Forgotten Harley Sitting over 50 Years - WILL IT RUN? 

Never thought I would cry at the start of a motorcycle.. this was my grandpas bike. Thank you so much for this!

These motorcycles were my dad’s. Watching you sharing them on your RU-vid channel has been very exciting and emotional for me to see him being honored in this way. Thank you.

So Happy I got these Bikes to Matt .... I wish my Dad was still alive to see this !!! We met Dale in Mt. Vernon IL. Thank You Matt !!

I can't believe I'm watching this and that I found it on my RU-vid. I'm 77 years old. When I was 19 years old, I owned a 1955 KH. Had no idea what I really had, just that it was a Harley and that was cool. I weighed 150 lb and I was in heaven. 25 years later I find out how rare they were. What a great find. Good Luck.

Ya need a small Concrete Mixer, like Bricklayers use, to clean Tanks. I used to work in a Restoration Shop and we'd fill rusty Tanks with Nuts and Bolts and then strap them to a Board and strap the Board to the front of the Mixer. Turn them for a hr or so and it would make even the RUSTIEST Tanks clean up like brand new 🤠

Harley sure did build some beautiful K models and early Sportsters back then. Makes you want to restore or build one today. That's a nice bike you got there. What a classic good-looking Harley.

I never cease to be amazed watching your work. Running that Matchless was a pleasure to watch with Chris jumping into that sidecar. Matt and Chris working on this classic K and getting it running is something special.

So glad you are keeping your Dad's legacy alive. I love the camaraderie you inspire in those around you. Great content. Just leave some barn finds for the rest of us, we'll donate them when we're done playing with them.

I've always had a weird thing for K models, don't ask me why. I've had my eye on that black one you have upstairs for years. This one sounds great. It always amazes me how these bikes can run so well after sitting for decades. I dig the Matchless as well. I went through a British thing in the 80's, so I also have an appreciation for that stuff. Great video, as always!

The old technology still works just fine , nice bike

Thanks for this one....My Dad's 1955 KHK is literally in my dining room on a work table.... Dad bought it new in 55 ....it was his only means of transportation when he got it.... Last tagged in 1973..... We started to restore when he was still alive.... Talked to your Dad about it years ago....He was great guy..... Been put on the back burner do to just life.!!! I remember when telling your Dad about it He said to me " What are you waiting for ? " He was right.... I got to get to the front of my priorities.... This video is inspiring...Thanks.

Cool to see such a clean old k model. Tried to find one back in the late 70's, hard to find even then.

This is my favorite video that you have ever done. It took me back to a time in my youth that I will cherish forever. My first bike that I ever had after being old enough to legally drive was a 1952 KHK and it was awesome. Faster than any one could believe and took me on more adventures than I can even remember. OH the stories I could tell. What I wouldn't give to have that setting in my living room right now.

From across the pond, it was a pleasure watching these two work together and what a beautiful bike! Nice to see a Harley with conventional pegs rather than footboards. Oh and just have to say being a Brit it made me chuckle that the AJ started a lot easier than the colonial iron 😉Both bikes sounded fantastic!!

I love that you guys do this, carrying on your dads legacy bringing these machines out of the darkness and letting them shine once again, sometimes I don't know why, maybe I'm just a fat old wuss but seeing some a these start brings a little tear of joy.

We visited the museum three weeks ago and I was in my happy place! I grew up on small import bikes but was surrounded by Harley’s. In 1966 I got my first Wards Riverside 50cc built by Bennelli. Eighteen or so bikes of all brands left me indelibly scarred.😃 I love ‘em all. I bought my raffle tickets so let’s see if I’m destined to add a knucklehead to my long list of favorite motorcycles.

My first Harley was a 56 KH. I paid $150 for it running. Guys who wanted to race "that 45" got a quick lesson! First foot shift, hand clutch, first unit construction engine/transmission. Right foot shift was because of flat track racing heritage. The street models were produced to justify the racing models.The reason they went from 45 in( for 750cc class) to 55 cu.in. 883cc. is because a 1000 cc class had been created. 883cc allowed for some boring as the engine wore, without exceeding race specs.Right foot shift was for constant left turns during flat track racing(without brakes).It helps to keep right foot under shifter, and left foot right over the brake, to buy time to realize the opposite controls. Early models required splitting the cases to access transmission. Later models introduced the infamous (breakage)"trap door". That's most of what I was told/read/remember... Thanks for keeping alive the history of the machines that created this passion! There is no other understanding that compares to riding a new old Harley.

