I’m 68 years old, born in 1952 and I’m Mr Average being 5’9” tall and 170 lbs. I can see Mike that with that big seat you can have a passenger and still practice social distancing, lol. Keep safe Mike because you and I given our not insubstantial age are in a high risk category and I, for one, want to visit Mike’s Garage for many more years to come.
Morning Mike. Well I told you that we were trying to play catch up on the videos. Me and the guys have been staying up till 2 or 3 in the morning. And they are useless the next day. So i went out and bought a 32 inch flat screen for the shop. And we don't make it to 10 am before someone will say Lets see what Mike's work in on. So welcome to Black Heart Cycle and thank you for sharing your Harley expertise with a bunch of old Triumph mechanics.RMM
After my dad took me off the tank and finally put me in front of the seat rail behind him on his early 1950s pan buddy seat, it was like riding on a cloud. That was and is to this day the most comfortable seat I have ever sat on.
A GREAT video. It's hard to imagine the people were a bit smaller back in the day. But they were. And most likely they were more in shape. That is why the solo saddle worked as a passenger seat as well. That is how it used to work. Lots of adjustability. And lots of fun. Thanks Pacific Mike for a great video.
An actual true "one size fits most" design, from the days of "adapt the bike to the rider", as opposed to the modern "it'll be a little uncomfortable, but you'll get used to it" school of design. As always Mike and Friends, class A top shelf vid!
Mike, I've been binge watching your videos and as I've said before, I enjoy them. I grew up around Harleys as my dad always had one. Three I can remember he had over the years were, a 1946 45, a 1947 74 and a 1958 74. I rode behind him quite a lot and loved it. My grand dad on mom's side raced with the side car and a man standing up on it. It was a flat deck with a handrail. Grand dad on my father's side rode Indians. I also have had Harleys for most of my adult life. I'm nearly 74 now and I have an 89 Heritage I bought new and a reconditioned 1968 shovelhead that was in Hot Bikes Magazine some years ago and I still have a copy around somewhere. I paid a good piece of money for it and then about $3000 more after I had it a couple of weeks. I unfortunately found it had been built primarily to show and not to ride and I'm one who enjoys riding. I'm nearly done with it. I'm in the process of putting a new clutch in it now and waiting for a bit warmer weather as my garage isn't heated. I'm nearly on the Ohio line in east central Indiana about 70 miles east of Indianapolis. Thanks again for the great informative videos.
Sounds great, all of it. It's obviously in your DNA. Love to see the 68. Amongst my future projects is a 67 FLH. My Knuckle was an old show bike from the sixties. When I finally got it, I started by turning it into a rider. Yes, I finished it off with fresh everything and started showing it, first place everywhere. But, as I was putting it together, I set it up to ride. Lots of changes, 12 volt, primary belt drive, complete new wiring, cam and so on and so on. Ain't it all grand?
Mike u da man for helping me. That solo saddle rocks I greased it real good like you showed everone and must say that is a cushy ride for the rigid mounted Shovelheadss. I bought the Colony busing kit and through bolt. I found a good deal on a V-Twin clone t bar. As a retired educator I must say you get an A+ in my class for your Shovelhead videos. Thank u Pacific Mike.
My hats off to you sir, I haven’t had much time to watch here lately but I’m glad to see you doing well and also for the video. It always makes me feel better when I see you working on a bike and sharing more knowledge. It gets me through when I’m patrolling the lines and can’t be with my own bikes. Good luck with the right passenger lol.
Thank you sir, just to clarify though. I’m a lineman and we “patrol the lines a lot here lately because we have been getting a lot of storms and they knock out power so we go fix it to keep the lights on lol.
Thanks for showing this. My dads old Panhead had a big white buddy seat, with a fringed skirt. And white bubble bags. I was way too young to pay attention on how they worked. Now I know. Thanks for an awesome video.
I remember watching my grandfather, a machinist by trade, hold the head of a bolt with his index finger and spin on the nut with his thumb and middle finger like you did on that first seat bolt, which I’m sure you did quite unconsciously. It is gratifying to watch someone work who has mastered his craft.
Wow, 2007 Big Bear Lake that was our first time riding in America. We stayed in a log built hotel the only one with upright logs, Knickerbocker Mansion a 1920 log mansion and carriage house in the San Bernardino National Forest about half a mile from Big Bear Lake. We went there for the Big Bear Choppers show, but I'll never forget our night in a biker bar called Chad's Place that served Newcastle Brown Ale, absolutely brilliant night.
Waiting for parts! I feel it! Being in Canada we are experiencing the delays of both post offices as well as Customs holding things for a month or more...can’t get anything done! Oh well, time to get caught up on Mikes videos! 😁
Lol good luck on your pursuit..... one of my last steps to getting my 70 FL on the rode is the pogo seat purchase.... Alas the companion I am looking for will have to ride her own scooter...... Good luck...
Finale ! I know what the hell those springs are for. when ever I spotted a bike with them it was a quick passby or there was no one there to ask. so thank you; anyway getting back to miss wonderful, my father(r.i.p.) had an old saying regarding any thing and every thing "THERE's An A__ __ for every seat" ride safe.
