Hunting Harley's, 1977 FLH California Custom

Todd describes, starts and rides a 1977 FLH California Custom

[@mattisaias5367]

For as much as people complain about shovelheads and how they’ll leave you stranded or break down easily (only if you don’t know how to turn a wrench and build)…. They sure do attract a lot of people and a lot of new riders gravitate towards shovels, seems like 80-90% of the “chopper” scene is riding a shovel whether they’re original 74’s, 80’s or 84’s…. Or the S&S hot Rod builds, lots of shovels on the road still. Gotta love the sound and the way they make you feel old school

[@steveh4564]

Even with all the amazing high quality machines you’ve presented this one is still a favorite for me.

[@mraycgz]

I was just going to comment pretty much the same thing. I have a 2001 Road King I’ve made pretty much like this except dual fish tails.

[@steveh4564]

@@mraycgz I'm running a '98 EVO RKC with fishtails, took the 16" apes off for beach bars though. Easier on my busted up shoulders.

[@mraycgz]

Steve H the only thing lasting about KZbin is the ability to put pictures in the comments. Enjoy brother.

[@justinmosher7326]

Looks a hell of a lot like my old girl, except she's blue. Never knew it could be called a "California custom" always just knew them as a stripped down flh. Maybe it's just an East Coast thing. Have always loved the look and sound of these bikes, despite every one telling me to never get a shovel. Couldn't be happier with the way she feels, especially with those big apes.

[@HuntingHarleys]

that is how most see them. But since that look started in California....

[@SaddleTrampTV]

The bars are a bit much I think. Sorta like "Check out the handlebars with the motorcycle on them". But over all I dig the bike.

[@gunnslinger7774]

Its a free country run your bars they way you want...

[@mraycgz]

I love the bars.

[@deborahchesser7375]

Brandon Macon with numb hands and no fuckin control, never could stand em

[@garychandler4296]

@@deborahchesser7375 anyone? Ya get old and start hand cramping, those bars will soon be dropped to below the shoulders! Mine are, and looking at a picture of me on the road, I'd say it's the perfect balance between performance riding and looks! "If the boards ain't sparking, you're just parking! "

[@pablorikemberg2285]

Thank you for showing these beautiful machines, hug from Neuquén Argentina

[@leesbo55]

I've heard the story of wire across the road but not of that being the cause of the ape. That they look badass and you feel cool riding with them was an after thought. Thanks for another bit of bike legend I never knew.

[@mariomaldo25]

you must have neighbors that hate you . bike sounds awesome.

[@GawgaCracka]

Most Americans love the sound of a Harley, U probably wouldn't understand...

[@clarkeboss1072]

Mario Maldo how can you hate this guy lol

[@albagubrath6117]

I would love to live next door to him we would share beers and look at the bikes, Cheers from Oz

[@BriannJackeline1130]

I love this bike, your right it is a really cool bike.i wish I would've seen this ol girl before I bought mine.im saving up for something like this next.i really enjoy the videos you post I would just like to say thank you for the videos and for keeping the history of these bikes alive.

[@johnderekmitchell1510]

I've watched this Video. so many times. I'm in love with this Bike and I'm not even really into Harleys.

[@jasonpw100]

John Derek Mitchell you are now my son.

[@waynemetevia7983]

Great looking (and running) old shovelhead. Have a '75 FLH myself with a 93" all S&S engine. I've always felt drawn towards a shovelhead although i honestly don't know why. Just something about them i guess. Then again any old Harley in good running condition will do for me. 👍 Ride Free! Ride Forever!

[@HuntingHarleys]

glad you enjoy them. Everyone is built different, and different bars and pipes make very different riding styles. I like various styles depending on what type of bike. A shovel does not feel right set up like a Knuckle, as example.

[@bagigiful]

amazing man in amazing harley world

[@Avatheskibidiaplphadog]

I love the old stuff

[@Rockin_Ross]

Them bars tho...Goddamn! Good ‘ol AMF.

[@matobot]

Like a clock !!! It's a dream...

