48 Pan Springer

[Re-cycleInc]

Thanks to all once again for the responses. I was comparing mine to the pictures (thanks Robert!) and everything seemed fine on the surface...right down to the correct bushing retainer plate. I was replacing a flanders clamp/riser assembly last night with some speedster bars and noticed that the crown nut was a 7/8" thread. Looks like someone put a 45 springer on with some timkens to hold it in place. So, it looks like I'll definitely be in the market for an offset BT rear fork. If anyone needs a 45 let me know!

Robert - I'll be sure to stop by at Oley.

Flat-happy: I sent you a PM

[Rod K]

flat-happy....finally got back and saw your post about a trade. I would have been interested, but already drilled my neck out.......thanks Rod

[Lonnie]

Tedd sells the conversion kit to use the 7/8 stem, uses the looseroller bearings. I and a friend have both used this kit and they worked fine. I see no reason why the tree could not be tweaked for offset using this kit. Just be careful when you receive the kit as the first one I received had a mix of 1-inch and 7/8-inch parts in the box.

Also, don't tell the judges what you did - they might gig you since the bike will not be like it left the factory THE FIRST TIME.

[Slojo]

Random ramblings on a 48 pan.

This morning I woke with a couple more 48 details on my mind. the intake manifold is 48 only as it is fabricated from steel tubing not a casting as other years. The throttle cable securing devices at carb. end are also 48 special. No zirks on the stars of the hubs. M36 tp m36t m36 stinky linky carb I forget what the exact nomenclature represents.This black 48 is a 61 inch motor notice the cylinder fins left side, they are smaller than the head fins. Also note the frame in front of the distributor/ circuit breaker NO smash marks for the up coming horn mount. The left side of the cylinders have a casting lug that looks like a casting flaw all 48's have this characteristic. Look at the rivet in the cylinder head where the intake nipple is secured most all 48's are not countersunk as this set of heads are, this motor is a high 12000 serial number motor explaining the countersunk rivet spot. This bike has updated steering head cups, Timken style. Most every feature is perfect for 48 other than the dual exhaust. Many items are optional stainless steel features which were prominent in 49, remember late 48 here. Watch for the rare chicken on the head light ring all 48's should have it yet only mine actually does.The fender light wire must go through a screw terminal that is insulated from the front fender and horn mount right side. Remember offset fork and handlebars. The tail light has a bolt on licence plate mount the nuts are flex locks. The inside fender wiring trough is a one year only fashion. Trans has the mid style screw vent hole on the case not kick cover not lid screw. Primary cover should have horizontal inspection cover screws. Watch for re-pop stuff value goes up or down FAST with the inclusion or exclusion of those items. Good headlights have stamping of Guide in the back so do the best re-pops. Re-pop handlebars do not have the loop to catch the pin on the stainless steel top trim, my bike has re-pop handle bars that are there for a temporary purpose. I had a plan that never was or never was meant to be, I have a mint painted set waiting for installation. The steering head lock should be free if the key exists and turns partially but does not lock the fork might be a 47 without the needed drilled hole for the pin. WATCH for good numbers take a magnifying glass and use it. The surface texture should be rough texture OUT not IN like belly buttons. A mirror and a can of brake clean to check belly numbers. 1-48 xxxx is typical of belly numbers. Most all other items are general fair for the times.
Allow room for error this was done on the spure of the moment and not fact checked. some times there are no absolutes
Joe

[Robert Luland]

Joe what is the chicken on the headlight rim thing? My 48 has a M35 on it as per the book. Bob L

[knuckleheadtim]

I once saw an offset springer that someone had pressed a 45" stem into. If that's the case, you could change it back. Is the stem hole in the lower tree offset from the legs, or inline with them?

[Re-cycleInc]

My stem seems to be inline with the outer tubes. I was under the impression that the offset forks were inline at the base as well and only had the tops angled (raked) backwards by 3*. You mentioned that Palmer's book might be wrong on that account, but I haven't seen any offset forks that didn't have a stem inline at the base. Were there 2 versions available?

I also read that Cotten said it's a pain in the neck (pun intended) to press these stems out. I'd love to try it so I can save a bunch of money but I don't want to wreck a nice original fork through my efforts.

[Rubone]

Don't attempt a neck change as you will ruin a good fork!
Robbie

[knuckleheadtim]

I haven't seen an original offset that was inline on the lower tree. I think Cotton mentioned they made one as a replacement at some point in time.

I wouldn't recommend replacing a stem either unless someone had already put the wrong one in it!