Was Harley Lying to us with this Motorcycle? 

More Sam please. Old man motorcycle wisdom. The fact you opened the trailer and he immediately said 78 Harley and then looked it up and down and knew everything about it. Fantastic

I learned this from living in biker neighborhoods in Southern California. The trick to getting your Harley running perfect and tuning it perfectly is you gotta do it in a crowded neighborhood at 3 AM, get it running, and just keep revving it over and over and over as you tune it, but if you don’t do it at 3 AM it isn’t gonna stick.

My first real motorcycle was a 76 sportster. Put 44,000 miles on it. Even drive it in the winter as it was the most reliable thing I owned but that’s being eighteen and no money. Lol

Although I appreciate and watch both bikes and beards and Craig's channel, I do miss watching them both together in 1 video. God bless ya

You should call the trailer Buddy Haully

Best roadside repair for a stuck float bowl is to turn off fuel, run bike till it dies then blow into the over flow tube…good to go with no tools…works every time 👍🏻

Man I love Dave, He is such a genuine guy, and very knowledgeable. He's helped many people and makes the world a better place. Also thank you Sean for your love of motorcycles and putting this channel together. I'm sure it isn't easy.

Back in the late '70's (yes...I'm old) the local Harley dealer had the shop walls lined with the stock 2-1 exhaust systems taken from brand new bikes because they were 'too quiet' and everyone wanted the staggered drag pipes. It was SO funny that Harley had spent a lot of time and effort making an exhaust that worked well...but everyone took it off losing 5-8 horsepower just for the look and sound they wanted. Never let it be said that Harley owners aren't a special breed of cat.

One suggestion. Take the extra key off the ring. It flops around and scratches the chrome on the horn cover.

Had a friend that bought a 78 sportster back in 98. Died five miles from the dealership on the day he bought it. We gave up trying to fix it and took it to the local Harley guru. His first words were "I wondered who would be dumb enough enough to finally buy that bike." Told us he would give anyone $500 if they were able to make it to Amarillo and back on those bikes without a major breakdown.

My wife of 44 years rode a '72 Ironhead Sporty for 13 years. She loved that bike.

I love ironheads, they only run as well as the mechanics knowledge, been wrenching them since 77, any ironhead I build I wouldn't hesitate to ride cross country if I only had the time, Did a 8,000 mile trip in 2013 in 12 days, never got out the tools, just rode that bike a few days ago, close to 70,000 miles since the rework. also have several shovelheads, same story with them.

That would suck to pay 2000 dollars at a motorcycle shop getting your bike all fixed and tuned up.. just to have the tuner say it needs to be tuned up.. 😂

I bought a 78, in a basket, and built it. Only thing I wish was duel disc on front, and a rear break that at least acted like it did something

I wish you could find brand new cars from the 50s, 60s and 70s, still "new in box", just waiting to have the plastic coverings removed and the gas tank and crankcase filled.

That trailer is sick!! I gotta be honest, walking through that shop and then seeing your little trailer I was underwhelmed to say the least. Then you opened it, and my life changed forever! No only kidding my life is still the same, but that trailer is friggin incredible!!

My mom is in hospice and bought me a Yamaha Bolt because she wants to spend her money before the doctors drain her bank account on her way out. Anyway, I'd like to paint it candy dark purple in her honor, as she loves purple. Does anyone know any good paint shops with fair prices in the Pittsburgh area? Thanks! Also, we have been waiting over a month for a new video, glad to see you back. God bless!

That trailer manufacturer is pretty sweet

I bought one of those for 7000 and I sold it at a massive lose of 2000, just because I thought asking anything more would be a rip-off, and I put a brick through the dealer's shop window.

I can see ATC is sponsoring MANY of the creators on RU-vid. This site is becoming one gigantic advertisement

Hi Sean, thanks so much for the group picture with you and Craig at the Nashville Supercross! You guys are awesome!!

Omg. I didn't think we'd get another video! I was starting to worry!

Queen Anne’s Revenge was the ship that Blackbeard traveled in.

I love the Bikes and Beards/Bearded Mechanic, and Wheels Through Time teams! Awesome content, far better than what TV, had and has to offer.

I love this dudes videos really helping me heal while recovering from my motorcycle accident

Grew up in WI. Aunt worked for AMF. Parents got a deal on an HD 440 AMF snowmobile. Great memories!

Worked a tough job at $5/hr all winter to save to buy that bike! But when I walked into the dealer in April '78, a Sporty with red graphics and spoke wheels went home with me. Marriage, school, lack of money, mechanical knowledge and ultimately AMF reliability put an end to the relationship after a couple years. I still miss it.

Love that new trailer Sean. I see a road trip in your future 👍🏼

That new trailer is SICK. I hope Tennessee is working out. I'm jealous !

I live in Nappanee where ATC trailers are manufactured! I have friends who work there. They are a great company, with quality products! I actually painted their logo on the giant rock in front of their factory along US 6. Keep up the great content!

I have owned three 1978 Sportsters 2 xlcr's and 1 exactly like yours. That is the only mag wheel drum brake HD has ever made. I had my XLCR's clutch release was not sitting flat in the outer primary. Once I fixed that it had made riding it so much fun.

