I bought a New/old 1978 Harley’s Sportster. How bad can it be ?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 เม.ย. 2024
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More Sam please. Old man motorcycle wisdom. The fact you opened the trailer and he immediately said 78 Harley and then looked it up and down and knew everything about it. Fantastic
No doubt Mr. Sam is knowledgeable, but a '78 sportster is pretty distinctive in stock form;
It's the last year of the long running attractive frame (it was changed in '79 to accommodate a rear disk brake swing arm.)
And 78 was the 1st year for the dual disk front brake.
So at 1st sight it's very noticeable the nice looking frame with the dual disk front brakes.
It's a desirable machine to many.
+ being brand new! $$$
I came to the comments just to say the same thing.
You need to buy a cafe racer
Don't tell me Craig is gone! I haven't been able to follow the channel in a while, I'm behind, so I apologize for asking dumb questions. But is he just not in this video, or is he gone? If he is gone what happened?
@JAYTEAM187 he started his own channel The Bearded Mechanic . They're still friends. Shawn moved to Tennessee so that's why he started his own.
I learned this from living in biker neighborhoods in Southern California. The trick to getting your Harley running perfect and tuning it perfectly is you gotta do it in a crowded neighborhood at 3 AM, get it running, and just keep revving it over and over and over as you tune it, but if you don’t do it at 3 AM it isn’t gonna stick.
Accurate
damn dont tell everyone!
Wise words from one who knows 😅.
Back in the late '70's (yes...I'm old) the local Harley dealer had the shop walls lined with the stock 2-1 exhaust systems taken from brand new bikes because they were 'too quiet' and everyone wanted the staggered drag pipes. It was SO funny that Harley had spent a lot of time and effort making an exhaust that worked well...but everyone took it off losing 5-8 horsepower just for the look and sound they wanted. Never let it be said that Harley owners aren't a special breed of cat.
Guilty as charged. I think I threw my pipes in the garbage because my dad didn’t want my junk in the garage. Those pipes were too quiet, unfortunately.
They go for about $800 today 😅
To them, "sound power" beats horsepower every time
Safer to be heard than get killed because someone didn't see the guy.
Although I appreciate and watch both bikes and beards and Craig's channel, I do miss watching them both together in 1 video. God bless ya
Me too ❤
Yeah what happend
@@mgislason1ableSean moved away but still visits Craig from time to time
Craig was an excellent sidekick.
I kinda like it this way but Sean needs a side kick
You should call the trailer Buddy Haully
And tow it behind Van Morrison
Then name a bike the big chopper and haul it in the trailer
Sometimes I think I'm a terrible person 😅
Best roadside repair for a stuck float bowl is to turn off fuel, run bike till it dies then blow into the over flow tube…good to go with no tools…works every time 👍🏻
Today I learned! Good to know.
Wish I knew that when I had my Yamaha 650 special!
Not all carbs have an overflow tube but, running it out of fuel usually does the trick 👍
Man I love Dave, He is such a genuine guy, and very knowledgeable. He's helped many people and makes the world a better place. Also thank you Sean for your love of motorcycles and putting this channel together. I'm sure it isn't easy.
Buckhorn bars are one of the most ergonomic style handlebars, but people often screw up their install. They are meant to lift up and come back down, the ends should be facing downward, not horizontally. Turn those bars downward about 20 degrees and watch how much more relaxed your wrist angle becomes. Although those are very early buckhorn bars and not as good as the newer style ones.
That makes a ton of sense. In fact, I have an electric bike with these style handlebars. They have felt a little uncomfortable since I have had the bike. I did exactly what you said. It moved me a couple inches back in the seat, however they are 100% more comfortable. Now it feels great to ride and extremely comfortable. On top of that it feels like a have a ton more positive control over the front end and more stable. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge on these handlebars. I really appreciate you passing this info along.
Had a friend that bought a 78 sportster back in 98. Died five miles from the dealership on the day he bought it. We gave up trying to fix it and took it to the local Harley guru. His first words were "I wondered who would be dumb enough enough to finally buy that bike." Told us he would give anyone $500 if they were able to make it to Amarillo and back on those bikes without a major breakdown.
jfc for a sec there i thought you were saying your friend died five miles from the dealership.
