Billy Lane 1998 Harley-Davidson FXSTS Springer Softail Makeover How To Cam Install Handlebar Wiring

[@MadMotoInc]

I’m not the only person that would watch an hour long Billy Lane video every day. KZbin could be very kind to you sir. Keep these coming 🤘🏽😎

[@dermotshaw5722]

I totally would too brother

[@kennethwise7108]

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!!!

[@dermotshaw5722]

@@kennethwise7108 I shall indeed

[@dylanroberts93]

YES!!

[@richardkenae459]

no your not come down off the cross we need the wood

[@lawrencetrapani5623]

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.

[@taterstoolboxskates]

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🙏🏻😎

[@BillyLaneChoppers]

And that is the highest compliment I can receive. Thank you

[@loulehnhoff2637]

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.

[@d.j.5634]

I just got an03 softail I'm gonna lower it just like that. Is there a part#on the shock extenders

[@d.j.5634]

Also I'm thinking a springer front end

[@d.j.5634]

Good video Billy. I made you a gas tank when I worked at Paughco. In 1997 And you sent me a choppers inc. T-shirt. Thanks man

[@joelbarnard5871]

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.

[@andrewmacdonald8076]

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 🥝🇳🇿🤔

[@Lineman22705]

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.

[@deckardvostok2203]

I'm a Softail biker, I just love Softails, they are the best Harley Davidsons and for that matter the best motorcycles, I enjoyed your video so much Billy man, I like the fact that it shows the process of a common modification instead of a radical Harley customization; love the way you set her up, all lowered down and with those drag bars and pipes looks and sounds bad ass! ride on!

[@ecrusch]

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.

[@grumman38]

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 ?

[@robertball7954]

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...

[@leftymike8730]

Keep these builds coming! These are the videos your typical DIY Harley owners want to see. Great breakdown of everything and camerawork is great too!

[@master6676]

Little words, common sense and logic. Great educator and the way you show the little details. Thank you for sharing your years and making it look doable.

[@hksoundpro]

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......

[@hksoundpro]

@Mike 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@BirdOfPrey7]

Love it, how the loose nut falls off around the right footpeg at 30:01 - 😂👍🏼 hilarious!

[@johnokeeffe1097]

Been a big fan since the days of biker built off. Definitely one of the best bike builders in the world. L&R from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@Hozomean]

Lower it and change the front wheel. I could watch this stuff all day. Thanks Billy, (then I saw you wanted to keep it - still bad ass)

[@midnightmc3096]

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 KZbin 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!

[@mikeroden6631]

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.

[@burtongibson9695]

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.

[@OnyxFLTRX]

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!

[@timd4151]

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

[@Corpse1984]

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.

[@ELPADREAIRBRUSH]

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]

Well that is humbling. Thank you. Thank you for being here

[@ELPADREAIRBRUSH]

@@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

[@lbahr11]

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!

[@gregmorgan340]

Very informative , I like the calmness about you and how you explain things .

[@ronniehdable]

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.

[@richardreusser9327]

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 !

[@cpdevon]

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!

[@cutejonbraswell]

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

[@ve9mj]

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

[@curtisparker6749]

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.

[@shawnbins203]

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.

[@jimcrosby8289]

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.

[@ericosborne9267]

It's nice watching you work on a everyday joe kind of bike, this helps so many people.

[@levanpkh6882]

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.

[@tunnelvision2day]

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!!

[@chefmike8888]

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. 👊🏼

[@scottgordin9709]

I’ll take it, like the sound of the cam, the ride height, the bars to the drag pipes. I even like that you kept the sprinter front end.👍👍👍

[@ryanwalterseats3537]

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

[@danielhamilton9472]

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!

[@garyjohnson4575]

Best Harley tail fender ever, rode a FXDWG back in the day, hooked for life. I will have one before I leave earth!!

[@kennethwise7108]

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.

[@2kanchoo]

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.

[@robertharker9010]

Billy, your level of knowledge and skill is unequaled to anyone. Complete and amazing content.

[@oscarornelas6619]

I love the spinger softails you do! Keep it up man! Awesome work 👍

[@georgef1176]

Billy I love that your doing youtube. You are one of the reasons I got into building bikes and cars.

[@Nightwing978]

Billy sir! your stuff is legit can't knock everyone for wanting it. You sir are a great builder keep doing your thing.

[@josephdefelice3149]

Billy you deliver the most comprehensive information about bikes. Thank you and keep em coming! That bike is now perfect!

[@CapmLew]

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!

[@ahf5471]

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.

[@omac1962]

You and Indian Larry show ,the best show ever I still watch it to this day.

[@DavidKing-jx3sg]

Remember him on bikerbuildoff years ago. Didn't realise he was such a good fabricator, machinist,welder. Great vids ,learning a lot

[@wyattoneable]

It sure is good to see you work again Billy. Good luck on the sale.

[@pitbullfarmer34]

Billy Lane, one of the very best in the business in my opinion. Love your bikes and your style. Keep the videos coming.

