An '81 FXWG, just like this one, was the last Harley I owned. Unfortunately I lost control on a curve in NV and my biker days were over, just like that. Not many know about that valve guide issue in the late 70's on the big twins. I found out almost immediately and fixed the problem on my first Harley, a '79 FXE.
I still have my 81 FXWG that I bought new in June of 82! Still all stock other than some odds and ends, it’s mint! still only has 25 thousand easy miles! Love my old Shovel !! Shovelhead till I’m dead!!!
Wow, what a gorgeous bike. I love that red. I was born in 81 and I just got my first shovel this year. One of the models I was looking for was the 81 or 82 fx model, but I ended up getting a '70 FL.
I bought a 81 fxwg back in the day $5500.00 out the door, gifted to my grandson in 2020, this were beautifully bikes & it still is!!! Ps told Marcus dont mess with It's a nice ,just the way it is!!!! To
I was shocked when you said you hadn't fired it up and then when you did she turned right over.I love the 81's,I like the styling and especially the way the handlebars are made and set,it was always more comfortable for me (I have a bad back).You mentioned that front rim I remember seeing bikes with those dinged up rims and some so bad they broke the seal. lol ! But yeah that one is a beauty !
Quit knocking the shovelheads! If you buy one and have problems, it tells me 2 things. It hasn't been taken care of and you didn't check it out good enough. Shovelheads Forever1
My 1983 FXWG that I still own and ride was originally Candy Apple Red. My 1980 Sportster had electronic ignition . The FXWG had the V fire Two ignition. After the module went out, I converted it to points that I still run. Been 32 years with points, no problems.
I had the same year bike, same color- my first Harley. This has a silver base coat under the candy apple red. There was another candy red with a gold base coat, but that didn't look as bright. More of a burnt candy.
That bike with an 1983 FLH Sport rear fender, with the little chrome trim with the yellow light on lower fender tip would look killer IMO. Would look killer old school.. Never saw anyone do it though....
HuntingHarleys I've been riding since junior high, hodaka, hondas, have been after a Harley for close to 25 years and finally got mine last summer. 1997 Springer with 3800 mi. Never say never indeed. :-D
@midlantic We have daily ride shovels here in Jakarta which we're tropical, heat could reach 36 - 40 degrees Celcius, as long the stock tunings perfect? flat, knuck, pan, shov and evo runs perfect here. No heat. But dont ask about injected twinkies eventhou they populate majorities. Nice videos Todd, appreciate it.
Memories...had me an '80 wide glide rode that baby for over 2 years. The dude I sold it to rode it for over 12 years. I wish I'd never sold it ... But my point: the amf years don't scare me, unless ive had exceptional good luck with my shovels ...??? That's all I've ever own besides an 82 sporty
My uncle had the same year and color. Indont remember exactly what all was done to it but I remember eventually he added rattlesnake grips with the fucking tassels and rattlesnake skin on the dash. He had a padded sissy bar too with the gold Harley eagle/bar and shield
Todd, are the OEM tank decals clear-coat compatible? I want to paint my '85 WG with those decals to keep it close to original. Maybe they are just stuck on the tank with no coating over them
Did he say the valve seals needed to be replaced? Around 7:00 he starts talking about Harley started using valve seals in '81. At around 7:50 he says "those valve seals need to be changed" but I couldn't tell if he meant this bike or he meant a bike that was blowing more smoke. This one smoked just a bit on startup so I would guess the seals are fine - but it does sound like he says they need to be changed.
@@HuntingHarleys well i hope you find one some day, my friend has one and its the greatest thing ive ever seen id love to see a video of one. Love your work 👍
BEUTIFUL ! Tell me ,when you strip hydra glide forks isn't that what's under the tin parts and is there anything you have to change ? ( I own one but have never done it and am presuming the legs would not be the same ) ?
Do you happen to know the color code or color name of the red Harley used in 81? I just started researching for my 81 (same bike) and I find there's Red, Candy Red, Light Red - I think there's even more with "red" in the name. The paint is in great shape except the front fender is silver tipped so I'm hoping to match the color and paint over the tip. Thanks!
If you will click on this link and page down, you will see the original pipes www.flickr.com/photos/34150794@N04/sets/72157644469390296/ The muffler your thinking of was used as an option, IE they were available by special order
Hello, I own a 1981 Harley FXWG. I am looking for new mufflers. I currently have drag pipes and they are just too loud. Could you tell me what type of mufflers those are. Thanks.
I did not buy them. These are an after market exhaust of which many companies offer a similar type. Cycle Shack, Drag Specilties are two companies worth looking into
I love seeing a new riding video; its an awesome bike you got. Will this be the new daily driver? I also have another question! I have a 1989 883 XLH Sportster; it has aftermarket forward foot controls and I want to convert it back to the original mid-controls, rubber foot rests and everything. Would you happen to have those for sale? Let me know! I can email you about it if you would like.
