Harley Davidson Shovelhead - Review & Test Ride 

I THINK IT MIGHT BE LIKE LOOKING THRU BINOCULARS THE WRONG WAY, HOW YOU MAY SEE US AND HOW WE SEE YOU, BUT YOU ARE DEFINITELY NOT ALONE. AND WE DO CARE ABOUT YOU. I CAN ONLY REALLY SPEAK FOR MYSELF BUT I WOULD IMAGINE THAT MOST OF US WHO LOVE YOUR VIDS SEE YOU AS KIND OF FAMILY, OR AT THE VERY LEAST A FRIEND. SO WE DO (AND SHOULD) BE CONCERNED ABOUT HOW YOU ARE DOING. WE LUV YA' KEV. AND I WILL SAY THIS ONCE AGAIN ( SURLY NOT FOR THE LAST TIME AND DEFINITELY NOT THE FIRST TIME ) THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR VIDS. YOU AND YOUR VIDS MEAN VERY MUCH TO US.

Riding a harley is the best thing for mental health. It's just awesome!

That engine sounded really nice! My older brother had a 650cc Norton Dominator twin when I was a kid and I loved going pillion on it! You could here it coming up through the sunken lanes a mile away, stay safe but have fun on your Harley

Your joy at being able to just "getting out" is palpable! You kept many occupied with your travels and helped them escape even for just a little while.. thank you for that! Cheers and carry on with your travels.. 👍

It's brilliant to see you out enjoying yourself (well, as much as current nonsense will allow)! Thanks for taking us along for the ride! :)

I may be wrong but I think your petrol tank is an aftermarket item. The give away is the 'blanked' left side filler cap. It was called a 'Mustang' tank, and was very popular for custom builds. I own a 1958 Panhead with a shovel top end, S&S Super B carb, Belt Drive, Morris Magneto and 6 over wide glide forks. That's my customized lowrider. Built from the ground up by myself. P.S. The dealer had 25 years experience in buying and selling Harleys, and 25 minutes of actually working on them. I feel for you. As for the primary I would fit a belt drive and shut off the oil feed if you can afford it. Instant smoother ride an no oil in the case. Best wishes and ride free bro. Good on you for sorting out all the snags!

The sound of a Harley is unforgettable. We have two in our garage...his and hers. The smile in your voice is always a welcome treat. I will refrain from any comments regarding the dealer from whom you purchased your ShovelHead. I personally would not allow him to touch my grandkids tricycles given the issues you encountered. Thankfully you possess the keen knowledge to diagnose and repair the problems discovered. When I bought our Fatboy...my wife's bike...it was barely used despite being a couple of years old. The previous owner had installed a La Pera seat on it...nearly identical to the one on your bike. It did not take many miles before my wife replaced that seat with a Mustang, She says it was akin to choosing between a wooden bench and a very inviting recliner. Night and day difference. Per info available...75056 is the model that fits your 78. BTW...my wife is a cancer survivor...and lives each day to its fullest...just not foolishly. Keep the vids coming. We will remain attentive viewers. Stay safe . Keep the shiny side up. Please don't tangle with the cagers. Hopefully Myrtle Beach Bike Week will return this year. Cheers from Southport NC.

Kevin, so very glad to see the bike and hear the tale of getting your classic road worthy! While you are enjoying the Harley, I have found that after my old 1984 Honda V30 Magna, the Triumph Bonneville T100 has become my transportation of choice. The motorcycle has been my method of commuting to work for quite a few years. 20+ Since the weather in SoCal is such that I can ride all year around, even with chilly temps in the forty degree fahrenheit range, I truly love to ride. I am looking forward to your future episodes of Travels by Motorbike and the visuals you will provide of the countryside. Ride safely!

Had a smile the entire episode. Thank you for allowing this old man to live vicariously through. Boat and bike.

Not so much a bike fan more an engine fan and that sounds wonderful. Always a head turner for me as a Harley goes by. You gave me the riding experience without the pain. I now feel I've actually been on one. Thank you and well done. Now sitting in that unit working on it that's the dream!

Love the sound of that bike! It sounds so much better than my 2017 Road Glide. Electronics and fuel injection are great, but carbureted engines sound so much better! Have fun!

