I Passed On This Motorcycle and Now I REGRET It...

[@joshuaherndon7380]

This bike is the exact year, model and color of the first motorcycle I ever rode on. I was 10 years old in 1957 when my cousin visited my family on his 54' Pan head. He took me for a ride around the neighborhood and I was hooked. Got my own motorcycle in 1966 and am still riding at 77 with no plans to quit.

[@dixoncider7256]

Awesome!

[@coldblue9mm]

I didn't start on a big road bike, actually a Bonham Tote Gote, then, get this, an Allstate (Push) 250 CC. That was twin cylinder, as large as most Harleys, and the pistons when up and down in sync, even firing at the same time. You could pull one spark plug wire off and it'd still run as they share the same compression chamber. I even rode a smaller Allstate, a smaller one. I swear that 250 looked like a old military bike, and it weighed a ton. lol But I was hooked from there on. In my early adulthood, I went through several Yamaha Enduro's from 250, 360, then the 400. Now they call them "Dual Sport". I like calling them Enduro better. On to the big bikes, first a Honda GL1000, then on to my first Harley, a 98 Heritage Softail Springer, black with blue trim. Then I stumbled across an old Honda CB700 Nighthawk which ironically tied into the time when Harley bought their company back from AMF, the bowling ball outfit. Harley went to the government and said we need some help getting on our feet, so the government slapped some sort of tariff on anything over 700 CC as Honda was flooding the market at that time with their 750's. Well, to get around that, Honda detuned their 750 down to 700 cc. Anyway, after a bit, Harley told the government thanks for the help, and we'll do okay from here. Oh, I went on to obtain a brand new 2015 Harley Ultra Deluxe for long road trips. The Hondas are all gone, but I still have and ride my two Harleys. Don't stop riding Joshua! It's kept you young brother!

[@Moto-me]

im right behind you. 73 and planning a 4500 mile trip next August on my 650 yamaha vstar. keep on riding!!

[@terrybuckwalter2340]

FYI: Having lived in Shelton,CT since 1960 the name and address on the reg caught my attention. After a brief internet search the owner is listed as being 90 years old and lives on the same street at #14 in the White Hills area. Might want to reach out to the family! A man may forget a girlfriend but he will never forget a bike!

[@christopherjames6011]

The owner parked this bike in 1968. He is gone now. A true gentlemen.

[@B_...]

You guys are definitely some of the funniest "wrenchers" to watch. Lots of laughs, great video.

[@thumpershd]

That was awesome, I was smiling right along with you guys. So cool to see these long term stored vintage bikes brought back to life. Thanks for bringing us along!

[@charliecurry8872]

Matt, even though you didn't get the bike you did get it running and it'll be back on the road instead of in a garage or barn collecting mouse poop! Its another win!!

[@gearmeister]

Darn right, any Harley like that beauty is a win for everyone who touches it! The luckiest get to own it, Matt will have it, no question!

[@Freddie-pe9nz]

What a gem I wouldn't change anything much as possible. I'm loving it and it's definitely at home, I'm watching all 👍🏻's up for you men. Thank you for everything, from Upstate NY.

[@jacknbeckyvancil4317]

Another great video guys! Matt, it was a pleasure talking with you when we visited back in July. I'm glad that we were able to share some pics of our nephew in the sidecar with your dad. He was one of a kind! It's awesome that you're carrying on the legacy that he started. We had visited the dealership and museum when it was up the road from us in Mt. Vernon. Keep up the great work!!!!!

[@davidskala7652]

That's an awesome emblem on the air cleaner, it's from a mid to late 50s Buick looks pretty sweet on the air cleaner though

[@DougFLTRX]

My two favorite guys with bike channels! Woohoo!

[@dixoncider7256]

👍

[@clarkbutler]

im glad your doing stuff with shaun, hes a really good guy, and he loves bikes

[@nickg0411]

i love when you guys collab...its always a great video Sean is a great guy

[@Ian-bq7gp]

Chris too your apprentice.😊 He really knows Harley's too.

[@coldblue9mm]

@@Ian-bq7gp These are really good guys, and they all know their stuff. I love the collabs as well!

[@dandahermitseals5582]

Dam u should never just dry kick them Should Always pull the plugs and must the cylinders and let set a while. ( Marvel mystery Oil)😢😮😅

[@dandahermitseals5582]

And so do I. Dandahermit.

[@dandahermitseals5582]

That's not a ratchet top trany yet.

