The 1948 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead from United States was powered by a 1207cc OHV V-twin Panhead producing 50hp at 5000rpm. Weighing 255.0kg (562 lbs) and with a seat height of 690mm, it was aimed at cruiser riders.
The 1947 Indian Bonneville by contrast offered 1200cc of SV V-twin power, delivering 40hp at 4800rpm. Tipping the scales at 248.0kg (547 lbs) with a top speed of 140km/h (87 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1940s motorcycles, especially military-era models, hold strong collector interest with values reflecting their historical significance.
Specifications Comparison
| 1948 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead | 1947 Indian Bonneville | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1207 cc | 1200 cc |
| Power | 50 hp | 40 hp |
| Torque | 85.0 Nm | 70.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 155 km/h | 140 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 255.0 kg | 248.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 275.0 kg | 268.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 690 mm | 670 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1510 mm | 1500 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 15.0 L | 13.0 L |
| Gears | 4 -speed | 3 -speed |
The Verdict
These two machines serve fundamentally different purposes. The 1948 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead is built for relaxed highway cruising and long-distance comfort, while the 1947 Indian Bonneville targets all-round versatility and everyday riding. On paper, the 1948 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead's 50hp trumps the 1947 Indian Bonneville's 40hp, but raw numbers don't tell the whole story in such different segments. Choose the 1948 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead if you value relaxed highway cruising and long-distance comfort; pick the 1947 Indian Bonneville for all-round versatility and everyday riding. Parts availability is moderate for the 1948 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead and very difficult for the 1947 Indian Bonneville — an important factor for any restoration project.
About the 1948 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead
The 1948 1948 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead is a 1207cc twin-cylinder cruiser that became one of Harley-Davidson's most memorable motorcycles of the 1940s.
Full 1948 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead Profile →About the 1947 Indian Bonneville
Indian released the 1947 Indian Bonneville in 1947 with a 1200cc SV V-twin powerplant making 40hp — a definitive standard motorcycle.
Full 1947 Indian Bonneville Profile →