1953

Major lifter changes. Panhead: Lifters relocated from top of pushrods to the top of the tappets, below the pushrod and closer to the oil pump for more constant oil pressure. The lifters feature a checkball assembly in a cylinder, and a hole in the flat side helping to pick oil from the tappet block, then feeding the lifter. Cast iron tappet blocks feature an oil passage from the case to the tappet. Pushrods designed w/ball end at top, pressed in fitting threaded for a screw-in adjuster. Crankcase features tappet block oil feed passages.
The FLE 74ci "Traffic Combination" motor is introduced for slow speed and escort work, lower end cams and smaller carbs. 4 ribbed gear case cover. Pinion shaft has 24 rollers instead of 12. The speedo gets a coloration change, the combination of which is only used this year, (also the only change on the servicar).

Sidecar and Chassis:
· LE - right hand sidecar
· M - Package Truck w/cover
· MC - chassis for M

Colors for 1953
Brilliant Black	Pepper Red	Glacier Blue	Forest Green	Police Silver	White	Cavalier Brown	Glamour Green
White, cavalier brown, glamour green at extra cost. Motor maids option = Cadillac gray tanks & azure blue fenders.
Options: Deluxe Solo, Standard Solo, Utility Solo, Standard Police, Standard servicar, Deluxe servicar, Deluxe sidecar.
For 1953 in the Flathead Register: For 1953 in the Panhead Register: Type Total G 20 Type Total EL 2 F 1 FL 96 FLE 20