Kevin, Really loved your video on your Harley. When I got back from Vietnam 1970 I purchased a 1969 650 Triumph..Rode that forever. Keep the shinny side up!!!

Very nice vid. You’re the real deal and accurately captured why we ride the old bikes! Anyone can buy a bike off the showroom floor and have the dealer service it but very few can wrench their own bikes…and owning a shovel requires one to turn a wrench. Thank you sir!

Sweet ride; thanks much for sharing. I agree about smiling as soon as I start to ride and being totally focused on the road. No room for any other thought but my bike, the road, the wind and keeping an eye out for other drivers. My ‘07 Sportster XL1200C is a hard ride too but it keeps me sharp! Ride on Brother

Great to see your adventures. Harley looks a lot of fun. Loved the commentary. The rear facing camera was very interesting. Being American I get concerned when cars come at you from the wrong direction. Prayers for safe travels. Take care. David E

I got 10 minutes into watching Top Gear last night before I turned it off, but thouorghly enjoyed this vlog and wanted it to go on. Looking forward to seeing more of these. PS at low tick over it sounds like Aslan.

Love your videos! Your easy going and down to earth manner make you so easy to listen to and make for a great video. I love old Harleys and you've got yourself one fine specimen. Hope to watch more.🙂

Thanks Kevin. We enjoyed that immensely. Wonderful to see you out enjoying yourself! Hugs. Lorraine and Phil in Oz.

Keep posting, Kevin. Somewhere in Northern California, you are appreciated.

A very nice bike. Love the shovels. Always have. They have their own sound that's different from the rest. Panheads and Shovelheads are the Harley sound to me. Happy trails.

I must say.... You make a simple ride through the countryside a pleasure to watch! Glad you are finally getting a chance to get out on the road a bit... cannot wait for more Canal Vids! Keep up the great work! Peace!

You are definitely not alone! I really appreciate you sharing your journey through life with us. I find myself wishing there were canals like you have there, here in the US. Keep making videos, Kevin. During some really dark days in my life, your videos help a lot. PS: loved the "Wheatgrass smoothie brigade" comment. LOL 😆 ~Leilani in CA

Hope to see you on Aslan again soon. I learned so much about narrowboats from your videos and it was so peaceful and calming during a difficult year for most of us in the states. I miss seeing the beautiful architecture in Britain as well as the slow pace on the canals and the wildlife too. Traveling so fast on your Harley, hard to enjoy the views of your beautiful country. I loved the way you described your voyages. Don’t give up on Aslan. 🙂💕

How fun to see you out and enjoying life. Love the bike and I can tell you are going to really have fun with it. Looking forward to watching your adventures. Stay safe. Hugs and love from Oklahoma.

I'm glad she is with someone who appreciates and knows how to take care of her. I'd love to own a shovel!!

Turned tv off, pressed both earbuds in and turned the volume up a lot. What a wonderful ride with splendid camera work. Grand machine, internal combustion at its best.

A few years back we saw Canadian folks that had their Harleys trailered down to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. An affable group, they planned to ride historic Route 66 out to California. Your video made me think of that encounter...never owned a cycle but love your Harley. Cheers Gene so glad to see your videos

I wasn't sure I would enjoy the motorcycle videos but this was really fun to watch! And the quality was much better than I imagined as well! Looking forward to the content!

So happy to see you enjoying yourself again! Loved riding along with you. Hope the double cheeseburger didn’t give you a stomach ache on your way home.

Thanks for the ride. Its nice to see you out and about. Cheers.

Ditto to kilted Bill !!’ You’ve chosen your way of life, but you’re well loved by us viewers, it’s just SO good you take all the time and trouble to share with us. Especially This past year you’ve been out where we only have dreamt of !!! Get out for that spin and enjoy it for and with us smiling all the way 😃👏🌟🌟👍. Graham loves all the technical stuff ( his biking days sadly over 😕) I just see a really smart bike 👍. Joan

As a rider ...what a treat and to see it from the left side of the road !!! Fun

On my ! LOVED the ride. I had a Honda 750 back in the mid 1970s. That was a lot of bike for a young lady in her 20's.For a time it was my only transport. I got lots of head turns and followers. Glad to see you happy and having fun! Cheers!