[@crebbsjd]

I love the silliness of Sean, and all that he does is hilarious. He is a good man for real, though. Good-hearted man. Man of faith. Wheels through time, ya'll are super awesome, and ya'll have the motherload of the coolest bikes. Friends dont let friends ride white walls. Just like real friends dont let friends drive drunk. Matt ya'll are some harley BA geniuses. American made 🇺🇸 ❤

[@rexburch4146]

I say it again I really get a big kick when you give life to these old bikes that have been asleep for serval decades !!! I wish I had a job to bring old machines back to life You do a fabulous job Matt, you & your team

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

clean = full detail = not a slimy finish and oil over the chrome and clean and wipe ! you know it all = i have seen your magic hands at work = THANK YOU MATT AND CHRIS ! some times i want to spray kroil over everything and then let soak - light pressure wash - and air line blow dry ! how does that sound ?

[@Hodado]

You gave excellent advice and I can’t blame you for wanting it but you can’t have them all Matt,be happy that he won’t restore it and ruin the originality

[@rutrutbella600]

Brother i have not rode in five years because of my knees I've been watching you for a good while you're enthusiasm has given me the itch to ride again ty brother god bless you

[@aishayana4298]

I’m so excited to see this video. Especially with you and Shawn. Can’t wait to see it through 😊

[@makofett7404]

Matt that is a 1950 Buick Super Roadmaster horn button or hubcap center. Both had the design.

[@steveshoemaker6347]

What a deal running after all of these years.........Thank you Matt Chris and Sean..... Old F-4 pilot Shoe🇺🇸

[@Cthooligan]

I'm new to the classic vehicle scene as I recently acquired a 1955 Ford Ranch Wagon. I'm already hooked and now I need a 55 panhead to go along with it.

[@michaelmitchell5909]

I love both of your channels....you guys are awesome, and youve made my day with this one....!!!

[@freebird7284]

great bike, Dales Lee Hartung videos were my all time favorites, every old dusty bike brings me back to that time.

[@josephbaker677]

Another awesome video! You mentioned your dad. Made me smile! Keep the videos coming.

[@bigmountain7561]

Matt honestly I would restore and rechrome everything. It’s a beautiful bike and she needs to look like a big beautiful lady. Great Video Thank You 🙏

[@davewallace8219]

Clean and polish....preserve and enjoy!

[@waynemorgan3095]

Great video, you can't keep a good motorcycle down. It looks like my 57 when I brought it home, it was in a building for 42 years but surprisingly little rust. Like I always say ,when you build quality it shows. Love them metal warriors! Thanks for a great video again.

[@panheadsforever74]

PANHEADS FOREVER. They're still out there people. Keep looking. Great video matt. PANHEADS FOREVER.

[@kristercarlson2635]

I love how the motorcycle community is so large and so small at the same time.

[@speakn0ev022]

Great video, I bought a 1954 pan in 1981, still own it,not near as stock as this one but close

[@mikecrownshaw2637]

Bike came from my neck of the woods I’m 30 mins from Shelton Ct. awesome to see.

[@mikeshaffer2950]

I enjoy watching the videos, I lost the drive to do any mechanical stuff after my dad passed in 2014,

[@yankeeryder7430]

How cool is that to see a piece of motorcycle history coming alive was last registered to my home state of Ct... in the town of Shelton... 20mins south of me.....

[@jarrodhilton4860]

I’ve now watched both videos. Real cool seeing it from different cameras and point of views

[@MrFinkfink]

I watch you and your dad, and I love when you take an old 45 no matter what condition and get it running. I love the trog races and all the different states of tune the 45 came from G to WLDR's. I would love to see you make a 45 G engine two wheeler, and give your reaction to that and a good running WL. I made a two wheeler using a 51G, engine and it's a fun good running 45. But the more I read, every opinion of that engine is that it's not wanted. Your dad was a great teacher and you have that same quality.

