Riding Harleys for 30 years and finally ended up with my dreambike, a 2019 RKS. But all this time I kept my first shovelhead, a 81 fxs. Will never give this one up! :-)
Pull the plugs put some light oil in the jugs if it has been sitting. Pull the motor through with it in forth gear using the rear wheel if it has no kicker. Do that with the pugs out and change the oil. Then put in the plugs and try to start it. Otherwise you could brake a ring if the piston is rusted in the jug. I would pull that carburetor off too before starting it. Just some advise from an old Harley dude who learned this the hard way. I have a fully restored 1972 FLH police Special I love it I have had it over 30 years and i would jump over my twin cams for a Shovelhead I can work on without a bank of computers like it is the star ship Enterprise.
You don't start up and old Harley,you WAKE them up! I remember the time back in the day riding my shovels that my attitude was " never going to own or ride an Evo", I've got 5 in the garage and won't step up to the twin cam! I'm 68,can't teach an old dog new tricks😉 Maranatha, Greetings from Tampa Florida 😎
Hell im only 40 and I have the same though process. Ive had bikes my entire life. Nearly all of them have been older than me. Alot of them I pulled out of the weeds.
New sub here. I’m a definite fan of just cleaning it up. It’s a survivor!! Don’t molest a survivor. Find a junker that needs resurrection, then do whatever with it. I have matching black 1983 Kawasaki Kz LTDs. One is the 750cc, and the other is the 550cc. All original.
@@TheBadasbert YOU SAID IT! I personally ride an old Buddy seat... With the sheepskin cover on it. All the younger Cats make fun of it... The say it's "too high", "too fat", "up on the tank", etc... UNTIL they ride it. Yeah... It's 'up high', but your knees end up lower than your hips, so its like sitting on a kitchen chair- REALLY comfortable. Yeah, it's BIG... but you've got room to slide around on it 'n stretch. AND, it's "too far up the tank"... Yep, but ride it, then ride a scoot with a 'modern' seat on it. They're so far back on the rear wheel, once you get a passenger on the bike, THEY can steer it better than you can. On a Buddy or Solo that's "up on the tank", your weight is WELL AHEAD of the rear wheel and the bike handles like a rollerskate... They were meant for two-up, but of course people were smaller back then... But for my big ass, NOTHING'S more comfortable!
That really did start up nice. Good idle and no smoke right off the bat. Cool looking shovel. Clean up the carb, change the oil / filter and take it for a ride. I'd check the oil take for sludge also and clean it out with kerosene per the factory manual. Also make sure all your oil lines are in good shape. I'd they're looking raggedy change em out. Keep an eye on your oil pressure for the first few rides to make sure your pump is good. About the only thing I'd change is the seat. I prefer the low profile, one piece seats myself but that's just me.
My first HD was a 1974 built from scratch. The only thing I would change on this bike would be the carb. Put an S&S B model on it and leave the rest alone. Damn nice bike
The look on you face the first time it spun over and sputtered a bit....priceless! I really like most of the changes you make to the project bikes you work on but I’ll have to agree with the majority of the comments....all original on this one is the way to go. Keep ‘em comin!
Glad you got her running twink, the oil leak from the breather will stop once it gets some miles, this is normal for shovels as with that one I have owned many but me letting it sit for 5 years did not help. no 21 " wheel please.
Can't beat the old shovels, not as reliable as today's bikes , but if you're a tinkering kind of biker you'll love it. Hope you keep it stock. I've had 2 shovels in the past , wish I had them now. Good luck to you.
after YEARS of bugging my uncle he FINALLY sold me his 71 FLH Electra Glide. It had sat for ten years in his garage. Its important to note we live in Phx Az. So that bike was in 110 degree heat. Hotter in the garage. I brought it home,put it on my lift. took the carb apart . Cleaned it up. Cleaned out the gas tank. Replaced fuel line and oil lines . Put a new battery in. Fired her up. She right away sumped oil all over the ground. To be expected. Then she started leaking oil from the primary . Leaked more from the O ring between the inner and outer primary. Shut her down. did the job of replacing that O ring . Fun times NOT! Replaced her primary chain since all that was apart. Added a nice final drive chain tensioner because these bikes are known for that chain tearing up the cases. replaced the tires. Fired her up again. Ran nice. Now it had sat for ten long years. She broke down at least month for about 6 months .LOL . Electrical issues. Charging issues. More oil leaks [rocker box gaskets] I kept at it and she is a nice running bike now. Daily rider capable in fact.
