Panster

Inspiration for a second build came from a poster hanging in the back of the family machine shop. Why not make a "Hot Rod" version of the old "Silent Gray Fellow"? After playing around with the idea for several days, Jeremy scored a set of custom panhead cylinders from Mr. Ron Trock. Then he got busy. The engine is a 1973 Sportster in which Jeremy kept the bottom-end, cleaned up the cases, fixed some threads, and bored them in order to attach the custom cylinders. "True, it is easier said then done, but all I really had to do was move the head bolt pattern, plug and recut the clearance holes for the pushrods, and make new tubes to follow the push rod angles. Since the pans already have a steeper rocker ratio than the sporty, I was able to use stock "P" cams. I used stock 3 7/16 shovel pistons. I just had to cut the valve pocket a bit deeper. I used an S & S E carb mainly because I got a deal on it. I am a machinist by trade but cutting a $2,000 set of heads definitely caused a little sweating." The rest came together like glue. Tom Stevens set up the flywheels. The transmission is a stock 4-speed gearbox. Wheels are 21" standard that Jeremy modified to accept new perimeter brakes, then laced with Buchanan spokes. Every piece of the Panster is crafted by the hands of one man, including the fork which was designed as a custom springer by LC Fab. That is, except for the seat, that was found tucked away in grannies basement off the same bicycle that Jeremy would cruise around on as one of those good old neighborhood boys. This bike was quite an adventure and a challenge to piece together, but Jeremy admits that it was all worth the smooth easy riding it provides. The Panster was recognized as the Smoke Out 8 winner and was elected Easyriders National Editors Choice in 2009.
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Photo courtesy of: Bessie Black