[@jorgemelchor9000]

Sounds sic. I love HD its a legend but this engines never come back and is a shame

[@davidchereneimmel8820]

Nice ol girl! Love that pearl paint

[@randyhutchinson9910]

OOH MY GOD!!!! that bike is perfect

[@johnland1528]

Nice bike

[@clarkeboss1072]

Listen to that thang idle...what a beast

[@Avatheskibidiaplphadog]

That's cool man my friend Ray over here in fresno has a storage unit full of OEM stuff from back in the day . I was like in heavan when I seen it all, I mean he had it all

[@AnthonyMartinez-vi7pe]

Nick Maresca hey does your friend have any shovelhead motors for sale

[@flstffatboy1340]

Holy smoke dude,never knew that,.....a new respect for loving apes and loud pipes!!!!......Safety First!!!! lol!

[@shtango1]

Holy CRAP! Never knew they came about to combat such a sinister practice. Biggest thing we did, growing up in the East Bay Area was have to toss eggs and tomatoes back at older kids in their cars........ahhhhh, good times, good times.......LOL!

[@Victorsadventures2774]

Nice shovel thats seen some good miles. Ridiculous bars but each to their own

[@HuntingHarleys]

prices are all over the place. anywhere from $2000 - $12,000

[@syyenergy7]

I ride bicycles also, so that is part of the reason. A laid back riding style does not feel right to me. But I can ride for hours & hours as the bike is setup now. It feels like I'm "locked-i" and have control. Like you said. Everyone is different. But I love 2 wheels.

[@Valnessd07]

Love that sound.

[@HuntingHarleys]

the American ideal of Halloween being a time for kids and candy is fairly new in time. Prior, it was very sinister

[@michaelledford4751]

You looked out of your comfort zone with those huge apes ,I am too , the style seems to be coming back in fashion in the Detroit area with the kids on those huge rear wheel fake Harleys , hopefully the new owner puts the Buckhorn's back on the old girl .

[@Foolhollow]

I love the way the front ends on those bikes look.

[@paulleavitt9316]

Love those bars

[@georgeknox]

I want one. ❤

[@stevehabl5833]

I'd love to have that bike. The real deal.

[@skgate]

I have a matching numbers 1977 “FLH” that looks like this bike.. its actually an FXE converted to a FLH though.

[@michaelledford4751]

You looked out of your comfort zone with those huge apes ,I am too , the style seems to be coming back in fashion in the Detroit area with the kids on those huge rear wheel fake Harleys , hopefully the new owner puts the Buckhorn's back on the old girl .

[@HuntingHarleys]

I don't like them this tall, over my head

[@danny2tcatuto270]

Es un monstruo de motocicleta y el sonido toda una belleza

[@eloyrodriguez6460]

Freaking Outstanding👍👍

[@denworley16]

Nice one

[@Sammy-rn9fk]

Love old HD’s

[@HuntingHarleys]

They are very comfortable when your 25 and trying to look cool. They are very uncomfortable when your 50 and trying to enjoy your ride. Historically, they came around from a time when Halloween was not about sweets and kids dressing up but about playing pranks, often deadly ones. "kids" would string wire across the road as a 'joke' at head height and decapitate any passing bikers.

[@shawngarner222]

Love this bike would trade my 08 custom softail for one like this our close to it.

[@raymondnoya5653]

I like that one

[@syyenergy7]

Haha, yep. I could live on the thing.

[@machinistmikethetinkerer4827]

Dats my scoot. Looks just like it. Minus the paintjob but yeah.

[@kwilliam7387]

SWEET!! I dig old school!

[@omikredarhcs8221]

you don't know what old school is, try again

[@Vidar.m]

Cool bike !!

[@jiujitsu290]

nice classic look in my opinion.....something the old school bikers in Oakland in the 70 and 80,s would of been on...

[@flstffatboy1340]

Hell Yeaah!