Who the hell would dislike this video? Keep the 16" wheel and keep the solo seat!! Actually, give her a nice polish and just leave it how it sits. I wouldn't change a thing.
Man, that’s my one of my ultimate wants right there. I have an 01 FLHTCUI but whenever I picture an Electra Glide, it’s that vintage. My other ultimate want is an old flathead. I’d make that bike mechanically sound and clean it up and just enjoy it. It’s beautiful the way she sits.
I reckon you should ship that bike over to me just the way it is. I’m 68 years old and rode Pans and Shovels. This would be a perfect last motorcycle for me. I would be very grateful. Thank you for considering.
My Harley is a 83 FXWG. Had since new. My first Harley was a 80 Sportster, had no problems with it. Shovelheads need just a little tlc. Thanks for the video!
Leave it as is ! That the best way. Now when they ask if that's Street Glide, you tell them, " No, it's a Electria Glide" a 1976 shovelhead! 1200cc 74cu in And say it like you mean it. I've had mine, FLHX for 34 years, BOUGHT HER WITH 1 MILE AND WAS 2 years old. Love her and she'll love ya back. She's my "Pride and Joy" sec! You got a good ride there Brother! Just need a kicker. Let's start it'll eat up some starter Bendix and relays. Welcome to shovelhead world. May not keep up with the new bike's but you'll get there and love the ride getting there. Stay cool and Ride On! -- Shovelhead Mike --
Thats a pretty bike. It definitely has the right look. For the metal finishes looking as good as they do for how long its been sitting, he must have taken pretty good care of it when he was riding.
Leave it like it is. Add a shield maybe to the fairing, cheap on e-bay. I'd wash it up and ride it - everything seems to be in good condition otherwise. I agree with the comments below, once you have the carb situated and it gets ridden the oil issues should subside to a degree as long as you keep an eye, will start easier too once its been ridden. Some new rubber with the pin stripe white-walls would be very cool on this bike....fan of white walls admittedly, ride an 08 RKC w/wide whites:-)
Awesome video guys she's alive sounds good I think you could take that fairing off. Maybe put on a decent set of LED head & highway lights give her a good washing.
My first HD was a 1974 Police bike I had the pogo seat on it. I would do anything to that bike but give it a good bath and wax job and riding it. It has the perfect seat on it. You were already talking about putting a nothing seat on it. That bike is ready to ride not butcher.
A friend of mine owns a 1980 Harley Davidson Wide Glide. He and I have been on several short trips, less than 100 miles. I drive a 1994 HD Heritage Softail Classic. His has the Shovelhead Engine and mine the EVO engine. Every time we have gone out for trips, his bike always breaks down, starts leaking gas, leaking motor oil. It is ridiculous! I finally had to tell him either get a reliable bike or no more rides with me. He never did sell that bike, which he bought brand new. I learned from riding with him, no Shovelhead engine for me!
That look like fun taking it down off the lift. What was that sound when yall rolled it up the trailer? Looking forward to this build. Also so freaking awesome that she ran. Great job
Lose the bags and the fairing keep the solo change the bars and put a springer front end on it. Like a old school bobber. And that pan 😍 its beautiful. Oh and if by chance you decide to change the floor boards out I'd be very interested in them
will be very difficult to handle with a 21 on it. the first snakes [ tar strips ] in the road and it will pull you in an undesired direction . . . constantly. turning will be strenuous . . . . or so i have heard. excellent bike find , be sure to use F-11 after you wash it.
Why when i watch stuff like this ppl talk about shovels like its taboo lol. One of the best engines Harley ever made as far as im concerned. Stay on top of them and ya ride for ever. I have a 84 FLH cust, love it and would never get rid of it for an evo lol.
i had a 75 fxe i rode that bike verywhere it was a shovelhead and it was a reliable for me i took care of it though repaint it leave it as close to stock as possible its a classic
Clean 'er up and keep it as original as possible. Keep the fairing and put a shorter windshield on it. They're probably as rare as hen's teeth, but a date correct front fender would look sharp on it.
