Troublehead!!! Ran one for 20 years, after 100,000 miles the engine cases were shot, so I got rid of it and got an 05 Electra Glide, we'll see how long this one lasts.
@@dukecraig2402 My "troublehead" is on it's third top end rebuild with well over 250,000 miles on it. The bottom end has never been apart. I'm the third owner and have had it for almost 30 years. It has NEVER left me stranded.
@@thatsmrharley2u2 Mine never stranded me either and I had it on some hellish road trips along with many wild weekends, I told the guy I sold it to "If that thing could talk I'd have to shoot it". It had 100,000 miles on it with all the original bottom end bearings except for the connecting rod bearings that I replaced when I rebuilt the motor one time and balanced it, I put a new rod set in it because I wasn't going to do all that work and then risk having them go out which is the one's that always give. What goes bad on the engine cases on the older one's is the steel insert in the left engine case where the sprocket shaft bearing races press in, the steel insert is impregnated in the aluminum case and over time they'll work lose in the aluminum, in mid 79 (I'm pretty sure that was the cut off) they changed the insert, on the older engines when it happened you could have them machined out and have an oversized one pressed in but you could only do it once, from mid 79 and up they changed the cases and inserts and once it happens there's no fixing it and mine was an 81. The way to test them is when you have the engine tore down take the left side engine case and heat it up to 350° F, then take a brass hammer and just tap the lip of the insert 2 or 3 times, where the steel and aluminum meet on the machined surface if you see a black line around the edge of the insert that's oil that's gotten in between the insert and the aluminum from it working lose, I ran an open 3" primary belt on mine and on a cold day before the engine heated up enough to tighten it up some it was so loose it sounded like a bearing knock whenever I'd clutch away from a stop. Just recently I had a guy with an 87 Evo that thought his compensating sprocket had gone bad and brought it to my shop to fix because it was clunking when he'd pull away from a stop, after tearing it down and finding a perfectly fine compensating sprocket I had to call him up and give him the bad news that he needed engine cases, bummer. What causes that is flywheels running out of true, it was far more common on the Shovels and older bikes with the original cast iron flywheels because they get out of true easier but even an Evo or S&S forged flywheels you gotta watch because all it takes is for someone to screw up and attempt to pull out, especially on a hill, accidentally in 2nd gear and stall it hard and the right side flywheel shifts, then it's just a matter of time and that insert gets worked loose in the aluminum from the flywheels running out of true.
I bought a 1981 FLHTS new bronze with black bags. I still have her 81000 miles still going strong all original and still beautiful according to people I meet.
I've got a 1978 1/2 FLH 80 C.I. 75th anniversary, but I bought it in 1988 full dresser and I was only 28 at the time and wasn't old enough for what we called then"Garbage trucks" and after 45 minutes I started removing the fairing and tour pack and glass bags and sold the parts to the local Harley shop for $120😬 wished I had kept the parts but I rode a lot of miles on that thing,it sits in my shop waiting to be woke up! Maranatha, Greetings from Tampa Florida 😎
I have that model year and color. That spring loaded buddy seat is the most comfortable seat I ever had riding solo,.Put someone on the back and you ARE sitting on the gas tank.
Those things are nightmares to put a rear tire on, when I had my bike shop and someone would call and ask the price to mount a rear tire my first question was always "Is it an FLHTC with enclosed chain?", because I learned my lesson after the first one, triple the labor charge.
That's back when you could afford to buy one in your youth. They were around $1,800 new off the showroom floor in 69 and average salary back then was around $5,200 a year. I think gas was around $0.32 a gallon.
I have the 1981 flh80 has 409 actual miles on it,i inherited it,i wouldn't sell it for gold,i got hurt and can't even ride it,i just put a fan on it and listen to it idle,i've changed the oil 4 times with 409 miles on it,nobody makes a v twin to match it,if you want a real bike,go back to the past,its necessary for quality
Ive owned 3 AMF Harleys. 2 -1973 XLCH sportys and a 1977 Low Rider! That lowrider was one of the best and most dependable bikes ive ever owned! Ive also owned a 69 XLCH,a 1988 FXSTC Softail Custom and the bike I miss the most,my 1936 EL Knucklehead chopper( ex sold it from under me when I was in prison!) The AMFs ive owned were never a problem. But,just like any scoot,especily older ones,ya gotta keep up the maintanance. As for AMF,if not for them bailing them out,Harley would have gone under like Indian did.
I've got a stock 72 flh.I had to take the buddy seat off because I'm 5ft.9 and its hard to maneuver. Plus you feel like your over the handle bars. I put a mustang 2up seat on it and its perfect. Mine is Sparkling Blue. Love it!!
