Mike, I really appreciate your videos and your laid-back style in the shop. Too many bike channels are long on swagger and short on info. Thanks for all the info
So nice to watch someone with such a depth of knowledge, talented delivery, and lack of a backwards baseball hat. I wish i had known you when I owned my knucklehead and panhead. I have a twin cam now which is a wonderful bike, but a bit lacking in soul...a few more years ought to ferment it enough to be "vintage" Best to you.
Mike, at the end of your videos, I'm always at a lost for words other than to say "Hot Damn". Oh the memories that you stir up. I appreciate you so much... See you out on the road!!
Mike , correction shovels first year was 1966 not 58 . I knew sooner or later I would catch you on something . Love your info , keep up your great work . Rick bruggner , Miami fla
Slip of the tongue. You know that. 58-65 was still Panheads. 58-64 had that beautiful swing arm frame with a step in it. I know these bikes personally. We grew up together. But, you got me. When the camera is on and people are watching, I'm liable to say anything wrong. All I meant to say was, "This is the same swingarm from 1958 to 1972 on all Harley Big Twins. Now, What was the first year model Harley installed electric starters? Gotcha! It was 1964 45 inch Flatheads. Panheads got them in 1965.
Mike, I enjoy all of the videos as I am a shovelhead wrench turner. What you are doing is important because the expertise in shovelheads is dying along with the shovelhead experts. Keep on preserving the knowledge. I would like you to do a video on the shovel bottom end rebuild. If so, please include the crankshaft disassembly and assembly. I do know it takes special tooling for this procedure. I want to compliment you as you are in fact very well spoken. You speak in terms easy to understand.
Last year my buddy picked up a roofing nail in the center of the drive belt on his Road King, I've never seen that one before. Replacing a chain is a whole lot easier than replacing a belt and stripping down half the left side to get to it....Good video Mike...Thanks
The only thing I don't like is the fact that my 76 Flh is not mint like your bikes. I'm on my 3rd build, a Shovelhead of course. Love your work Mike I had never considered replacing a chain like that very clever but I'm only a backyard mechanic. I very much appreciate your videos as it is very hard to find good mechanics that are capable of working on old bikes in my country, 🇦🇺 state of Queensland I know 7 and they are all older than me (52) only 3 actual workshops left and they are all very busy. HD dealerships will not touch old HD's. So your videos are essential for unqualified mechanics like me. I can do most things except strip the bottom end and gearbox, that is way beyond my capabilities. Thanks for the tuition my friend. Stay upright 👍
@@pacificmike9501 You certainly have been I have been watching your videos for a while now. Your are a legit motorcycle enthusiast, HD of course a Rolls Royce reclining chair on wheels..
Again cheers for your common sense no jazzed up content Reminds me of old Jack At Redfern motorcycles trying to show me many years ago how things work on my flathead 👌👌
Hello Mike and Mike the two Mr Mikes love the shows and love all your work you explain everything so good and simple for everyone to understand it Keep up the great work and Gods blessings for you two
I did the same. I own a 79 FXS 74" since 1980..Now its FLH. All parts from 69 however I still have my original parts..last year I crashed with a deer..so many FLH parts was broken..not easy to find oem parts anymore here in Sweden..so Im looking for aftermarket...a tips perhaps.Im useing O-ring chains👍 I realy like to se mikes teach tips he talking slow and show everything. So I even can learn more English also..now Im praticing to write also👍 Bo Karlsson Sweden
Thanks for another great video, for someone newer to final drive chains like myself, a video on how to determine when to change a chain would be very helpful. Thanks again for the great content. I always enjoy your knowledge.
There are two ways. One is the tight, loose, tight loose condition of the chain is irritating you. The next one is folding the chain parallel to itself and holding it doubled parallel to the ground. If it droops a bunch, it's very worn. Replace it.
As always, great video Mike. Also, your video on Shovelhead oil lines was a life saver as I am currently putting my Shovelhead back together and I would have never got those line right. And yes, I watched that video six times. I appreciate your help on these old bikes.
Thank You !!! Mike & Mike for what you do ! , I have learned a lot from you guys, I do enjoy your content on older bikes & I apply to mine when I need to ( mines not that old 07 )
As always, another great video! There has not been one video that you have done that I haven't learned from, and I believe I have watched them all over and over again, thank you dear friend.
Hi Mike, another great video. I had a metric that my friend had road hard for about 40,000 miles. He took it to the shop several times for tune up's and so forth. When I got it the chain was so out of alignment that you could cut paper with the sprockets. It was evidently expected because the service manual called for both sprockets to be replaced every 60,000 miles. Just 20 to soon lol.
Another good one Mike! Ive only owned a couple chain driven bikes, but one thing you can do if the retainer clip is lost is to safety wire the plate. and if I remember correctly, my buddies race bikes had to have the master link plate safety wired and not use a spring clip (if they werent using a continuous chain - that was some time ago. continuous chains might be required now.) Just something nice to know and have handy in your head in case you find yourself in a situation.
Good evening Mr Pacific, Cameraman Mike, hope all is well. My 2002 Night Train has been converted to a 530 chain final drive. My first two chain breaker kits, I bent the same punch on each and then remembered or figured it out, I'm a knucklehead sometimes lol. Those were some great tips Mike, especially on the direction of the spring clip. I enjoy the maintenance, fresh new chains, super reliable and the ease of changing one. I use the wire with adjustable pin point aligner to the swing arm but my year softail doesn't have any pockets or divets dead on center, so I eyeball it. I do like the laser, I may give that a try and compare them just for 💩's & Giggles. My chain is about 3 years old, 25k miles give or take and get ridden through salty muddy waters at times and takes nothing for a little surface rust, she is high maintenance but I do my best on keeping her clean, all around. Have you ever owned anything newer than a shovel? I would completely understand if you had no interest. My Train is carb'd, I've got so much blood, sweat and tears in her that I have zero interest in really anything newer, not yet anyway but I would love anything older, maybe a knuckle suicide clutch jockey shift rat lol I'd be happy with a shovel too, or a pan! I don't know if they made the race version WL's in Canada but I wouldn't mind an American one of those either. Anyway, I'll wrap it up, with your popularity increasing and on your way to a Star on Hollywood Blvd (I think that's where they are?) it must become pretty time consuming, now you know how Santa felt haha. Take care of yourself Mike, talk to you soon.
Good, as always, to hear from you. I've had bikes that were newer than Shovels, but, in the shop. They were only around for a day or two until they sold. I'm still perfecting my old stuff. Take care. I think you should have an old bike to play with when your newer bike isn't looking.