The '78 has awesome looks and charisma . . . Its worth the trouble of a little bit of spannering now and then just to be able to ride such a gorgeous Ironhead . .

4:17 - I can't believe he showed us his ability to teleport from one door to a completely different room.... It's like he has the keys to the Matrix back rooms. 😮 😂😂 Edit: 23:05 - I'd call it the Dog House because he might be sleeping in that if the Mrs finds out how much it costs for a custom bike trailer.... LMAO 😬🤣

Nice to see one of these again. I had an AMF 1979 XLS. I remember it always "marked its spot" wherever I parked it. (Always had to carry spare sparkplugs since it frequently fouled its plugs.)

I started watching when you had 2k subs. The Lord has blessed you in amazing ways. Proverbs 3:5-6

WHAT’S UP! just want say thank you for inspiring me at 29 to sign up and take the MSF course on June 17th. I’ve started ordering gear with the M1 MOTO gloves that are supposed to arrive today. You put out great content and inspire to become a rider but many to become a better man for themselves and God. Thank you for that!!!

just have to remember to put your jacks up. I had a tag made and clip it on the tongue.

Buckhorn bars are a love it or hate it opinion. I hate them. That’s amazing that you found this in a box. You need to break in that engine for a dyno run. You need at least 5000 miles on it

My 2005 Lowrider needs neutral before she stops. Or ten minutes of fishing. If that's warped plates, then they are obviously warping them at the factory for a reason. 😅 It seems to be a feature, not a bug. Oh, Harley...😊

That’s a whole lot of trailer that looks like it would be full as a tick with two bikes in it. Also, no 30w solar panel is gonna keep a lithium charged for long… (unless that lithium is tiny, like 20-30ah. But it look big enough to be at least 100ah. Damn sexy trailer though, need to wrap the van to match the trailer now.

Oh the memories…..Bought my first Harley in 1978, a brand new 1978 red Sporster from Howard Belmont himself from Belmont’ St. Paul Harley Davidson, St. Paul, Mn. I’m 69 years old, on my 5th HD and still riding.

I'm so eager to get my hands on a bike from '78! Right now, I already have two a 2014 Honda CTX700 and a 2023 Honda SCL500 Scrambler. But that vintage bike is still calling my name. I'll make it mine one of these days, haha!

As always. I love what you do and how you honor God. I am not a Harley person because I do t want to spend $$$ on many repairs. lol. The Voyager for me 😊

Hope your Louisiana meetup is a hoot!

Hey Sean ,I recently subscribed to the channel and really enjoy the content. I just want to say ,how real you come across , There are so many people doing videos it's crazy. I just feel ,like you are genuine , and open, and not hiding anything . Weather you make the right move or make the wrong one , we as viewers are going to see the real thing , no bullshit , no making things look good , and no dressing up any pigs, I am a little older now 65 , but had my days too with 7-8 bikes, BSA'S ,TRIUMPH ,KAWASAKI 1000'S -2, And all I can say is how much I miss the riding . As we get older and situations change ,priorities change , and something happens ,nerves ,age, wife ,just want to say ENJOY MY FRIEND ,you still have the passion and drive ,so hold on til the end . Be careful . I'll be watching. TAKE CARE.

"when this bike came out, they claimed 55hp." "... IDK ABOUT ALL THAT" 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Ever since the move to TN, it's like the watching old Bikes and Beards videos before the production and video quality were modernized. You'll be back in PA soon enough.

Hi great vid but souldnt it be run in before you dyno it

Should name it Trailly Mctrailerface

Buckhorn bars are one of the most ergonomic style handlebars, but people often screw up their install. They are meant to lift up and come back down, the ends should be facing downward, not horizontally. Turn those bars downward about 20 degrees and watch how much more relaxed your wrist angle becomes. Although those are very early buckhorn bars and not as good as the newer style ones.

Terry the trailer getting pulled by Klaus 😂😂

After about 10-15,000 miles the engine fully breaks in and you will get more power out of it

You should name the trailer “I shoulda got an 8x16 trailer “

New rider here. I just bought my first motorcycle. 2013 Yamaha V Star 950. I've been watching your channel for a while and it made me want to buy a bike.

That's the exact first Harley I ever drove about 40 years ago. My friend still has it.

Another possible title; "The thrills&chills and 🤕 headache of owning a 78 Sportster". I know, I know it's long but it's pretty descriptive. Nice video!!

Everyone needs a Craig. Harley can call the new monstrocity a Sportster, but it isn't. They killed one of their most popular models and replaced it with a "Plastic Engined" something or another. I went and found and older Sportster, and bought it, just so I could have a real one. I picked up a 79 Sportster, which is the same model I had, in High School. I remember taking my original one on a 6 mos ride, around the US and Canada, before I got on with my adult life. The good old days.

I know I couldn't click fast enough when I saw a new Bikes and Beards episode! Thanks Sean!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep them coming!

I was 19; it was between that bike or the KZ1000A2 (fastest bike in the world at the time). Loved that KZ. Later I got a 100th anniversary Sporty, and that thing was SO fun!

