FAQ Page

Q & A

Q. What was the first year the Harley-Davidson® Panhead Motor was introduced?

A. 1948 was the first year of the Panhead. In addition, the panhead came in four models: E,EL,F,FL. The E and EL were both 61 cubic inch but had different compression ratios. The F and FL were 74 cubic inch and also had different compression ratios.

Q. Synthetic oil vs. regular oil, which is better?

A. The debate over synthetic oil vs. regular oil is an on going controversy, but Harley-Davidson only recommends the use of their oil and to avoid any possible warranty problem, we strongly suggest you use Harley-Davidson® oil.

Q. Does my weight, height or age limit my choice of bike?

A. The two major limitations are your physical limitations and leg length. The larger the bike the heavier it is and greater strength is required in the handling. Leg length is an important factor, because at a stop, you must be able to touch the ground to hold the bike in the upright position.

Q. While my bike is stored for the winter, should I start it up regularly?

A. The answer is no; that is if you follow the guidance spelled out in the Harley-Davidson® service manual. If your bike is stored properly in the fall, the bike can sit idle until Spring. We at Twin Cities Harley-Davidson handle a complete line of products and a knowledgeable staff to help you with this task. Battery charger, breathable storage cover, and a fuel preservative are basic essentials when you are preparing your bike for the long winter months.

Q. What's a popular conversion being used to update an old bike?

A. Actually, many people are converting their bikes to the nostalgic look of the 40's and 50's. One idea is to replace the stock fork assembly with one of Harley-Davidson's Springer fork kits. They either use the traditional FXSTS fork assembly (P/N 46007-88B) or the all new FLSTS kit (46029-97).

Q. Is there a high tech way to see what color is best for my bike before I paint it?

A. I don't know of any high tech means of selecting a color. Paint schemes and color selection reflect the riders personality and makes a statement about that person. We at Twin Cities Harley-Davidson offer wide range of Harley-Davidson's colors and decals. We also have experience in the area of custom paint from Harley-Davidson.

Q. Is there an average amount of miles that a new bike has to be babied before I can really let go?

A. The owners manual states the first 500 miles are the most critical and you should not exceed 55 mph during this time.

Q. Do all bikes have their own made to order saddle bags or do some just sort of work with more than one bike?

A. Harley-Davidson now offers bolt-on saddlebags for every model of bike they produce. They also offer over-the-seat saddlebags that fit many of the bikes: in-addition, many of the after-market companies offer great selections of both bolt-on bags and over-the-seat bags.