[@SAXONWARLORD1000AD]

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 -

[@davidgoodfellow7977]

So glad my KZbin 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!!!

[@eazyridin7283]

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 🤘🏼

[@throwingsparks]

Billy, you rescued that springer and gave it an attitude ( and altitude ) adjustment ! Ditch the stock front wheel....Evo's for Life!

[@bradkolpak5922]

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

[@lowlife189]

Haven’t seen this guy since reruns on biker build off last month. Glad to see your still doing good. Changed a little since those days. :)

[@roach2go]

Miss the custom builds...glad I found your channel.

[@tomschauman4960]

I like the larger front wheel and no fender look personally…you are amazing Billy Lane!

[@PHANTOM1010]

Bought an old 1994 fxstc..it's a mess...watching billy lane work on his motivates me to work on my. ..an inspiration for this old 76 yr old.

[@tazalitaylor4056]

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

[@richardlagueux9533]

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.

[@dcoff25]

A bike from my state "good ole dirty Jersey". Good stuff Billy. Keep up the good work. Us fans love the videos!

[@bryankemp7159]

Great video Billy. The small changes made a huge difference. Thanks for the detailed tips on running the wires through the bars.

[@trooperspirit]

Thanks Billy, followed you for years, thanks for taking the time to share your skills & knowledge

[@freebird3190]

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 ....

[@t.j.sellers883]

Makes me want to build a bike. I wish I still had my springer. Billy Lane you know how to build a awesome looking bike!

[@renoroybal6137]

Bro you’ve always been my favorite builder sense I was a kid watching biker build off!!! Your a hero!! P.s dig that tupac poster

[@conwaybloodstock6196]

My new favourite channel, thanks for the content Billy . Much respect from the United Kingdom 🇬🇧

[@73macrino]

To be honest I had no idea you had a channel but this video popped up in my feed… awesome. Always loved your style of bikes! Thanks for posting 🤙

[@dionrau5580]

Dude must be a old school, like me.. that's the pipes I woulda picked, same as what I had on my old shovel. Two good lookin softails.

[@redsky7527]

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 ;)

[@ramsapien]

I love these videos. I was super stoked to find your channel recently. I grew up watching you on Discovery so these videos take me back to the good ole days!

[@KevinHuff23]

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!

[@ah-yp6vp]

Billy Lane bro u've always been one of my favs in the biker world man love the vids dude!!!

[@davidseely1534]

I have a 2008 Crossbones. This gives me a lot of ideas and places I can start on my bike. Thankyou for the help and guidance.

[@ryanwalterseats3537]

Hey Billy and following you since the biker off days I watch all your videos on KZbin you're a great teacher thank you for the knowledge that you put out, I have a Yamaha 1100 V Star and just put Cobra exhaust on it and I can't get it to stop backfiring

[@EuroBikerUK]

Haven’t seen you since Biker Build Off, should have known u would be doing KZbin. Great to see you and your take on how a bike should look once again. 👌👌

[@navinbabji]

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. 👍👍👍

[@michaelmars7585]

im not a motorcycle guy, but ive always enjoy watch all of billy lanes stuff. before and after his lil vaca..

[@davidhodgkin9797]

Such good taste , You never do anything that looks clustered. Your stuff always looks smooth Like it was just made to be that way

[@davidhodgkin9797]

Proof that less is more

[@hznbrg4166]

You Billy, are the reason I got into building bikes, Thank you for all the inspiration brother. 🤘

[@ribbledean4111]

Billy everyone wants your stuff cuz it’s one of a kind an anything you touch turns out so bad ass! Why wouldn’t we all want what u build

[@danstover2847]

Love your videos, all about learning and improving my skills. And you make it easy. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. My favorite builder!

[@Echo_Six_Romeo]

Loved watching your old biker build off videos. Happy to see you are making these type of build videos.

[@victormorales1579]

I put on notifications ,next one wont get away. Thank you for sharing your talents much appreciation.

[@the1spen]

I really enjoyed this video. I liked how easy you made things to understand, even for rookie Harley “do it yourselfers” like myself. Very cool.

[@erikbryant5352]

I can’t believe how much better that bike looks, you’re a master Billy. Someday I’ll have a Billy Lane custom bike!!

[@jacobsiegfried1498]

One of my favorite builders of all time

[@garretlee83]

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.

[@bigkountry29]

No thrills no bs, really enjoyed the video billy, Years back i had a 1992 softail springer. and i did the same lowering and drag bars

[@vrodbiker6968]

Way cool ... that 23 would look great with that whole new look you gave it !!! Awesome video Billy !

[@Bigsoot7393]

Hey mate, i usually pull the orange seal all the way back on deuts plugs then feed the wires in one by one that way you can hear each wire click in and also looked a bit easier than 6 at once! Haha been a fan for years mate keep up the good work

[@blades2255]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Been enjoying your work since day one brother. You been through hell and back and still pushing forward. Much respect. Bikers are a dieing breed glad your still with us

[@chriscargle7645]

Love your channel Billy. Huge inspiration to so many people over here in UK 👍🏽

[@danielhamilton9472]

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.