HuntingHarleys thanks for the response man! I’m 27 and don’t know much about these older bikes! I have a 2018 lowrider and am lookin ya t picking one of these up for fun! Always wanted an old school harley
@@HuntingHarleys another reason why i spam all your videos with "evo was the best harley motor ever".... that and, i own a Buell so naturally i like those Evos!!
AMF used to stand for "adios mutha fucka" until this turd came along, good thing they changed the badges...my '66 is the first year shovel , with both kick and electric start...I don't see any real improvements after that all the way to the end of the shovelhead...and I'm 10yrs older than mine. She now resides in a '57 panhead straight leg frame that came factory without the sidecar lugs..kinda rare but slung low so you look like a duck backing into a parking spot!
An '81 FXWG, just like this one, was the last Harley I owned. Unfortunately I lost control on a curve in NV and my biker days were over, just like that. Not many know about that valve guide issue in the late 70's on the big twins. I found out almost immediately and fixed the problem on my first Harley, a '79 FXE.
I still have my 81 FXWG that I bought new in June of 82! Still all stock other than some odds and ends, it’s mint! still only has 25 thousand easy miles! Love my old Shovel !! Shovelhead till I’m dead!!!
Wow, what a gorgeous bike. I love that red. I was born in 81 and I just got my first shovel this year. One of the models I was looking for was the 81 or 82 fx model, but I ended up getting a '70 FL.
As 'factory customs'go this bike,and the Triumph T140 D, really got it right.
Awesome bike bro! I just bought a 2010 dyna wide glide! It got 14,000 miles on it .... i payed 4900 for it! Keep rocking bro and ride free!!🦅🎸🦅
Todd, you've made my day! This is THE bike at least for me.... Thanks for the vid.
I bought a 81 fxwg back in the day
$5500.00 out the door, gifted to my grandson in 2020, this were beautifully bikes & it still is!!!
Ps told Marcus dont mess with
It's a nice ,just the way it is!!!!
To
Willie G did very well for the company! It's a nice motorcycle.
I had an 82 FXWG with the same paint.
original Shovelheads are something special 😎💯👌
i like that machine its one of the most beautiful bikes ever made
are you sure?
I was shocked when you said you hadn't fired it up and then when you did she turned right over.I love the 81's,I like the styling and especially the way the handlebars are made and set,it was always more comfortable for me (I have a bad back).You mentioned that front rim I remember seeing bikes with those dinged up rims and some so bad they broke the seal. lol !
But yeah that one is a beauty !
a special place in my heart 1981 HD's. My 1st was a 1981 FXS Lowrider red and black, right off the dealer floor. Changed my life that bike did.
Quit knocking the shovelheads! If you buy one and have problems, it tells me 2 things. It hasn't been taken care of and you didn't check it out good enough. Shovelheads Forever1
My 1983 FXWG that I still own and ride was originally Candy Apple Red. My 1980 Sportster had electronic ignition . The FXWG had the V fire Two ignition. After the module went out, I converted it to points that I still run. Been 32 years with points, no problems.
+Art Warmanen I prefer points, myself
Love your videos, thanks for sharing your knowledge!
i mean wow, holy grail. thanks for sharing this fine sculpture
take it easy
I had the same year bike, same color- my first Harley. This has a silver base coat under the candy apple red. There was another candy red with a gold base coat, but that didn't look as bright. More of a burnt candy.
That bike with an 1983 FLH Sport rear fender, with the little chrome trim with the yellow light on lower fender tip would look killer IMO. Would look killer old school.. Never saw anyone do it though....
picking one up from a buddy of mine same color and year with 11,000 original miles
I will never have enough money for a Harley, But I have been riding sense I was 16. I love motorcycles. All of them.
never say never, say I will and work towards that day.
HuntingHarleys
I've been riding since junior high, hodaka, hondas, have been after a Harley for close to 25 years and finally got mine last summer. 1997 Springer with 3800 mi. Never say never indeed. :-D
1992 FXR low rider
@midlantic
We have daily ride shovels here in Jakarta which we're tropical, heat could reach 36 - 40 degrees Celcius, as long the stock tunings perfect? flat, knuck, pan, shov and evo runs perfect here. No heat. But dont ask about injected twinkies eventhou they populate majorities. Nice videos Todd, appreciate it.
love the video have the exact same year bike pretty stock but black. Wish my front wheel was as mount as that one. Good vid
greggmc2 the originals have no clear coat, but I've seen people clear coat them
Memories...had me an '80 wide glide rode that baby for over 2 years. The dude I sold it to rode it for over 12 years. I wish I'd never sold it ... But my point: the amf years don't scare me, unless ive had exceptional good luck with my shovels ...??? That's all I've ever own besides an 82 sporty
it's all about the mechanic, built right, a shovel is an awesome machine
@@HuntingHarleys yeah, I've heard there's a mechanic in Kansas that's getting 85000 miles on his shovel rebuilds
Love this bike!!! I have a 1980!
Thanks todd
That's Freekin Cool man!!!
Wow sick bike!