Beautiful looking bike!👍

What a nice bike.....love the colors..... Congratulations on getting her started.....!!!!🎉👏😊

Great job guys. The Matchless deserves its own episode too :)

What a gem. They'll never look or sound like that again. Great job and patience! Makes me miss my old 63 XLCH 1363.

Awesome. I probably say this every time… I am recovering from a stroke. I am fighting back, but still quite screwed up! Every success gives me hope!

Cool history and bike. Great addition to the museum.

I love the information and history. It's so easy getting caught up in something that teases you and keeps leading you in the wrong direction when trying to get something running. I have had the same thing happen to me on old tractors and gravelys. But it's all part of what we love and suffering through the bad just makes the good that much sweeter. It's always amazing to me how well old stuff starts and runs and works.

matt thank you for keeping this alive i loved walking through there and talking with your dad made my vacation very memorable i hope to get to meet you someday but im in my 60s now so i hope i can livelong enough to visit again

The KRTT in TT and flat track trim was an amazingly fast bike. That was the successor to the great little WR's that did so well in Class C racing. I once owned a '53 KK 45" bike. I love flatheads!

Matt.I love your show and what you do. I don't own a bike. But your shop and what you do is incredible. It makes me dream.

I knew Buzz He was a cool dude and all kinds of antiques and stuff bunch of motorcycles. He died not too long ago, My he rest in peace.

Having owned a 56 KH your starting technique is all wrong. Key off, full choke, three kicks. Bring it up to top dead center, back the choke off two clicks, full advance, kick it through and it should start. Try to stay off the throttle because it will flood easily. The only time I ever had issues was in Rock Springs, WY and is was 35 or 36 degrees that morning. I carried an extremely hot plug for the possibility of a cold morning and after I put the hot plugs in it push started after about 10 feet. Warmed it up and put the cold plugs in and off we went to ND. The nice thing about grip adjustable advance is you could take a little timing out at 80 and the engine cooled off. It could actually feel the rear head and there was a noticeable drop in temp by taking a few degrees of timing out at speed. Another thing you need to know. The key cylinders were Briggs and Stratton and they had no tumblers/inserts in them. If you have an uncut B&S key you are good to go.

Bought a 54 KH back in 1971 when I got out of the Army. Very fast bike as I remember.

You guys nailed it and brought back great memories. Coincidentally I was born in 1954 Kevin Hall “KH” and my first new Harley was a 1974 right foot shift Sportster. Still on Harleys fifty years later.

What a beautiful bike... and that sound.was like music. Thanks for sharing your treasure God bless you.

Congratulations on getting the K running! Runs like it was never in storage - no smoke, no mis-firing!

That is one good looking bike….great video 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Love the old "K" model. The original "Sportster. It was a needed game changer to combat the "British invasion" back in the day.

I owned a 1956 KHK #KHK1812 for a a few years.

A couple more years and the legendary Sportster was born from the seeds of the K model . Best move by far that Harley ever did.

I have been riding Harleys since the 1970,s and I lived closer you would have a volunteer to help even if it means sweeping floors. I love what you do to keep these national treasures running. I visited once years ago but you were close to closing time and only got to spend 30 minutes or so. Please keep doing what you are doing.

exactly the kind of content I've been hoping for from these guys. awesome!

I’m in the UK and do not know much about Harley bikes but have to say that this is is a stunningly good looking machine I would love to ride. I really hope it will be enjoyed at your museum.

I knew y'all would get her running. Really sounds good. Hopefully get out there for the raffle.

Number 1 favorite Channel for old school motorcycles 😊 Cheers 🍺🍻🇦🇺🤝🇺🇸😎👍✌ Cradle Mountain Tasmania 🇦🇺

The predecessor to the sportster, how cool. I'm one of those flathead lovers. So love the K models!!!!

