1965 Pan Questions

[rbenash]

1. As Mr. Palmer's book is considered as a reference - up to a point, is the information in Fields' panhead book also considered this way? I am not talking about the photo's and editorial type data but the technical/reference info in his Panhead Book.

2. "Proper Battery Cover" I have seen a few posts elsewhere that say judges will bump you if you have the -65 ribbed battery. My understanding through King of the Highway group info in fields book (which my bike has) is that the ribbed battery cover was part of that group. If I have KOH original on my bike (yes proper primary cover with inspection plug) will I be gigged on the battery cover?

I'd like to get my '65 judged at some point this year when completed and start the whole process. My purpose is not about getting to some magic point number but feedback on accuracy. I have done a lot of research on '65 before even touching this bike for restoration. I also plan to run it not show it but the judging process should be of some value in terms of proper or accurate representation of '65 FLH with KOHG options.

Any good HD judges specific to '65 Pans I can talk to? These are a strange beast to say the least.

[Chris Haynes]

The fact is that there was no side cover on a 1964 battery. Although the ribbed cover carries a -65 part number it wasn't introduced until late in the year. Its first appearance was in the Fall 1965 Accessory catalogue which is actually during 1966 model production.
Here is a factory photo of a 1965.

[rbenash]

Thanks Chris. I have all those pictures that show the top cover only. I also have reference that says that the ribbed battery cover was part of the King of the Highway group in 1965.

That's from Fields Panhead Book reference data as it refers to the details of what was in cluded in the King Of the Highway accessory group available in 1965.

This tells me that if you have a '65 with the KOH grouping a ribbed cover was offered and would have been correct if you have this group on your '65.

[Chris Haynes]

Thanks Chris. I have all those pictures that show the top cover only. I also have reference that says that the ribbed battery cover was part of the King of the Highway group in 1965.

That's from Fields Panhead Book reference data as it refers to the details of what was in cluded in the King Of the Highway accessory group available in 1965.

This tells me that if you have a '65 with the KOH grouping a ribbed cover was offered and would have been correct if you have this group on your '65.

Do you take what Greg Fields says as documentation? To me if there is no factory documentation it doesn't exist.

I just looked at my August 1964 Enthusiast, the New model Announcement. There is no information about The King Of The Highway Group in it.

The information about the King Of The Highway Group in "The Legend Begins" does mention a chrome battery cover. Not a ribbed cover but a chrome cover. However it does not specify which cover top or side. It is listed as part number 66370-65. Looking in the 1965 parts book I find 66370-65 listed as the top cover.

So the bottom line here is that the 1965 Panheads had a painted battery cover unless it had the King Of The Highway Group. Then it had a chrome top cover. The chrome top cover could also be ordered seperately as optional equipment.

There was no side cover offered for a 1965, painted, chromed, or ribbed.

[rbenash]

Thanks Chris,

I take what Greg Fields says as reference not gospel. At minimum he got his information somwhere, who knows if it's correct. That's why I asked the question.

Have you seen the 9/1964 Enthusiast with the accessories listed for 1965? I haven't but should be getting a copy soon. Wondering if the ribbed cover is there.

Either way as far as judging. Since a ribbed cover is in the '66 acessory book and has a -65 part number and available why would one get dinged for that cover? Wouldn't it just be considered an accessory applied after purchasing the bike?

Do you take what Greg Fields says as documentation? To me if there is no factory documentation it doesn't exist.

I just looked at my August 1964 Enthusiast, the New model Announcement. There is no information about The King Of The Highway Group in it.

The information about the King Of The Highway Group in "The Legend Begins" does mention a chrome battery cover. Not a ribbed cover but a chrome cover. However it does not specify which cover top or side. It is listed as part number 66370-65. Looking in the 1965 parts book I find 66370-65 listed as the top cover.

So the bottom line here is that the 1965 Panheads had a painted battery cover unless it had the King Of The Highway Group. Then it had a chrome top cover. The chrome top cover could also be ordered seperately as optional equipment.

There was no side cover offered for a 1965, painted, chromed, or ribbed.

[Chris Haynes]

[QUOTE=rbenash;77312]Have you seen the 9/1964 Enthusiast with the accessories listed for 1965? I haven't but should be getting a copy soon. Wondering if the ribbed cover is there.

I just looked through the September 1964 Enthusiast. There is no listing of accessories for the 1965 models.

Either way as far as judging. Since a ribbed cover is in the '66 acessory book and has a -65 part number and available why would one get dinged for that cover? Wouldn't it just be considered an accessory applied after purchasing the bike?

A judge worth his salt will know what is what. The cover was not available until the 1966 model year. It doesn't make any difference how many times you ask this question or what spin you put on it. Face the facts. The ribbed cover is not correct for a restored 1965.

[Underdoggie]

Do you take what Greg Fields says as documentation? To me if there is no factory documentation it doesn't exist.

I just looked at my August 1964 Enthusiast, the New model Announcement. There is no information about The King Of The Highway Group in it.

The information about the King Of The Highway Group in "The Legend Begins" does mention a chrome battery cover. Not a ribbed cover but a chrome cover. However it does not specify which cover top or side. It is listed as part number 66370-65. Looking in the 1965 parts book I find 66370-65 listed as the top cover.

So the bottom line here is that the 1965 Panheads had a painted battery cover unless it had the King Of The Highway Group. Then it had a chrome top cover. The chrome top cover could also be ordered seperately as optional equipment.

There was no side cover offered for a 1965, painted, chromed, or ribbed.

Chris,
I was at Davenport with my 65FL, It was my first AMCA event and I have to say I was impressed by everything and am really glad I joined. I felt my score was pretty impressive at 98.25. I took your comments to heart about the battery cover. I took my ribbed cover off and actually got a 1/4 point deduction for not having it on the bike, I also had a 1/4 point deduction each for not having a master cyl. cover and a starter spring cover. It did kind of confuse me a little as the first time I ever saw this bike at the original owners house it it did not have those three covers on it and also the factory photos dont show them but I guess I am still learning.
I think I'm going to go to two or three meets next year. If they are all as much fun as Davenport I might not be able to take it. I may have to drink more beer to stay relaxed or something.
Underdoggie

[rbenash]

UD - thanks for that info!! And congrats on that 98.25 too! Judged as a restoration or original?