Mike, first I would like to thank you for always having a tech video on shovelheafs and for replying to all of my questions. Now, I am in the process of working out the "bugs" in my first cone shovel(1977). I am used to my first (1966) flh. I have since replaced the evolution style 3.5" wheel that was on it, that wasn't properly installed and spaced correctly. During that ordeal and having no knowledge of square tube swingarm shovels, I hadn't realized the banana caliper bracket had been ground down where it contacts the swingarm. I have since bought a used stock one. Now my issue is, I cannot get my chain to track straight. The rear sprocket is a chrome 51t dished (outward) and the chain tracks inward. My transmission sprocket 23t is installed flat side outward and the chain tracks outside. I noticed your rear sprocket appears in the video to be flat, not dished like mine. Is either one of those types the correct type for a 1977 flh? Hopefully you may have more insight than I do about this. I apologize for the very long question, forgive me. -Jim
The stock 16" rim on all the old big twins that used them is 3" wide, not 3 1/2". That being said, to get it to center will mean an extra 1/4" to each side. Now, the chain may get a little close to the tire. I'm assuming you're using a stock rear Timken type hub and a stock dished sprocket. Now you'll need to be sure you have enough clearance with the fender. I always use a 3" wide rim on these bikes. So, from there, I don't know what else you're using. You might end up losing as much hair as I have.
@@pacificmike9501 sorry, i didn't mention that I'm using a stock flh shovelhead wheel now, 3 inch width. It seems as if the sprocket sticks out too far. The rotor has the thin spacer/shim and the wheel spins free which tells me everything is spaced right. Transmission was taken out and then aligned properly from inner primary. Trans sprocket is flat side out, so the only thing I can think of now is rear sprocket.
Don't center the rotor to the caliper, center the caliper to the rotor. When installing the trans, bolt the inner primary to the trans while the trans is still loose and moving around on its plate. This is assuming the motor is installed properly. Now carefully attach the inner primary to the motor. I do show this in an earlier video, assembling my Shovelhead. Tighten the trans down to the plate last. Tighten the nuts a little at a time. Go from the left side of the bike to the right side. Now we get to the wheel. The sprocket and rotor can both be shimmed if necessary. I'm questioning your spacers on your rear axel.
@@pacificmike9501 I actually watched your inner primary video the first time I tore down my first shovelhead. It prevented me from having a cracked primary. I measured the width of my left side axle spacer this afternoon, it is .825". I tried to measure the sprocket with a straight edge and a tape measure. It is roughly 3/8" but I not entirely sure where the points of measurement would be. I'm at a loss here. Lol
I think you'll have to fine a stock bike and have a look at it. I don't have all those measurements in my head. The book will tell you rim offsets but not spacer measurements.
Hi Mike Thanks for the video. Cool tool for compressing the link through the chain. I changed the master link on my Ironhead Sportster that tool would have made it a lot easier I struggled a bit but finally got it on. Look forward to the next video. Kenny
Great video Mike. I always check the condition of the teeth during a chain replacement and I also do not know that a chain replacement is necessary until I take the old chain out and turn it sideways. I am sure you meant early swing arm frames not shovel head frames. As you know 58-65 were pan heads. At 3500 feet we had snow last week, coldest weather all season. It is strange here because December can be warmer than March. Gotta love the mountains but live in the high desert.
I'm at about 2700 ft and it snowed all day, earlier this week. I'm not good at cold. Yes, you're right. I know. 58-72 used the same swingarm. 58-64 had that cool step in a swingarm frame. I think, for all the people that watch me, you guys are all pretty kind. It's pretty easy to say stuff wrong with people watching.
Kevlar belts don't change dimension like the old rubber belts. The rules change with the materials. The material the belt pulleys are made of varies and that makes for different changes. Todays motorcycle chains rarely break. I haven't seen a broken final drive motorcycle chain in over 25 years. Not to be rude, but I have to be careful. Technology keeps progressing.
Mike ! Cool vid, like they all are. Will you be having a look at your rear caliper mounting bracket ? Got back from a 5500 mile trip with my 78 FXE awhile ago and while going thru the bike afterwards I come to find out the clunk I was hearing was the caliper bouncing cause the short caliper pin had come loose and wallowed out the hole in the caliper as well as the bushing in the mount and the bushing for the long pin. The rear most pad pin was resting on the rotor and had worn to about as thin as a toothpick. Dont think I'da got another 100 miles b4 something bad happened. Anyhow I got 2 caliper mounts kits from big name aftermarket companys and both of em are crap ! Ya can tell just by lookin the dam holes ( axle and the 2 for the pin ) aint paralell , the bushings are reamed off center, and 1 they musta dipped after the bushings were installed cause they're chrome too. Whatta buncha maroons ! I got some good advice last time I wrote so I was wonderin if ya come across anything like this and what ya did about it. The kits come with steel bushings ya can replace the brass ones with but I aint sure if thats a good idea so if you got an opinion I'd like to hear it. Thanks for doin what you do and cant wait to see the Flathead runnin !
Well, there are many aftermarket kits with wonderful brackets available. Performance machine, Hog Halters, GME and so on. I'd have a look at those. That one on my Shovelhead is a "Homebrewed bracket" using a 2008 HD caliper and disc on a 2003 wheel. This took a lot of work. But the aforementioned brands are readily available and there are more brands available.
Today I got mine out of hibernation and rode uptown it started easy but I didn't go but a few blocks before I shut it off and had to call my son to come uptown and give me a push to get it started it charged fine after that I know I should of had it on the tender it's been real cold up here in Illinois
Maybe you could do a short video on how and why you have 4 bolts holding your exhaust head pipes to your the heads on your shovelhead. Think that would be a interesting video.
They are 3 studs. They were cast that way. They were manufactured by STD. Not much more to the story than that. Go to our UA-cam Homepage and click on the word "videos." There are quite a few videos on that bike.
Great video Mike, thanks for sharing your motorcycle knowledge with us. I use all your videos for reference when working on my Pan and shovel motorcycles. Also could you share the brand name and model of the chain breaker you used on this video. God bless and ride safe my friend.
Okay. The lable is still intact! It comes from "Pitposse Motorsports." The word "CROWN" is cast into the handle. Here's the good part; it is printed on the label: WWW.PITPOSSE.COM Take care.
Hi Mike, with reference to comments and replies I have made some comments that you have replied to and I have not had notification from youtube that you have replied. I am not sure if I have done something to stop these notifications getting sent or wether it is linked to the 'problems' you are experiencing but it don't bother me as I often re-watch videos I have made comment on and so see your replies - did that just now to see your reply to my comment on the wheel bearing video. I do have the 'notifications' thing turned on and get them from other channels, just not yours..... All the best, take care and I hope things improve on the parts supply front - we may see some progress on that old Flattie !
Thank You. I'm not sure what goes on with all of those things computer. I will check into it. The Flathead will be back. Hopefully soon. First, Sonia's sidecar.