Great museum and people! Was there in 2004 doing the Dragon and Cherholla Parkway

Fantastic video! You guys are mechanical wizards!-John in Texas

Man, that reminds me of my old ‘75 Ironhead!

Look at how well his family took care of that bike I'm guessing the ones that took care of it didn't have the time or trust themselves to mess with the engine, so they done the next best thing and they preserved it. As long as they kept A spark plug in it and oil and drain the gas. A motor can sit for many decades without too much damage. So they done the right thing, bringing it to you.

Man, I love this channel. One day I’ll visit this place in person. 💪🏼

Love the museum and the videos you do. I like to see content on fixing up old motorcycles and the how it’s done and what to look for…it’s like a mix between chris fix and vice grip garage. Keep up the great work and please post more fix up/ repair videos like this!!

Guys, I could feel the frustration, anticipation and excitement connected to this bike. Awesome job fellas!

Nice. So cool. Genius.

Always liked the overall look of K models even though a classic Indian lover.

I’ve never been a fan of that bike but man it’s in great condition. Nicely done

Mine was a 56. As I remember, the wheels were stroked, and the cams were hotter than XLR's. Guys would rob them for the Sportsters when they came out.

those cool, weird heads on the Ks always gave me that 'buck rogers' vibe. first one i saw was on one of those cheapo biker movies we watched in the late 60s early 70s.

Always Fun And Educational To Watch These Videos! God I Love Old Harleys!

Great find .

I am a sportster man,had many in my youth,but unforsean circimstances, so no more.love this channel. Thank you,for bringing back a smile on my face.....potato,patato,patato,best sound ever !

Listen to that thing chug along at idle. God it's a beautiful thing.

After 60 years of small engine repairing I decided they should be lit up the same way an industrial furnace is. First is airflow, then ignition, then fuel. With engines the same parts that move air though it also causes compression. Make sure the exhaust isn't plugged and the throttle is open. Then I like to make the ignition work GOOD usually I motor them with a big drill at high speed to see that spark doesn't crap out after it makes 3,4, 10, 50, 100, 500 sparks. Realize your test gap needs to be fixed at about 1/4" inch. You got compression (and airflow) and spark (at the right time: 20-25 before TDC is close enough it ought to start) you are all set. Using your fingers to squeeze a small gas bottle (2-cycle mix bottles work well) with a 1/16th or 3/32nds hole in the lid IS "digital fuel injection".(lol). DON'T PUT ANY GAS IN THE TANK. See can you prime it a little and get it to start. See can you "catch it" and keep it running. You can? It burns it's fuel eagerly? Well then go ahead and put fuel in the tank with the petcock shut off (or pinch the hose off with forceps) and start it and catch it an keep it running - THEN turn the fuel on. If you get no gas you will know it. If it dies and adding gas doesn't help - then it's flooding. Remember kids - there is no shades of grey with compression - the valves piston rings head gaskets just cant leak AT ALL. And ignition is just Yes or No. If it misses any sparks at all then stop and fix it. Only fuel delivery has a sweet spot that you must - like Goldilocks - find by experiment to be "Just Right". You are welcome. If you ask I will tell you how to make certain the valves and stuff don't leak. ("at all").

Excellent, especially the authentic singed hair. Sound sweet after 50 years!

I like you guys enthusiasm. 66 year old bike freak that grew up with honda's (CB-100, SL-125,CB-350G) went it the military, after the Nimtz (Marine Air) came back to Oklahoma, bought a brand new '75 Trident (drove back to SC last 2 years of enlistment), wore that puppy out over the next 20 years......then in the late 90's bought a '72 Daytona 500 T100R...needed rings, electrical work...but it had fresh paint (blue/white) and looked cherry. right side shift, positive ground...all that weird stuff the brits do. 🙄 No one has ever laid a hand on my bikes except me (even my '79 CBX base gasket) my TWO daily drivers today....an '18 KLR-650 (bought new, my second car) and the Triumph...I will always be old school. Dad gum Micheal Parks and 'Then came Bronson' STILL has infected my brain....all these years later from bein a kid. good lookin scoot

Absolutely beautiful, wish I had one. You all are brilliant with those bikes.👍❤️🇺🇸

Beautiful bike

Matt, wherever he is, your dad is so proud of you. He had the advantage of starting the collection 50 years ago, when the stuff was easier to find, and cheaper. You have the advantage of learning everything he knew, and building on what he built! Kudos to both of you!