My suggestion mate is easy ...send it down under to Australia for me...That bike needs a lotta loving and i got the right heart to give it...By the way keep it stock mate...
Only thing I would is get an S&S B model carb. Problem solved. Chevy six cylinder points and condenser. and leave the rest along. What a find. Don't mess up this machine trying to make it look modern.
All it needs is the float needle cleaned. I have an easy very effective way I clean those float needles when those harley leak gasoline from the bowl over flow. Take your line loose at the pet cock valve and spray gumout carb cleaner in that hose and then tighten it back on the valve and let set for 10 minutes. Its best to run the engine before you do this with tank valve closed so that your fuel bowl runs dry, that way when you spray gumout in that hose it fills that fuel bowl. Then when the 10 minutes is over crank it and run it. Next thing once you get it going is use a volt meter and make sure that stator and regulator is putting out at least 13 volts and 14.50 at high idle. Next make sure that damn primary has oil in it
Sure is a big battery box........don't know much about these bikes.......12 volt system? After watching the whole video, I guess 12V. Awesome you got it running so quick! Keep it stock as much as possible, Good job!
I had a ‘76 Liberty edition Superglide that I restored. The oil was leaking THROUGH the cases. There was a flaw in the casting in one of the front engine mount holes. Wanna talk about a leak that was tough to pin point! I had to completely disassemble the motor to get that one fixed. My ‘90 Evo was a much nicer bike but I sure prefer the looks of the shovel and earlier bikes as far as the motor itself goes.
Keep it stock bro. It's a true classic.
Riding Harleys for 30 years and finally ended up with my dreambike, a 2019 RKS. But all this time I kept my first shovelhead, a 81 fxs. Will never give this one up! :-)
Pull the plugs put some light oil in the jugs if it has been sitting. Pull the motor through with it in forth gear using the rear wheel if it has no kicker. Do that with the pugs out and change the oil. Then put in the plugs and try to start it. Otherwise you could brake a ring if the piston is rusted in the jug. I would pull that carburetor off too before starting it. Just some advise from an old Harley dude who learned this the hard way. I have a fully restored 1972 FLH police Special I love it I have had it over 30 years and i would jump over my twin cams for a Shovelhead I can work on without a bank of computers like it is the star ship Enterprise.
Runs pretty damn good for sitting that long! It looks perfect like it is I’d wash it and ride it...
You don't start up and old Harley,you WAKE them up! I remember the time back in the day riding my shovels that my attitude was " never going to own or ride an Evo", I've got 5 in the garage and won't step up to the twin cam! I'm 68,can't teach an old dog new tricks😉 Maranatha, Greetings from Tampa Florida 😎
Hell im only 40 and I have the same though process. Ive had bikes my entire life. Nearly all of them have been older than me. Alot of them I pulled out of the weeds.
New sub here. I’m a definite fan of just cleaning it up. It’s a survivor!! Don’t molest a survivor. Find a junker that needs resurrection, then do whatever with it. I have matching black 1983 Kawasaki Kz LTDs. One is the 750cc, and the other is the 550cc. All original.
The "Old School Look" IS THE SOLO SEAT on the Pogo Stick.
30 days on a pogo seat. And you will never want another, Low-profile seat!
@@TheBadasbert YOU SAID IT!
I personally ride an old Buddy seat... With the sheepskin cover on it.
All the younger Cats make fun of it... The say it's "too high", "too fat", "up on the tank", etc... UNTIL they ride it.
Yeah... It's 'up high', but your knees end up lower than your hips, so its like sitting on a kitchen chair- REALLY comfortable.
Yeah, it's BIG... but you've got room to slide around on it 'n stretch.
AND, it's "too far up the tank"... Yep, but ride it, then ride a scoot with a 'modern' seat on it. They're so far back on the rear wheel, once you get a passenger on the bike, THEY can steer it better than you can.
On a Buddy or Solo that's "up on the tank", your weight is WELL AHEAD of the rear wheel and the bike handles like a rollerskate...
They were meant for two-up, but of course people were smaller back then... But for my big ass, NOTHING'S more comfortable!
This guy is about to fuck up this bike. Does not know what he has.
Leave it like it is. Nice bike
Definitely keep it original, you would be so much happier.