Mike, I have a 1998 softail. I bought it last fall. The p.o. had a set of aftermarket wheels installed at sturgis last year. This winter I was going over it and noticed the rear tire is on backwards. Then I noticed the pulley has a groove being cut in it from the drive belt. It's not much of a groove but, none the less it's there. I have decided to do a chain conversion on this bike since I have to pull the rear wheel off and replace the pulley. My questions are..... should I price it together or buy a kit from some company? Is there a company that you recommend buying a conversion set from ? Trask has a set that looks to be decent quality, the rear pulley is a kush-drive pulley. Should I go with a kush-drive setup or go with standard sprockets and a chain ? Is it better to shim sprockets out if necessary or buy off set sprockets ? I know this is quite a bit to ask but it is all relevant to what I need to do. I just want to get it right the first time. Thanks for everything Mike. It's much appreciated. -Bryan-
You asked a "boatload" of questions. I haven't done one of those conversions from belt to chain in a long time. Offset sprockets are supplied in a lot of different sizes and offsets. There is also the hole in the wheel sprocket center, that has to match the wheel you're using. Too many variables for me to give you good answers and I don't recommend brands. I don't mean to be rude, but this is going to take you some very exacting research.
Thank you Mike for all the good infor put out. i have a 1993 fxr with a rear belt drive with about 30,000 miles. The belt has no cracks on it. Beacause of its age would you recommend replacing it? i heard belts can last a long time if they are not abused.
They can. Interestingly enough, it is the atmosphere that eats them. They are Kevlar. For as many bikes as I have dealt with, not many final dive belts fail. Good idea to inspect them when installing a tire.
Hey mike, hope you're doing great. I have an 03 sportster 1200, being my first harley, are there any known issues on them I should be on the lookout for or any preventative maintenance you would recommend me doing. It has 13,000 miles, and just trying to have everything in good working order to be able to enjoy it for years to come. Thanks for all the great info you share on your channel. Much respect for everything you do
Thank You. I can't think of any inherent problems. An 03 Sportster is actually quite a score. It still has "removable" transmission. They're really quick and loads of fun. If you buy another Harley some day, keep that one.
@@pacificmike9501 thank you so much for the reply and for the advice. Really appreciate it a ton & will definitely be staying with this one. Stay safe out there and will be here enjoying all the gold you put out on this channel!
Hey Mike- I sent you a Big Ass Shovelhead Sticker to the Address you gave for snail mail. I hope you got it. By the way- After watching this, I did install new chain yesterday. I used an O-Ring Chain with an O-ring Master. After I get my Oil change done I'll be ready for the Spring. I an experiencing some weird green tarnishing throughout my bike but that's a story for another time.
Thank You. That Big sticker is awesome. But the little one... I've seen Linkert carburetors mounted on a lot of things, but never such beauty mounted on a Linkert Carburetor! Thanks Again.
How long or how many chains do you run through before a sprocket change? Do the front wear faster? (My experience with sportbikes is that you change the whole lot at once.)
You do what you can or need. The trans sprocket, travelling at approximately twice the speed of the wheel sprocket definitely wears out faster. The quality of the chain plays a big part in the life of it. Harleys are historically harder on chains than "Sportbikes." There are a lot of variables to be considered here.
Thanks bud. I just replaced rear wheel bearings and going after the chain next. Do you have any idea's about the left main seal. My evo is leaking. I'm not going to fire her up until I know she will keep her oil on the inside. As always your channel rocks.
I think I should order a evo manual. I'm used to shovel heads this one is newer than I am used to. Actually I like AMC 1970s .if it wasn't for Ceasars motorcycle emporium I wouldn't have had a clue. He taught me alot. Although, he wanted me to patch out. Not about the clubs. I just love building and riding. Also, fishing. Archery. Clean kill. No regrets. Have a good day bro.
Hi Mike. Thanks so much for your videos. I wonder if it would be better to turn the chain link clip the other way so it will have the rounded side facing forward on the bottom side of the sprocket. It seems more likely to be struck there since there is a chain guard on top.
Hi Mike , while checking over my 1973 fl chopper I noticed the springclip on the rear chain whas missing I put on a used one I found , it snapped on tight , but there is free play as if its to thin ? Is this oke ? Thanks so far for all the thinks you learned me ...Fred (Netherlands)
Hi Mike ~ Been watching your videos for awhile now ~I just acquired a 1966 shovel- i have completely stripped it to bare frame-I’m going to need a lot of guidance on this project and was wondering- is it possible to contact you directly with questions ? ☮️
Hey Mike. Great video. I have just picked up a early 1978 shovelhead flh this past summer. I really like the look of the round swingarm. Compared to the stock square one. If I found an earlier round one. What else would I need to change? Thank you and keep up the videos. I’ve learned a lot so far from watching them
It gets pretty complicated. The round swingarm is built for a drum brake. You will need to change your axle, brake, wheel, and probably do some fabricating. The shocks are also a different length. The shocks for the square swingarm are much shorter. This Shovelhead sits very low using the round swingarm and later shocks. Pretty complicated change.
It was pretty complicated when I did mine. It was one of those "Some day, I'm gonna..." Well after gathering pieces and parts for a long time, I finally did it. It took weeks." But, I did it! And, I like it!
Depends on the bike. If it has an electric starter, I like a chain primary, kick starter, belt primary. Belt final drive is fine. But, if I'm going to play with different sprockets, I prefer a chain final drive.
It's "hand engraved" (like 30 hours worth) by a friend who is no longer with us. It's her name and some may think it's in poor taste and I don't wish to be offensive.
Speaking of different Shovels, what do you think of the Tourglide? It’s FLT1340 I think. I‘m thinking about converting it to a clean front and tankmounted speedometer.
Hey Mike if I want to put a oil pressure gauge on my 1993 FLSTN softail nostalgia or the cow bikè mines 101 of 2700 in that year ok I just don't see a spot to put in or at yes mike I need your help on this one thanks mike
It is normally screwed into the hole the oil pressure sending unit is in now (top of case, near right rear of bottom of rear cylinder. It can be done with a tee if you want to maintain both. Before you install it, be sure you read up on the system in your service manual, or how the oil system functions in your motor won't appear to make sense. That motor is not dependent on much pressure, actually, once warmed up, very little pressure, only flow.
Can I ask why you didn’t change the sprocket I’ve pretty much only replaced chains with sprocket, unless the bike sat for years and the chain was a giant rusty link with no flex. So what was wrong with this chain?
@@pacificmike9501 makes sense, thank you for the reply. I put on a very cheap chain on a bike at the shop once, was cleaning it and found the rollers were cracked in maybe 1000 miles.
I've not seen one. I designed my own stuff and made it, used the longest 3/4" rigid frame rear axle that Paughco makes and fabbed the rest. A lot of trial and error.
That is a Centerline spun and polished aluminum wheel. Not to be confused with a cast wheel. This particular one came from a 2003 Screamin' Eagle Roadking.
Way more attractive, I believe much stronger than the usual square one which is usually bent. And so on and so on. It also lowers the bike beautifully.
Neat trick to R&R a chain. I'm running an unadulterated '51 rigid frame (still has the side car and tool box mounts), so I assume it doesn't matter whether I adjust the tension on the jack or on the ground, correct? Oh, also, the rear axle nut torque is 55 ft. lbs. But is that the large inner nut, or the smaller outer nut? I'm a little confused about that.
