Harley Davidson Shovelhead - Review & Test Ride

Gooday and it's now time to introduce you to my customised 1978 Harley Davidson FXE 1200 Superglide - also known more commonly as a 'Shovelhead'.
If you enjoy nothing more than visiting a friend to look at and chat about motorbikes over a mug of tea, and then go for a ride out (but can't because of the current situation), this is the video for you.
Firstly I talk you through all the various changes and upgrades made to this bike, as well as the lengthy list of things that went wrong - on the same day I took delivery of the bike and whilst venturing out for my first ride.
Next I start the bike and take you on a short trip to the Lock Keepers Rest, a popular bike-meet, at Glasson Dock in Lancashire.
Here I enjoy a nice cuppa tea and a tasty double cheese burger.
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All 6 seasons of Travels By Narrowboat are available to stream on Amazon Prime, with Season 7 here on KZbin.
www.amazon.com/dp/B07NXQG5HB/

[@kiltedbill7594]

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.

[@MarkReedman]

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

[@elizabethmaybrown6715]

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

[@nutritionisimportant]

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!

[@timebandit9469]

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.

[@jamessmetana6405]

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.

[@robelliott4985]

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

[@boonabbi1969]

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

[@devdammit40]

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.. 👍

[@martinlloyd7563]

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.

[@jimmygandy5143]

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!

[@petersargent4078]

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!

[@irishryno2000]

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

[@andrewpoloni4197]

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! :)

[@cassel53]

I have a 77 Electraglide FLH. And riding makes my whole day better,

[@jamesweaver9636]

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!

[@craigpennington1251]

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.

[@davidelledge6262]

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

[@garyrolf4723]

hey kev your not alone mate. take care

[@georgealvarez9505]

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