Nice Hyrda! You know, it might be easier doing that if you turned the bike upside down. ~OR~ You could just turn the camera upside down? Then we would think you`re upside down. ...& while you`re at it you could put on a snorkle & blow soap bubbles! So, we would think you were underwater & your garage is a pool or aquarium. That would be fun for us! Oops, gotta go take a pill now (LOL) Later ZOOOOOMS.........
and in my day we used to armour all the passenger section only, then find a pretty girl to take for ride and hit the brakes if you wanted to have them get closer and hold a little tighter...but I digress
@@pacificmike9501 Might tell them how the throttle works to help secure a passenger : ] Along with priming the engine and timing the distributor through the left hand grip, might demonstrate what that bicycle peddle is used for. That machine came with a button or two on the handle bars one for sound the other for safety, neither would turn over the engine. You have one beautiful machine there, brings back lots of memories. Kicked my first pan over and it started one kick, after turning on the key of course at age 12. Never quit. Today I picked up a few things and thought what the heck 55 years and I still can't hold on to a set of washers and a bolt. Using a long extendable magnet keeps me off the floor. Thanks for the ride
I feel your frustration with buddy seats, try a buddy flex seat which you probably know for shovels is a ball buster too,. my 49 pan when I had it, was way easier, but I was a lot younger too!
Gently starting to like old Harley's Mike. After working on my sons ironhead sportster project and watching your videos, these bikes are so practically built and mechanic friendly
You have to be a octopus to assemble Harley buddy seat yoke bracket clips .Harley came up with a better yoke spring assembly in 1965 ,they don't pull off the side of frame ,supports more weight
I used to go to several rallies each year, not to mention weekend runs and swap meets. Always alone and free to come and go as I pleased with no one nagging at me. But sometimes I'd see guys packing double or interacting with their ol' ladies around the camp, or just sitting together and I'd think......? I'd think....? Nah! That's crazy thoughts. I was much better off by myself. Hahahah!!
Or, you might find a lady who has her own solo seat. I assumed you were married or otherwise entangled. It's very difficult to find a competent SINGLE old school biker in NM who is gentle and kind as you seem. Come on over to Santa Fe, NM when the coast is clear, let's ride and lunch- my treat. I had no idea what an icon you were until I googled knuckleheads and saw yours on a magazine cover. Nobody will know who you are here. You can just chill. :)
Good luck on filling your buddy seat . You mentioned in one of your Shovelhead tutorials that you were sending engine parts out to be polished. I would love to see what that process is like and what it takes to make an old engine look it's best. Lastly, do you ever make it out to the east coast?
Hi Mike, you're putting on some GREAT STUFF. I could have uses some of your tips at the time I build my first Shovel. Now that I'm building my 2nd one I'm using your tips and advice to make it go easier. Thank you. Are coming up for our Holster non-Rally this year? There will be a lot of women there
I particularly like this post because you get an up-close look of the way you put everything together on this particular region of the bike. Anyway, I've been looking at frame covers for my '48 FLH, but the ones I've come a cross don't have the cutouts forward of the seat post that yours does. Is that something you modified?
Thanks for the video, I understood the concept of the "helper spring" but the sheer practicality of it never really sunk in until now. Harley did try to make an even more elaborate buddy seat, the Comfort-Flex parallelogram seat, did you ever try one of those? What did you think about it? I've never seen one in person. My read is it seems like Harley stopped building these and other more practical seats because more and more folks wanted the "too cool for school" chopper-style seats, and the bikes with the practical seats just sat on the showroom floor without selling. So they stopped, and the dealers like it because they make money selling aftermarket seats after the fact. Same thing happened to Sportsters in general - the ones without the slammed suspension didn't sell, so they stopped offering them.
Things used to be different. Most people prefer to sit down in the frame. It is fun. But, the factory "Buddy Seat" really is a comfortable, adjustable and quality item. The "Comfort Flex" seat was quite a contraption. It was comfortable, but it took some long legs to reach clear to the ground. My Shovelhead Road bike came with a "Comfort Flex" seat. It was huge. It was High above everything I had ever seen. The bike is a '77 FLH, I bought new on May 20th, 1978. I took that seat off that night.
Oops Mike I meant to say 52006-47B Deluxe Solo from HD. That seat rocks. I am installing it on a 1980 Flh Shovel. How much slop is there in the t bar where the bolt goes thru the 2 bushings. The bolt that came in the V Twin t bar kit seems small letting the t bar rock. In the video yours seems to rock like mine. Should I try a larger diameter bolt? Please explain when you get a chance and thanks again for all you share. Dave
Don't know if it's something you'd want to do, but I'd like to see you mount a camera on that Pan & take her out for a 20-30 min. cruise. Would sure like to see & hear that ol' girl rolling through the gears out on the open road. Like everybody else, I'm flat out enjoying your videos. My 2 cents worth...I like the longer videos. Short or long, either way I'm going to watch it to the end.
Hi Mike, Love your videos. I took apart my 79 shovelhead and the Numbers on the connecting rods show they are from a 1000 sportster. Does that sound right?
That is a trippy looking cover that covers your oil bag. Never really noticed one on old pans. What are those two caps for? Great looking bike. Ride safe brother.
Hey Mike I recently acquired a 52 panhead and the t-bar is missing the zerk fitting. The hole in the bar is larger than the zerk - is there an adapter that screws into the bar?
Rapid response sir! Just subscribed. At 59 I’ve bought my first HD a 46 knuckle. Had many different bikes for the last 40 years, but never contemplated an American one. There’s a lot of aftermarket parts on this bike , hence how I could afford it, but it’s basically a stock 46 ish 74”. My plan is to make it fit me as it’s currently got a very low seat and boardracer bars. So it’s going back to looking like a factory machine So videos like this one, and the seat post assembly are invaluable stuff. Many thanks.