[@laurentlaussucq1464]

Biiigg ! Hape hanger really 🤘

[@HuntingHarleys]

As a result, in areas this happened, biker's would take their crash bars or a used set and make tall bars out of them. As these were mainly hard core types, the local police soon caught on as this was a way to figure out who might be a hooligan or not and harass them. As result of this, for a time, in some states, notably California handlebar laws became so restrictive that even brand new FLH bars were too high and illegal.

[@kentucky8256]

HuntingHarleys they should be illegal,they are unsafe and look retarded

[@HuntingHarleys]

bikes just feel right to me, just a part of me

[@HuntingHarleys]

Does he have any Knuckle or Pan stuff?

[@HuntingHarleys]

I do not at the moment. make sure you subscribe to the channel. When I get the next one there will be a video of it

[@janisdaleckis8146]

I like motor sound....... very very very much

[@GawgaCracka]

Love a Shovel Head...

[@motozilla7197]

this sound like a music for ears

[@HuntingHarleys]

Not positive, bike is long gone, but those are somewhere between 18's and 20's

[@leesimon5156]

I miss my 77

[@ferrazbrother]

live to ride - ride to live !!!

[@syyenergy7]

I could never ride a bike with ape hangers. I don't even like forward controls. But that's my preference. It seems I have lot more control of the bike using a "standard" riding position. That being about the middle ground between the crotch-rocket rider and the "easy-rider" style. But I definitely do like all these bike you show. Lots of very cool stuff. Very nice. :)

[@jonathanvermillion7263]

Where’d ya get that hat ?

[@HuntingHarleys]

long gone

[@jerryjordan8551]

Sounds ReaL Good

[@willanderson805]

to ParasyteUK I fully suggest getting a set of mini apes before you throw 21s on your bike. It is a completely different experience. Start with 16s and go from there.

[@kwilliam7387]

Badass!

[@chopperchopster]

hate the handlebars but to each his own right?

[@ramonorlandocapellanmoreta8918]

This is harley yeahhhh.

[@HuntingHarleys]

thanks!

[@jplav2952]

Nice bars

[@shtango1]

I have never understood the appeal of "apes". I've never rode with them mostly because they don't look comfortable to me. I do have friends that tell me that they are more comfortable than stock bars..........any insight?

[@dmitrymenshov8694]

Cool & hardcore bike! I can't put "Like!" on this magik digit _333_ =)

[@Avatheskibidiaplphadog]

What you guys do with thease old bikes

[@thecraportheoreos7834]

Todd, I have a question for you. I’m looking to buy a 1977 FL that has no heads but has the later band heads and intake in a box with the bike.. A 1977 is a 74 inch I think and the heads and intake are off of a 1979 80 inch, will the intake still work from a 80 inch to a 74 inch ? Any help would be greatly appreciated !!!! Thanks Todd, best Harley videos on KZbin 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@HuntingHarleys]

Bolt right on. Most 77 were 1200s. A few were 80s

[@thecraportheoreos7834]

HuntingHarleys Thanks Todd 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@c.wdervin5987]

This guy still around?? Haven’t seen any of his new videos in a looooong time

[@HuntingHarleys]

I'm alive, these videos are primarily prior to mid 2014

[@c.wdervin5987]

HuntingHarleys dude you don’t sell these beautiful classic bikes no more?? I’d love to buy an older harley from you if you’re still in business.

[@HuntingHarleys]

Send me an email [e-mail]

[@jimmyrodriguez451]

How much would something like that cost I want a bike so bad

[@markarchambeault6121]

Been watch your post's like them a lot. Are you selling these bikes or just posting your collections ?

[@HuntingHarleys]

these tend to sell as I get them. right now, I have only stock Knuckle's and Panhead's. Keep an eye out for new videos. The new video means I just got the bike and it is for sale. Bikes like this, well, that was two years ago and they are long gone.

[@markarchambeault6121]

Do you ever take bikes in trade, on bikes you sell?

[@HuntingHarleys]

mark archambeault sometimes, but usually the person wanting to do the trade in wants too much for their bike

[@Avatheskibidiaplphadog]

What are you gonna do with it?