Im just about to pick up a 1952 k been sitting 20 plus from a guy who inherited it from family i tried to talk him out of it 7 years back now hes ready gonna be a rider no resto this video gets my blood running ! Freaking cool

That is a good looking bike

I own a 1953 K model my Dad gave me for my 16th birthday. He bought it from a guy he worked with and spent about 6 months of weekends in the basement fixing it up. He painted the frame black, and the tank and fenders red. Recover the seat in black pleated leather and button tucked it. Had a bunch of stuff re-chromed. It looked like a new bike when Ihe gave it to me. I rode it to school and back in the warm months and I've been riding it ever since. My wife rode it quite a bit and I rode the Pan head I bought later. My youngest daughter rides it quite a bit now. It got a complete engine and transmission rebuild last year so, it ready to go for another 20-30 years. I do have a real soft spot for the K model and I'll have it until I die.

You guys know your bikes, that is for sure. Happy to see Rip Van Harley wake up and run like a top after being asleep for 50 years.

Chris has an odd way of breathing life back into those old Harley's. 🔥

Have never been a HD fan .... over priced...over weight... the bowling pin years... but always had a soft spot for a 45 flattie... classic lines.... so, for my 65th birthday I purchased a 42' in period civilian trim... with, according to my old school HD buddies, has no re-pop parts.... Since then, I purchased a Type 3 in military police trim. I try and get young riders to ride something old...prior to the 60's.... no electric starter.... foot shift tank shifter... these old machines have a soul... something magical .... once you have time in the saddle... you understand ... and appreciate the progress of motorcycles today... we all need a motorcycle that doesn't need us.... mine is parked downstairs... (RE 650 Interceptor) ..... I encourage young riders to find.. and keep... a piece of the pass.... 😎

Fantastic- love your stuff. All those awesome old bikes. Safe rides 👍🤜

Love seeing old bits of kit bought back to life and given another go!. Nuff said!. 🙂

50 years and pop! WOW! that is soo cool.

Thanks for posting guys, really enjoyed your journey from the Netherlands... Also refurbishing bikes myself and this is great to watch. Again Awesome!

Great show thank you......

Very nice little bike.

WOW! This was a great way to start my day. Can't wait to come visit y'all.

It should be "Dr. Matt". Great job.

How sweet it is! Really nice piece!

Awesome video Matt and Chris, beautiful bike 👍👍

That oil tank, Wow!

Thank you for this channel. Very inspiring to see you work.

Great episode lovely motor.

Man, you guys are really living the life. I hope you realize how blessed you are. Truly enjoy your vdeos. Thanks for making them.

I used to work on and restore old British Bikes . An old guy bought in his old 500 triumph that hadn't been run in 50 years. I got it running and was the first guy to ride it in 50 years. That's a thrill in itself.

Nice bike!!

Awesome! Perseverence paid off!

I absolutely enjoyed this. Great job. 👍

Thanks guys! Beautiful bike!🤠

Sweet! Great job resurrecting that jewel!

Cool video. I’m glad you worked on the British bike. Matchless. Classic. The smiles on your face riding the Harley. I could feel you. See ya

Very cool gents!! Appreciate what y'all do!!

As an owner of a '54 KH in '54, that really turns on the Nostalgia. "Talk about pulling power I pushed automatic cars with mine to get them started. I wish I had it back. Oh, Mine had a white tank with blue fenders. Never had bags, but I did eventually put a windshield on it. Rain or snow, rode it every day to school in South Bend , Indiana.

Sweet!!

Thanks Matt for getting Buzz's bike running. I knew him well. He was a very well respected man in our area. He was the owner of Lightsville garage where he sold Motorcycles.

That is sweet and thanks for letting me watch 👍

Thanks Matt and Chris beautiful bro just beautiful!!!

I'm not into Harleys but this one is beautiful, What a motorcycle should be, lean and straight forward.

Love the flying tilt on the Matchless