Ahhhhh. Great video Kev! I've been so looking forward to this video. I made a cuppa Yorkshire Tea and enjoyed your video, here in sunny Los Angeles. I got my first Harley in 1987, and been loving them ever since. Ride safe and ride free! Please know that your videos are a great source of joy for me during these strange times!!!

Excellent installment!! Can tell you will enjoy riding about the countryside on the new bike as opposed to the Kawasaki -- watching you put the Harley through its paces reminds me of my late friend Buster, who I knew for years...he would like to meet up at the local Harley bar (I don't drink, but he did) where we'd sit on the patio in front and watch the bikers drive up on their Harleys, grab their beers and exchange notes on each other's machines...Buster didn't ride Harleys, he preferred Triumphs (he had several, collected them, swore by the engineering) -- like you, he knew how to work on his bikes, routinely disassembled and repaired them -- he died from a heart condition more than 12 years ago...don't know if I'll get used to how you bear to the left on the roadway, but I suppose it's easy if that's what you are used to doing...

Man great job mate. This brings back good memories. I had exact bike except it was a 74. I worked at a custom shop back in the 90s. And rebuilt mine with the extra wide front end and the dual fat bob tanks and a kool bob type rear fender. It was awesome black cherry. And a lot of shiny chrome!! God luck buddy and keep on rollin

It's great to see your zest for the outdoors, with each episode of the narrowboat and the motorcycle travels. I can't wait to watch your episodes from Wales and Scotland, one day soon. The BMW touring bike should serve you well for those adventures. I know that Neil Peart spoke very highly of their comfort and reliability, in his books, about his many travels(R.I.P. Professor Peart).

1978. Friend's older brother had a similar bike. We took turns riding behind him when he was dragging main. Nice of him to haul two giggly girls around. Thanks for the memories.

Glad to see you are well - looking forward to more videos.

The sequence is Ignition off Tap open 2 full kicks throught to prime Choke on 1/4+ on the throttle Egnintion on locate TDC again then 1 final power kick. This is the cold start method. If this fails after a few attemps remove the plugs, Clean and put back in. Repeat, I don't have a button on my bike. Who ever sold you that bike in that condition is a complete asshole. Lucky they didn't grease the brakes. Your bike revs are not too low and its nt hurting the motor. The engine is cool as it warms up and the oil thins out the revs will go up. You could leave the choke out a 1/4 to lift the revs whilst is warming a little. Don't forget to put it back in. As the motor heats up the metal expands and the oil thins out then the revs pick up. Use straight 50w oil in the motor and gear box. Keep an eye on your oil and smell it. Kicking like that and mot burning the fuel is mixing fuel in your oil. The swng arm is the best Harley suspension there is. Even better then the cradle swingarm.

Hello CHG I found your Journeys by Narrowboat on Prime a couple of months ago and watched them all the way through Season 6. Then I picked up all your other RU-vid videos post Season 1. So now I'm in the same boat as the others, subscribed and waiting patiently for your next RU-vid video. I just want to say you've been a joy to watch, for many reasons: your kind and easy going nature, your quick wit, and your amazing boldness to go where your heart's desire takes you. I greatly sympathize with your struggles with the Covid madness and applaud you for keeping a cool head. An idea for some future travels (no doubt when, if ever, we are allowed to travel out of country easily), come to America and rent a Harley and visit all the American fans that have been following you. I have no doubt all would put you up and treat you as you travel through their area. Blessings and Courage, Mary E - located in Western North Carolina in the Blue Ridge mountain area of the Appalachia. :-)

Very inspiring and well done kind Sir! Now im pushing my shovel into my house for a long over do reconditioning! THANKS

Kevin, takes me back to my younger days! Nothing like the sound or feel of a Harley! Even when you have to work on it all week so’s you can ride Sunday! Cheers from the low country of South Carolina, USA!

Great to see that you have launched your vehicle. Seeing the road footage brings back memories, having made on road videos for nearly thirty years , covering more than a dozen machines. Very refreshing. As you mentioned you're not alone in your views and aspersions. I'm glad to see that you have continued your journey in life pushing forward as I mentioned before. Good luck to you. Them kick starts are buggers... Best Regards. Sean and family.