Nice and tight will be fine on both of those nuts. Rotate the rear wheel to find the tightest spot in the chain and adjust it there. Doesn't matter where you lift it when dealing with the rear wheel on a rigid frame.
@@pacificmike9501 - exactly right. It is fun. Started as online chats about DIY routes to inexpensive upgrades, and turned into a business to produce core CNC parts to help working stiffs do cool projects they otherwise couldn't afford.
Awesome. I once built and drove for ten years, a 1959 100/6 Austin Healey. With the help of a genius machinist friend, flatop pistons, Norris (super wild) cam, SU's fondled beyond belief, balanced from fan, all the way through clutch, all racing clearances, all American Electrics, including a Joe Hunt scintilla vertex Swiss magneto supplied by Mr. Hunt (senior) himself. Way fast and way fun.
The swing arm will fit. Your short late model shocks will lower the bike a bunch. Disc brakes will take some fabrication of brackets, special axle, all kinds of stuff. I've shown it in our earlier videos. Go to our youtube homepage and click on "videos." It's all in there.
That little wet nose up over the side of my bed in the morning is why I get up. And then she starts to talk and tell me about her dreams from the night. This is important stuff.
When using different wheels and brake rotors, you may need to get down some serious measurements. Diameter of brake rotors, i.d. of brake rotors, compatibility of rotors with calipers, diameter of axels and bearings and width of spacers. It's worth it, but it can become quite an adventure.
The rotors I'm using are late model stuff. I have a pair of "floating" 11 1/2's on the front and an 11.9 on the rear. It's way fun in the mountains. I actually installed all of those brakes in preparation for a sidecar addition.
Mike, I really appreciate your videos and your laid-back style in the shop. Too many bike channels are long on swagger and short on info. Thanks for all the info
Glad you like them! Thank You.
So nice to watch someone with such a depth of knowledge, talented delivery, and lack of a backwards baseball hat. I wish i had known you when I owned my knucklehead and panhead. I have a twin cam now which is a wonderful bike, but a bit lacking in soul...a few more years ought to ferment it enough to be "vintage"
Best to you.
@@JHV166 wut year is your twin
@@josieunderpants3602 2008 ultraclassic
@@JHV166 mines a 99 road king luv the the twins!
Mike, at the end of your videos, I'm always at a lost for words other than to say "Hot Damn". Oh the memories that you stir up. I appreciate you so much... See you out on the road!!
I'll look forward to that. I'm just trying to make new memories. We are the same people we've always been.
This Sir is a cool thing to learn. 66 now & I remember Bicycle 🚲 chains. Much more parts there. You are a nice guy so stay safe.
Thanks, you too!
That’s slick using the old chain to pull the new chain on!!! 👍👍
Thank You. Works for me.
Hi 👋 Mike it's nice to see Bikes & Chrome on here.
Thank You.
Mike , correction shovels first year was 1966 not 58 . I knew sooner or later I would catch you on something . Love your info , keep up your great work . Rick bruggner , Miami fla
Slip of the tongue. You know that. 58-65 was still Panheads. 58-64 had that beautiful swing arm frame with a step in it. I know these bikes personally. We grew up together. But, you got me. When the camera is on and people are watching, I'm liable to say anything wrong. All I meant to say was, "This is the same swingarm from 1958 to 1972 on all Harley Big Twins. Now, What was the first year model Harley installed electric starters? Gotcha! It was 1964 45 inch Flatheads. Panheads got them in 1965.
Mike, I enjoy all of the videos as I am a shovelhead wrench turner. What you are doing is important because the expertise in shovelheads is dying along with the shovelhead experts. Keep on preserving the knowledge. I would like you to do a video on the shovel bottom end rebuild. If so, please include the crankshaft disassembly and assembly. I do know it takes special tooling for this procedure. I want to compliment you as you are in fact very well spoken. You speak in terms easy to understand.
Thank You. When I need one, I'll do one. I am retired. Most of what I do is just for me.
Last year my buddy picked up a roofing nail in the center of the drive belt on his Road King, I've never seen that one before. Replacing a chain is a whole lot easier than replacing a belt and stripping down half the left side to get to it....Good video Mike...Thanks
Belts are for pants.
@@thatsmrharley2u2 lol...
They are clean neat and quiet. I don't own one, but those are the good points.
The only thing I don't like is the fact that my 76 Flh is not mint like your bikes. I'm on my 3rd build, a Shovelhead of course.
Love your work Mike I had never considered replacing a chain like that very clever but I'm only a backyard mechanic. I very much appreciate your videos as it is very hard to find good mechanics that are capable of working on old bikes in my country, 🇦🇺 state of Queensland I know 7 and they are all older than me (52) only 3 actual workshops left and they are all very busy. HD dealerships will not touch old HD's. So your videos are essential for unqualified mechanics like me. I can do most things except strip the bottom end and gearbox, that is way beyond my capabilities.
Thanks for the tuition my friend.
Stay upright 👍
Wishing you the best. Thank you. I hope to be helpful.
@@pacificmike9501
You certainly have been I have been watching your videos for a while now.
Your are a legit motorcycle enthusiast, HD of course a Rolls Royce reclining chair on wheels..
Again cheers for your common sense no jazzed up content
Reminds me of old Jack At Redfern motorcycles trying to show me many years ago how things work on my flathead 👌👌
Cheers for Jack. It's all fun.
great method all these years I have been doing it the hard way thank you for sharing
Glad to. Thank You for watching.
Hello Mike and Mike the two Mr Mikes love the shows and love all your work you explain everything so good and simple for everyone to understand it Keep up the great work and Gods blessings for you two
Thank You. And the best to you and yours.
👍🙂
Nice I hope that video's like this will get more guys into Shovels. I have owned my 83 FXR since 1990 and it's not going anywhere.
Fun motorcycle. 1st FXR I ever road was a brand new (demo ride) 82. I was way impressed.
@@pacificmike9501, it still puts a smile on my face when I hit the turns with it!
Always love stopping by the garage have a blessed week my friends.
Thanks, you too!
I love watching your Shovelhead videos. I have a 1979 FXEFB 80". It is dressed as an FLH though.
Thank you
Sounds like a good mix to me. Thank You.
I did the same. I own a 79 FXS 74" since 1980..Now its FLH. All parts from 69 however I still have my original parts..last year I crashed with a deer..so many FLH parts was broken..not easy to find oem parts anymore here in Sweden..so Im looking for aftermarket...a tips perhaps.Im useing O-ring chains👍
I realy like to se mikes teach tips he talking slow and show everything. So I even can learn more English also..now Im praticing to write also👍 Bo Karlsson Sweden
Thanks for another great video, for someone newer to final drive chains like myself, a video on how to determine when to change a chain would be very helpful. Thanks again for the great content. I always enjoy your knowledge.
