$1,000 if you Can Start My Harley Davidson 

I love that guy who managed to start it but has never ridden a bike. Just shows what you can achieve if you approach things logically!

When I was 12(1964), my neighbor had a panhead that he rode. I watched him start it all the time. I jokingly asked him to let me ride it and he retorted with, "If you can start it, you can ride it." I smiled and took a minute, then fired it up. The look on his face was priceless! I explained that I'd watched him for weeks starting it and knew the procedure. I also told him I knew it was too much bike for me to ride. It was fun being a kid in the '60's!

It was driving me crazy watching people kick it for 5 minutes straight and expecting it to change the outcome 😂

I've a '42 WLC Navy spec.. Wish I came across this chance, so easy it's just a routine and starting it warm is also different then the cold start. Driving this thing is absolute pleasure. Learned to drive and work on it around my 16 y/o, now been doing it for 10 years already!

I would have offered Craig $250 to tell me how to do it. A play definitely out of Sean's playbook.

I was the guy in the red (oxblood) jacket. Had a blast meeting you guys, and the contest was great fun as well. God bless, and Happy New Year!

Just the fact that he goes out and gives people the chance, makes him one of the coolest guys around. Spreading Christmas cheer. I love this channel.

My friend Nick had a 74 shovelhead, I was experienced. Dirt bikes, a couple crotch rockets, he said if I could kick it over I could take it for a ride. I couldn’t. Nick showed me a couple tricks, kicked it on, and said go ahead. My first time riding a Harley, I was very surprised at the weight, but how easy it was to handle. Thanks Nick, miss you buddy, RIP.

It was really painful watching these folks pound away at the kick lever.... you are a brave man! No way I could let anyone beat up my motorcycle like that. I weep for that kick start pedal.

The definition of insanity(kicking it over and over again and thinking its gonna suddenly work).

I think this could be better if the money amount was a bit lower... $1,000 makes people a bit sketched out imo. Also, doing it in a random parking lot with a sign that I couldn't see 20 feet away doesn't help 😂 love the video concept though and hopefully you guys do more of things like this.

Used to have an old dirt bike with a similar start-up process and had a flip switch ignition. Fuel tap on, 3 prime kicks choke full, half choke 1 huge kick, leg snapper kick start all with quarter throttle, on fireup open throttle to full. Plenty bruised shins, but by far the most fun I've ever had

I find it funny how they called the cops for you standing there but not when you guys were trying to steal a bike

I've never had a Harley but I've had a lot of vintage bikes and from the first few minutes I knew nobody picked up on the ignition not being on. I got so many laughs from this. Thank you.

I have a similar rule with my bike. If you can start it, you can ride it. It's a kick start '85 DR600. There is a checklist to starting. Don't forget the decomp! The compression is a bit more than the old Harley lol

easy money...knowledge is the KEY..glad to see someone did it properly

Thanks for the opportunity. It was awesome meeting you guys. I just want to say logic goes out the window when your suddenly infront of 2 cameras and people you only know from RU-vid

I like your content. You don't destroy things, and you do things that financially many viewers could do, so its relatable.

I had a Very heavily-modded Sr500 single , nearly a full-race-engine . I told guys they could have it if they could start-it . Even guys with big-single knowledge couldn't do it , timing-levers-aside , it was the exact-same procedure as starting a BSA Gold-star race-bike or Manx-Norton-single . If you even rested your hand on the throttle, it wouldn't start . If it didn't start in 3-kicks, you had to 'un-flood' the motor and start again . When it started, people would recoil-backwards , it really Roared ! Dave NZ

I love Craig's laugh. He got so happy when that last (first or second actual person) got it to fire up!

Happy New year to you all (not Dan) from across the pond! Was everyone else wincing as much as me with that poor kick start lever? Look forward to more new content guys, keep up the good work!

It's a wonder the kickstart hasn't broke with all that kicking😂

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. - Einstein

Can't believe I'm just now stumbling upon your channel! Plus knowing that you guys are literally minutes from my house is pretty dope!!

We can't believe that just by chance we went to bass pro the day you were there and luckily won! So thankful for your generosity!! And glad I convince him to try lol

So glad to see you guys back in action! I hope you had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Keep the shiny-side up, dudes.