@@ek8710
Yes, me too!
Definitely thought you meant your friend died five miles from the dealer 😂 poor word choice
Probably he died a little inside , if it broke down after driving it for only 5 miles.@@ek8710
Def thought your friend died, too.
One suggestion. Take the extra key off the ring. It flops around and scratches the chrome on the horn cover.
Wow. Scratches the horn cover?🤣
It also in time screw the ignition up. I had 2 similar bikes. The ignition was a weak spot. 1 of them failed because of heat and the other failed because the ignition vibrates and stopped turning. Locksmith said the tumbler pins fell apart. Springs got weak.
@@thomaswaldorf9141 I just use the key alone or with just a small bare split ring to avoid problems with the ignition switch on any vehicle.
I love ironheads, they only run as well as the mechanics knowledge, been wrenching them since 77, any ironhead I build I wouldn't hesitate to ride cross country if I only had the time, Did a 8,000 mile trip in 2013 in 12 days, never got out the tools, just rode that bike a few days ago, close to 70,000 miles since the rework. also have several shovelheads, same story with them.
That would suck to pay 2000 dollars at a motorcycle shop getting your bike all fixed and tuned up.. just to have the tuner say it needs to be tuned up.. 😂
Dynos are for fine tuning, you can only do so much without one.
@@FoundingStockNZ ya true but still
@@FoundingStockNZ in this case just throw the thing in the scrap heap with the rest of the junk AMF built
Happened at the stealership for me.
Got 12 more HP and 15° less heat from a private dyno guy than the stealership could get out of their own stage 3 build. Also went from 38mpg to 45mpg on 98 octane, and fixed the stuff they messed up; like overfilled forks, cracked extractors, and a finger-tight head stem nut.
Which might be why it had death wobbles at 35mph when collected from having Fox remote nitrogens (I ordered Ohlins) fitted on the back and Progressive springs in the forks. Difference between a mechanic and a technician, I guess.
Spent $9K on upgrades, then had to find another $2K for an actual mechanic to sort out all the issues.
Did I say I'm done with stealerships?
Maybe you should understand what you are talking about instead of spouting out words & handing out your money ?
I bought a 78, in a basket, and built it. Only thing I wish was duel disc on front, and a rear break that at least acted like it did something
even with the dual front the brakes are still really poor
Dual means they wont overheat and you wont get an "im dead" moment, wont make any differemce on braking power at all, amd as always your frint brake power is limited by the tyre size and friction @@BikesandBeards
Sold mine after I got sick of putting new points in the thing every 1500miles
@deadprivacy Really ? Really ? Really ?
Dual disks double the friction contact are !
@@kurtfoulke5130 yes really.
Only thing dual setup will give you is reduce brake fade from heat.
Larger area means better tmeperature dissipation.
The limit to your brakingbl on a bike is the contact patch where the tyre meets the road.
The limitiations are not the brakes themselves but the tyre size and suspension quality.
But think you may be being facetious and i gone done fallen for it.
However ,on some bikes?
Particularly smaller bikes with 30-33mm diameter forks?
A dual setup will reduce lateral forces on the wheel, and i xan percieve a slight twisting in the fork setups on smaller bikes with thinnforks.
but i get into arguments about this with people too.
Two calipers are less "squirrelly" i swear
My first real motorcycle was a 76 sportster. Put 44,000 miles on it. Even drive it in the winter as it was the most reliable thing I owned but that’s being eighteen and no money. Lol
My wife of 44 years rode a '72 Ironhead Sporty for 13 years. She loved that bike.
My mom is in hospice and bought me a Yamaha Bolt because she wants to spend her money before the doctors drain her bank account on her way out. Anyway, I'd like to paint it candy dark purple in her honor, as she loves purple. Does anyone know any good paint shops with fair prices in the Pittsburgh area? Thanks!
Also, we have been waiting over a month for a new video, glad to see you back. God bless!
