4 minute read
Readers Rides
THE FAMILY PANHEADS
Joe’s is a 1950 Josh’s is a 1951
From Joe I got that 1950 Panhead when I got out of Vietnam in 1970; I was 21 years old. I got it from a good friend, Ken Reeves. He was a cool guy. I was so happy when I got it! I put it in the trunk of my 442 and drove home. My dad thought I was nuts, but I just wanted something cool to do. So, I went to Sears and bought a welder, torches, tools, and took it down in my dad’s basement. I started to work on that old pan. I read books and talked to people about parts. I got some help from another one of my good friends, Donnie (aka “the old man”). I also met a man named Moe (Jody Mo’s father), who owned Moe’s Cycle Shop and he had lots of old parts. Moe, Bubba, and I all became good friends. Bubba and I used to go there and we did all the swap meets. We always had a great time. Man, those were the good old days. I met a lot of awesome people. It was like one big family. I loved the feeling of freedom on the open road and still do. We did a lot of cool stuff. Got to meet Billy Lane, Peter Fonda, and Willie G. Davidson, of Harley-Davison fame. I’ve rode my Panhead to the Vietnam Wall in DC, Pike’s Peak in Colorado, Sturgis/South Dakota, and Florida. I also rode to Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the 85th, 95th, 100th, and the 105th anniversary celebration of Harley-Davidson. It makes me proud to own “cheap thrills” since 1970. We’ve done a lot of stuff together and always made it through. I would like to thank some of my good ol’ friends: Bubba, Danny Hartfielder, Tiny, Dutch, Al, and Charlie. My Panhead is definitely a bike that turns heads. I could write a book about her and my life. Like I said, me and that Panhead have been through a lot together and made it out alive.
From Josh This is the story of my Panhead. As a child, I remember riding on my dad’s Panhead. Most of all, I remember the chrome shining and the thunder coming from the pipes. And all the new moms he would bring home…lol! All jokes aside, I was hooked. Even as a kid, I knew I wanted a Harley, just like I knew it would be a Panhead to follow in my father’s footsteps. It was the brotherhood, the culture, and the freedom of being on a motorcycle. After many years of dirt bikes and a crotch-rocket, it was time for my build. My dad helped me pick the right hardtail frame. He knew my vision and was absolutely the man to help me. We started hitting up swap meets and looking through Bubba’s parts and my dad’s parts, because I had to build on a budget. I was 21 and a father myself. After approximately two years, it was almost ready. We built the bike with no motor. When it was time for the motor, we went to see a great friend of my dad’s named Danny Hartfielder. We were trying to buy a good pan motor. He was the man; he had a 1951 fresh rebuild sitting in the attic of his barn. A huge thank-you to Danny for the heartbeat of my dream. There we were, tearing the bike back down for paint and reassembly. It was one of the best experiences in my life—building my dream bike with my dad. My pan is something I can cherish and pass on to my son. Joe Now it’s up to my grandsons to carry on the “Panhead legacy.” My cherished Panhead will be handed down to my grandson, Joe Reno. Josh’s Panhead will be handed down to my grandson, Jake Reno. Watch out—there will be more Renos on the road! God bless America and all of our friends here and gone. Thank you, “Jody Mo” PANHEADS FOREvER!
When the day came, it was done and ready to start. After a few kicks, it came alive! The feeling is unexplainable. My bike is more than a pan; it’s a part of my and my dad’s hearts. A family tradition. I have owned this bike for 18 years and cannot wait till my boy is on it and riding next to me. Thanks to all that helped in this dream. Ride safe and thank you. “Panheads forever”!