Great Video! Hope you find a nice girly girl to take for a ride. And don't forget to have your bandanna with you!! (Old Harley Joke from back in the 70s)
hey Mike. i have a 47 chief that has a worn seat post bushing and was wondering about tips on how to get that thing out. its really worn and almost like part of the frame post now. pretty sure it is brass. thanks btm in md
I've chewed them up very carefully with a small chisel, then peeled them out. Pressing the new one in is usually with a wooden block and hammer. There probably are tools for this job, slide hammer, etc. You don't have to do this very often.
I'm doing a video. People are watching me. Of course I drop things. My hands don't work as well as they used to. Can't do anything about it. Would anger help? Nah
Hey, i Just bought my first shovel, a 1982 fx Superglide, it runs good and after some practise it starts up 2. Kick but when it gets to operaring temperature it is heavy like a SOB seems like its to much compression, it has ultima electronic ignition
If everything is in good shape, it gets down to compression ratio and the size of the combustion chambers, the ratio of your pistons and the valve timing dictated by your camshaft. Also, the timing set by your ignition system. It includes all of those items. Possibly, you are making too much heat.
Greetings Pacific Mike , I have something coming up that I’m not very sure of, you may not be either so I’m just talking about it. It’s my Tuned 103 inch flstc. It’s been a super engine , what I call Bullit proof tuned. I don’t care about mileage the engine has always been tight, I run it hard, but I can feel the engine loosening up seems like a fast rate. I’m thinking what am I going to do if I suddenly needed an overhaul? I don’t even know what’s wearing, I run Lucas synthetic. I’m kind of inclined to think that I won’t have time to react because the tuned engine compensates so well and won’t indicate the intake/exhaust wear that’s going on. I had a 2000 flstc carb that I was able to do some minor but still important, stuff bought a couple inexpensive tools etc. Have you ever looked into overhauling these tuned stock monsters, top to bottom? I doubt you’d have reason to anyway 😂. But what’s your thoughts on what’s in store for Harley/cal....thanks
Pacific Mike therein lies the major drawback I have, my dealer has gotten hurt by the inability to even touch a aftermarket modified bike even though they all are. Everything’s become unreasonable to deal with, my dealer. The regulations are lifting so maybe a resurgence for everything HD again. Like I said, Just Yaking about it with my fingers crossed.
Always need to have a back seat. Always. Because when god feels the time is right, he will have her pop into your life when you least expect it. One second you will be alone and the next second, she will be standing a foot from you face smiling and there are millions and millions of them that are looking,
@@pacificmike9501 The key is to leave it in gods hands and not worry about it but get out and make your self available. Your not going to expect it when it happens but you have to see it when it is happening. ...For instance: When a beautiful surfer chick follows you down the beach yelling at you for not wearing a leash, Then helps you put your surfboard in it bag while still yelling at you in italian, she is the one.
Anything is possible. I'm sure it could be accomplished. Look at the Police solo seats that were installed in the last ten-20 years. The mechanism underneath is an adjustable air shock. All you would need then would be to modify an early seat with "buddy springs."
@@pacificmike9501 for sure! Ive got a period correct police seat on it now. With the front mount reversed so the seat sits much further back. Which required some different rear mounting strategies - a necessity for my size. Im a bit peeved at the shop that did the work - pretty hack and slash - and Im in the process of redoing some of that work. But it gets me riding it for now. If I come across a decent buddy seat pan, I can make something work, Im sure.
Sounds like you've got it all figured out. I've done so much to fit people on their bikes over the years. Motorcycles are built to fit the "average" guy. We've never met him.
@@pacificmike9501 Boy howdy you said it! yesterday was a good day. On a parts run to a dealer 60 miles away, I also found a little shop on the way that has heaps of used parts - and a new to me police seat T-frame! That will let me remount the seat with a couple after market airbags. Im excited about that. I like a stiffer bike suspension but my butt likes a soft ride. Youve got me thinking about a stretched bobber or old school chop build...My bank account does not appreciate this... THank you, as always for the advice and chill informative videos
Hey Mike, off topic from the video but wondering if you could share any knowledge. I've got a 95 superglide Evo and it's got a lot of oil coming out of the top breathers into air filter where it cant be recirculated and burnt by carb/engine quick enough and pooling up in the air cleaner. Have you come across this problem before? I did some searching online and it seems as though it's a case of too much oil creating too much pressure (bike recently serviced and oil topped up to full when warm and bike upright). Would appreciate your knowledge, Thanks
Sounds like you've already got it figured out. When there's not enough room left in the oil tank, the motor can't breathe it's air into the tank from the crankcase and oil is forced out. Its like so many machines which suffer from "closed systems" today. Try draining a little oil out and see if the problem cleans up. You might go back to the shop that serviced your bike.
I've been watching your videos and really enjoy them. I have a question for you my 84 FLTC EVO drops voltage from 13v to 7.5 just turning on the ignition battery test good and so does the ignition switch both in & out of the bike. I repaired several electrical connections but no change. Any suggestions would be very appreciated. Thank you in advance, Austin
Have you checked the charging rate while it is running? Check to see that the regulator is grounded. Check to see that your inner primary case is grounded to the frame. Now, check all of your lights to see that their wires are not going to ground. When you turn on your ignition switch, your lights are now energized. Especially, check for shorts to your tailight wires under your rear fender.