This guy is about to fuck up this bike. Does not know what he has.
Jerry Hubbard Agreed.
@@jerryhubbard4461 it's a '76 cone shovel that isn't super OG to begin. It's nothing too special to not do whatever he wants with it.
JUST WASH IT AND LEAVE IT ALONE!!!
This guy is about to fuck up this bike. Does not know what he has.
Jerry Hubbard Agreed.
That really did start up nice. Good idle and no smoke right off the bat. Cool looking shovel. Clean up the carb, change the oil / filter and take it for a ride. I'd check the oil take for sludge also and clean it out with kerosene per the factory manual. Also make sure all your oil lines are in good shape. I'd they're looking raggedy change em out. Keep an eye on your oil pressure for the first few rides to make sure your pump is good. About the only thing I'd change is the seat. I prefer the low profile, one piece seats myself but that's just me.
I love that shovel, just fix it and ride it.
Great bike as it sits, shine it up and ride it as is.
The paint looks perfect on it
nice i like the fairing. i love 1970s and 1980s harley davidsons.
Restore it instead of dressing it up, this being an old timer, let it shine as if it just left the showroom
Gotta love the Twin Pipe Symphony. Nice score!
I'd keep that iron horse stock. It is a work of art as is!
My first HD was a 1974 built from scratch. The only thing I would change on this bike would be the carb. Put an S&S B model on it and leave the rest alone. Damn nice bike
FLH Shovelhead love them! Still have mine 78
That is a true Harley sound!
The look on you face the first time it spun over and sputtered a bit....priceless! I really like most of the changes you make to the project bikes you work on but I’ll have to agree with the majority of the comments....all original on this one is the way to go. Keep ‘em comin!
Nice one that you got it started. Please keep it period correct. A restoration is the way to go. Cheers from Cape Town, South Africa
Thank you!
Glad you got her running twink, the oil leak from the breather will stop once it gets some miles, this is normal for shovels as with that one I have owned many but me letting it sit for 5 years did not help. no 21 " wheel please.
Can't beat the old shovels, not as reliable as today's bikes , but if you're a tinkering kind of biker you'll love it.
Hope you keep it stock.
I've had 2 shovels in the past , wish I had them now.
Good luck to you.
absolutely great content! We here at VikingBags really appreciate your work. Keep it up!
Lucky chap. Leave it be and love it. I wish it was mine. I love daft old bikes.
Please do not put a 21" front wheel on this bike... KEEP THE 16" WHEEL!!!! Please please please!!!!!
@@jd46800 So does the guy selling it , look at his jaw drop at 2:44 .
I agree, just say NO to a 21" on her !
Clean it, service it and run it as is. Nothing cooler than old school
Soooo true!!..😊
Love the old shovels.
after YEARS of bugging my uncle he FINALLY sold me his 71 FLH Electra Glide. It had sat for ten years in his garage. Its important to note we live in Phx Az. So that bike was in 110 degree heat. Hotter in the garage. I brought it home,put it on my lift. took the carb apart . Cleaned it up. Cleaned out the gas tank. Replaced fuel line and oil lines . Put a new battery in. Fired her up. She right away sumped oil all over the ground. To be expected. Then she started leaking oil from the primary . Leaked more from the O ring between the inner and outer primary. Shut her down. did the job of replacing that O ring . Fun times NOT! Replaced her primary chain since all that was apart. Added a nice final drive chain tensioner because these bikes are known for that chain tearing up the cases. replaced the tires. Fired her up again. Ran nice. Now it had sat for ten long years. She broke down at least month for about 6 months .LOL . Electrical issues. Charging issues. More oil leaks [rocker box gaskets] I kept at it and she is a nice running bike now. Daily rider capable in fact.
Who the hell would dislike this video? Keep the 16" wheel and keep the solo seat!! Actually, give her a nice polish and just leave it how it sits. I wouldn't change a thing.
Thank you!
Man, that’s my one of my ultimate wants right there. I have an 01 FLHTCUI but whenever I picture an Electra Glide, it’s that vintage.
My other ultimate want is an old flathead.
I’d make that bike mechanically sound and clean it up and just enjoy it. It’s beautiful the way she sits.
I reckon you should ship that bike over to me just the way it is. I’m 68 years old and rode Pans and Shovels. This would be a perfect last motorcycle for me. I would be very grateful. Thank you for considering.