Reminds me of my old ‘65 Sporty with a Linkert carb and magneto. I had to kick once while holding the choke closed, then turn the ignition on, open the choke, and give it a hearty kick and off we went!

I did something simular with a buddy of mine. I fly small airplanes as a hobby, and I asked him if he would figure out how to start it (it's a Cessna 172, just a normal piston engine propeller plane). He's a mechanic, so he knows a lot about motors. It took him some minutes, but he eventually fired it up. What do you need to start an engine? Battery/power, fuel flow, mixture control, ignition/spark and throttle to keep the engine running. And usually in that order. It was very much fun for me to see him figuring out. Like the very first thing he said was "alright, so wheres the battery switch?".

“I’ll give you 100 bucks if you can read this sign” 😂😂 genius

With all the turmoil in the States since 2020, it's great to see a video like this appear every now and then. Good work and keep the good vibes coming. From Sydney Aus.

I have no idea how to do it but i know some models have like a timing thing you can / needs to change when starting? Guess thats whats needed, dont know if piston needs to be in a specific positions as well.

ChatGpt response is : Starting a vintage motorcycle like the Harley Davidson WLC 1942 Navy spec requires a bit of knowledge and patience. Here are the steps you can follow: Check the Fuel and Oil Levels: Make sure the motorcycle has enough fuel and oil. The oil should be checked by removing the oil tank dipstick, and the fuel should be checked by looking inside the fuel tank. Turn on the Ignition: Locate the ignition switch, usually located on the right-hand side of the motorcycle's frame. Turn the switch to the "on" position. Set the Choke: Locate the choke lever on the left-hand side of the motorcycle's handlebar. Set the choke to the "on" position to provide a richer fuel-air mixture for starting. Prime the Carburetor: On the left-hand side of the carburetor, there is a small lever called a tickler. Press it down to prime the carburetor with fuel. Kickstart the Engine: Move the kickstart lever into position and kick down with a smooth and firm motion. You may need to repeat this process several times until the engine starts. It take 40s to ask and read, rest 4mn20s to test !

You guys make fantastic YT content for bikers,love it! Greetings from Belgium 🔥

That bike sounds amazing. It must have been a real rush to get that thing to come to life.

After a few kicks you'd think they would look for an ignition switch and fuel switch at least. Why would they be left switched on? I always did put the choke on my Virago half way and once started I adjusted it for better running.

You guys should do more vids like this. Too bad there is only so many kick start engines that aren't hard to kick through, and won't kick back. Could see some issues but great idea for video's 👍

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Glad to see some new content. Keep up the good work and God bless!

Sean, been a fan of the channel for years. You always produce top-notch CONTENT, Love IT ! Cheers from Australia !

I think people didn't want to participate mostly because they were afraid to drop that bike while starting it. Especially if someone's not used to sitting on motorcycles. Maybe a backwheel stand to stabilize the bike would help get confidence.

50'EL with medium compression. Two slow prime kics w half choke. Move kicker till a piston feels like it's TDC. Then one kick with full choke. I prefer a newer distributer with centrifugal advance. Also Accel spark plugs seem to clean themselves off better than others..My old 71' slash five Beemer, I could start by hand pushing kicker. had each bike 20 years.

I love your videos. They always put me into a Great Mood. I’m always looking forward to your New Content. Funny thing is, it didn’t start out that way. There was a time I kinda hated it 😂 . Great Content keep up the Awesome Work.

It is always fun to watch you edgumicate us on all things holy.. It is also nice seeing you making those peeps days.

I've ridden one of those there is like a few steps u gotta adjust the timing turn on choke open the fuel turn the key on

most kick start its done to feeling the compression, mate has trouble all the time with his shovel esp when its hot. No matter how many times I show him its the feeling.

I have a good friend who collects and restores old Cushman bikes and he's told me about starting them...and it's a lot like how this thing starts. Not sure if I could have started this, but it might have been worth a shot...lol.

Love your videos keep them coming! Props all the way from Scotland.

For the whole time I was wonering "Does they turned on the ignition?" and when I found out that they didn't I had only one question "Do you ever started SOMETHING that has any engine?" because you can do whatever you want but 2 basic things must be done. Open fuel valve and turn on the ignition, you can also choke it but that depends on the engine, if you have those 2 things done you will start it eventually.

