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Phantom vs. Panther-- Which is Better?
- Thread starter soddruntlestuntle
- Start date
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Grey Ghost
Wore out three sets of tires already!
I really like the color combos on some Panthers, especially the blue and green ones.
Like the B6, the colored fenders are neat looking too, they very eye catching bikes. Really the prettiest models paint wise I think.
I bought a repop Columbia 5 Star Superb before my Phantom just because I love the painted fenders and the straight bar color combination it has which is very similar to the Panther schemes of the time.
They lack the gee whiz bling of the Phantom though If that’s important to you. The integrated fender light and automatic stop/taillight are pretty neat.
However, if I had only one bike and it was a Panther or B6 I would always wish I had a Phantom too, not the other way around.
I agree with the sentiment others have mentioned, whatever you choose get as nice an original, or restored, example as you can. Unless you have a parts hoard to build it up and/or replace bad parts, it will cost you less in the long run and be a lot less hassle.
Bob U restored this 52 Phantom for me back in the early 90’s. He didn’t actually know he was making it for me, he thought he was making it for the California collector who just happed to store it for me until last year.
Like the B6, the colored fenders are neat looking too, they very eye catching bikes. Really the prettiest models paint wise I think.
I bought a repop Columbia 5 Star Superb before my Phantom just because I love the painted fenders and the straight bar color combination it has which is very similar to the Panther schemes of the time.
They lack the gee whiz bling of the Phantom though If that’s important to you. The integrated fender light and automatic stop/taillight are pretty neat.
However, if I had only one bike and it was a Panther or B6 I would always wish I had a Phantom too, not the other way around.
I agree with the sentiment others have mentioned, whatever you choose get as nice an original, or restored, example as you can. Unless you have a parts hoard to build it up and/or replace bad parts, it will cost you less in the long run and be a lot less hassle.
Bob U restored this 52 Phantom for me back in the early 90’s. He didn’t actually know he was making it for me, he thought he was making it for the California collector who just happed to store it for me until last year.
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DrRumack80
I live for the CABE
@soddruntlestuntle Congrats! That looks like a solid original bike that needs very little work. The chrome and paint are in excellent condition.
There is no denying that the Phantom is a beautiful, iconic bike. It's undoubtedly the most recognized classic bike, and has been featured in movies, including Back To The Future and Hearts in Atlantis. I think the reproductions and all the "counterfeit" Phantoms made it too common, reaching a saturation point. However, there will always be demand for clean originals and top-notch restored Phantoms. The one above restored by Bob U is impeccable!
Hard to believe that the '95 reproduction Phantoms are closing in on 30 years, and are now vintage bikes themselves!
There is no denying that the Phantom is a beautiful, iconic bike. It's undoubtedly the most recognized classic bike, and has been featured in movies, including Back To The Future and Hearts in Atlantis. I think the reproductions and all the "counterfeit" Phantoms made it too common, reaching a saturation point. However, there will always be demand for clean originals and top-notch restored Phantoms. The one above restored by Bob U is impeccable!
Hard to believe that the '95 reproduction Phantoms are closing in on 30 years, and are now vintage bikes themselves!
razinhellcustomz
Riding a '38 Autocycle Deluxe
Love the combo going on here. I should build one of these. Great looking bike. RideOn.Mark
Are we talking Mercury Cougars or the ones over 50?
Rusty Ol' Rogue
Old fat tired rider
Phantoms look overdone (clunky) to me. Panthers look sleeker to me with that straight bar.
vincev
I'm the Wiz, and nobody beats me!
So if you get a Phantom I want the fenders,chainguard,rear rack so it wont look so clunky.
Rusty Ol' Rogue
Old fat tired rider
9 hole rack and straight bar tank all day long!
vincev
I'm the Wiz, and nobody beats me!
You're really fussy ,arent you ?
Grey Ghost
Wore out three sets of tires already!
In my minds eye I saw a cougar driving a Cougar at the stoplight next to me.
She rolled down her window and gave me a wink.
Pretty sure she was an Eliminator.
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