Changing the transmission oil and checking things over. Check the battery, the lights, the brake linkage, the chain, the points, the spark plugs and clean the air filter.
Hi again Mike, just thought I would chime in with a few thoughts. In an age where everything "needs to be done" as quickly as possible, it's so refreshing to see a man such as your good self, taking his time and enjoying the "process." However, we've mostly lost the desire to sit and wait for the oil to drain when the engine's cold, but when we "engage ourselves" in that process (and others like it), we benefit from it in so many ways. Thanks again Mike for all of what you've done, and are doing, to guide as along a better highway. Regards from Mitch
hi mike i would love to be at your side when you are working on anything to do with bikes. just to keep my mouth shut and learn and take it all in. iam 66 years old and worked on harley,s for 45 years but you are never to old to learn and pick up on tips. i can tell you love all of your bikes and it shows in your work. have a great day mike.
This bag of ramps & levers, smooth elbows locking arms, this every-which-way blender, to multiply the charms, off mad pulsating neddies, now surging through the shaft, (they started 'up & down' the ways, but now they've all gone daft,) a mass of spinning elbows, each sliding on it's mates, all help to pass the load along, at various different rates, to . . . . . . Ah, that's better - nothing like a quick blast through the gears, eh? (Greetings from the Greenwood . . . where the owls are exactly what they seem : )
Again, Awesome. Thank You. You have a beautiful appreciation for mechanical and natural. They're both wonderful and related creations. Just a side note: I have a pair of owls in one of my trees and a pair of Redtail hawks in another. I can't tell you how much they mean to me.
Hello Mr. Mike let me say that I'm learning English while I'm watching your interesting videos. Today you said something very important on your video that changed my mind about what I want to become, in 3 or 5 year later, and I going to work harder than before to do something like you do with motorcycle. Love the things we do with the people we love is the most important in the life.
Wow! We hear the things we need to hear when we need to hear them. You are obviously receptive to them as you figure things out. Nice to be included in your search for answers.
My Dad is a kaw mechanic, worked on all them sweet 70 80 s awsome bike s.. I got to test the od one . , always a good day getting to the bike shop. 😀🇨🇦
I will say every time I watch videos of your Baby Doll I find new details that I just love how the motor company’s designers/engineers put such cool detail and thought into them. Love these old bikes there just a piece of mechanical art in there own right.
love that 52... my dad always had a harley and I being born in 53 I saw many bikes like this one. I remember one he bought in baskets and boxes for 50 dollars at a bar...and he brought it in the house to assemble it..it was an old 50's 45 cubic inch and I know who bought it from him in Mayville Michigan. I would love to buy that back . Mom was upset with him about having the motorcycle in the utility room where he put it together!
We have a local guy most would consider a master on many bike types, and he got me on 85/140 straight away...haven’t strayed from it since. I think it helps with smoother shifting, and I don’t feel a need to change it every time I do oil and primary.
Hello Mike. Thank you for the lesson in bike service (for anyone that don't know how) and if anyone don't know how to change oil in the oilpan+filter they know now👍. Nice to hear that u will take a Harley ride 😎. Here we got more snow....but it will be a nice spring soon. Thank u again👍🇸🇪. Kjell"the swede"
Mike , fantastic collection of old iron , great videos !! I am wanting to install a foot clutch / hand shift on my 78 shovel . If you get a chance maybe cover that assembly !! Thanks ✌
1 1/2 pints. I have a dip stick I made with a coat hanger that fits down beside the throw out bearing. Many guys with the newer flat kicker covers believe the allen head plug is the fill line. I have no idea what that plug is for, but that's incorrect. That would be a couple of pints, at least.
Another great video, every time you put up a video I learn something new thank you Mike. I just wish I lived closer to you I would pay to have you check my Shovel.
Could you do a video When you have the time.. I have an old Evo that’s been sitting for over two years and I’m a bit worried of cranking it over what should I check first where do I start? Thanks mike👍
Start with fresh oil, fresh gas, and a well charged battery. Make sure battery terminals are cleaned and the ground cable is well grounded. Remove the sparkplugs and spin the engine over with the starter to circulate the oil. Make sure the tappet screen is clean first. When you put gas in it, make sure no leaks. The carburetor may flood. Remove the bowl if it floods and clean it. Make sure you're ready to unbolt the ground cable if the solenoid sticks. What did I forget? Put a pan under it in case the engine "wetsumps." Don't overfill the oil. Take it slow and enjoy the process.