That's one sweet ride. Another great video 👍👍🇨🇱
My Harley is a 83 FXWG. Had since new. My first Harley was a 80 Sportster, had no problems with it. Shovelheads need just a little tlc. Thanks for the video!
Back in the day, we would reroute the crankcase vent hose right above the drive chain.
Leave it as is ! That the best way. Now when they ask if that's Street Glide, you tell them, " No, it's a Electria Glide"
a 1976 shovelhead!
1200cc 74cu in
And say it like you mean it.
I've had mine, FLHX for 34 years, BOUGHT HER WITH 1 MILE AND WAS 2 years old. Love her and she'll love ya back.
She's my
"Pride and Joy" sec!
You got a good ride there Brother!
Just need a kicker. Let's start it'll eat up some starter Bendix and relays.
Welcome to shovelhead world. May not keep up with the new bike's but you'll get there and love the ride getting there. Stay cool and Ride On!
-- Shovelhead Mike --
Nice, don’t mess it up leave it stock 👍
It idles great. Good thing you got that electric start!
Tatro machine , Keenan Tatro is a wizard with the older harleys....especially flathead, pans ,and shovels.....also does evo and twin cam
I love this stuff! Keep it original.
Thats a pretty bike. It definitely has the right look. For the metal finishes looking as good as they do for how long its been sitting, he must have taken pretty good care of it when he was riding.
Thank you! He def takes care of his stuff.
Congrats dude - cool bike and a cool lady - my suggestion is ride it , kind of a rare piece there
Leave it like it is. Add a shield maybe to the fairing, cheap on e-bay. I'd wash it up and ride it - everything seems to be in good condition otherwise. I agree with the comments below, once you have the carb situated and it gets ridden the oil issues should subside to a degree as long as you keep an eye, will start easier too once its been ridden. Some new rubber with the pin stripe white-walls would be very cool on this bike....fan of white walls admittedly, ride an 08 RKC w/wide whites:-)
Thats a nice shovel I have an 83 lowrider ....have fun with it
Thank you
Awesome video guys she's alive sounds good I think you could take that fairing off. Maybe put on a decent set of LED head & highway lights give her a good washing.
Its a great looking bike, great find bro, I think the old seat looks pretty damn good.
That Shovel is beautiful, yes it's dirty but it's all there.
Looks and sounds about right for Harley owner. Wait 20mins for his bike to start.
Mine is a 76 also ...🇺🇸🗽
Channel name says it all .... subscribed
Ride it as is. Very cool and pure as it is. I'm not a fan of 21. Vintage awesome. Old school cool!
In regard to the battery cover, the stock FL battery cover had a wedge-shaped piece that bolted to the bottom that had the same effect.
My first HD was a 1974 Police bike I had the pogo seat on it. I would do anything to that bike but give it a good bath and wax job and riding it. It has the perfect seat on it. You were already talking about putting a nothing seat on it. That bike is ready to ride not butcher.
New seals and a overhaul would be my first
A friend of mine owns a 1980 Harley Davidson Wide Glide. He and I have been on several short trips, less than 100 miles. I drive a 1994 HD Heritage Softail Classic. His has the Shovelhead Engine and mine the EVO engine. Every time we have gone out for trips, his bike always breaks down, starts leaking gas, leaking motor oil. It is ridiculous! I finally had to tell him either get a reliable bike or no more rides with me. He never did sell that bike, which he bought brand new. I learned from riding with him, no Shovelhead engine for me!
That look like fun taking it down off the lift. What was that sound when yall rolled it up the trailer? Looking forward to this build. Also so freaking awesome that she ran. Great job
Like what you do with all the other bikes but ya gotta keep it all original.
Your right keep it original!!
Put a fxr battery box on it and you can put the smaller battery, also a spyke starter spins it over nice. Every Shovelhead needs one. Nice find buddy
Sounds tight, which i think is good
1965 was the first year for electric start harley
Lose the bags and the fairing keep the solo change the bars and put a springer front end on it. Like a old school bobber. And that pan 😍 its beautiful. Oh and if by chance you decide to change the floor boards out I'd be very interested in them
That one just fell out of the sky and into your lap are we gonna start bidding now lol EBay
🤣
Love your channel man!