@@jacklinden780 The seat is a buddy seat with a dual spring set up and grab rail.Its huge! And yes the passenger has foot pegs. I have a 72 flh. It's pretty much the same. Mine (1972) was the first year for the front disc brake on the flh model.
flew thru a swarm of bumble bees in 1975 must of been million of them,helmet was jam packed with dead bees,the guy riding behind me says wthell was that,i said our death if I hadn't speeded up,motorcycling is a different kind of life,that's why I chose it,those low flying lifting off buzzards in texas were fun too,had to buy a new windshield in el paso,oh yeah don't forget the swarm of thousands of tarantulas in the desert in Arizona in 1967,it was a 104 and they were on the move,ride careful guys that shits out there,glad it was daylight
@MegaStick93 Funny, as I say the same thing about the Z1. Hella fast in the straights, but didn't handle in the corners worth a damn. I have some fond memories of "The Bee", as my friends called it, because of the sound of the Kerker 4 into 1 I put on it.
Ya man they didn't give u much room back then. I have a 1978 kz1000 and the Ltd seat is cramped. My balls got crushed up on the tank. And my lady is little. I they a Corbin seat and sissy bar on it. Freed up some room.
The earlier "big" HDs were about a foot shorter in length than "modern big" HDs.... My 57 looks like a little toy when parked next to a newer bike.... And I think the Hydra is huge to begin with.
I have a 1981 FLH Shovel , currently having the top end being rebuilt,and maybe more if needed. If you like these bikes go to Dragon Worx on utube. He has about five videos on the bike.
There are very few vehicles you can buy today that look like the original design. Harley-Davidson Electra Glide so iconic.
I have a 1979 Electra glide classic, I bought it in 1989, have had it for 31 years!
I've got a 1979 FXEF Super glide 80" that I bought in 1986, 34 years ago! Greetings from one Bates to another!
the shovelhead Harley is the last of the durable designs,mine leaks very little,sounds marvelous 1981 flh80 real bike
Troublehead!!! Ran one for 20 years, after 100,000 miles the engine cases were shot, so I got rid of it and got an 05 Electra Glide, we'll see how long this one lasts.
@@dukecraig2402 My "troublehead" is on it's third top end rebuild with well over 250,000 miles on it. The bottom end has never been apart. I'm the third owner and have had it for almost 30 years. It has NEVER left me stranded.
@@thatsmrharley2u2
Mine never stranded me either and I had it on some hellish road trips along with many wild weekends, I told the guy I sold it to "If that thing could talk I'd have to shoot it".
It had 100,000 miles on it with all the original bottom end bearings except for the connecting rod bearings that I replaced when I rebuilt the motor one time and balanced it, I put a new rod set in it because I wasn't going to do all that work and then risk having them go out which is the one's that always give.
What goes bad on the engine cases on the older one's is the steel insert in the left engine case where the sprocket shaft bearing races press in, the steel insert is impregnated in the aluminum case and over time they'll work lose in the aluminum, in mid 79 (I'm pretty sure that was the cut off) they changed the insert, on the older engines when it happened you could have them machined out and have an oversized one pressed in but you could only do it once, from mid 79 and up they changed the cases and inserts and once it happens there's no fixing it and mine was an 81.
The way to test them is when you have the engine tore down take the left side engine case and heat it up to 350° F, then take a brass hammer and just tap the lip of the insert 2 or 3 times, where the steel and aluminum meet on the machined surface if you see a black line around the edge of the insert that's oil that's gotten in between the insert and the aluminum from it working lose, I ran an open 3" primary belt on mine and on a cold day before the engine heated up enough to tighten it up some it was so loose it sounded like a bearing knock whenever I'd clutch away from a stop.
Just recently I had a guy with an 87 Evo that thought his compensating sprocket had gone bad and brought it to my shop to fix because it was clunking when he'd pull away from a stop, after tearing it down and finding a perfectly fine compensating sprocket I had to call him up and give him the bad news that he needed engine cases, bummer.
What causes that is flywheels running out of true, it was far more common on the Shovels and older bikes with the original cast iron flywheels because they get out of true easier but even an Evo or S&S forged flywheels you gotta watch because all it takes is for someone to screw up and attempt to pull out, especially on a hill, accidentally in 2nd gear and stall it hard and the right side flywheel shifts, then it's just a matter of time and that insert gets worked loose in the aluminum from the flywheels running out of true.
Thank you for posting this! I’ve owned. ‘76 FLH 1200 since ‘90. No bell bottoms though!