Kevin, I am so happy to see that you are out enjoying life. Your new motorcycle is very fascinating oh, it was nice to learn a bit about motorcycles through you as you are a very good narrator. It is also nice to know that people can still enjoy takeaways. I hope the rest of your day goes wonderfully and I look forward to seeing whatever you put out for videos. Thank you for being so unique and sharing your life

Congratulations on the new bike, variety is the spice of life. You can't have too many bikes....they're all different ...just like us.

Hi Kevin, from sunny Florida, (well not so sunny today.) That is one GREAT bike you have there. The song "Bad To The Bone," kept playing in my head as you took us on the ride with you. Thanks for taking us along. Looking forward to more!!!!

You have a great life, it’s good to watch you enjoying it

Thanks for the beautiful ride. It's grand to see you out and about. Now I've got to go pull some long grasses that I put off so I could enjoy your ride! It was grand to say the least! Happy travels

hey kev your not alone mate. take care

Nicely done on the repairs. The bike sounds and looks like it runs great.

Great to see you out and about, Kev. The issues with the bike have, clearly, tested you but you have solved them. Great work! Good to see you out and about, take care and stay well, mate!

What a treat! Enjoyed this... keep on rollin'!

Glad you’re back! Honestly I would consider longer shocks to help the rider’s backside against the potholes.

Loved this. The countryside is so beautiful. Miss your narrow boat but Harley travels are just as much fun. Thanks!

wind on your face,miles under your belt,that smile is back again, great video kevin, awsome bike, great road footage and great quality many thanks kevin as always take care stay safe..mike

So good to see you again. We have missed you!

This is the first video of yours I have seen beautiful bike Sir. I am now a subscriber of your channel. Thank you for sharing your bike you take care and stay safe.

Hey Kev great ride! Powerful healthy sound. Been a Harley rider for many years now. Thanks for your time and efforts on Aslen as well. Good on ya.

Kev man, you never alone with all us lot behind you bruv 💪💪💪 CHG army all day long, keep up the brilliant work

Really enjoyed seeing your Harley. A great counterpoint to your chugging 3 mph narrowboat. If I lived in the UK, I would have a bike like yours because of the short distances between towns and destinations. I live in a part of America that requires one to drive hundreds of miles to get any where. That is why I have an ultraglide bagger. Enjoy the soul building roughness of no windshield, limited suspension, no instruments, and carb driven idle that sounds like a small war going on. I look forward to upcoming episodes.

I do love the sound of a Harley! I know, I'm late to your videos, but thank you.

So lovely to see you back!!! My partner Steve and I watch your narrow boat series every night in bed and never get tired of them. Will be good to get some new footage to watch! Take care and look after yourself!!

Dont let all the B S spoil it.

Wow ..what with the boat and the bike rides...We are all in for one hell of a journey. I always look forward to seeing your vlogs Kev, And i and i'm sure many others think of you as a friend and that's why we all enquire how you are doing. The bike ride footage was great stuff..Felt like i was on the bike ..Not too long to go before we can all get back to doing what we do for enjoyment...Can't wait m8..Ciao for now.

Woah! That Harley does have an Aslanesque tickover. Great to see you living life in the face of frustrating circumstances. I'm sure all the technical stuff with the Harley is awesome, but as a novice all I can say is it sure is pretty. It has a curve to its line that will look awesome travelling down the highway.

If I can assign emotions to a bike , that one must be grateful that you took ownership and sorted out some of the issues. There must have been a few worrying moments on those first few outings though! Thanks for taking us back to the snack bar and marina with you !

10:45 - I don't know how you do it Kevin! I get furious when I can't get my lawnmower to start! You have the patience of a saint! :)

Great looking bike, I had a 1978 Shovelhead many years ago, loved it but changed to an 1987 Softail I still have.

Fantastic bike I’m very very jealous! Just the relaxing vid to watch on my tea break after digging the garden. Cheers

Been thinking of pulling the Triumph out of storage...Street Triple....love it. Have been rewatching the series on Amazon. Chorley was last episode I watched. I thoroughly enjoy the first two seasons especially...something about seeing a man transition to freedom.

Thanks for the ride out on your new Harly Kevin........when we get back to normal will have to have a vist to that Dock for one of them butties.......Cameras worked great.....stay safe.......thanks for sharing

She's a purring dream mate. So happy for you. I would love a motorbike, but I drive for a living on English roads, and see everyday what a poor state they are in, so decided to stay on 4 wheels.