I think I could start it but it would take me more like 20 minutes of looking it over and thinking it thru. I do know I for sure would have thought to figure out how to be sure the fuel was on and that the ignition switch was on, I would have put choke on full for a few trys then probably backed it off for a few trys. still wouldn't have ever come up with the exact sequence but I think I would have got it running. owning a bike like that for a while is how you get to know it. I have an old bike that requires some finesse to start but if you know just how to do it it is like a one sollid kick kind of deal.

The two of you remind me of my husband and his best friend. Never a dull moment and always entertaining 😊

LOVE this channel and am very impressed with the depth of knowledge and talent from both Sean and Craig. Also a little jealous of both beards and bike collection lol IF I was lucky enough to see this in a parking lot somewhere, I would first ask if instead of the $1,000, I could ride it, within sight of course, say around the parking lot for 10 minutes, am fully insured and legal. I realize what a museum piece this is and know the work you have done on this BEAUTIFUL bike. I actually knew the order of and how to start this bike as I watched a part of our group do it to his WLA back in the day. My son and I would consider it an honor to ride with you guys, if you ever make it to the gorgeous PNW.

I think this was the first video i saw from these guys. Been watching since

Wow, what a trip! I remember one time my nephew, my brother and I went to see a 1950 Panhead here in Southern California. The guy thought he was a real old-school biker, and wanting to sound tough, he said “if you could start it you can test ride it” He went in his house and came back running when he heard the bike galloping. I kick started it with the second try. He didn’t know I had been riding since the 80s. We ended up buying the bike and like a full we sold it 2 Years later way before they went up in value. We did make about 7k on it so can’t complain.

I'd love to see you do this a bike week. I hope everyone has a fantastic 2023!

Note to self if I see Sean And Craig in a parking lot offering $1000 to start an old Harley, watch wheels through time video before I try to start an old Harley 😁

I could fire it, but I wouldn't have the strength to use the kick start. I can because to start my moped you have to turn on the choke open the fuel valve turn on the ignition and then kick or turn on the starter

Wish I'd of walked through that lot. In 1969 my first Harley was a '45 WLA. I'm 72 and can still start one easily. Old bikes confuse the hell out of late model bikers.

I steal bikes for a living and have always struggled getting these bikes to start......but now with your fine video I'm sure I'll strive in my craft......Thanks BikesandBeards!! 🤣🤣

I don’t even ride or have ever ridden a motorcycle..Lol someday I guess 🤔 and yet I find myself watching all your videos, awesome work guys!

When I was 17, weighting 120 lbs, I had no problem starting my 750 flathead. 60 years later, I'm not sure I could. From my year as a dispatch rider I learned that the most important thing about a military bike is easy starting.

Most people are scared of motorcycles... but the few the proud the brave are out there.

Yo Sean… too bad I wasn‘t around. I had my first flatty 45 when I was 27, the next one 10 years ago… would‘ve been easy money! Great idea, keep on doin‘ stuff like this. Peace.

fun to watch . one of the best bike channels

switch to on make sure theirs no kill switch on the kick stand and have the gas on make sure their no key fob needed to start it

knew someone that had a military spec model. probably the coolest Harley bike ever made

I was thinking the whole time that it had to have an ignition switch. But everyone did get the choke, fuel then kick. Just one of those things that everyone has gotten used to in this day and age of ease of use. There used to be ignition switches haha good video though it was fun!

I built a Cafe' racer with a 140cc piranha engine. The compression on that engine is insane. When kickstarting Quality over quantity is the secret... and a hand over the air intake helps. If you attempt to kick it without giving it all you got, its coming back at you. It hurts really bad. Once its running, its a beast. Roll starting isn't an option, it will not roll start no matter what gear you are in.

I’d defo have a go I was wondering if you had to get the pistons top dead centre then lift the choke

My father had 1972 yezde. After my dad leaves out we quickly turn on the TV, and we turn off before he comes back cause we can hear the SOUND LIKE 2 STREETS away. Anyways, it's an amazing video.

This is like a fun basic brand history test. All you have to do is start it to prove you payed attention, and get a grand richer.