Sorry dude, but IMHO you got hosed on this purchase. Ask anyone who's had the misfortune of owning one of these albatrosses, (myself included), and they will tell you RUN - don't walk away from these deals. The old AMF sportsters were unreliable moneypits that do not hold their value.

Call the trailer Black Beard.

Great video! I believe 1978 was the last year for that frame. In 1979 they went to a different frame. Congrats on the trailer, too!

Finally. I been asking and waiting for this video. That's a nice looking sportster. It look so small. Nice trailer too. How long before Sean wish he had bought a bigger trailer? 😂

Super mechanic? Cmon you just sent the gecko bike to Craig because this super mechanic was befuddled...😂😂😂

for some reason some people don't like this guy just because of the bible verses.

Never thought I would say the videos are not as good as they used to be. This was a really a trailer video.

Sweet looking bike!! Id change a couple things starting with the couch 😂 love that tank too cool. Would love to find a oldie like that.

17,500 in that piece of garbage lmaooo

They make a clutch lever effort reducing kit for some Harley's, I put one on our '05 Dyna Wide Glide, it's a pretty easy, straightforward job that helped a bunch in reducing the effort it takes to pull the clutch lever. It was an actual kit from Harley-Davidson but other manufacturers offer them as well. Look around on the world wide web, someone might make one that works on yours.

what a great video, just chock full of interesting stuff, one cool thing after another. loved it!

Thanks for hanging out with us for a day and appreciate your partnership! Enjoy the new trailer. 😎👍

My first was a 73 Harley Davidson Sportster suicide shift had to keep two extra spark plugs at all times and a little toolkit that it came with.

Ya haven't had the full experience yet , like spoke ends through the rim bands, or oil on the garage floor,or mysteries with the black box , or water seeping into the voltage regulator, welds braking in the primary drive engine side. If you make it to 36,000 miles you can get rid of the bronze valve guides & rebuild the starter .Brakes ? don"t worry about them ,new, it's about the best they will ever be !

Name it the “black pearl” because your beard looks like captain Jack Sparrow

Spent the better part of my childhood pulling Japanese bikes from the weeds and effortlessly bringing them back to life. When I was older, started working on Harley's and learned real quick I'll never waste my money on one new/used.

I made 54.9 RWHP @ 6,300 RPM Out of my 75 XLCH in 1988 When I worked at Doc's Motorcycle Parts Waterbury CT on the EasyRyders Truck Dyno. I did every trick in the book on that motor without stroking it! I even took the lifters apart and ground material off the rollers, top of the lifters, drilled holes through the sides and ground the lifter lock nuts and push rod cups to lighten them up for more RPM! I still have it in my garage!

I cant get enough of seeing this sportster. My first harley was a 75th anniversary sportster I had traded a 96 firebird for, so it holds a special place in my heart. Unfortunately life happens as well as divorce, and i had to let my first harley go. Thank you for buying this ol girl, and putting it where it belongs, on the road. Thank you for sharing it with us. Keep up the great work.

AMF a bowling ball manufacture. I owned a 1970 XLCH with a drum front brake had to plan your stops and also make sure it was in neutral before stopping a a light.

Shout out to them Indiana boys at ATC , think their out of South bend , IN . that's one sweet set up brother 👌

Great video and the new bike trailer is awesome can we get them in the U K . The New Sportie is real nice as well. Keep up the good work dude. Matt from Hastings E Sussex U K Great Brighton the universe.

the santa part got me crying 🤣🤣🤣

In the late 70s Harley had lots of labor/management problems when they were under AMF ( American Machine and Foundry ) They were what we called “Bowling Ball Harleys”

That trailer tho🔥🤙🏽

This is hands down my favourite channel! Having a blast working through the library. I’d call the trailer Apollo (Creed)

Great video Sean.. love seeing that old Sporty in action..

Super enjoyable vid, great job, and learned something as always. What a lovely trailer! God bless y'all!

You got some hybrid, toy hauler, mini travel trailer. I can only imagine what that thing costs! Worth it, if you got it and need it. Really sweet.

Probably the best advertisement for ATC!

I love the iron heads. Had a 63 xlch and a 71

Love your videos Sean. That trailer looked great!

Love the channel, and Dave is awesome. as the bike got it's first start at 45, you gotta name it Penix Jr.

Love the new trailer Sean! Call it “F.L.A.G” the mobile garage from Knight Rider 😉

My older brother had one in 1978 it caught fire putting gas in it at the gas station what a fire 🔥

It's a beautiful bike, love the old iron heads, wish I kept my '81 now.

Name the trailer Holy Roller . It's the logical name. 🖖🤠

Very good looking bike! Thanks for sharing.

Since the trailer probably costs a fortune, how about naming it "My Folly". A name my father suggested for a boat I bought years ago😁

name for the trailer: "Black Beard". great video.said it before-you are a great storyteller. thanks for sharing!

Very nice trailer. Congrats on the purchase.

The new trailer is out of this world. Good to see a high quality manufacturer that really cares about the thing they are making. I'm sure that you will get many years of great service out of it.