350cc SV year 1926 is 90% complete more or less. It is a good project to restore. the engine is complete original in very good condition. It is sold as can be seen in the photos. more information at cometarestauraciones.com

27 Mar 2024
Spain
Private

Here I have for sale my Harley Davidson Sportster 883R (dual front caliper version) with 7300 miles on the clock, in gloss black. Stock condition apart from the aftermarket exhaust, mirrors and black tinted rear indicators. Really clean bike as it has been garage stored all of its life. HPI clear serviced with valid ...

7,269
4 Mar 2024
London
Private

Harley Davidson street bob, 1584cc ,6 speed, 14412 miles, fully serviced, MOT until May, will easy pass, Reg 01/01/2007, family owned, satin black, FP3 tuner, Vance and Hines long shots, Hollywood bars, 2 1/2” tank lift, flamed seat, powder coated wheels and more Superb bike… 2007 Harley Davidson Street Bob £6,750.00Price ...

14,412
26 Mar 2024
Kent
Private
49
Picture of 1991 Harley Davidson XLH 1200 Sportster - For Sale by Auction

H&H Classic Auction  @ National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands 27th March, 2024 13:00 1991 Harley Davidson XLH 1200 Sportster No Reserve Registration No: H934 XGK Frame No: 1HD1CAP18MY126158 Engine No: 1CAPM126158 CC: 1200 MOT: None One owner, bought new from Warrs by the vendor in 1991 Stage ...

26 Mar 2024
West Midlands
Premium Auctioneer (see stock)
50
Picture of HARLEY DAVIDSON ULTRA LIMITED CVO - 2015 - For Sale

INNER CODE: RDS00868 We offer logistics and home delivery service. Shipping costs are the responsibility of the buyer. Wide range of cars & motorbikes in offer in our premises. The car is visible in our showroom in Reggio Emilia, Italy. For more information please contact: Petru: + 39 338 6429745 Pellegrino: ...

33,000
25 Mar 2024
Italy
Premium Dealer (see stock)

Mot July 2004 Last of the Carb models twin cams. Previous owner had for 7 years. security alarm 2 key fobs. Oil and filter changed every 3000 miles. Serviced and maintained and kept in top condition. Always garaged. Hagon progressive fork springs, Stage 1 Vance & Hines long shot pipes with heat shields, Genuine Harley ...

15,600
20 Mar 2024
Surrey
Private
12
Picture of 1929 HARLEY-DAVIDSON 45ci 750cc MODEL D * RESTORED - For Sale

West midlands motorcycle centre. harley-davidson model d (1929). 45ci 750cc v-twin. rare iconic model. beautifully restored to a very high standard. starts easily and runs perfectly. original handbook & spare parts list. v5 present. historic taxation class - tax & mot exempt. hpi clear. delivery available. call ...

1
7 Mar 2024
West Midlands
Premium Dealer (see stock)

Harley Davidson XL883 Sportster, Previously supplied by ourselves and comes with Vance & Hines exhausts, Mustang seat, Chrome headlight conversion, Pull back risers, Custom grips, Service record, Fully Hpi checked. We can offer a Full UK Delivery service along with great part exchange deals, All major cards accepted, Only ...

22,747
22 Mar 2024
Lincolnshire
Verified Dealer (see stock)

for sale Harley Davidson WL Liberator 750 cc buiold 1942. Completely overhauled and restored whith lisense. New bearings and pistons, cilinders drilled, new valves and valve guides. The engine is running perfectly. Salesprice 18000 pound or 20500 euro<br><br>restore and overhould data present.<br><br>

1,939
10 Feb 2024
Netherlands
Private

The AMA Grand National Championship Class C rules, introduced in 1933 and revised in 1954, had an equivalency formula limiting side valve, engines to 750 cc displacement, while more modern overhead valve engines could be a maximum of only 500 cc. Over time, this displacement advantage kept the older side valve technology ...

21 Mar 2024
Netherlands

Not bad paint work crome some pitting nearly new tyres, comes with spare original rear shocks and original silencers, throw over leather panniers,large rear leather saddel bag, full screen, owners hand book, correct workshop manual , cover, Clarke heavy bike lift, may find some more stuff<br><br>This bike is forward control, ...

13,882
11 Mar 2024
Cheshire
Private

2012 Harley Davidson Xl 1200 Nightster This bike is in fantastic condition with just 3 owner and 5484 miles, fitted with a 2-1 Vance and Hines exhaust, RC air intake and Willie G engine covers. Supplied with a full MOT, sales check and 3 months warranty Viewing by appoinment only Nationwide delivery Cars and ...

5,484
23 Feb 2024
Yorkshire