However, Harley is still a stock optioned company. Less you think too badly of AMF, AMF saved Harley, they were going out and AMF bought a failing company and saved it.
Walking into a Harley Davidson (AMF) dealership in the 1970's was an experience unlike today. Then, it was not a boutique and the salespeople were hard core riders who could turn their own wrenches. Seeing the '77 Low Rider new on the floor was enough tho drive you mad with desire. 74 cubic inches, gun metal grey with the antique style red lettering on the tank. Something like 3400 of 'em were made in 1977. My boss bought a new one, which further drove me nuts. I didn't have the bread for one then. But, I have one today, which I am restoring, keeping the original paint. I know a lot of people hated AMF, but that's what I grew up with. Yeah, they had issues, but they were U.S.A. made, and you rode that or a Jap bike.
To make things "worse" AMF took production from a height of roughly 15000 machines in 1969 to roughly 100,000 units a year. Quality suffered dramatically in the process. Willie G Davidson, the grandson of Walter Davidson, one of the original founders, and a group of private investors bought the company back from corporate AMF in late 1981.
In late 1969, a corporate giant best known for Bowling alleys called AMF bought out their interest in the company completely. The American bike was very upset that their preferred motorcycle brand was now nothing more then a corporate bottom line.
The Lowrider is one of the coolest bikes ever built by H-D. I remember my father back in the day riding one of these that his friend just bought. It was the first Harley-Davidson I ever rode on. I loved it!! I was 10 years old then, now I'm 47. Where did the years go? Thanks for sharing Todd.
I just bought a 79 fxs 80 last week. It was made in the first month (roughly) of 79 when they were putting 10 digits on the engine that didn't match the VIN on the frame. I read it's a bit under 5,000 bikes that were made that way before they stopped bc of the appearance of theft n whatnot when you went to register it. I don't think that adds any value? But kinda cool to know
I purchased a 1979 low Rider new in 79 and the only thing in your video that was incorrect is the sissy bar was not an option it was on all of them and there was a little fake leather bag that hung on the back. Wish I still had that bike, that is why I found your video.
I have an FXS-80 exactly like this one that I bought new in 1979. I would never part with it, even though I have a newer Street Glide. Still get a thrill whenever I ride it.
However, Harley is still a stock optioned company. Less you think too badly of AMF, AMF saved Harley, they were going out and AMF bought a failing company and saved it.
Harley Davidson was owned by the descendants of the original 4 founders until late 1969. It was a privately held company.
Walking into a Harley Davidson (AMF) dealership in the 1970's was an experience unlike today. Then, it was not a boutique and the salespeople were hard core riders who could turn their own wrenches. Seeing the '77 Low Rider new on the floor was enough tho drive you mad with desire. 74 cubic inches, gun metal grey with the antique style red lettering on the tank. Something like 3400 of 'em were made in 1977. My boss bought a new one, which further drove me nuts. I didn't have the bread for one then. But, I have one today, which I am restoring, keeping the original paint. I know a lot of people hated AMF, but that's what I grew up with. Yeah, they had issues, but they were U.S.A. made, and you rode that or a Jap bike.
To make things "worse" AMF took production from a height of roughly 15000 machines in 1969 to roughly 100,000 units a year. Quality suffered dramatically in the process. Willie G Davidson, the grandson of Walter Davidson, one of the original founders, and a group of private investors bought the company back from corporate AMF in late 1981.
Wow what a perfect bike, beautiful ❤️❤️❤️👍🏼👊🏾👊🏾
In late 1969, a corporate giant best known for Bowling alleys called AMF bought out their interest in the company completely. The American bike was very upset that their preferred motorcycle brand was now nothing more then a corporate bottom line.
The Lowrider is one of the coolest bikes ever built by H-D. I remember my father back in the day riding one of these that his friend just bought. It was the first Harley-Davidson I ever rode on. I loved it!! I was 10 years old then, now I'm 47. Where did the years go? Thanks for sharing Todd.
AMF was pretty optimistic with that 150mph speedo. Anyway, great looking bike. As always, thanks Todd.
Those air filters are dirt ugly
Glad you enjoyed the video. I think many, maybe most, dealer's ordered them with the sissy bar and bag. I hope you enjoy the other videos
all 1979 FXS came with this sissy bar from the factory
it is really amazing this one has the original solenoid
Why does Harley Davidson struggle to make a motorcycle that cool and beautiful 40+ years later. Something definitely got lost in the translation.
People get old and retire. The 70s through 90s were the vision of one man, now retired
Say extremely clean one more time lol
this one is not. e-mail me at huntingharleys@gmail.com
I just bought a 79 fxs 80 last week. It was made in the first month (roughly) of 79 when they were putting 10 digits on the engine that didn't match the VIN on the frame. I read it's a bit under 5,000 bikes that were made that way before they stopped bc of the appearance of theft n whatnot when you went to register it. I don't think that adds any value? But kinda cool to know
Makes it interesting
That is one beautiful sled...just beautiful. I would love to have that one in my stable.
Let me know if you put her up for sale please. I have a new old stock primary cover for that bike!
Long gone
I purchased a 1979 low Rider new in 79 and the only thing in your video that was incorrect is the sissy bar was not an option it was on all of them and there was a little fake leather bag that hung on the back. Wish I still had that bike, that is why I found your video.
I have an FXS-80 exactly like this one that I bought new in 1979. I would never part with it, even though I have a newer Street Glide. Still get a thrill whenever I ride it.
I have a 79 silver with black. 10k on the clock even have original tail light with blue dot.
The blue dot in the tailight was an era customization, IE not factory.
Shit can the spam can air cleaner.
Hello HuntingHarleys,
Is the 1979 Harley FXS Lowrider still for sale? Or a similar bike.
Cheers
Christian
I wonder what is the difference between-amf harley and harley
i've already gone through 4 soleniods in 10 years with mine
got a 79 FXS & it has same sissy bar as this one
congratulations, their motorcycles are fantastic
I can remember many times getting my ass kicked by yamahas and kawasakis when I would be trying to clunk it into the next gear, they would be gone!