I have a 1972 Flh I have had over 30 years. It runs better than either of these twin cams I have.
So do I High Fi Green and white
I like the tinted color look of these old films. Reminds me of my acid days
Back when people were admired for riding a Harley instead of told how slow they are and everybody gave their right nut for a harley.
Micro Dot, Purple Barrel, Pink Jesus, Paper Acid, Window Paine. Did anyone bring the Apple Wine?
I bought a 1981 FLHTS new bronze with black bags. I still have her 81000 miles still going strong all original and still beautiful according to people I meet.
Mine is a 75 dresser , its not my daily runner but when i do ride her she still turns heads !
Shvelhead till im dead !
🇺🇸
One seat and still two up. Harley baby.
Had a 1981 electra glide. Loved it.
I've got a 1978 1/2 FLH 80 C.I. 75th anniversary, but I bought it in 1988 full dresser and I was only 28 at the time and wasn't old enough for what we called then"Garbage trucks" and after 45 minutes I started removing the fairing and tour pack and glass bags and sold the parts to the local Harley shop for $120😬 wished I had kept the parts but I rode a lot of miles on that thing,it sits in my shop waiting to be woke up! Maranatha, Greetings from Tampa Florida 😎
Didn't make many 75th anniversary models ,getting quite rare I believe
Fist bike I ever owned . Bought it new in 1976. I was 19 years old. Same color.
You are rich
Same for me. Bought my fist FLH in 1976 with 19 years old! I have now a FLH from 1973 with 3'000 original miles on the clock.
I have that model year and color. That spring loaded buddy seat is the most comfortable seat I ever had riding solo,.Put someone on the back and you ARE sitting on the gas tank.
wha year? 70 what?
Nuts and Boltz Garage 76- red, white and blue saddlebag emblems were one year fit
Yeah, when he moved forward to make room for her, I was like, "ummm, is that going to work?"
Based on the tank graphics, this is a 1976 model.
I seriously thought that seat with 2 up was a joke!
Can't say I've ever seen such a contraption.
A simpler time for sure, love that color scheme...LOL
Sounds like Ronald Regan doing the talking! 🙂
Yeah this is when things were a lot cheaper this is 1970 I was only 3 years old! You can see it in the vehicles and the music.
If anyone didn’t know. The word “Electra” Was because they added a electric starter instead of a kickstart only to the motorcycle
and the Glide was the shock absorbers
dewey dodo hydra for the front, and duo for the back👍
Matty laidlaw bought me here
Muy bueno videos esa epocas eran muy lindas
Proud owner of an 84 flhtc, evo with enclosed chain. Ruby red metallic original paint. Still purrs :)
Those things are nightmares to put a rear tire on, when I had my bike shop and someone would call and ask the price to mount a rear tire my first question was always "Is it an FLHTC with enclosed chain?", because I learned my lesson after the first one, triple the labor charge.
Lords of Flatbush bike.
that kinda looked like my wife and i on my brand new blue 1980/80 electra glide 40 years ago. we loved that bike.
I think this was recomended to me because of the Carmen Electra story in the Last Dance documentary on espn
Amazing how much my 2021 FLHT resembles that 55 years later.
AMF, The bowling ball days. I still like the bike by the way.
Very different ergonomics than today. I could ride that bike all day.
we loved that spring loaded comfort flex seat, you would sit up high and tall in the saddle.
Very nice, thank you for the video. It is a beautiful day I think I will take my 77 for a spin
Groovy.
That's back when you could afford to buy one in your youth. They were around $1,800 new off the showroom floor in 69 and average salary back then was around $5,200 a year. I think gas was around $0.32 a gallon.
wunderschön, vielen Dank, ich fahre eine FLH 80/80 Classic. Gruß aus D von Karl
My dad had one just like it.
Cool clip! thanks for posting
Sweet.
Thanks for this video , Cool ,
Cool add.👍
Thank You 🏍️
It's a classical bike! And today has nice view!👍 I ride on EG 103. It's best of!
Have one just like it.even same color
The AMF years which are actually from 1969 through 1981.
I have the 1981 flh80 has 409 actual miles on it,i inherited it,i wouldn't sell it for gold,i got hurt and can't even ride it,i just put a fan on it and listen to it idle,i've changed the oil 4 times with 409 miles on it,nobody makes a v twin to match it,if you want a real bike,go back to the past,its necessary for quality
Ive owned 3 AMF Harleys. 2 -1973 XLCH sportys and a 1977 Low Rider! That lowrider was one of the best and most dependable bikes ive ever owned! Ive also owned a 69 XLCH,a 1988 FXSTC Softail Custom and the bike I miss the most,my 1936 EL Knucklehead chopper( ex sold it from under me when I was in prison!) The AMFs ive owned were never a problem. But,just like any scoot,especily older ones,ya gotta keep up the maintanance. As for AMF,if not for them bailing them out,Harley would have gone under like Indian did.
