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Panhead motorcycle

Scott Ross' Electra Pan Chopper

My husband Ty and I had just finished setting up camp for the Backroad Boogie and were relaxing with some friends when the cavalcade of motorcycles began to appear. They came up the road in two's and three’s after cruising down a quiet road in the beautiful Arizona fall. I immediately noticed Scott’s ride, as those stretched-out forks make it hard to miss. After everyone had a chance to settle in and wash some of the road dirt off, I started wandering through the assembled bikes. There was a wide variety for such a small gathering, but that Electra-Pan, she stood out like a diamond. It’s everything a chopper should be, buttoned down, clean, raked out, and a runner. In addition, the paint job by Andrew of Triple’s Paint Works is spot-on, and that mix of gloss and matte catches your eye.

Scott Ross with panhead motorcycle

Scott has done a fantastic job with this bike and has put 10 years of miles on her. You can’t put a price on trustworthy and, there’s much to be said for being able to push a button, firing it up every time, and hit the road. Job well did, sir, job well done. -Jennifer

Panhead motorcycle gas tank

Owner name, location: Scott Ross, Phoenix, Arizona.

Chop Cult Member profile: azchopr

Bike name: “Electra-Pan.”

Panhead motorcycle engine a side

Engine, year and make, model, modifications: 1956 FLE Panhead 74ci. 1956 4-speed ratchet top, foot shift, hand clutch, with electric start.

Frame: Paughco Chopper.

Fork: 12” over Spitfire Girder.

Panhead motorcycle handlebars

Chassis mods: Chopper.

Tire/wheel size and style: Rear: 15” BF Goodrich Car tire. Front: 21” Avon, spool wheel.

Panhead motorcycle gas tank b side

Favorite thing about this bike: It’s a rider, all day every day. The electric start makes it a pleasure to ride.

Panhead motorcycle engine front angle

Next modification will be: Cycle Electric 12V high output generator.

Panhead motorcycle seat

Other mods, accessories, cool parts, etc.: Tech Cycle Electric Starter. Modified CV carb. Haifley Brothers King/Queen Seat. Throttle Addiction pullbacks.

Panhead motorcycle handlebars top angle

Any building or riding story or info you'd like to include: This panhead was initially a Mexico Government Bike. Brought to Arizona in the ’70s and chopped in 1977 in Mesa, AZ.

Panhead motorcycle gas tank full top angle

Thanks to Andrew at Triple’s Paint, Ed Smooth from Smooth Engineering, the crew at Haifley Brothers, and Johnny Goodson. -Scott

Panhead motorcycle a side

 

Article and photos by Jennifer Farris

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