Thank you!
will be very difficult to handle with a 21 on it. the first snakes [ tar strips ] in the road and it will pull you in an undesired
direction . . . constantly.
turning will be strenuous . . . . or so i have heard.
excellent bike find , be sure to use F-11 after you wash it.
Sounds like it was running fine when you run it up on the trailer
Why when i watch stuff like this ppl talk about shovels like its taboo lol. One of the best engines Harley ever made as far as im concerned. Stay on top of them and ya ride for ever. I have a 84 FLH cust, love it and would never get rid of it for an evo lol.
nice bike ride as is before doing anything you just mite like it the way it is love all 3 of my shovels just like my twincams and evos for long rides
Sounds great man!!
Thank you!
Is sure like to see a better view of that batwing. Looks different but cool
Definitely original!
i had a 75 fxe i rode that bike verywhere it was a shovelhead and it was a reliable for me i took care of it though repaint it leave it as close to stock as possible its a classic
Changes to the seating for 2 is all.
Sweet find
That's what the pad on the luggage rack is for your ol lady.
Clean 'er up and keep it as original as possible. Keep the fairing and put a shorter windshield on it. They're probably as rare as hen's teeth, but a date correct front fender would look sharp on it.
Love bike revivals
Everyone saying leave it stock, you should definitely chop it up skinny front tire big sissy bar the works
My suggestion mate is easy ...send it down under to Australia for me...That bike needs a lotta loving and i got the right heart to give it...By the way keep it stock mate...
Only thing I would is get an S&S B model carb. Problem solved. Chevy six cylinder points and condenser. and leave the rest along. What a find. Don't mess up this machine trying to make it look modern.
That angle top saddle bag is awesome on the 65. It looks like the rear of the frame is a 76
clean main jet while apart
Bags off fairing off the beach bars you have on tiny solo seat wash it ride it. 😃👍
All it needs is the float needle cleaned. I have an easy very effective way I clean those float needles when those harley leak gasoline from the bowl over flow. Take your line loose at the pet cock valve and spray gumout carb cleaner in that hose and then tighten it back on the valve and let set for 10 minutes. Its best to run the engine before you do this with tank valve closed so that your fuel bowl runs dry, that way when you spray gumout in that hose it fills that fuel bowl. Then when the 10 minutes is over crank it and run it. Next thing once you get it going is use a volt meter and make sure that stator and regulator is putting out at least 13 volts and 14.50 at high idle. Next make sure that damn primary has oil in it
The primary on that bike doesn't have an independent fluid level, engine oil circulates through the primary.
Love my shovel....I would just clean it up and enjoy it as is....
The OG 65' Pan did have an electric start the first year hench the name 'Electric' glide.
Troublehead.
Rode one for 20 years, when I sold it I told the guy who bought it "If that thing could talk I'd have to shoot it".
Wash it, maybe add a kickstart, and leave it just like it is. I still miss my 79 FLH.
Great video too btw.
This guy is about to fuck up this bike. Does not know what he has.
Awesome!!!!
Sure is a big battery box........don't know much about these bikes.......12 volt system? After watching the whole video, I guess 12V. Awesome you got it running so quick! Keep it stock as much as possible, Good job!
No kick start. Took the bigger battery. This one has an extended cover which makes it look even bigger
Awesome bike
Thank you!
I had a ‘76 Liberty edition Superglide that I restored. The oil was leaking THROUGH the cases. There was a flaw in the casting in one of the front engine mount holes. Wanna talk about a leak that was tough to pin point! I had to completely disassemble the motor to get that one fixed. My ‘90 Evo was a much nicer bike but I sure prefer the looks of the shovel and earlier bikes as far as the motor itself goes.
Man Just Run It Bike Looks killer! Shovels Rule!!!
I'd keep it the way it is.. Just fix the little issues it has. ✌
Keep it original for sure
Those old shovels are tough. As long as they have gas and fire they will run.
check out pacific mike channel he is the master of the shovel head
I dig Shovels!
That's awesome your lady is interested in bikes too, wish mine was, my wife calls my bike the other woman smh....😐🤔😦
Lol not the wife! Just friends. We’re both married! We do enjoy bikes though!
Shovel have best sound of all harley's
Nice one
Thank you!