There are two ways. One is the tight, loose, tight loose condition of the chain is irritating you. The next one is folding the chain parallel to itself and holding it doubled parallel to the ground. If it droops a bunch, it's very worn. Replace it.
you are not rude you are very helpful keep up the good work
Thank You.
It's those little tricks on how to do things easier that are the real gems of your knowledge and why we love this channel. Thanks!
Our pleasure!
Keep wrenching! I made not response to all your video's but it so informational. Great information in one channel.
Thank You. Glad you like it.
As always, great video Mike. Also, your video on Shovelhead oil lines was a life saver as I am currently putting my Shovelhead back together and I would have never got those line right. And yes, I watched that video six times. I appreciate your help on these old bikes.
Glad to help.
Very interesting. Been many years since I installed a chain.
Thank You.
Mike, perfect timing. My new chain is supposed to be delivered before the weekend. I just love your videos. Please keep them coming!!!!
Cool. Watch them both. Hopefully, there is something useful to you. The second video on the same job will be out before the weekend.
Just a pleasure to watch. Thanks.
Thank You.
As much as I like keeping my bikes original, I do like that rear wheel on your bike. Thanks for all your videos Mike
Glad you like them! The wheel is a polished, spun aluminum Centerline wheel. It came stock on a 2003 HD Screamin' Eagle Roadking (special edition).
Thank You !!! Mike & Mike for what you do ! , I have learned a lot from you guys, I do enjoy your content on older bikes & I apply to mine when I need to ( mines not that old 07 )
Glad you like it.
👍🙂
Love you shovelhead. I have a 93” in a wide glide hard tail frame. I want to put the motor in a frame like yours. Make it a cruiser
It is very comfortable.
I want to say how much I enjoy your videos . Love these old Harleys you work on .
Glad you like them! Thank You.
As always, another great video! There has not been one video that you have done that I haven't learned from, and I believe I have watched them all over and over again, thank you dear friend.
Wow. Thank You.
Thank you Fred I can learn this because of your Friendship
You bet.
Just a great UA-cam channel. Informative and entertaining. Thank you!
Wow, thank you!
@@pacificmike9501 that solid rear wheel of your shovelhead reminds me of my '98 flstf FatBoy. I've always loved the solid wheels. Polished. 😎
The Bob Ross of Harley knowledge!
Thank You.
Hi Mike, another great video. I had a metric that my friend had road hard for about 40,000 miles. He took it to the shop several times for tune up's and so forth. When I got it the chain was so out of alignment that you could cut paper with the sprockets. It was evidently expected because the service manual called for both sprockets to be replaced every 60,000 miles. Just 20 to soon lol.
You know, most of the manufacturers do recommend changing sprockets and chain all at once. It's just not in the cards for everyone.
@@pacificmike9501 I hear ya but not everyone is as meticulous as you are when replacing chain or running their bike.
@@pacificmike9501 And with the Drumbreake in the rear, with rivets holding the Sprocket, there is a lot work to be done to exchange the whole set ;-)
Good basic wrenching we can all use out there on the road. Thanks. Mike. RMM
Thank You. We try.
Really nice video Mike. When replacing the Chain on my 83 FXWG my chain breaker sure is handy!
Just another awesome tool. You bet.
Thank you both for your time and effort.
Thank You.
👍🙂
Another good one Mike!
Ive only owned a couple chain driven bikes, but one thing you can do if the retainer clip is lost is to safety wire the plate. and if I remember correctly, my buddies race bikes had to have the master link plate safety wired and not use a spring clip (if they werent using a continuous chain - that was some time ago. continuous chains might be required now.) Just something nice to know and have handy in your head in case you find yourself in a situation.
Thank You. Good stuff.
Good evening Mr Pacific, Cameraman Mike, hope all is well. My 2002 Night Train has been converted to a 530 chain final drive. My first two chain breaker kits, I bent the same punch on each and then remembered or figured it out, I'm a knucklehead sometimes lol. Those were some great tips Mike, especially on the direction of the spring clip. I enjoy the maintenance, fresh new chains, super reliable and the ease of changing one. I use the wire with adjustable pin point aligner to the swing arm but my year softail doesn't have any pockets or divets dead on center, so I eyeball it. I do like the laser, I may give that a try and compare them just for 💩's & Giggles. My chain is about 3 years old, 25k miles give or take and get ridden through salty muddy waters at times and takes nothing for a little surface rust, she is high maintenance but I do my best on keeping her clean, all around.
Have you ever owned anything newer than a shovel? I would completely understand if you had no interest. My Train is carb'd, I've got so much blood, sweat and tears in her that I have zero interest in really anything newer, not yet anyway but I would love anything older, maybe a knuckle suicide clutch jockey shift rat lol I'd be happy with a shovel too, or a pan! I don't know if they made the race version WL's in Canada but I wouldn't mind an American one of those either. Anyway, I'll wrap it up, with your popularity increasing and on your way to a Star on Hollywood Blvd (I think that's where they are?) it must become pretty time consuming, now you know how Santa felt haha. Take care of yourself Mike, talk to you soon.
Good, as always, to hear from you. I've had bikes that were newer than Shovels, but, in the shop. They were only around for a day or two until they sold. I'm still perfecting my old stuff. Take care. I think you should have an old bike to play with when your newer bike isn't looking.
👍🙂
Great stuff as per the usual Mike. See you out on the road soon I hope.
Well, Yah! Spring is gonna Spring soon. It's gonna happen! out on the road. Thank You.
Thank you for this video Mike. Hope all is well , Ralph
Thank You. Always wishing you well.
Your #1 in my books mike keep up the good work
Thank You. We try.
Nice job Mike👍
Thanks 👍
Thanks for the video Mike! As always I learn something new every time.
Glad to hear it! Thank You.
I've been running Diamond XLO o ring style chains. Made in USA . Been working good for me on my ironhead and shovels. Plus PJ1 blue label chain wax.
Thanks for sharing. Cool.
Mike, first I would like to thank you for always having a tech video on shovelheafs and for replying to all of my questions. Now, I am in the process of working out the "bugs" in my first cone shovel(1977). I am used to my first (1966) flh. I have since replaced the evolution style 3.5" wheel that was on it, that wasn't properly installed and spaced correctly. During that ordeal and having no knowledge of square tube swingarm shovels, I hadn't realized the banana caliper bracket had been ground down where it contacts the swingarm. I have since bought a used stock one. Now my issue is, I cannot get my chain to track straight. The rear sprocket is a chrome 51t dished (outward) and the chain tracks inward. My transmission sprocket 23t is installed flat side outward and the chain tracks outside. I noticed your rear sprocket appears in the video to be flat, not dished like mine. Is either one of those types the correct type for a 1977 flh? Hopefully you may have more insight than I do about this. I apologize for the very long question, forgive me. -Jim
The stock 16" rim on all the old big twins that used them is 3" wide, not 3 1/2". That being said, to get it to center will mean an extra 1/4" to each side. Now, the chain may get a little close to the tire. I'm assuming you're using a stock rear Timken type hub and a stock dished sprocket. Now you'll need to be sure you have enough clearance with the fender. I always use a 3" wide rim on these bikes. So, from there, I don't know what else you're using. You might end up losing as much hair as I have.