Pacific Mike thank you brother🍻The plan was new Oil/filter ,fuel, plugs, carby clean, and once running purge the oil system (check valve/ball) thanks again true gentleman👍🍻
Thanks Mike- I am going to go home and change my gear oil tonight - realizing its been years that I did anything more than top it off!. I admit to being a little saddened by the admission that your bike is now carrying a 12v battery however... sacrilege! :)
I use the best of everything I can get. I like my bright lights. I like my smooth primary belt. I like my timken bearings in my wheels. I like my modern pistons, valves, and cam. Can't help myself. Some things really enhance the performance. At freeway speeds, I love these things, including the better tires we can get. I ride my bikes everywhere I want to go. No, I'm not a purist. But I do ride a handshift 52 Panhead.
@@pacificmike9501 I hear you- and I aboslutely concur- I run a katana belt in my primary too- and i should do more upgrading. For example The old style Coker Goodyear Eagle knockoff tires I run really catch the rain grooves here in SoCal- and wobble me all over the road. Didn't know you could stick Timkens in a star hub but that's cool.to know. All the best- your videos are terrific.
Mike I have a 48EL Panhead with mousetrap and belt drive. The shift foot shifting mechanism will not shift to second or higher gears. Shift only in first and neutral. Need video on removing transmission and checking shifter forks
As you are aware, checking voltage alone does not show whether or not the battery is good. Three months ago, I took my bike off of the tender, performed checks on bike, including lights. Battery was at 12.8 volts, all light, headlight, brakes, signals all fine. Hit starter and she rolled over barely. Rode to the store got off. Come out and she would start. Pushed her out of parking spot to slight grade. Swith on, bike in 2nd, let lout on clutch, she started and took me home. Checked battery 13.1 volts. Tried to re-start, she tried but would barely turned over. Battery must have had a dead cell. Had wife hold volt meter while starting, it would drop to 6 volts while starting. Battery post and cables good, clean, and tight. New battery - no more problems.
@@pacificmike9501 So True. Like duh, I'm an idiot, totally forgot BABY DOLL is kick started. Also true, very friendly site with things to learn for all.
Yet another great, informative video, Mike. Thank you for the extra tidbits of info as you go over things on these old bikes for those of us still working on "getting there" ourselves. Quick question, just purely from observation... That tombstone tail light, is that an origins glass lens cover? I know they're few and far between trying to find one and can be rather pricey when found. I have a cheap aftermarket tombstone on my shovel and I'm just curious. Thanks again Louis
Yes, it's an original glass, as is the license lens. If you have access to a real antique motorcycle swap meet, you'll usually find someone who's "repopping" them.
Mike....surprised that you drained the trans lube cold. (generally when drained cold particles will stick to the case and not flow out) (However, your "modern" lube my drain well even when cold) Some Panhead riders underfill their trans to keep the lube in the case when riding. Also was surprised you didn't address the seat post front mount with grease? Am interested in your wheel bearings (if original) and how much lube you give them. Thanks for doing the vids...always enjoy them....walt...tulsa,ok
I use reproduction hubs that have timken bearings. When I change tires, I repack the bearings. Sorry I didn't mention "shoot every zerk, while you're there." I hit that front zerk before I lower the seat.
@@pacificmike9501 well I am trying my best to get out on my own but make no mistake about it, I read the service manuals but if I have a hard time I reach out for help from Dennis and a few others who have that experience and knowledge I am hungry to learn. Now I'm watching your videos and subscribed cuz I know you got the info I need.
About that horn- I've found the instinctual shout for dear life at the top of my lungs has been effective but it must be balanced with a friendly wave or smile if you can pull it through. Running lights....won't stay lit, wont stay put- same story there for you? that's comforting- Misery loves company. Old bikes are simple- once and if you know the way..... old guys (and gals ) with their flashlights make the world go round! M'kay? The ads embedded into this video are funny.
