The 1947 Norton International from United Kingdom was powered by a 490cc OHV single producing 29hp at 6000rpm. Weighing 155.0kg (342 lbs) and with a seat height of 780mm, it was aimed at racing riders.
The 1948 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead, hailing from United States, by contrast offered 1207cc of OHV V-twin Panhead power, delivering 50hp at 5000rpm. Tipping the scales at 255.0kg (562 lbs) with a top speed of 155km/h (96 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
| 1947 Norton International | 1948 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 490 cc | 1207 cc |
| Power | 29 hp | 50 hp |
| Torque | 35.0 Nm | 85.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 1 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 145 km/h | 155 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 155.0 kg | 255.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 168.0 kg | 275.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 780 mm | 690 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1370 mm | 1510 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 L | 15.0 L |
| Gears | 4 -speed | 4 -speed |
The Verdict
These two machines serve fundamentally different purposes. The 1947 Norton International is built for outright circuit racing performance, while the 1948 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead targets relaxed highway cruising and long-distance comfort. On paper, the 1948 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead's 50hp trumps the 1947 Norton International's 29hp, but raw numbers don't tell the whole story in such different segments. Choose the 1947 Norton International if you value outright circuit racing performance; pick the 1948 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead for relaxed highway cruising and long-distance comfort. Parts availability is difficult for the 1947 Norton International and moderate for the 1948 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead — an important factor for any restoration project.
About the 1947 Norton International
The 1947 1947 Norton International packs a 490cc OHV single engine with 29hp into a racing machine package from Norton.
Full 1947 Norton International Profile →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 →