@@pacificmike9501 sorry, i didn't mention that I'm using a stock flh shovelhead wheel now, 3 inch width. It seems as if the sprocket sticks out too far. The rotor has the thin spacer/shim and the wheel spins free which tells me everything is spaced right. Transmission was taken out and then aligned properly from inner primary. Trans sprocket is flat side out, so the only thing I can think of now is rear sprocket.
Don't center the rotor to the caliper, center the caliper to the rotor. When installing the trans, bolt the inner primary to the trans while the trans is still loose and moving around on its plate. This is assuming the motor is installed properly. Now carefully attach the inner primary to the motor. I do show this in an earlier video, assembling my Shovelhead. Tighten the trans down to the plate last. Tighten the nuts a little at a time. Go from the left side of the bike to the right side. Now we get to the wheel. The sprocket and rotor can both be shimmed if necessary. I'm questioning your spacers on your rear axel.
@@pacificmike9501 I actually watched your inner primary video the first time I tore down my first shovelhead. It prevented me from having a cracked primary. I measured the width of my left side axle spacer this afternoon, it is .825". I tried to measure the sprocket with a straight edge and a tape measure. It is roughly 3/8" but I not entirely sure where the points of measurement would be. I'm at a loss here. Lol
I think you'll have to fine a stock bike and have a look at it. I don't have all those measurements in my head. The book will tell you rim offsets but not spacer measurements.
Hi Mike Thanks for the video. Cool tool for compressing the link through the chain. I changed the master link on my Ironhead Sportster that tool would have made it a lot easier I struggled a bit but finally got it on. Look forward to the next video. Kenny
Cool, thanks
Good video!! I noticed camera man Mike made an appearance finally.. 🤣✌
He does from time to time. Thank You.
Right now one in stock is what I like best took me 8 weeks to get throttle and idle cables for a 1986 XLH 1100 after changing handle bars
It's reality. We try.
Great video Mike. I always check the condition of the teeth during a chain replacement and I also do not know that a chain replacement is necessary until I take the old chain out and turn it sideways. I am sure you meant early swing arm frames not shovel head frames. As you know 58-65 were pan heads. At 3500 feet we had snow last week, coldest weather all season. It is strange here because December can be warmer than March. Gotta love the mountains but live in the high desert.
I'm at about 2700 ft and it snowed all day, earlier this week. I'm not good at cold. Yes, you're right. I know. 58-72 used the same swingarm. 58-64 had that cool step in a swingarm frame. I think, for all the people that watch me, you guys are all pretty kind. It's pretty easy to say stuff wrong with people watching.
@@pacificmike9501 Yes that is true. But every one knows your heart. Thank you for your contribution to this world.
I myself being a maintenance guy, I’ve always told the new guys that a tight chain will break and loose belts get hot and break.
Kevlar belts don't change dimension like the old rubber belts. The rules change with the materials. The material the belt pulleys are made of varies and that makes for different changes. Todays motorcycle chains rarely break. I haven't seen a broken final drive motorcycle chain in over 25 years. Not to be rude, but I have to be careful. Technology keeps progressing.
Once again....a complete informative video....plus....just a nice relaxing visit watching you do what you do best....thank you
Thank You.
The best classes on you tube.
Thank You.
Mike ! Cool vid, like they all are. Will you be having a look at your rear caliper mounting bracket ? Got back from a 5500 mile trip with my 78 FXE awhile ago and while going thru the bike afterwards I come to find out the clunk I was hearing was the caliper bouncing cause the short caliper pin had come loose and wallowed out the hole in the caliper as well as the bushing in the mount and the bushing for the long pin. The rear most pad pin was resting on the rotor and had worn to about as thin as a toothpick. Dont think I'da got another 100 miles b4 something bad happened.
Anyhow I got 2 caliper mounts kits from big name aftermarket companys and both of em are crap ! Ya can tell just by lookin the dam holes ( axle and the 2 for the pin ) aint paralell , the bushings are reamed off center, and 1 they musta dipped after the bushings were installed cause they're chrome too. Whatta buncha maroons !
I got some good advice last time I wrote so I was wonderin if ya come across anything like this and what ya did about it. The kits come with steel bushings ya can replace the brass ones with but I aint sure if thats a good idea so if you got an opinion I'd like to hear it.
Thanks for doin what you do and cant wait to see the Flathead runnin !
Well, there are many aftermarket kits with wonderful brackets available. Performance machine, Hog Halters, GME and so on. I'd have a look at those. That one on my Shovelhead is a "Homebrewed bracket" using a 2008 HD caliper and disc on a 2003 wheel. This took a lot of work. But the aforementioned brands are readily available and there are more brands available.
The Flathead is coming. Just still playing catch-up.
Today I got mine out of hibernation and rode uptown it started easy but I didn't go but a few blocks before I shut it off and had to call my son to come uptown and give me a push to get it started it charged fine after that I know I should of had it on the tender it's been real cold up here in Illinois
Yep. Cold will drain your battery. A tender not only charges it, it stays warm.
I use the chain break when the chains still on the sprocket....line up with my pulley laser, check play adjust and tighten.....
Cool.
Maybe you could do a short video on how and why you have 4 bolts holding your exhaust head pipes to your the heads on your shovelhead. Think that would be a interesting video.
They are 3 studs. They were cast that way. They were manufactured by STD. Not much more to the story than that. Go to our UA-cam Homepage and click on the word "videos." There are quite a few videos on that bike.
Thank you for sharing. Watched and enjoyed.👍👀
Glad you enjoyed it
Slick rear brake set up.
Thank you. It took a lot of doing, the swingarm, axle, wheel, spacers, sprocket, caliper bracket and so on...
Hello Again, good to see you.
Thank You. Good to hear from you.
Ok thanks mike I see it now yup your right ok it's to cold for me to ride but you go ahead and have fun rideing
Cool. Thank You. I have errands to run. Babydoll is begging to go.
Thank you , Mike.
Thank You.
thanks again for sharing your knowledge!❤
My pleasure!
Thanks Mike
You're quite welcome.
Another helpful one. Godgeous Bike,Mike.
Very good Mike! Like a dummy I had already removed the old chain before I played this. But nonetheless very good tips! Thank you!
Thank you. Feed it through with a long piece of wire to pull it with.
Great video Mike, thanks for sharing your motorcycle knowledge with us. I use all your videos for reference when working on my Pan and shovel motorcycles. Also could you share the brand name and model of the chain breaker you used on this video. God bless and ride safe my friend.