@@pacificmike9501 lights come on if I move to the second position on switch. This is happening on the first position. Also I was riding home my volt meter went crazy engine popped then quit. At that time no power anywhere
Got it fixed went thru every wire & component everything was good, fixed some bad connections. Started over found the ground was cracked on the starter solenoid replaced with a new one all is good again.
Hey Mike, glad to see you still Catting around. After two wives I'll stick to the solo seat! LOL
I got divorced in 1974.
I’m 68 years old, born in 1952 and I’m Mr Average being 5’9” tall and 170 lbs. I can see Mike that with that big seat you can have a passenger and still practice social distancing, lol. Keep safe Mike because you and I given our not insubstantial age are in a high risk category and I, for one, want to visit Mike’s Garage for many more years to come.
Thank You. You and I are obviously still supposed to be here.
Morning Mike. Well I told you that we were trying to play catch up on the videos. Me and the guys have been staying up till 2 or 3 in the morning. And they are useless the next day. So i went out and bought a 32 inch flat screen for the shop. And we don't make it to 10 am before someone will say Lets see what Mike's work in on. So welcome to Black Heart Cycle and thank you for sharing your Harley expertise with a bunch of old Triumph mechanics.RMM
I am so flattered. It really feels good that you guys enjoy this sff.
I think Mike should publish a shop manuel. Put me down for a signed copy at any price.
👍🙂
Love the way you prefer the old school stuff versus modern stuff on most everything
Just habit. But, thanx.
After my dad took me off the tank and finally put me in front of the seat rail behind him on his early 1950s pan buddy seat, it was like riding on a cloud.
That was and is to this day the most comfortable seat I have ever sat on.
Yes, they were built to be comfortable.
My heads bobbing caus’ I’m tired and have to be up in 6.5 hrs, but I enjoy watching your videos.
Thank You.
A GREAT video. It's hard to imagine the people were a bit smaller back in the day. But they were. And most likely they were more in shape. That is why the solo saddle worked as a passenger seat as well. That is how it used to work. Lots of adjustability. And lots of fun. Thanks Pacific Mike for a great video.
Glad you enjoyed it
That seat setup is just too cool, have a blessed week my friend.
Thanks, you too!
Be careful Mike! Sonia might get a tad jealous if you find Miss Right! Thanks for another informative and enjoyable video. Regards, Mitch
Thank You.
An actual true "one size fits most" design, from the days of "adapt the bike to the rider", as opposed to the modern "it'll be a little uncomfortable, but you'll get used to it" school of design. As always Mike and Friends, class A top shelf vid!
Thank You. And that's a perfect way of explaining the two different "design approaches."
Mike, I've been binge watching your videos and as I've said before, I enjoy them. I grew up around Harleys as my dad always had one. Three I can remember he had over the years were, a 1946 45, a 1947 74 and a 1958 74. I rode behind him quite a lot and loved it. My grand dad on mom's side raced with the side car and a man standing up on it. It was a flat deck with a handrail. Grand dad on my father's side rode Indians. I also have had Harleys for most of my adult life. I'm nearly 74 now and I have an 89 Heritage I bought new and a reconditioned 1968 shovelhead that was in Hot Bikes Magazine some years ago and I still have a copy around somewhere. I paid a good piece of money for it and then about $3000 more after I had it a couple of weeks. I unfortunately found it had been built primarily to show and not to ride and I'm one who enjoys riding. I'm nearly done with it. I'm in the process of putting a new clutch in it now and waiting for a bit warmer weather as my garage isn't heated. I'm nearly on the Ohio line in east central Indiana about 70 miles east of Indianapolis.
Thanks again for the great informative videos.
Sounds great, all of it. It's obviously in your DNA. Love to see the 68. Amongst my future projects is a 67 FLH. My Knuckle was an old show bike from the sixties. When I finally got it, I started by turning it into a rider. Yes, I finished it off with fresh everything and started showing it, first place everywhere. But, as I was putting it together, I set it up to ride. Lots of changes, 12 volt, primary belt drive, complete new wiring, cam and so on and so on. Ain't it all grand?
Gorgeous bike . Cool hearing about that seat mike.
Thanks man!
Thank You.
Mike keep up the great work and enjoy your show and learning a lot thanks
Thank You.
Watching you put that front bolt and nut on was all the suspense a man can handle before he's had his coffee. Whew!
It's just stuff.
Also as a bachelor I can appreciate your Harley and bachelor lifestyle. I hope someday I can accumulate knowledge like you
You can do it!
The seat looks great Mike. I cant wait for the next video.
Thank You.
Mike u da man for helping me. That solo saddle rocks I greased it real good like you showed everone and must say that is a cushy ride for the rigid mounted Shovelheadss. I bought the Colony busing kit and through bolt. I found a good deal on a V-Twin clone t bar. As a retired educator I must say you get an A+ in my class for your Shovelhead videos. Thank u Pacific Mike.
Wow. That's great. Thank You.
You gotta love them seats Good to see you my friend regards Alan from across the pond aka the UK
Yes, they're fun. Good to hear from you, Alan.
Love the video thanks Mike! My dad took me for rides on his 48’ Pan with the buddy seat when I was a kid. Gorgeous 52’
Thank You.