[@brotherfreeman2223]

HuntingHarleys where do you find these old Harley's? I'm looking for my first bike and I want a panhead or shovel head. Can you point me in the right direction?

[@HuntingHarleys]

you have to look under "every stone". Anywhere Harley's go or are advertised you might find one

[@vulcanman64]

Beautiful!

[@timothywilson1493]

Wow, what a nice looking bike! What would it cost me to get a bike like that one?

[@HuntingHarleys]

They average 5-6k

[@erikwallin2980]

Killer bike

[@normannobrot]

perfect styling, why can't people sell replica s&s versions lol..

[@jennapeak6228]

Friend just gave me 74 model fhl said it needs jugs replaced.any idea what it take get running?

[@HuntingHarleys]

Full rebuild

[@jennapeak6228]

@@HuntingHarleys prob.b cheaper replace engine?

[@HuntingHarleys]

No, rebuild. Machines without the original engine loose half or more of value. Also, you cannot buy a new crate motor that's any good

[@jennapeak6228]

@@HuntingHarleys just learned that.thinking my best bet tear the old one down and replace.i want to keep matching numbers.guy just said it needs new jugs.ill find out when I tear it down.

[@HuntingHarleys]

Original shovel jugs can be had. Keep it original

[@HuntingHarleys]

collect them, some I sell as I upgrade the collection

[@aolliegee]

You in California???

[@HuntingHarleys]

Los Angeles

[@garychandler4296]

That posture is good for two things...going bar to bar, or climbing a tree. Photoshop anyone?

[@michaeltaylor8835]

Whats the best motor

[@HuntingHarleys]

don't know, I did not measure

[@frankjimenez2337]

SHOVELHEAD 4LIFE!!!!

[@jbirdperez6003]

Big LiKe !!

[@SunuPNalaSebayang]

How much you sale if the same model and year . I'm really interesting with this bike .. Thanks

[@HuntingHarleys]

Sunu, send me an e-mail and I will send you the list of bikes for sale, [e-mail]

[@martinshow5146]

i thought high apehangers are illigal in california ! so how you call it california custom?

[@HuntingHarleys]

1969, anything higher then drag bars without any risers was "illegal" in Los Angeles, part of the fallout from the Satan Slaves (who became the San Fernando Valley Hells Angeles) getting wrapped up in the Tate La Bianca Murders. By the early 1980's, the cops "relaxed" a bit and as long as it was not over your shoulder's you were 'ok'. By the late 1980's, this taller bars started to be over looked, depending on where you lived. It's all about the cop and what they choose to do.

[@spec46971]

I agree I live in Indiana and run 18 in apes never been hassled for them but like you said it depends on the cop usually when I see them I slide back to the passenger part of the seat which is about 4 inches higher or keep them a little loose.

[@spadekinglively]

that shit bad i like those white harleys

[@dr.timothyn.shieldsesq.5587]

She purrs

[@redsoxman69]

Do you remember what kind of exhaust system that had on it?

[@HuntingHarleys]

Fishtails, who made them, no clue.

[@redsoxman69]

HuntingHarleys i need new exhaust my rebuilt 83 fxr shovelhead. Can't decide what to get.

[@HuntingHarleys]

Vance and Hines make the best exhausts

[@bagotoetags801]

How much do you want for the white '77 Calif Custom?

[@HuntingHarleys]

sold back in 2012. I just picked up a black one similar. send me an email [e-mail]

[@hectorlopez1469]

Beatifullll!!!!!!!!I Like!!!!!!

[@wanderingrickwalters2877]

Got a 84 sporster for sale...Interested??? It's in Awesome shape.

[@jimmyrodriguez451]

Is this bike for sale

[@andzso]

Hey captain, my ipad getting smoke by that pipe sonund.

[@norwoodrentals2379]

don't forget your eye protection holmes

[@johnderekmitchell1510]

I like Apes but DAMN! I'd need about 3-4" out of 'em. Other than that, it'd be perfect with my behind on it😂