Bless your mom man...
Plasti dip might be an affordable option, dip your car guys do amazing stuff
Your mother is a saint, ride safe! There are LOTS of good paint shops, your budget is the limit.
God bless your mom
TE Customs in Finleyville. Straight-up and talented guy.
I bought one of those for 7000 and I sold it at a massive lose of 2000, just because I thought asking anything more would be a rip-off, and I put a brick through the dealer's shop window.
Now that's my kind of comment. Sold you on something that didn't look out for you
@@natedizzah5877 At least I can live with my conscience. No dealer of that brand can say that.
Why would you pay $7000 for a $2000 Motorcycle ?
I would be embarrassed to tell anyone 😕
I wish you could find brand new cars from the 50s, 60s and 70s, still "new in box", just waiting to have the plastic coverings removed and the gas tank and crankcase filled.
A business near me just sold a dozen "brand new" 1993 Cobra Mustangs with zero miles & shipping plastic still on the seats...
They were part of a car collection he kept in a showroom.
@@dr.hugog.hackenbush9443 WOW! Would love to have one!
I started watching when you had 2k subs. The Lord has blessed you in amazing ways. Proverbs 3:5-6
That trailer manufacturer is pretty sweet
That trailer is insane
Fold down bed and a small toilet/shower, it's a damn camper!
@@piquat1 they do have a toilet and sink option!
Serious bit of gear!! On my want list
Hi Sean, thanks so much for the group picture with you and Craig at the Nashville Supercross!
You guys are awesome!!
That trailer is sick!!
I gotta be honest, walking through that shop and then seeing your little trailer I was underwhelmed to say the least. Then you opened it, and my life changed forever! No only kidding my life is still the same, but that trailer is friggin incredible!!
I can see ATC is sponsoring MANY of the creators on TH-cam. This site is becoming one gigantic advertisement
@iamgriff - LOL I thought it always was! The real problem is most YT sites have followed suite. Oh well.
Omg. I didn't think we'd get another video! I was starting to worry!
I'm still waiting on the 2nd video for the Naja
I love the Bikes and Beards/Bearded Mechanic, and Wheels Through Time teams! Awesome content, far better than what TV, had and has to offer.
I made 54.9 RWHP @ 6,300 RPM Out of my 75 XLCH in 1988 When I worked at Doc's Motorcycle Parts Waterbury CT on the EasyRyders Truck Dyno. I did every trick in the book on that motor without stroking it! I even took the lifters apart and ground material off the rollers, top of the lifters, drilled holes through the sides and ground the lifter lock nuts and push rod cups to lighten them up for more RPM! I still have it in my garage!
Worked a tough job at $5/hr all winter to save to buy that bike! But when I walked into the dealer in April '78, a Sporty with red graphics and spoke wheels went home with me. Marriage, school, lack of money, mechanical knowledge and ultimately AMF reliability put an end to the relationship after a couple years. I still miss it.
Why?
That new trailer is SICK. I hope Tennessee is working out. I'm jealous !
Queen Anne’s Revenge was the ship that Blackbeard traveled in.
Grew up in WI. Aunt worked for AMF. Parents got a deal on an HD 440 AMF snowmobile. Great memories!
I have owned three 1978 Sportsters 2 xlcr's and 1 exactly like yours. That is the only mag wheel drum brake HD has ever made. I had my XLCR's clutch release was not sitting flat in the outer primary. Once I fixed that it had made riding it so much fun.
I love this dudes videos really helping me heal while recovering from my motorcycle accident
Heal up soon
@@MotoMission. thank you it sucks haha
Love that new trailer Sean. I see a road trip in your future 👍🏼
The '78 has awesome looks and charisma . . . Its worth the trouble of a little bit of spannering now and then just to be able to ride such a gorgeous Ironhead . .
My 2005 Lowrider needs neutral before she stops. Or ten minutes of fishing. If that's warped plates, then they are obviously warping them at the factory for a reason. 😅 It seems to be a feature, not a bug. Oh, Harley...😊
WHAT’S UP! just want say thank you for inspiring me at 29 to sign up and take the MSF course on June 17th. I’ve started ordering gear with the M1 MOTO gloves that are supposed to arrive today. You put out great content and inspire to become a rider but many to become a better man for themselves and God. Thank you for that!!!