This is exactly what I was looking for! The spring clip placement under the seat. Thank you!
Glad it helped!
My hats off to you sir, I haven’t had much time to watch here lately but I’m glad to see you doing well and also for the video. It always makes me feel better when I see you working on a bike and sharing more knowledge. It gets me through when I’m patrolling the lines and can’t be with my own bikes. Good luck with the right passenger lol.
Thank You. It sounds like it would be appropriate to thank you for your service. Thank You.
Thank you sir, just to clarify though. I’m a lineman and we “patrol the lines a lot here lately because we have been getting a lot of storms and they knock out power so we go fix it to keep the lights on lol.
Love hanging out in your garage, have a blessed week my friend.
Thanks for coming
Thanks for showing this. My dads old Panhead had a big white buddy seat, with a fringed skirt. And white bubble bags. I was way too young to pay attention on how they worked. Now I know. Thanks for an awesome video.
Thank You.
Good old fashioned quality 👍🏻
It's true.
Great video as always Mike! hopefully one day I'll ride my jockey shift shovel up those beautiful windy roads in California.
Please do!
Good luck to you in your travels and search!
Thank you!
9:05 “The bolt... is not here...” Mike, you did a better job finding that thing than I would have!
Nah, you can do anything.
“Buddy seat” takes me back.12 or 13 sitting behind my friends brothers panhead for a spin around the block.Caught the fever from that.
I know how that is.
Great video! Good luck on the road :)
Thanks! You too!
Thank you
You're welcome
I remember watching my grandfather, a machinist by trade, hold the head of a bolt with his index finger and spin on the nut with his thumb and middle finger like you did on that first seat bolt, which I’m sure you did quite unconsciously. It is gratifying to watch someone work who has mastered his craft.
Thank You. I'm still learning, it goes on forever.
Thanks, and good hunting.
Thank You.
Hello Mike. Nice buddyseat. It looks good on the -52. Have a nice day. Ride safe👍. "The Swede"
Thanks, you too!
I love watching your videos. You're like the Bob Ross of motorcycles
Wow, thanks
THANK YOU...for sharing. Mike, I am going to clear a space for a new toolbox and I hope it shows up one day. LOL Gary
I'm sure it will.
The guy I wish was my neighbour, enjoy your vids man!
Thank You.
Thanks Mike and Sarge
Who is Sarge?
Thanks Mike 💯
Thank You.
Thanks for that .
Thank You.
Wow, 2007 Big Bear Lake that was our first time riding in America. We stayed in a log built hotel the only one with upright logs, Knickerbocker Mansion a 1920 log mansion and carriage house in the San Bernardino National Forest about half a mile from Big Bear Lake. We went there for the Big Bear Choppers show, but I'll never forget our night in a biker bar called Chad's Place that served Newcastle Brown Ale, absolutely brilliant night.
You bet. I'm glad you had fun. Big Bear has been fun at least all of my life.
Whoa, that seat’s gonna be cozy for you an ya gal Mike. Bit of body heat sharing gonna be goin on there. Good Luck 👍
It's always been great in the winter.
Pacific Mike I’m seein the logic here. Thinking ahead. 👏👏👏
Excellent video. You tell it like it is, with no editing. I have a 1941 UL
Very cool! Thank You.
Nice option.thks for sharing!
Thanks for watching!
Got a couple OEM buddy seats for my old Ironheads. They are standouts from the king/queen seats and are handy.
Cool.
Great vid mike
Thank You.
Waiting for parts! I feel it! Being in Canada we are experiencing the delays of both post offices as well as Customs holding things for a month or more...can’t get anything done! Oh well, time to get caught up on Mikes videos! 😁
I love your attitude. And I'm glad you're enjoying our videos.
good luck with the search !
Thank You. Thank you very much.
Nice seat bro, happy hunting ,you've made room.
Ride hard ride safe be well
Thank You. And, backatcha.
Those are great looking seat parts under there and aftermarket you say. I’d say towards the better than factory end from the close ups views👍.
The spring clip and pin are made by "Colony."
Have fun and good luck
Here's hopin'
@@pacificmike9501 l just picked up my 1969 shovelhead motor after getting it rebuilt, I hope to get back on road soon
Today I got that solo seat, but I still need the pin to my 1971 FLH Electra Glide.
If it is the pin, I assume you mean the one that attaches the seat bracket to the seatpost. Colony makes it.
Lol good luck on your pursuit..... one of my last steps to getting my 70 FL on the rode is the pogo seat purchase.... Alas the companion I am looking for will have to ride her own scooter...... Good luck...
And, good luck to you.
I do the exact same thing with hardware great video man.
Thank You.
Finale ! I know what the hell those springs are for. when ever I spotted a bike with them it was a quick passby or there was no one there to ask. so thank you; anyway getting back to miss wonderful, my father(r.i.p.) had an old saying regarding any thing and every thing "THERE's An A__ __ for every seat" ride safe.
Great point! Thank You, and thank your Dad.
Always a cool Vid...
Thank You.
Mike, you should consider a sidecar for picking up that dream girl. No need to change to a buddy seat! LOL. Love the videos and this bike.
Sidecar is coming for the Shovelhead. Just need to fab brackets.
When are Pacific Mike T-shirts coming out?
We'd like to do it well. When we can, we will.
@@pacificmike9501 i'll buy one......
Count me in
Very good idea.