Okay. The lable is still intact! It comes from "Pitposse Motorsports." The word "CROWN" is cast into the handle. Here's the good part; it is printed on the label: WWW.PITPOSSE.COM Take care.
Thank you 🙏.
HOWdy Mike,
SHOVELING a CHAIN
Follow the Leader from the OLDE Chain to the NEW Chain !
COOP
...
Yes, I love Shovels and chains. I think that makes me old.
Hi Mike, with reference to comments and replies I have made some comments that you have replied to and I have not had notification from youtube that you have replied. I am not sure if I have done something to stop these notifications getting sent or wether it is linked to the 'problems' you are experiencing but it don't bother me as I often re-watch videos I have made comment on and so see your replies - did that just now to see your reply to my comment on the wheel bearing video. I do have the 'notifications' thing turned on and get them from other channels, just not yours.....
All the best, take care and I hope things improve on the parts supply front - we may see some progress on that old Flattie !
Thank You. I'm not sure what goes on with all of those things computer. I will check into it. The Flathead will be back. Hopefully soon. First, Sonia's sidecar.
Mike, I have a 1998 softail. I bought it last fall. The p.o. had a set of aftermarket wheels installed at sturgis last year. This winter I was going over it and noticed the rear tire is on backwards. Then I noticed the pulley has a groove being cut in it from the drive belt. It's not much of a groove but, none the less it's there. I have decided to do a chain conversion on this bike since I have to pull the rear wheel off and replace the pulley.
My questions are..... should I price it together or buy a kit from some company? Is there a company that you recommend buying a conversion set from ? Trask has a set that looks to be decent quality, the rear pulley is a kush-drive pulley. Should I go with a kush-drive setup or go with standard sprockets and a chain ? Is it better to shim sprockets out if necessary or buy off set sprockets ?
I know this is quite a bit to ask but it is all relevant to what I need to do. I just want to get it right the first time.
Thanks for everything Mike. It's much appreciated.
-Bryan-
I'll be very interested in Mike's response to your question too.
You asked a "boatload" of questions. I haven't done one of those conversions from belt to chain in a long time. Offset sprockets are supplied in a lot of different sizes and offsets. There is also the hole in the wheel sprocket center, that has to match the wheel you're using.
Too many variables for me to give you good answers and I don't recommend brands. I don't mean to be rude, but this is going to take you some very exacting research.
Thank you Mike for all the good infor put out. i have a 1993 fxr with a rear belt drive with about 30,000 miles. The belt has no cracks on it. Beacause of its age would you recommend replacing it? i heard belts can last a long time if they are not abused.
They can. Interestingly enough, it is the atmosphere that eats them. They are Kevlar. For as many bikes as I have dealt with, not many final dive belts fail. Good idea to inspect them when installing a tire.
Hey mike, hope you're doing great. I have an 03 sportster 1200, being my first harley, are there any known issues on them I should be on the lookout for or any preventative maintenance you would recommend me doing. It has 13,000 miles, and just trying to have everything in good working order to be able to enjoy it for years to come.
Thanks for all the great info you share on your channel. Much respect for everything you do
Thank You. I can't think of any inherent problems. An 03 Sportster is actually quite a score. It still has "removable" transmission. They're really quick and loads of fun. If you buy another Harley some day, keep that one.
@@pacificmike9501 thank you so much for the reply and for the advice. Really appreciate it a ton & will definitely be staying with this one. Stay safe out there and will be here enjoying all the gold you put out on this channel!
Hey Mike- I sent you a Big Ass Shovelhead Sticker to the Address you gave for snail mail. I hope you got it. By the way- After watching this, I did install new chain yesterday. I used an O-Ring Chain with an O-ring Master. After I get my Oil change done I'll be ready for the Spring. I an experiencing some weird green tarnishing throughout my bike but that's a story for another time.
Thank You. That Big sticker is awesome. But the little one... I've seen Linkert carburetors mounted on a lot of things, but never such beauty mounted on a Linkert Carburetor! Thanks Again.
@@pacificmike9501 you're welcome
How long or how many chains do you run through before a sprocket change? Do the front wear faster?
(My experience with sportbikes is that you change the whole lot at once.)
You do what you can or need. The trans sprocket, travelling at approximately twice the speed of the wheel sprocket definitely wears out faster. The quality of the chain plays a big part in the life of it. Harleys are historically harder on chains than "Sportbikes." There are a lot of variables to be considered here.
Thanks bud. I just replaced rear wheel bearings and going after the chain next. Do you have any idea's about the left main seal. My evo is leaking. I'm not going to fire her up until I know she will keep her oil on the inside. As always your channel rocks.
Look through our Evo motor stuff. You replace the seal and the bushing at the same time. Go to our UA-cam homepage. Tap on the word "videos."
@@pacificmike9501 oh dang good idea. Thanks bud. I will definitely check out the bushing. Good call.
I think I should order a evo manual. I'm used to shovel heads this one is newer than I am used to. Actually I like AMC 1970s .if it wasn't for Ceasars motorcycle emporium I wouldn't have had a clue. He taught me alot. Although, he wanted me to patch out. Not about the clubs. I just love building and riding. Also, fishing. Archery. Clean kill. No regrets. Have a good day bro.
Hi Mike. Thanks so much for your videos. I wonder if it would be better to turn the chain link clip the other way so it will have the rounded side facing forward on the bottom side of the sprocket. It seems more likely to be struck there since there is a chain guard on top.
Closed end forward, period.
I wish my belt was as easy lol
It is easier.
Hi Mike , while checking over my 1973 fl chopper I noticed the springclip on the rear chain whas missing
I put on a used one I found , it snapped on tight , but there is free play as if its to thin ? Is this oke ?
Thanks so far for all the thinks you learned me ...Fred (Netherlands)
Go to a motorcycle shop and get the right one. Then, install it with the closed end forward.
Hi Mike ~ Been watching your videos for awhile now ~I just acquired a 1966 shovel- i have completely stripped it to bare frame-I’m going to need a lot of guidance on this project and was wondering- is it possible to contact you directly with questions ? ☮️
Not really. I'll answer them in the comment section.
OK-I’ll try other u-tubers-thanks
Hey Mike. Great video. I have just picked up a early 1978 shovelhead flh this past summer. I really like the look of the round swingarm. Compared to the stock square one. If I found an earlier round one. What else would I need to change? Thank you and keep up the videos. I’ve learned a lot so far from watching them
It gets pretty complicated. The round swingarm is built for a drum brake. You will need to change your axle, brake, wheel, and probably do some fabricating. The shocks are also a different length. The shocks for the square swingarm are much shorter. This Shovelhead sits very low using the round swingarm and later shocks. Pretty complicated change.
@@pacificmike9501 ok thank you for the reply. That might be a project I tackle down the road
It was pretty complicated when I did mine. It was one of those "Some day, I'm gonna..." Well after gathering pieces and parts for a long time, I finally did it. It took weeks." But, I did it! And, I like it!