Thanks for your vids, im a big fan!
babd
My uncle had the same year and color. Indont remember exactly what all was done to it but I remember eventually he added rattlesnake grips with the fucking tassels and rattlesnake skin on the dash. He had a padded sissy bar too with the gold Harley eagle/bar and shield
Todd, are the OEM tank decals clear-coat compatible? I want to paint my '85 WG with those decals to keep it close to original. Maybe they are just stuck on the tank with no coating over them
Did he say the valve seals needed to be replaced? Around 7:00 he starts talking about Harley started using valve seals in '81. At around 7:50 he says "those valve seals need to be changed" but I couldn't tell if he meant this bike or he meant a bike that was blowing more smoke. This one smoked just a bit on startup so I would guess the seals are fine - but it does sound like he says they need to be changed.
Valve seals on a 30 year old machine never apart always need replacement
Oh of course - thank you.
The sheriff bike that's a Go
have you ever had a 1981 heritage edition? They are my favourite, awesome bike.
No, one of the few shovel editions I've never owned
@@HuntingHarleys well i hope you find one some day, my friend has one and its the greatest thing ive ever seen id love to see a video of one. Love your work 👍
BEUTIFUL !
Tell me ,when you strip hydra glide forks isn't that what's under the tin parts and is there anything you have to change ? ( I own one but have never done it and am presuming the legs would not be the same ) ?
+Tomcaatt similar but very different
woow very nice ..
Super nice!
Very nice!!
Now that's bad ass... Way better than that amf crap
Do you happen to know the color code or color name of the red Harley used in 81? I just started researching for my 81 (same bike) and I find there's Red, Candy Red, Light Red - I think there's even more with "red" in the name. The paint is in great shape except the front fender is silver tipped so I'm hoping to match the color and paint over the tip. Thanks!
I do not
@@HuntingHarleys Okay - thanks for the reply.
That's a beauty ,Did that come stock with the cigar type mufflers ? That was the last of the AMF ?
If you will click on this link and page down, you will see the original pipes www.flickr.com/photos/34150794@N04/sets/72157644469390296/
The muffler your thinking of was used as an option, IE they were available by special order
Hello, I own a 1981 Harley FXWG. I am looking for new mufflers. I currently have drag pipes and they are just too loud. Could you tell me what type of mufflers those are. Thanks.
I did not buy them. These are an after market exhaust of which many companies offer a similar type. Cycle Shack, Drag Specilties are two companies worth looking into
Todd was 81 the first year for the electronic ignition or they did something to improve the electronic ignition that year ?
It seems to me that 77 was the 1st year for electronic. I could be mis remembering.
That a lovely bike what wires /leads are they and what colour is that, im in the UK so intrested
+RICHARD HILL I did not install the plug wires. The paint is original red from 1981. Exactly what they called it, or the color code, I do not know
Please show the 1992 FXR low Rider
There are a couple 1992 FXR videos on the channel. Here is one th-cam.com/video/Tyjg-1NyxtI/w-d-xo.html
I love seeing a new riding video; its an awesome bike you got. Will this be the new daily driver?
I also have another question! I have a 1989 883 XLH Sportster; it has aftermarket forward foot controls and I want to convert it back to the original mid-controls, rubber foot rests and everything. Would you happen to have those for sale? Let me know!
I can email you about it if you would like.
Try Kurt at Sporty Specialties for the controls 714 402 7707. Working on the 38 Knuckle for a daily.
Hey there what are these bikes typically worth? I’m lookin at one basically identical to this
Around 7500 to 9500 absolutely mint
HuntingHarleys thanks for the response man! I’m 27 and don’t know much about these older bikes! I have a 2018 lowrider and am lookin ya t picking one of these up for fun! Always wanted an old school harley
Different world. Highway speed was 55MPH
blowin clouds of smoke, just like a harley should
When they sit rings need to reseat, 81 up had valve guide seals, these go bad
@@HuntingHarleys another reason why i spam all your videos with "evo was the best harley motor ever".... that and, i own a Buell so naturally i like those Evos!!
@@tylerfabish5578 You're awesome...JK
Sweet
The name AMF is scary in the Harley types.
Very nice I don't agree with chopping them either
where did you get your chorme done stunning bike
The paint and chrome were done at Harley Davidson when new
HuntingHarleys if you ever decide to sell it let me know
sold years ago
Love the vids! But good lord is that that dog annoying! Driving me crazy! But gr8 job!
+midlantic
Mint*
Is it summer yet?
must be in LA, mid 80's here
HuntingHarleys Teens and lower here in IA.
AMF used to stand for "adios mutha fucka" until this turd came along, good thing they changed the badges...my '66 is the first year shovel , with both kick and electric start...I don't see any real improvements after that all the way to the end of the shovelhead...and I'm 10yrs older than mine. She now resides in a '57 panhead straight leg frame that came factory without the sidecar lugs..kinda rare but slung low so you look like a duck backing into a parking spot!
HOW MUCH FOR THE BIKE
sold years ago
John Cleaver is
That paint job on the engine is awful
Factory paint