4:17 - I can't believe he showed us his ability to teleport from one door to a completely different room.... It's like he has the keys to the Matrix back rooms. 😮
😂😂
Edit: 23:05 - I'd call it the Dog House because he might be sleeping in that if the Mrs finds out how much it costs for a custom bike trailer.... LMAO 😬🤣
Nice to see one of these again. I had an AMF 1979 XLS. I remember it always "marked its spot" wherever I parked it. (Always had to carry spare sparkplugs since it frequently fouled its plugs.)
Oh the memories…..Bought my first Harley in 1978, a brand new 1978 red Sporster from Howard Belmont himself from Belmont’ St. Paul Harley Davidson, St. Paul, Mn. I’m 69 years old, on my 5th HD and still riding.
I paid $2,800 brand new in 1978
Bidenomics killed the "Free Snacks" thing.
That’s a whole lot of trailer that looks like it would be full as a tick with two bikes in it.
Also, no 30w solar panel is gonna keep a lithium charged for long… (unless that lithium is tiny, like 20-30ah. But it look big enough to be at least 100ah.
Damn sexy trailer though, need to wrap the van to match the trailer now.
Yeah, that 30W panel ain't worth the screws that are holding it in 😂
I'm so eager to get my hands on a bike from '78! Right now, I already have two a 2014 Honda CTX700 and a 2023 Honda SCL500 Scrambler. But that vintage bike is still calling my name. I'll make it mine one of these days, haha!
I live in Nappanee where ATC trailers are manufactured! I have friends who work there. They are a great company, with quality products! I actually painted their logo on the giant rock in front of their factory along US 6. Keep up the great content!
The rock still looks awesome too!
As always. I love what you do and how you honor God. I am not a Harley person because I do t want to spend $$$ on many repairs. lol. The Voyager for me 😊
Hope your Louisiana meetup is a hoot!
As we say here . We goin to pass a good time .
Which translates to have a good time .
Laissez les bon temps rouler .
Pronounced lazy lay bon ton roula . = Let the good times roll .
Buckhorn bars are a love it or hate it opinion. I hate them. That’s amazing that you found this in a box. You need to break in that engine for a dyno run. You need at least 5000 miles on it
New rider here. I just bought my first motorcycle. 2013 Yamaha V Star 950. I've been watching your channel for a while and it made me want to buy a bike.
Hi great vid but souldnt it be run in before you dyno it
After about 10-15,000 miles the engine fully breaks in and you will get more power out of it
That's what I was thinking, dyno-ing an engine that's not broke-in?? Dumb.
I was 19; it was between that bike or the KZ1000A2 (fastest bike in the world at the time). Loved that KZ. Later I got a 100th anniversary Sporty, and that thing was SO fun!
"when this bike came out, they claimed 55hp." "... IDK ABOUT ALL THAT" 🤣🤣🤣🤣
side note. Sean got a real life MOC from GTA. that trailer is sick!
Should name it Trailly Mctrailerface
I like that name
This is what I came here to say.
@BikesandBeards another poster further up in the comments suggested Buddy Hauly towed by Van Morrison ..
Everyone needs a Craig. Harley can call the new monstrocity a Sportster, but it isn't. They killed one of their most popular models and replaced it with a "Plastic Engined" something or another. I went and found and older Sportster, and bought it, just so I could have a real one. I picked up a 79 Sportster, which is the same model I had, in High School. I remember taking my original one on a 6 mos ride, around the US and Canada, before I got on with my adult life. The good old days.