P.S. Where did you get that old floor/shop light ??? And How old is it ? , I digit looks real handy, I like to & try to find one
It is from a medical supply about forty some years ago.
Chain or belt Mike? Which do you prefer? Great vid as usual.😎
Depends on the bike. If it has an electric starter, I like a chain primary, kick starter, belt primary. Belt final drive is fine. But, if I'm going to play with different sprockets, I prefer a chain final drive.
Well Mike, I just hafta ask... what's up with the covered-up derby cover???? [big grin] Just curious!
It's "hand engraved" (like 30 hours worth) by a friend who is no longer with us. It's her name and some may think it's in poor taste and I don't wish to be offensive.
Speaking of different Shovels, what do you think of the Tourglide? It’s FLT1340 I think. I‘m thinking about converting it to a clean front and tankmounted speedometer.
That Tourglide has a different frame. Look it over real good before you proceed. By the way, that's a great bike to ride in stock form.
How smart wasnt that, thanx Ive done it the hard way for 50 years 😳
Glad to help
i’m just curious … What model do you recommend for the Acceptance of Hospital Intelligence Management System (HIMS) Technology?
Really?
"From '58 to '72 all Shovelheads used..." Oops. ☺
Oops is right. Turn on a camera, invite the world to watch and all sorts of weird things come out of one's mouth.
Camera man Mike for the lighting lol
He does well.
Hey Mike if I want to put a oil pressure gauge on my 1993 FLSTN softail nostalgia or the cow bikè mines 101 of 2700 in that year ok I just don't see a spot to put in or at yes mike I need your help on this one thanks mike
It is normally screwed into the hole the oil pressure sending unit is in now (top of case, near right rear of bottom of rear cylinder. It can be done with a tee if you want to maintain both. Before you install it, be sure you read up on the system in your service manual, or how the oil system functions in your motor won't appear to make sense. That motor is not dependent on much pressure, actually, once warmed up, very little pressure, only flow.
Can I ask why you didn’t change the sprocket I’ve pretty much only replaced chains with sprocket, unless the bike sat for years and the chain was a giant rusty link with no flex. So what was wrong with this chain?
I wanted a new one. I wanted one of higher quality. The one that I had felt like a cheap chain, because it was.
@@pacificmike9501 makes sense, thank you for the reply. I put on a very cheap chain on a bike at the shop once, was cleaning it and found the rollers were cracked in maybe 1000 miles.
Did not know you could mount disc brakes on round swing arm. I have a 1969 generator shovelhead. Any one make a kit ?
I've not seen one. I designed my own stuff and made it, used the longest 3/4" rigid frame rear axle that Paughco makes and fabbed the rest. A lot of trial and error.
Is that the Original Softail custom rear wheel on that bike?
That is a Centerline spun and polished aluminum wheel. Not to be confused with a cast wheel. This particular one came from a 2003 Screamin' Eagle Roadking.
Would like to know why you ran old swing arm style ? I like better my self , but your reason why .
Way more attractive, I believe much stronger than the usual square one which is usually bent. And so on and so on. It also lowers the bike beautifully.
Any tips on installing a mainshaft on a 1979 cowpie transmission?
Take it in order (the way the book shows it). Remove the countershaft with its gears first, then go for the mainshaft.
Neat trick to R&R a chain. I'm running an unadulterated '51 rigid frame (still has the side car and tool box mounts), so I assume it doesn't matter whether I adjust the tension on the jack or on the ground, correct?
Oh, also, the rear axle nut torque is 55 ft. lbs. But is that the large inner nut, or the smaller outer nut? I'm a little confused about that.
Nice and tight will be fine on both of those nuts. Rotate the rear wheel to find the tightest spot in the chain and adjust it there. Doesn't matter where you lift it when dealing with the rear wheel on a rigid frame.
I get it. "Spridgets" stands for "Sprites" and "Midgets." Sounds like fun to me.
@@pacificmike9501 - perfect, thank you!
@@pacificmike9501 - exactly right. It is fun. Started as online chats about DIY routes to inexpensive upgrades, and turned into a business to produce core CNC parts to help working stiffs do cool projects they otherwise couldn't afford.
Awesome. I once built and drove for ten years, a 1959 100/6 Austin Healey. With the help of a genius machinist friend, flatop pistons, Norris (super wild) cam, SU's fondled beyond belief, balanced from fan, all the way through clutch, all racing clearances, all American Electrics, including a Joe Hunt scintilla vertex Swiss magneto supplied by Mr. Hunt (senior) himself. Way fast and way fun.
Mike I have a 77 FL what Trans sprocket tooth and what rear sprocket tooth I want to gear for highway
Are you a large person? Is the motor stock? What do you consider "Highway speeds?"
What do u think is better chain or belt my bike is a 96 softail just curious on your experience
Just personal preference. And as you know, I believe that's what bikes are all about.
Don't worry Mike if you ruin your shirt Jay Leno has another one he can give you. LOL
His is bigger. I remember when we all wore shirts like this. Remember the sixties?
@@pacificmike9501 yeah, that's all I wear also.
Just wondering....The chain looks like the non-Oring kind....What is the pitch size...Thanks, Great Video :)
It's a #50.
Are you related to the Late, Great Lucy?
@@pacificmike9501LOL I wish...She was hot back in the day :)
Amen to that.
will the round swing arm like on your shovel fit on my 1981 FXS and still use my disk brake .
The swing arm will fit. Your short late model shocks will lower the bike a bunch. Disc brakes will take some fabrication of brackets, special axle, all kinds of stuff. I've shown it in our earlier videos. Go to our youtube homepage and click on "videos." It's all in there.
@@pacificmike9501 thanks
👍🖖
Thank you.
Hey Mike! What's up with the flathead build? Been a long time since you even mentioned it. LLH&R
It's coming. Must do what needs to be done. You know, time, money, etc. Sonia is whining for her sidecar and I'm way off in love with my puppy.
@@pacificmike9501 Say no more! I have 2 girls I love to the moon and back. A black Labrador named Bailey and a mixed breed rescue named Nala. 😁
That little wet nose up over the side of my bed in the morning is why I get up. And then she starts to talk and tell me about her dreams from the night. This is important stuff.
What do you prefer for chain lube? Spray or wax?
I'm playing with wax, and I like it.
I put a 10 rotor on my rear....im think in maybe the 2 tens in front and 11.5 rear on 79fxs80 with fat boy rear mag yr unknown.?
When using different wheels and brake rotors, you may need to get down some serious measurements. Diameter of brake rotors, i.d. of brake rotors, compatibility of rotors with calipers, diameter of axels and bearings and width of spacers. It's worth it, but it can become quite an adventure.
The rotors I'm using are late model stuff. I have a pair of "floating" 11 1/2's on the front and an 11.9 on the rear. It's way fun in the mountains. I actually installed all of those brakes in preparation for a sidecar addition.
Those will stop ya quick I bet and sidecar ill be a bock ahead.
We'll both have fun.