Thumbs up Liked !
I like how the passenger has her feet dangling with no pegs or floorboards for support. Also, the back tire appears to be a bit low on air pressure.
2:00 This guy must have been 6’8 tall. The bike looks pretty small with him on it.
That seat is not a dual seat either... The passenger doesn't even have pegs to drop her feet on !
@@jacklinden780 That is a two-up "buddy- seat " and the bikes were equipped with passenger pegs
I've got a stock 72 flh.I had to take the buddy seat off because I'm 5ft.9 and its hard to maneuver. Plus you feel like your over the handle bars.
I put a mustang 2up seat on it and its perfect. Mine is Sparkling Blue. Love it!!
@@jacklinden780 The seat is a buddy seat with a dual spring set up and grab rail.Its huge! And yes the passenger has foot pegs. I have a 72 flh. It's pretty much the same. Mine (1972) was the first year for the front disc brake on the flh model.
Cool that he isn’t all decked out in black.
You ate the bugs sitting on that high seat .
dewey dodo .
I got a higher wind screen
flew thru a swarm of bumble bees in 1975 must of been million of them,helmet was jam packed with dead bees,the guy riding behind me says wthell was that,i said our death if I hadn't speeded up,motorcycling is a different kind of life,that's why I chose it,those low flying lifting off buzzards in texas were fun too,had to buy a new windshield in el paso,oh yeah don't forget the swarm of thousands of tarantulas in the desert in Arizona in 1967,it was a 104 and they were on the move,ride careful guys that shits out there,glad it was daylight
strattuner thousands of tarantulas?
Nice one
Seat height looks to be in R1200GS Adventure territory.
That’s cool
The 1200 engine was that style all the way up to 1978 Low Rider. Now the Sportster is the 1200 engine.
@MegaStick93 Z1 900 was born in 73...long before the KZ
@MegaStick93 Funny, as I say the same thing about the Z1. Hella fast in the straights, but didn't handle in the corners worth a damn. I have some fond memories of "The Bee", as my friends called it, because of the sound of the Kerker 4 into 1 I put on it.
So cool still ha e my 71 its music shovel music
Awesome!!
Love it
Looked real small, when the women got on it he was basically sitting on the gas tank.
Ya man they didn't give u much room back then. I have a 1978 kz1000 and the Ltd seat is cramped. My balls got crushed up on the tank. And my lady is little. I they a Corbin seat and sissy bar on it. Freed up some room.
The earlier "big" HDs were about a foot shorter in length than "modern big" HDs.... My 57 looks like a little toy when parked next to a newer bike.... And I think the Hydra is huge to begin with.
💪🔥👍
The best touring bike known in the world. Only buyable in the USA. Rest of the world, 1000% aditional taxes.
Not true!
I have a 1981 FLH Shovel , currently having the top end being rebuilt,and maybe more if needed.
If you like these bikes go to Dragon Worx on utube. He has about five videos on the bike.
Era la época AMF ?
❤️❤️❤️😍
2024 now
...and the bonus is the occasional sockewt dropped into the crank by a disgruntled AMF worker....nice bikes though, now that they are all rebuilt
and drill shavings in the primary
Those brakes scare me just looking at them.
That absurd buddy seat...
got a 91
Quiet ?
It's funny how much HD underestimated the Honda CB750. Well I mean AMF
They were a great machine,but too bad that they had to take the British bikes with it.
Sounds like George Carlin commentating
The narrator sounds like George Carlin..
Make sure you park it in the grass of the front yard to avoid driveway oil spots :)
Myth
Guacala !!
That looks like a horrible 2 up seat. Lol
They were JUNK when owned by AMF, You were lucky if you got 5k out of it before having any problems.
I love them.Many are still on the road and only going up in value.
You don't know what you're talking about.
Probably just repeating what you heard some other dumbass say.
These are the ones that earned the bad reputation. I wish people would wake up and realize Harleys don't have a Shovelhead engine anymore !
no just tin cans with a bad reputation for crap engineering
F11 is a joke, look at the cost!
I will stay with my Goldwings.
You do that.
AMF years, 👎
Mean while . . . Japanese bikes .
American made junk.... BMW rules the road
Hahahahaa...Beemers USED to be reliable. Not any more.
BS