Lol it's still a sportster. That's like saying the evo sportster wasn't a sportster when they discontinued the skinhead frame/motor. Times change, things change. I love my rubbermount, but having one of the most advanced bikes they make carry the Sportster name is a good thing. The fit and finish isn't a cheap plastic like you said. There is a ridiculous amount of ironhead, solid mount evos and rubbermount evos all over the world, for great prices. Did you really want them to keep making the same bike they have been making since 1986ish? Lol
@@jonnymac8925Harley fanboys irk me a lot lul. My dad owned a 1988 Sportster some ten years ago yet he's not that blinded by nostalgia to rant about how older models are "better".
I’m a diehard Sportster guy, and I absolutely love my ‘06 1200C, but the Sportster was originally meant to be a Sport Bike. The new Sportster is what the Sportsters should have been at least 20 years ago.
the new sportster is better in each and every way possible except looking like its 50 years old. Theyre incredible compared to anything else theyve made..and im a huge harley hater
Ever since the move to TN, it's like the watching old Bikes and Beards videos before the production and video quality were modernized. You'll be back in PA soon enough.
That's the exact first Harley I ever drove about 40 years ago. My friend still has it.
You should name the trailer
“I shoulda got an 8x16 trailer “
Hey Sean ,I recently subscribed to the channel and really enjoy the content. I just want to say ,how real you come across , There are so many people doing videos it's crazy. I just feel ,like you are genuine , and open, and not hiding anything . Weather you make the right move or make the wrong one , we as viewers are going to see the real thing , no bullshit , no making things look good , and no dressing up any pigs, I am a little older now 65 , but had my days too with 7-8 bikes, BSA'S ,TRIUMPH ,KAWASAKI 1000'S -2, And all I can say is how much I miss the riding . As we get older and situations change ,priorities change , and something happens ,nerves ,age, wife ,just want to say ENJOY MY FRIEND ,you still have the passion and drive ,so hold on til the end . Be careful . I'll be watching. TAKE CARE.
Another possible title;
"The thrills&chills and 🤕 headache of owning a 78 Sportster". I know, I know it's long but it's pretty descriptive. Nice video!!
Great video! I believe 1978 was the last year for that frame. In 1979 they went to a different frame. Congrats on the trailer, too!
I know I couldn't click fast enough when I saw a new Bikes and Beards episode! Thanks Sean!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep them coming!
Sorry dude, but IMHO you got hosed on this purchase. Ask anyone who's had the misfortune of owning one of these albatrosses, (myself included), and they will tell you RUN - don't walk away from these deals. The old AMF sportsters were unreliable moneypits that do not hold their value.
😂 they are still worth more than they were brand new
For all the whiners, I'd rather see Sean do the ad than have to skip a stupid youtube ad.
Also needed to hear that bible verse thanks Sean.
I had to watch six TH-cam ads on this one, two unskippable.
Spent the better part of my childhood pulling Japanese bikes from the weeds and effortlessly bringing them back to life. When I was older, started working on Harley's and learned real quick I'll never waste my money on one new/used.
They make a clutch lever effort reducing kit for some Harley's, I put one on our '05 Dyna Wide Glide, it's a pretty easy, straightforward job that helped a bunch in reducing the effort it takes to pull the clutch lever. It was an actual kit from Harley-Davidson but other manufacturers offer them as well. Look around on the world wide web, someone might make one that works on yours.
Call the trailer Black Beard.
Super mechanic? Cmon you just sent the gecko bike to Craig because this super mechanic was befuddled...😂😂😂
just have to remember to put your jacks up. I had a tag made and clip it on the tongue.
That’s a good idea
Ya haven't had the full experience yet , like spoke ends through the rim bands, or oil on the garage floor,or mysteries with the black box , or water seeping into the voltage regulator, welds braking in the primary drive engine side. If you make it to 36,000 miles you can get rid of the bronze valve guides & rebuild the starter .Brakes ? don"t worry about them ,new, it's about the best they will ever be !
for some reason some people don't like this guy just because of the bible verses.
It’s not my favorite part but I do still like what he puts out
I’m an atheist. If a person providing me with entertainment wants to pray for a second or drop a verse, who am I to judge🤷♂️ If I don’t like it I can just leave
If that's the only thing they can complain about, then that's on them.