I’d buy one in a second!
hi mike i love your harley sing on your wall vary sweet
Thank You. Which one?
@@pacificmike9501 the one right be hind you it look like a neon light one
Good luck
Thank You. Grand idea.
Nice Hyrda!
You know, it might be easier doing that if you turned the bike upside down.
~OR~
You could just turn the camera upside down?
Then we would think you`re upside down.
...& while you`re at it you could put on a snorkle & blow soap bubbles!
So, we would think you were underwater & your garage is a pool or aquarium.
That would be fun for us!
Oops, gotta go take a pill now (LOL)
Later ZOOOOOMS.........
Come back! I was just about to turn the shop upside down! My pleasure is to entertain you.
👍🙂
and in my day we used to armour all the passenger section only, then find a pretty girl to take for ride and hit the brakes if you wanted to have them get closer and hold a little tighter...but I digress
We did lots of things we won't mention here.
@@pacificmike9501 we should...the video would get a million likes
@@pacificmike9501 Might tell them how the throttle works to help secure a passenger : ]
Along with priming the engine and timing the distributor through the left hand grip, might demonstrate what that bicycle peddle is used for.
That machine came with a button or two on the handle bars one for sound the other for safety, neither would turn over the engine.
You have one beautiful machine there, brings back lots of memories. Kicked my first pan over and it started one kick, after turning on the key of course at age 12.
Never quit.
Today I picked up a few things and thought what the heck 55 years and I still can't hold on to a set of washers and a bolt. Using a long extendable magnet keeps me off the floor.
Thanks for the ride
I feel your frustration with buddy seats, try a buddy flex seat which you probably know for shovels is a ball buster too,. my 49 pan when I had it, was way easier, but I was a lot younger too!
I think they're great. A time and place for everything.
Gently starting to like old Harley's Mike. After working on my sons ironhead sportster project and watching your videos, these bikes are so practically built and mechanic friendly
Cool. It is fun.
You have to be a octopus to assemble Harley buddy seat yoke bracket clips .Harley came up with a better yoke spring assembly in 1965 ,they don't pull off the side of frame ,supports more weight
Yes, they fold up underthe seat. When they fold down, they locate into brackets on the frame.
A lot cleaner ,I run this setup on my 64 duo glide .
looks easy when the pros do it.
It's no big deal.
Very cool video Mike....pardon my ignorance but I always wondered why the older harleys had those long extended seats on them....damn im dumb...lol.
Sometimes, iit's nice to have room to move around.
I used to go to several rallies each year, not to mention weekend runs and swap meets. Always alone and free to come and go as I pleased with no one nagging at me. But sometimes I'd see guys packing double or interacting with their ol' ladies around the camp, or just sitting together and I'd think......? I'd think....? Nah! That's crazy thoughts. I was much better off by myself. Hahahah!!
There are good and bad points to both. I've lived both. No regrets.
I hope than you will found a kind lady to try your buddy seat.
Thank You. All kidding aside, a kind lady to hang out with and have fun is the goal.
@@pacificmike9501 Yes, i agree with this.
I woud be happy to change my seat for a kind lady.
Or, you might find a lady who has her own solo seat. I assumed you were married or otherwise entangled. It's very difficult to find a competent SINGLE old school biker in NM who is gentle and kind as you seem.
Come on over to Santa Fe, NM when the coast is clear, let's ride and lunch- my treat.
I had no idea what an icon you were until I googled knuckleheads and saw yours on a magazine cover. Nobody will know who you are here. You can just chill. :)
Good luck on filling your buddy seat . You mentioned in one of your Shovelhead tutorials that you were sending engine parts out to be polished. I would love to see what that process is like and what it takes to make an old engine look it's best. Lastly, do you ever make it out to the east coast?
Not yet! I'm afraid as far as I've gotten East was the V-Twin Expo in Cincinatti.
Hi Mike, you're putting on some GREAT STUFF. I could have uses some of your tips at the time I build my first Shovel. Now that I'm building my 2nd one I'm using your tips and advice to make it go easier. Thank you. Are coming up for our Holster non-Rally this year? There will be a lot of women there
Sounds great. But, I think I need to stay home and keep an eye on things. It's getting a little bit strange.
I particularly like this post because you get an up-close look of the way you put everything together on this particular region of the bike. Anyway, I've been looking at frame covers for my '48 FLH, but the ones I've come a cross don't have the cutouts forward of the seat post that yours does. Is that something you modified?
Yes, me and my dremel got angry over the fact that it didn't fit well. Now it does.
Pacific Mike please practice "Catch and Release" if you find one!
Let's not plan too far ahead.
Oh, how we have all been there, surprised you didn't let a curse word or two fly when you lost that forward nut!
I dropped it, but I got it.
I work Parts at My Harley-Davidson dealer, Shipping and backorders are crazy behind
I guess if that's the worst of our problems, we're doin' okay. People do seem to understand.
Thanks for the video, I understood the concept of the "helper spring" but the sheer practicality of it never really sunk in until now.
Harley did try to make an even more elaborate buddy seat, the Comfort-Flex parallelogram seat, did you ever try one of those? What did you think about it? I've never seen one in person.
My read is it seems like Harley stopped building these and other more practical seats because more and more folks wanted the "too cool for school" chopper-style seats, and the bikes with the practical seats just sat on the showroom floor without selling. So they stopped, and the dealers like it because they make money selling aftermarket seats after the fact. Same thing happened to Sportsters in general - the ones without the slammed suspension didn't sell, so they stopped offering them.
