You should consider looking at his Jail bike build. Pretty impressive! I thought it was cool that they allowed Billy to build a chopper from scratch while he was locked up. Talk about THERAPY!!!
I’m 42 years old and the only reason I got into motorcycles was from watching you and Larry and Jesse build bikes. Thank you Billy, God bless ya Brother🙏🏻😎
Billy was always one of my favorite bike builders to watch next to Larry of course it's good to see Billy's boots on the ground and reinventing himself hope he has tons of success.
Way back during the biuld off days I was a student taking automotive classes. I went to Daytona bike week and met Billy. He said my fellow students and I could come and visit his shop. We did. He is the nicest guy ever. Thank you Billy for being so cool to us and a young punk from nebraska.
Man, I'm not kidding. Your videos are some of my favorites because you explain everything you're doing simply and in plain English. Whoever is doing the camera work is an expert at positioning the camera. And, obviously, your talent shows through every time. Thanks, brother. Eric in Kissimmee Florida.
Clear videos without jumping around, clear dialogue and no human dynamics to distract, plus no annoying guitar soundtrack. Allows me to watch the video entirely from start to finish. Thanks 🥝🇳🇿🤔
Billy is by far one of the best to watch for how to stuff. I already know how to do these things but like so many people have said……the way he does it is mesmerizing and fun to watch. A true legend.
Great demeanor for teaching! It’s refreshing to watch someone who actually has the experience and knowledge. Too many people on U Tube teaching that needs to be in class themselves. Maybe I should by a 90s springer ?
So refreshing to see someone who really know his stuff, doing a DIY demo. There are far too many hacks, who lack knowledge, experience & the right stuff, showing how (not) to fix machines. Thanks Billy! The part about dismantling the wiring plugs is familiar to me. My drawing skills suck, so I'm grateful for a good camera in my phone. Always losing those little pieces of paper anyway......
Great video. I had Tommy Keefer set my 02' Springer up the same way back in 2013. We lowered it and did an old factory 150 tire kit. I had Flanders wide clubman bars which look pretty much identical. Springers look awkward from factory, but a few key mods make these look so good. Sweet machine you made there!
his Bad Boy looks pretty much stock other than the front wheel. they had front fenders tight to the wheel too so it didn't look as awkward as some springers
Wow, I love the details you show. That's where most people get stuck! I'm glad your still at it, I remember watching you on tv for the bike build offs back when I was just getting out of highschool. You inspired me to go into motorcycle mechanics and welding, never ended up in a custom shop but I did build my own parts for the stunt riding community back in the day. I'm now inspired to go build another bike project.
Billy, I remember so well, and with reverence: my wife and I stood off to the side at your Choppers Inc., Laughlin river run booth, observing what to me was virtually a religious experience. It was something surreal. People had lined up almost “around the block” waiting to shake your hand, maybe get a hug, and take a picture and get an autograph ...sometimes right onto their skin. The hush that had fallen over that scene stood in stark contrast to the rest of the huge venue that was hoppin’ mad with several band-stands and the sheer loud hoopla of it all. Meanwhile, this whole sorta’ ceremony, I want to call it, took place in such a peaceful and dignified way, and I’ll never forget it. You have definitely inspired, and continue to inspire millions of people - both here in the States as well as across the world. And I am truly grateful that I hooked onto the whole Discovery Channel craze back in the early 2000’s - good, bad and ugly - and was able to “get to know you” and your incredible craft and gift, from a distance. Now, today, it is almost a bit bizarre to see how you are directly interacting with people - regular commoners, as it were - through your RU-vid channel through technology that did not exist back then. Pretty fantastic in my book. I do have one question that I would like to take this opportunity to ask you, and I hope that it’s not annoying: do you know why the FXSTS Springers have the wheel offset to the right? I have searched high and low and sideways for an answer to this but have not been able to get that answer no matter how much or how deep I dug on the various Harley forums, etc. If I recall correctly, through “live” in-person inspections, the FL Springers (wide tired front wheel Classics) don’t seem to have this offset, or if they do, it’s so minimal as to not being noticeable, but the 90/90-21 FX’s all do. The Bad Boy and/or Cross Bones might be exceptions, not sure. I’ve been playing with the idea of taking on an FXSTS project through the addition of a Springer to my “stable” but that offset is bugging the heck outta’ me to be quite blunt. I am not a Harley engineer nor an engineer of any kind for that matter, but to my mind, the front wheel should always run centerline with the rear wheel/be centered on the damper between the springs which in turn is centered on the neck. None of the skinny front-end non-Springers have this offset, ever. And so, the explanations that I’ve gotten that “they’re all offset to counter the weight of the engine” makes absolutely zero sense to me as the rest of the frame is the same on non-Springers. This situation is present both on Evo and Twin Cam bikes. Any light that you may be able to shed on this mystery would be greatly appreciated. Here’s hoping that you have found a tranquil haven for yourself and your family in Tennessee and that everything is going to plan. From Southern California - Ride Forever!