This is what i think too...@@autoaimersblowmemurray6660
I'm a moslem and enjoys watching his channel (and his others) for years
17,500 in that piece of garbage lmaooo
Never thought I would say the videos are not as good as they used to be. This was a really a trailer video.
This channels just not the same as it used to once be
It's a beautiful bike, love the old iron heads, wish I kept my '81 now.
I bought that same 75th anniversary edition in 78 for $4250.00. The transmission gear dog for second wore out in under 7000 miles. I shimmed it up reinstalled new gear dog it was fine after that it was find. If you miss a shift don't just slam it home if you break a gear dog forcing it, it will split the cases, a friend did that on his 1976 bi centennial edition. Put 2 inch extended fork tube it handles better. Put 32 inch drag pipes on it and jet the carb it runs better.
My first was a 73 Harley Davidson Sportster suicide shift had to keep two extra spark plugs at all times and a little toolkit that it came with.
😂😂😂 why would you put a Suicide clutch on a Sportster ?
Thanks for hanging out with us for a day and appreciate your partnership! Enjoy the new trailer. 😎👍
Sweet looking bike!! Id change a couple things starting with the couch 😂 love that tank too cool. Would love to find a oldie like that.
This is hands down my favourite channel! Having a blast working through the library. I’d call the trailer Apollo (Creed)
Probably the best advertisement for ATC!
I have two of the 75th anniversary Sportster, one has all original 16,000 mls 2nd one is completely motor an transmission rebuilt, didn't take any patena off.
Terry the trailer getting pulled by Klaus 😂😂
I cant get enough of seeing this sportster. My first harley was a 75th anniversary sportster I had traded a 96 firebird for, so it holds a special place in my heart. Unfortunately life happens as well as divorce, and i had to let my first harley go. Thank you for buying this ol girl, and putting it where it belongs, on the road. Thank you for sharing it with us. Keep up the great work.
You got some hybrid, toy hauler, mini travel trailer. I can only imagine what that thing costs! Worth it, if you got it and need it. Really sweet.
I’m a Harley guy so I really liked the bits about the Sportster. My dad has his dad’s ‘77 XLT with the original saddle bags. Just wish that there was more content surrounding the bike itself like its history, explaining why things were the way they were. I mean, there was some of that in this video and the last one but just seemed to hit the high points. Then the remaining video was about the trailer. I’m Also willing to bet a small amount of money that the battery in the key fob was dead on the Sportster S.
In the late 70s Harley had lots of labor/management problems when they were under AMF ( American Machine and Foundry ) They were what we called “Bowling Ball Harleys”
Very good looking bike! Thanks for sharing.
The new trailer is out of this world. Good to see a high quality manufacturer that really cares about the thing they are making. I'm sure that you will get many years of great service out of it.
Great video Sean.. love seeing that old Sporty in action..
what a great video, just chock full of interesting stuff, one cool thing after another. loved it!
Love your videos Sean. That trailer looked great!
The 1978 Harley is awesome. What a piece of history. The new trailer is so cool!!! Always love the Bible verses. Good job, and I love the videos.
Wow double front disc brake.
Awesome
😂
Love the new trailer Sean! Call it “F.L.A.G” the mobile garage from Knight Rider 😉
AMF a bowling ball manufacture. I owned a 1970 XLCH with a drum front brake had to plan your stops and also make sure it was in neutral before stopping a a light.
Trailer name - Black Betty
If I was ATC, I would have taken the Bikes & Beards logo and added custom-fabricated touches throughout the trailer; less chance that trailer is going anywhere plus it becomes a show piece in all the videos. Still a beautiful trailer and well-made!
I love the iron heads. Had a 63 xlch and a 71
"This is kind of normal Harley-Davidson stuff: If you're not wrenching on the side of the road your Harley-Davidson, I don't know if it's really a Harley Davidson."
I remember having to wait on the side of the road on my Honda while my friend tinkered with his Harley so it would stay running. After a few times like this I dreaded when he wanted to go riding with me.
I had the 1975 AMF electraglide , bought brand new in Winnipeg Manitoba, loved it!!
That trailer tho🔥🤙🏽