Things used to be different. Most people prefer to sit down in the frame. It is fun. But, the factory "Buddy Seat" really is a comfortable, adjustable and quality item. The "Comfort Flex" seat was quite a contraption. It was comfortable, but it took some long legs to reach clear to the ground. My Shovelhead Road bike came with a "Comfort Flex" seat. It was huge. It was High above everything I had ever seen. The bike is a '77 FLH, I bought new on May 20th, 1978. I took that seat off that night.
Hello again Pacific Mike.
U will appreciate the fact that I was able to purchase a Genuine 52900-47A
Oops Mike I meant to say 52006-47B Deluxe Solo from HD.
That seat rocks. I am installing it on a 1980 Flh Shovel. How much slop is there in the t bar where the bolt goes thru the 2 bushings. The bolt that came in the V Twin t bar kit seems small letting the t bar rock. In the video yours seems to rock like mine. Should I try a larger diameter bolt? Please explain when you get a chance and thanks again for all you share. Dave
I'd have to measure it all. But, they are pretty sloppy.
That is cool.
Hope you find her Mike :-)
Thank You. I don't believe you really find one by looking for her. But, here's hoping she appears.
@@pacificmike9501 She's thinking the same.
On my Phil Howell Bike .. she sat on the fender ..
Those were the days.
Don't know if it's something you'd want to do, but I'd like to see you mount a camera on that Pan & take her out for a 20-30 min. cruise. Would sure like to see & hear that ol' girl rolling through the gears out on the open road. Like everybody else, I'm flat out enjoying your videos. My 2 cents worth...I like the longer videos. Short or long, either way I'm going to watch it to the end.
Thank You. We're planning some stuff. We'll get there.
Great video Mike , had everything except a cuss word . lol
Thank You. It's just not that bad. It's only difficult when someone is watching.
Don't do stuff quickly mike I want longer videos please
People want them quick, or they only go part way through, but thanx.
Hi Mike, Love your videos. I took apart my 79 shovelhead and the Numbers on the connecting rods show they are from a 1000 sportster. Does that sound right?
Check the part number in the parts book.
That is a trippy looking cover that covers your oil bag. Never really noticed one on old pans. What are those two caps for? Great looking bike. Ride safe brother.
That is an "accessory" cover from the day. The two knobs thread on to the battery studs and hold the cover in place. Thank You.
Now those knobs make sense ! Thanks for the tip
Hey Mike I recently acquired a 52 panhead and the t-bar is missing the zerk fitting. The hole in the bar is larger than the zerk - is there an adapter that screws into the bar?
That should be a 1/16" Pipe thread. Harley Davidson Zerks are this size. Don't know what yours is.
On the hunt for a Mrs Pacific Mike
On the hunt for a sweet woman.
You quite right , it’s an audible sound, an inaudible sound is either sub or supersonic but if you’re a bat or a whale.......
Fine! Now I'll have to analyze that instead of sleeping tonight.
Rapid response sir! Just subscribed. At 59 I’ve bought my first HD a 46 knuckle. Had many different bikes for the last 40 years, but never contemplated an American one. There’s a lot of aftermarket parts on this bike , hence how I could afford it, but it’s basically a stock 46 ish 74”. My plan is to make it fit me as it’s currently got a very low seat and boardracer bars. So it’s going back to looking like a factory machine So videos like this one, and the seat post assembly are invaluable stuff. Many thanks.
That's great! And, what a prize. It will drive you nuts. Then, the infatuation sets in. Have fun.
Question, when your riding solo do you have the buddy springs connected to the seat or are they in the lower position
I leave it in the lower position. The spring post is adjusted to me.
Everyone should do their own combination. The service manual does a nice job of explaining the seatpost.
Great Video! Hope you find a nice girly girl to take for a ride. And don't forget to have your bandanna with you!! (Old Harley Joke from back in the 70s)
Thank You. Your good wishes for me are greatly appreciated.
Build it.... and they will come... : )
I appreciate the vote of confidence.
hey Mike. i have a 47 chief that has a worn seat post bushing and was wondering about tips on how to get that thing out. its really worn and almost like part of the frame post now. pretty sure it is brass. thanks btm in md
I've chewed them up very carefully with a small chisel, then peeled them out. Pressing the new one in is usually with a wooden block and hammer. There probably are tools for this job, slide hammer, etc. You don't have to do this very often.
thank you kindly Mike. i hadnt considered that but maybe because a simple solution is usually the best. thanks again for the quick reply.
How do you keep so calm and keep from saying the F word when you drop the washer and when you are looking for the bolt?
I'm doing a video. People are watching me. Of course I drop things. My hands don't work as well as they used to. Can't do anything about it. Would anger help? Nah
PLEASE TELL US WHERE YOUR PARTS ARE COMING FROM... I HAVE A 48
Stuff comes from wherever you find it.
Hey, i Just bought my first shovel, a 1982 fx Superglide, it runs good and after some practise it starts up 2. Kick but when it gets to operaring temperature it is heavy like a SOB seems like its to much compression, it has ultima electronic ignition
I have looked all over for info but can't find good info
If everything is in good shape, it gets down to compression ratio and the size of the combustion chambers, the ratio of your pistons and the valve timing dictated by your camshaft. Also, the timing set by your ignition system. It includes all of those items. Possibly, you are making too much heat.
