Panther M120
The Panther Model 120 was the final product of P&M
of Cleckheaton, Yorkshire - the factory that had built
its first motorcycle at the beginning of the 20th
century with the revolutionary idea of using a sloping
engine, instead of the front portion of a conventional
frame. From first to last, it was this concept that
defined Panthers, with gradual concessions to the
engine and suspension designs of the changing years.
By the 1930s the form of the big single Panther had
pretty much settled and the firm also survived through
the lean early years of the decade, thanks to the
excellent volume sales of the ultra-cheap Red Panther
250cc lightweight which sold for under £30.
After the war the machines that appeared bore a close
resemblance to the pre-war models. The Model 100 Panther
for 1946 was a 600cc single with rigid frame and girder
forks. It was ideal for economical sidecar use, with
a fuel consumptionin excess of 60mpg.
In 1947 Dowty Oleomatic air-sprung telescopic forks
were fitted - a form of front suspension that was
very efficient when new, but gave problems when older
as the seals wore out. There were minor improvements
to various parts of the bike until 1954 when a new
conventionally sprung fork and a swinging-arm frame
were adopted. Styling changes followed and the rigid
model was discontinued in 1957.
The main new for 1958 wa the development of the larger
Panther Model 120, closely based on the 600cc. But
prototypes wad engine problems, largely due to the
increased stress and problems with Panther's unusual
lubrication system. The production bikes were substantially
improved and offered lower fuel consumption - 70mpg
with a sidecar.The Model 120 was ideally suited to
sidecar use. In 1959 Panther's own sidecar chassis
was an option - and this even included a towbar for
a trailer.
Panther Model 120
- Years in production - 1959-66
- Engine type - single-cylinder ohv four stroke
- Capacity - 649cc
- Bore x Stroke - 88 x 106mm
- Compression ratio - 6.5:1
- Power - 27bhp @ 4500rpm
- Gearbox - Burman four-speed
- Tyres - 3.5 x 19in
- Wheelbase - 59in
- Turning circle - 19ft 6in
- Weight - 426lb
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