That horn (like everything else on that Panhead) has a story. The lights, well, haven't done anything on the lights in at least three or four years, probably more. I've been riding these relics for so long, that I know the left passing lamp bracket will start to crack about every ten years. I use the same bracket on my Shovelhead. I keep a box of those brackets. I think you probably have some great experience. My new flashlight makes my whole street light up. I'm afraid if I point it out there, they'll think it's an alien visit of some kind. I haven't seen the ads lately. I don't know how they switch them around. I don't understand much of what they do. I'm starting to ramble. Time to go to sleep.
I love New Mexico. It's been quite a few years though. Last time I was there, I rode through Chumayo (sorry if I misspelled it) Espanola, and up to Taos when I then went over to Colorado to visit some family. I met a great guy in Chumayo that is the cousin of a musician friend of mine in San Luis Obispo Ca. He took us home to his house built in the 1600's. What a great experience. Awesome history and hospitality! I too live in a little piece of Heaven, lots of mountains to ride, a truly multiracial neighborhood, full of kids playing outside, altogether. Small town. What I think America is supposed to be. I'll tell Mike you waved. My puppydog will see more of this country soon. Shovelhead going back together with a sidecar for her.
@@pacificmike9501 Yes! Chimayo, and you were probably in the home of a descendant of Spanish Conquistadors. That area is near and dear to me too. I was born in Embudo which is in between Chimayo and Taos , a ride you likely did when you were here. I'm unfamiliar with your area though I have been through many years back. I looked at the map and see the surrounding area is varied. Heaven is where we are for sure. My neighbor complains about NM, snow, everything..... makes me love it more. If you are in the area, I'd be happy to show you around again, maybe my shovel will be up again by then but the dyna is always ok. I'm curious about who your friend from Chimayo is as I know many people in that area. There are alot of very old homes and families in that area. Diversity makes life more fun. I know and admire many from the Lowrider community in the Chimayo area. Sorry about your puter- might be a good thing in the end to take a break. Hi to CM MIKE. Come on up! Yes, I recall your sidecar of the near future for your doggie. That will be true happiness for you both and I'm sure if my dog saw it she'd be envious. Sounds like a postcard to me. I take and arrange those so- that's real. Until next time. Thanks for playing, stay YOU ! 🍆
Good morning from East Tennessee Mike! Thanks for all you do! I'm doing a 79 shovel, what do you recommend to remove all the old black wrinkle paint from the engine, without damage to the aluminum? Thanks in advance, hope to see ya on the road some day!
love your videos, I have a 89 FLHTP and curious if you could show a video on replacing shifter shaft bushings and adjusting the linkage rod. Its an Evo with a 5 speed
Very familiar with the bike. Don't have one here in need for that operation. I believe that one has its bushings in the forward part of the inner primary. Those bushings should be available from Harley. I would most likely remove that housing, press the old bushings out, and the new ones in. If the bushings do not accept the shifter shaft, then the bushings must be honed to size by an old motorcycle shop that possesses a honing machine or a machine shop. Kind of long winded, but not too expensive if you do the r&r yourself.
@@pacificmike9501 Appreciate the reply!! I have the two front bushings and the back one for the primary. Also have a new shaft in case. Keep up the videos, I enjoy the detail, and passion you put into them.
This might be a dumb question but I see that neg terminal is directly to frame. So I'm sorting out the wiring on my 74 iron and was wondering if I have my neg to frame does that make it so I can just ground my lights (head and tail) right where they mount to frame as long as its clean. Not an electrician so maybe I'm over thinking but just trying to learn. Thank you for your precious time and priceless knowledge. Have a blessed day and stay safe.
Yes, you've got it right. Just remember, the battery grounds to the frame. The engine grounds to the frame. If you ground lights to the forks, the forks need to be grounded to the frame. If you ground lights to the fender, the fender must be grounded to the frame. That means you can't ground to a fiberglass fender. Take care.
@@pacificmike9501 thank you so much for your quick response. This just made my night. I'm from Cleveland and won't be riding for awhile considering its 15° and we have 14" of snow..🥶 so tons of time for maintenance 🤣👍. You have very amazingly beautiful machines, and hopefully one day ill have a collection even half as great. But I do know this i won't be drying my air cleaner in the sun today or any day in the near future. Keep up the great work you explain and teach things very well. It may be hard to fathom how many people you are helping and how many bike your videos have gotten back on the road, but I bet its in atleast the thousands. Just wanted to let you know how much you mean to the community and not just the one you live in. Thanks again. Your new friend you haven't met ,Tony
Hey mike!! Thank you always for your channel and content. I am a fairly young man (35). I have been riding and wrenching on shovels for around 10 years now, but always eager to learn more. I’d like your opinion on cam selection for my 77’ FLH.