Informative, without sounding like you're lecturing. Has made me so much more confident about routing my wires through the bars, never realised it would be so easy. Thank you so much.
Billy, the end edge of the Deutsch plug is numbered 1-3 down one side and 4-6 down the other. So when you draw your diagram for wire replacement you just write the number next to the wire color. That way you don’t have to draw the plug.Pretty hard to screw up the reinstallation. This is the way we’ve always done it at our shop, and has always worked out .It’s great to see your doing good again Billy. You have a lot of fans and people who love you!
Billy bad ass, I’m glad the man’s got his freedom back and looks like he’s doing well.I met billy at Williams Harley Davidson in n.j. He’s a cool cat. All the best to you brother.
Love how you instruct/talk everyone through your repairs...you make everything sound easy. I on the other hand, when doing any kind of repair work use the tried and true method of measuring twice read the directions five times and cuss frequently...
Man I remember how spooked I was drilling in bars the first time. At my top, I think I could internal wire in about an hour. Iirc, we charged 4 hours for undrilled bars and 3 for drilled bars. Keep up the good work man!
about to install a cam in my '96 Dyna and this video couldn't have been any more timely. Terrific job of photographing and explaining the end play process. You have a new subscriber, thanks !
Thanks Billy! You keep with the old school way of doing things, correctly. Tried and Proven. Great Video. I have mixed emotions with a 23 vs 21, That choice belongs to the individual that owns their machine.
I like the big chopper builds but not something I could do in my garage. These videos are great because of the teaching and things that I can learn and do. Thanks. 21' wheel.
I remember watching You and Indain larry on Discovery many many years ago, I heard You went through some hard times and now I found You on youtube and I am happy you are still doing what you love. Now I am 42, I bought my first motorcycle couple of months ago and are at the beginning of new journey. God bless you Sir, your followers and every rider.
I’m dig’n your videos. I like the fact that you took the time to show how you you did these modifications, without making a huge deal about it. (Just the right amount of tech). Keep making videos like this.
Same bike (not springer) same paint, same damage. Oh also NJ. Luckily bike came up from Maryland. Over the past few years she’s been a solid trooper till last year. Flywheel issue gave me the reason to put new motor and 6 speed. 64hp now at 103hp. Shock replacement was greatest upgrade though. I know HD stock was garbage but had no idea the extent. Wow. Thanks for the time lapse of my process. 👊🏼
Thanks man. I run an 89 Softail and I built my own bike but it's been awhile and it's like meditation watching you work. Old School efficient I call it. No fancy shit. Good stuff man.
Man im so happy being able to watch you build bikes again. Ive never built a bike before, but watching you on here and biker build off back in the day, makes me want to try to build a motorcycle... Lol. Thanks Mr lane!!
You inspired me wayyy back in early years of biker build offs and doing with what you had...haah I ended up buying a 93 flhtp police bike...did a bunch of mods, apes, le para low profile seat, small windshield, straight fish tail pipes that stick out about 14 inches past the saddle bags.....and made a license plate bracket from an old coat rack.lol..Nobody even noticed until I told them how I did it....Keep the vid's coming ...Peace from NB Canada
And the 21 tire was the right choice definitely awesome work as always your definitely a bike builder who will live forever like Indian Larry ! billy your bikes will tell your story the same way it did for Larry !! Thank you for your bikes brother !!
@@BillyLaneChoppers I watched the biker build off between you and Larry and I just wanted to tell you it was awesome to see the brotherhood and respect you showed and Larry did as well ! my god you invented something that was thought impossible with the hubless rear axel your vision took the motorcycle world and literally set the bar for all others to follow ! I used to ride but developed a disease called rheumatoid arthritis my body literally attacks my joints and bumps form on all my joints and brother the day I sold my bike I died inside a little and it was a Harley bad boy just like yours and when I saw your episode with that bike I broke down ! I was in the army for 10 yrs and when I rotated back that’s when this crap hit me! But I just wanted to say I watched you and your attitude and strength showed me not to give up on myself or my ability to ride someday cause let’s face it there is nothing like it my friend !! boots up in the wind it’s almost religious! So thank you Mr Lane you helped me and didn’t even know it with your strength and determination in yourself! I used it to help me !! your friend forever. MARC
Bing from Down Under..... just came across your site and man I've learnt so much from this clip. Thank you for imparting your extensive knowledge to all of us.
So much knowledge love this style of video and I’ve been watching you build bikes since I was a kid! I’m now 25 and married and I’ve got a dyna set up and I’m fixing to start my first hardtail sportster build! Keep putting out content
Didn’t know he even had a channel. Phenomenal amount of mechanical and engineering knowledge. There’s few in the world who have the level of motorcycle acumen Billy Lane has.