Thank you very much!
I hope I was able to help you.
Greetings Pacific Mike , I have something coming up that I’m not very sure of, you may not be either so I’m just talking about it. It’s my Tuned 103 inch flstc. It’s been a super engine , what I call Bullit proof tuned. I don’t care about mileage the engine has always been tight, I run it hard, but I can feel the engine loosening up seems like a fast rate. I’m thinking what am I going to do if I suddenly needed an overhaul? I don’t even know what’s wearing, I run Lucas synthetic. I’m kind of inclined to think that I won’t have time to react because the tuned engine compensates so well and won’t indicate the intake/exhaust wear that’s going on. I had a 2000 flstc carb that I was able to do some minor but still important, stuff bought a couple inexpensive tools etc. Have you ever looked into overhauling these tuned stock monsters, top to bottom? I doubt you’d have reason to anyway 😂. But what’s your thoughts on what’s in store for Harley/cal....thanks
I would talk to my dealer.
Pacific Mike therein lies the major drawback I have, my dealer has gotten hurt by the inability to even touch a aftermarket modified bike even though they all are. Everything’s become unreasonable to deal with, my dealer. The regulations are lifting so maybe a resurgence for everything HD again. Like I said, Just Yaking about it with my fingers crossed.
Every project I do I find myself fighting angles and bolt settings. Then I say no! This was meant to bolt screw and whatever together.
Exactly.
Be careful what you wish for. I picked mine up 48 years ago, and she's still here. Just lucky, I guess. :-( LOL
Well, sounds like you did something right. I am impressed.
Always need to have a back seat. Always. Because when god feels the time is right, he will have her pop into your life when you least expect it. One second you will be alone and the next second, she will be standing a foot from you face smiling and there are millions and millions of them that are looking,
Now that beautiful thought brightened my day. Thank You. It sure brings back memories.
@@pacificmike9501 The key is to leave it in gods hands and not worry about it but get out and make your self available. Your not going to expect it when it happens but you have to see it when it is happening. ...For instance: When a beautiful surfer chick follows you down the beach yelling at you for not wearing a leash, Then helps you put your surfboard in it bag while still yelling at you in italian, she is the one.
maaaan I want that buddy seat on my 2000 electra glide
Anything is possible. I'm sure it could be accomplished. Look at the Police solo seats that were installed in the last ten-20 years. The mechanism underneath is an adjustable air shock. All you would need then would be to modify an early seat with "buddy springs."
@@pacificmike9501 for sure! Ive got a period correct police seat on it now. With the front mount reversed so the seat sits much further back. Which required some different rear mounting strategies - a necessity for my size. Im a bit peeved at the shop that did the work - pretty hack and slash - and Im in the process of redoing some of that work. But it gets me riding it for now. If I come across a decent buddy seat pan, I can make something work, Im sure.
Sounds like you've got it all figured out. I've done so much to fit people on their bikes over the years. Motorcycles are built to fit the "average" guy. We've never met him.
@@pacificmike9501 Boy howdy you said it! yesterday was a good day. On a parts run to a dealer 60 miles away, I also found a little shop on the way that has heaps of used parts - and a new to me police seat T-frame! That will let me remount the seat with a couple after market airbags. Im excited about that. I like a stiffer bike suspension but my butt likes a soft ride. Youve got me thinking about a stretched bobber or old school chop build...My bank account does not appreciate this... THank you, as always for the advice and chill informative videos
Thank You. Sounds like you're having fun. That's the most important part.
Hey Mike, off topic from the video but wondering if you could share any knowledge. I've got a 95 superglide Evo and it's got a lot of oil coming out of the top breathers into air filter where it cant be recirculated and burnt by carb/engine quick enough and pooling up in the air cleaner. Have you come across this problem before? I did some searching online and it seems as though it's a case of too much oil creating too much pressure (bike recently serviced and oil topped up to full when warm and bike upright). Would appreciate your knowledge, Thanks
Sounds like you've already got it figured out. When there's not enough room left in the oil tank, the motor can't breathe it's air into the tank from the crankcase and oil is forced out. Its like so many machines which suffer from "closed systems" today. Try draining a little oil out and see if the problem cleans up. You might go back to the shop that serviced your bike.
Pacific Mike appreciate it Mike, cheers from Australia mate 😁👍
I've been watching your videos and really enjoy them. I have a question for you my 84 FLTC EVO drops voltage from 13v to 7.5 just turning on the ignition battery test good and so does the ignition switch both in & out of the bike. I repaired several electrical connections but no change. Any suggestions would be very appreciated. Thank you in advance, Austin
Have you checked the charging rate while it is running? Check to see that the regulator is grounded. Check to see that your inner primary case is grounded to the frame. Now, check all of your lights to see that their wires are not going to ground. When you turn on your ignition switch, your lights are now energized. Especially, check for shorts to your tailight wires under your rear fender.
@@pacificmike9501 if it would run I would but I turn on the key 12v. Turn it off then on 7.5v and that's all I did was on & off
@@pacificmike9501 lights come on if I move to the second position on switch. This is happening on the first position. Also I was riding home my volt meter went crazy engine popped then quit. At that time no power anywhere
It even does this with the regulator out of the circuit
Got it fixed went thru every wire & component everything was good, fixed some bad connections. Started over found the ground was cracked on the starter solenoid replaced with a new one all is good again.