I went up a couple teeth on my transmission sprocket a couple years ago. It cruises happily at 70 mph now with the factory 4 speed. The motor is mostly stock 74ci with some small boot on upgrades. (S&S super E carb, solid push rods) I am interested in the Andrew’s B grind cam but would like to hear from some guys with more experience than me with them. I live in WV so a little extra in the mid range would be nice for pulling the steeper mountain roads. Thank you so much for your response. Any input would be appreciated!!
Mike im a Suscriber for years. I have a question. I recently switched my shovelhead over to a foot clutch. I've been riding 36 years and its not my first time with hand shifting. But it seems as soon as I start lifting my foot she's wanting to go. I have no leeway to feather the clutch. Should I tighten the clutch pushrod to make the main pressure plate to come out farther
I haven't seen your setup. Sometimes, the arm that sticks up from your pedal is too short and doesn't move the clutch arm far enough in either direction. Are you using a stock pedal, a suicide pedal? Whatcha got?
G'day from Australia Mike, It's hard to find anyone 'Downunder' who can work on the old Panheads, and being a disabled Veteran and living remote makes it harder. You video's are 'INVALUABLE' to me. I use to have a 1956 FLH Pan, and just a week ago won in an auction a 1959 Pan, which I thought was going to be all repo, but when it got delivered found it all stock standard with only 40 thousand original miles on it. I'm looking for another 'pepper red' 1956 Pan if you could help or if someone has one to sell would be very interested in buying it, Cheers mate Possum (Australial)
Hy Mike I have a 1977 FXE and am struggling with the electrical wires. I think that I have to change the cables after 40 years. Do you have a hint for me? Greetings from Switzerland 🇨🇭
It really depends on what you want. I believe V-Twin (in New York) has new wiring harnesses. I generally create my own. The battery cables? Step up and buy good copper ones.
I've got a 1986 Evo on a 2002 Softail frame 4-speed transmission I'm not sure if the drain plug runs through where the transmission mounts to the frame I've watched several videos and some people say there is a hose that is loosened to drain transmission oil bike is new to me need your knowledge
I've used Hypoid in my 1969 R60 BMW, Trans, Shaft & Final Drive, per factory recommended spec. There are brass bushings in the trans for sure, never had any issue in the 70K I've put on it.
@@pacificmike9501 Hey there!, all fine here, thank you. Glad you're back, even our puters need a check up from time to time. Always nice to hear from you. Look for a postcard beginning 4/26.Watching the trees bud and little plants, slowly popping their heads out if the ground and looking forward to Spring.....
Yes, Sonia and I saw bunches of blossoms on our walk this morning. Those kids at the computer store are so bright. I'm so glad they're willing to help me. Cool. I'll here from you soon.
Mike question on my 1977 Super Glide Electric Start FXE the Tappet oil screen plug I wanted to take off the off the tapped screw and install a OIL PRESSURE GAUGE theirs a spring and what looks like a rod in the center of the spring do I remove that is I install a OIL PRESSURE GAUGE?
There is a spring surrounding a tubular pointed screen. Remove the spring and screen. Clean the screen and put it back with its spring. Then, if you must, install your gauge. You'll hate it and ask questions. Read your service manual and you will soon see why you hate the gauge. I'll still answer the questions though.
@@pacificmike9501 thank you Mike that's what I need to know I'm not going to install a gauge. Mike after I clean the screen do need to use Teflon tape when put the plug back in, Mike do I need to torque it?
Hello Mike, very nice details as always. I have some information on Harrison Reno Harley Davidson in the 50`s from San Bernardino if you are interested. With respect to your privacy, some one to contact ?
Cool. I knew Harrison Reno. I remember looking at new Panheads in his shop with my dad. I pick up my mail at my friend Kenny's shop. American V-Twin Att. Pacific Mike, 448 E. 4th St. Beaumont, Ca. 92223