Good thinking the electric start mate, we all getting too long in the tooth for jumping up and down on kick starts. She sounds and looks awesome.

Enjoyed the video....don't know anything about motorcycles except names. Nice to see you out and about. Cheers!

Cheers Kevin! Love the bike mate! Good to see you getting out and about the best you can. Stay safe and keep your sanity as best as possible. Your friends in Northern Indiana.

Hey Kevin, filming for your channel is classed as paid work for you so as long as you are filming you can go wherever you like whenever you like, and anyway you are on your own harming no one. Another great vlog, keep well, and keep positive, PS still with you regarding the old shoe factory.

Great video! This old HD rider really enjoyed it. Great photography! Enjoyed the ride and look forward to many more!

Classy bike! Keep the comfort, no rigid backframe! Looks good already. Biking must be fun

Very happy fir you and good to see you enjoying a day out. Not sure your body is ready for these adventures, but enjoy while you can. Now I am hungry for a cheeseburger!🍔🍺Hope to see you again soon. Be safe!❣️

Just found your channel, great little video, my Fatboy lo Special gives my back extreme grief, but always a smile on my dial when I go out on it 👍

Great post, loved it..onwards and upwards, getting through this current pig's ear together! thank God for Motorcycles.....

Glad you're back Kevin.....Happy trails....

Brilliant! I've felt shocks in my spine by just watching the video.

Hello Kevin I have had two Horror Days. A 94 1200 quirky Sportster, which made a lovely noise, and was disappointing in the go, handling and braking department. Later when in Wales my last home in the UK, I had a 99 1430 FXLD road planer, a gutless thing which at any lean more than about 5' started to dig up the road and for a sports bike rider was dreadful, apart from the noise no! I am no fan of HD's. Nice to see you have survived your biking exploits and have the sense to go trad narrow boating. I really enjoy you humour and presentations and it brings back a lot of good memories. Thanks and say safe and well

Lovely to see you again, get yourself up to Morecambe for the day, I'll show you about !

Happy Trails, Kevin! Love the way you get to enjoy your exercise! God bless-

Use to go to glasson dock as a teenager love it

Cheers Mate that was fun. Here's to "experiencing something singularly unique" ride on.

I was offered a 1978 Fxe , One look at it an i had to have it ! The journey begins ! 👍

Glad to see you enjoying yourself!

Need the beard back and a few tats - sorted. My motorbikes have kept me entertained and sane over the last few months. You enjoy it, was out on my Himalayan shopping today. Motorbikes get into your soul ( been riding over 40 years now - even had a couple of combo's when my lads were little) Nev NB Percy

Hard tails are for young people!! Old people need those shocks to absorb the bumps along the way.😁 You called the front extension some name that can't recall, in the US a chopped front was popular, hence the name Chopper. My ex- chopped his Harley and put the hard tail on. I never road with home after that, and I was in my 20's. The roads here are curvy and poor condition too. It occurred to me that Aslan is known for its distinctive engine sound as is the Harley. I can still pick out a Harley several mikes off. Great sound! Thanks for the ride!😀

I’m very impressed with your knowledge of mechanical systems, especially to be able to repair Aslan’s vintage engine and your new Harley. Couldn’t have done all you have without mechanical skills. Certainly couldn’t afford to hire out all that work. Besides, where would be the challenge and enjoyment in that? Glad to see you are out and about again.

Well Kevin being the mechanical genius you are (remembering your discovery ) what's a few bodgy leftovers from a previous owner away to go just love it !

Beautiful vintage Harley but sad to see the Kawasaki go. Me and my old lady cruise around Indiana on my 2000 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic (deep metallic green). Turning heads with the roar and crackle from the Vance & Hines straight pipes and sporting our CHG Travels By Narrowboat t-shirts!💪🏼🤘🏻 You keep doing you Kevin. We're there with you, just on the flip side of the screen.

Haha nice. And no better time to be a rebel than right now!!!!! You have the best sounding motorcycle and the best sounding narrowboat! All the best!

Thanks for the ride-a-long Kevin, nice bike! The burger looked delicious!

Nice to see your getting your daily exercise in, certainly get a work out with the road conditions of the North West of England

Good to see you are doing well. Please keep posting.