I’ve heard for years customers saying to me “ wow you make this look so easy “ doing floor covering ( carpet , tile , hardwood...) . Billy you make everything look so easy and a hell of lot cooler 🤘🏼
Your lathe is bad ass, what a tool, I've been iron worker in Cleveland Ohio, specialize in commercial garage doors I'm a fabricator and Matt it is awesome watching you fabricate stuff with your lathe, it's so awesome when you can make anything you need your badass bro
I love these videos you make SO much. Besides having always been a fan of your work and custom bikes and of course the still super badass hubless wheel, it's so great seeing a true professional work. I like to tinker on my bikes but I don't have the training or expertise and bike shops won't let you hang out and watch even if you can keep your mouth shut. So being able to see all the tools, techniques, and things you've learned from experience is fantastic. Thanks for taking the time to make these and actually showing/explaining things not just, I'm going to do this now... and there it is done.
Started watching this bcuz it was you...also like to see older bikes, where I live my 01' Heritage is antique. Anyway thanks for the detailed bit on the deutch plugs, its those small "nuggets" that are priceless.
I run almost exclusively late nineties and early 2000 bikes. Softails and Sportsters… I love building them and riding them… thanks for making a video right down my alley!
So glad my RU-vid came up with a recommendation for your channel last week. Been binge watching all your vids. Remember watching you all them years ago on biker build off and love what you do. Awesome that your still doing it. Keep up with this channel, it's great!!!
Wow, bringing back some memories for me! My first Harley ever was a 1996 Springer softail in metallic dark gray. I had it lowered and put swept back drag bars on it. I worked 4 full summers to save up enough to buy that bike, then I sold it like an idiot, I would give anything to have that bike and the feeling that bike gave me back!
Thanks for sharing this Billy! I recently deleted the Molex connections on my 94 Fatboy and converted to Deutch connectors for the front controls. What a BIG job!! Took me about 8 hours to do but it looks absolutely AWESOME!! Again, thanks for sharing your trick.
Lucky to have found a 95 Harley 883 California with 1100 OG MILES! New carb. New tires. On the road. Chrome spotted but that’s ok. Eileens been good so far. Need to make more time to enjoy her. Oh. Yah. You are the loving the dream bro. Keep doing what you do. I sure appreciate the beauty and also the wickedness of your bikes through the years. Big ups!
Yessy.... That's a Great Billy and were able to bid on the Bike that's had the Master's magic touch ,,Nice focused camera work ..Greetings from West Wales
Huge inspirational figure and part of the reason I love building bikes now. I Run a 21”x3.5” on my 2002 Night Train, never ran a 23”. The 3.5” over 2.15” width is a game changer on handlings for me especially highway speeds. I assume it’s easier to get sneakers for 21” as well. Either way, you can’t go wrong Billy. 🤘🏻⚡️
Yay finally Billy has a youtube channel. Would love to watch more of your content, been a great admirer of your work since the Biker Build-off days. 👍👍👍
Dude I have an 04 FXSTS I bought it new in 03 I have ridden it to Sturgis 17 times 100,000 miles and counting, not my only but my Favorite for Sure ... Great Choice of bars I like the 21 " front tire keeps it Classic ....
Just catching back up with you again Billy. Love seeing you again man. you parked alot of my interest in bikes bak in the day. EEEEEEEEverybody wants a Badboy brother.
You're a good man you got back on the horse And are doing many positive things I appreciate all your work and positive outlook on the older Harley's I'm on the South side of Chicago if I Ever make it Down South I'm going to look you up And you ever come North give me a call Remember you always gotta make lemonade out of Lemons
This is like a cooking channel for bike addicts. It’s fun watching Billy get shit done while sharing good tips along the way. It makes me want to go out and turn the light on in the kitchen (garage) and work on my bike, even though it’s after midnight and I should be sleeping ;)
Haven’t seen you since Biker Build Off, should have known u would be doing RU-vid. Great to see you and your take on how a bike should look once again. 👌👌
This is so rad. I just bought myself a 88 evo softail basket case and picked up a springer at Carlisle. Everything your doing is what I want. I’m new to harleys not bikes so this is super informative. Thanks billy.
These videos are great , the camera work and explanations are second to none as far as i'm concerned , 21'' front for sure - Damn , im missing my 92 Fatboy now - same color and tanks -
I used to work patterning, fabricating, and installing custom canvas on boats. Being from where you’re at, you probably know that most boats have rounded pipes/poles. One thing I figured out was to use an “eye” or “inchworm” (since it has two holes - hahaha - and clamping a vice grips to one side. This way you can use it to position the drill bit where you want it and have two hands controlling the drilling process. On strange angles I would do a smaller pilot hole and then finish with the larger bit that would run through the pilot hole. Hope that helps
The I remember when they said it couldn’t be done. Then Billy said, what? Watch me build this…rimless bike. Way cool outside the box my man. Good to see you makin moves on the Tube.
