panhead

Panhead refers primarily to Harley-Davidson's Panhead engine, a V-twin motorcycle powerplant produced from 1948 to 1965. The name derives from the distinctive rounded valve covers, which resemble a cooking pan. The Panhead marked Harley-Davidson's shift to overhead-valve design in the postwar era, replacing the Knucklehead layout. It powered many touring models, notably the FL and FLH lines, and contributed to the company's reputation for performance and reliability during the period. Production ended in 1965, when it was superseded by the Shovelhead.

In hardware contexts, panhead refers to a screw or bolt head profile that is rounded on top with a flat bearing surface, offering a broad contact area. Pan-head fasteners are used where a low-profile head and even load distribution are desired, including electronics, cabinetry, and automotive trim. The term covers various drive types, such as slotted, Phillips, and hex.