The gearhead in me wants one now. There's something cool about having to know the song of it's people to get it to start. I never really wanted a harley until this moment

Some have an advance spark twist on the left grip .... Turn gas on Choke it Twist throttle three times slowly kick it through three times.. Turn it to run.. Advance distributor.. Turn trottle a time or two if it gas accelerator pump and it should start... If it has run in the last month.. within four kicks... Good luck if it hasn't run this year... I would use some stating fluid...🎉 I'm 2in shorter than I used to be.. both knees blown out from kicking a 68 mag sportster...since 92 Cold blooded monster.. There... That was the sequence to start my panhead...

I read the sequence and as someone who used to drive an old honda bike that can barely start when it's raining. That's exactly how I start it.

I wish I'd been there. I've seen the procedure over and over on the Wheels Through Time YT site.

I absolutely knew it had to be a spark timing lever! Old cars do have that.

Never ridden a motorcycle and thinking are rhey making sure the ignition is even on? I've seen some where it's built into the gas cap so it had to be closed in order for it to start but that might have been a custom

I dont know about this thing... woulda probably off of my scooter knowledge assumed it definitely has a manual choke, so 1. Ignition on, 2. Choke, 3. Kick. Would it have done anything?

I know how to start an airplane engine from the 1940s. So it's in the realm of possibility I could've applied that knowledge here :-P Nice video!

Darn it… I maintained a ‘42 WL-D for a friend and know how it works… When I first learned it, my friend told me ya gotta be at least 60 years old or she won’t start. But once you know the trick(s) she pops right off.

Well the engine is not firing so it's either lack of fuel or it's electircal. That would be my starting point. Fuel first. Is there a tap on the fuel line? That used to be common.

Gotta open the valve to the tank, like in a 2 stroke boat engine.

1-Put the transmission in 2nd gear 2-Hold in the clutch 3-Make sure gas and choke (or distributor) are in correct position 4- Make sure key is on. 5- Position kickstart into highest compression. 6- then kick start it. twice if necessary. Don't forget to prime it if it's been sitting a while.

great content. im surprised people were so reluctant to give it a shot

Would have been the quickest grand I ever made. 😎 Beautiful bike by the way! 👍

Wish i would have been there. I've owned 2 Knukleheads and a early Pan. Flatties are real close when it comes to starting.

It's like watching McCarthy trying to become speaker of the House!😂

People probably thought you were the Bass Pro timeshare salesman moved to the parking lot and using this as a way to open a conversation

I have a 49 flathead and tell people same thing, if they can start it they can have it...wish I was around where you were doing this cuz it would have been fun to take your money

I've never driven anything in my nearly 40 years (no licenses of any sort), and I think my first instinct would be to examine the area where the fuel switch is to see if there's a button or something. Not saying I'd have figured out the rest, though, but the fuel switch probably wouldn't have eluded me.

Man. Seeing you guys do all this cool local stuff only makes me hate living in CA more than I do already. And that amount increasing even a smidgen more should break math!

Turn the ignition on & kick start !

Absolutely awesome episode

These flat heads were low compression which also translates to lower vacuum. Trying to get a rich enough mixture without starving the engine for air was tricky. A friend of mine had an old dresser that was virtually impossible for anyone else but Ray to start!

I love all the inventions. Anything is possible at 54garage. I put a weed eater flywheel and could on a bike one time because all the exsisting ignition system was all burned up. You guys reminded me of it. Good job as always guys. Thanks for the interesting videos.

Left side twist to advance spark…. If it has a pumper… twist tight side twice…. Choke on…. Move kick starter slowly and find TOP of compression stroke…. Jump straight up… come straight down….and DO NOT come out of the bottom until AFTER the engine is RUNNING…or completely stopped popping

I have no idea why people think tried to start this bike would do it without switching ignition ON.Also bringing engine to compression moment. I am not familiar with Harleys but principle stays the same.Some bikes have decompression lever you need to release after the kick or some bikes you change ingnition timing.

LOL...I had a 53 panhead and would tell people they could have it if they could start it..! Nobody could start it. I could start it on the 2nd kick every time

Getting ready to buy my first motorcycle and came across this channel. I can’t believe I never knew this channel existed when I’m right next door in York 😂 hopefully you guys will get some inventory soon so I can buy a bike off you!

Love the old exhaust style!!

My neighbor owns one right now..we live in Burnham Maine couldn't believe I saw this video..I just told him about yours..he said reach out to me anytime well exchange numbers if you'd like..thank you for this awesome post!

How can this bike have such an antique yet modern look at the same time? Very beautiful!