[@USMCCGAGNG]

My FAVORITE museum in America!!!! 🇺🇲

[@jimsafranek8594]

Nice bike! It reminds me of my 1962 Duo glide i bought in 90. It looked like it was in a barn for 25 years but I drove it home! Looked all stock. I restored it and rode it for three years and doubled my money when i sold it

[@Far2hip]

I have an entire lab worth of stuff to make that bike as clean as it could get and still be a little crusty. I LOVE projects like this thing. Carefully detailing every inch and leaving everything original. 👍🏻😎👍🏻

[@browngreen933]

Here's the 1954 Anniversary story as explained in the 2003 Harley-Davidson "At the Creation" book. In 1901 Bill Harley started working on a small 110cc motor. Progress was slow. With the help of the Davidsons in 1903 they installed it an ordinary bicycle frame. The machine lacked power on hills so they started over again. There is no known photo of this first experimental bike. By September 1904 they had 2 running prototypes with a much larger 405cc engine set in a loop motorcycle frame inspired by the 1903 Merkel, then also make in Milwaukee. They entered these prototypes in a race on Sept 8, 1904. The Harley-Davidson was mentioned in newspaper articles about the race. That dates the beginning of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Apparently, in 1954 Harley-Davidson based their anniversary on these successful prototype race bikes that were nearly identical to the first production run of 1905 -- "Model One." One of the things that inspired the 2003 book was the 1954 50th Anniversary date. Of course Harley-Davidson didn't like the book because they've been claiming for decades that they sold 3 bikes in 1903, when in reality things didn't start popping until 1904-05. But the truth is the truth.

[@davidgidman7561]

I’m in the UK and WTT is on top of my bucket list. Hopefully one day.

[@randallvaughn9318]

I'm only 2.5 hours away and itching to go. Would be cool place to ride to.

[@USMCCGAGNG]

I like museums. WTT is my FAVORITE museum in America. 🇺🇲

[@JohnMcClain-p9t]

I've been through once, short and sweet back in the early nineties, planning for next summer with my niece and some friends. I hope one day to visit your country, made a "port of call" back in the eighties as a Marine, met quite of few Royal Marines in foreign ports, good company!

[@johnniethepom7545]

I'm in Australia, and WTT is on my bucket list .

[@Mohawk21-oi1nit]

PATINA BIKE!!!! SOUNDS?????? I FORGOT IT WAS AT WHEELS THRU TIME... IT'LL RUN AND RIDE!!! GOOD ON YOU , MATT!

[@dlucas527]

I like how honest Matt was about the bike. It was a fine bike.

[@soganoflarider]

This 54 looks so much like that 50 pan you gave me a sneak peek of a couple years ago 12:24 yep there it is……I’ve still got my footage of it ✊😎 thank you Matt

[@dssm25]

An amazing place I have been a bike rider since I been 3 years old I have seen i think a your videos I always look forward to seeing them as they are available hoping to visit the museum as some health issues have prevented that but hope the content continues it's an amazing museum I love to see the history

[@andyyougoonie]

Hey Matt just wanted to say it was so cool meeting you and Chris. September 11th week. I'm one of the Smort guys. Anyway glad you guys are safe

[@steverollins4690]

Really enjoy your informative videos, following from Arizona.

[@JustinRepo29]

Love your videos with Sean. But come on.... what was in the saddlebag letter??? 😅😅

[@Legotruck82]

on Seans video he mentions it looks like a rocketship or a mushroom. I think you can guess what was drawn on it

[@spookydog6959]

the best motorhead channel thanks 😎

[@robertprice7246]

I'd love to have it just like it sits to slowly restore and ride the heck out of it

[@windronner1]

Your video production skills are right up there with your wrenching skills. Great video.

[@braamvorster8249]

Hi Matt, how about just stopping the rust. That way you might just prevent the deterioration from going further! In the meantime you'd keep the patina and character!

[@fq7879]

From what I understand they had a bike in 1903. Production didn't start until 1904. That's why they labeled the 1954 as a 50 anniversary model.

[@vaughnharris6404]

I was told by the historian at the Juno ave factory in 2003 at the 100th anniversary that the 50th anniversary was almost completely ignored and they forgot to do one so they threw one together in 54….

[@browngreen933]

Here's another 1954 Anniversary story explanation. In 1901 Bill Harley started working on a small 110cc motor. Progress was slow. With the help of the Davidsons in 1903 they installed it an ordinary bicycle frame. The machine lacked power on hills so they started over again. There is no known photo of this first experimental bike. By September 1904 they had 2 running prototypes with a much larger 405cc engine set in a loop motorcycle frame inspired by the 1903 Merkel, then also make in Milwaukee. They entered these prototypes in a race on Sept 8, 1904. The Harley-Davidson was mentioned in newspaper articles about the race. That dates the beginning of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Apparently, in 1954 Harley-Davidson based their anniversary on these successful prototype race bikes that were nearly identical to the first production run of 1905 -- "Model One." There was a book published around 2003 that researched Harley-Davidson's origins that came up with these findings. One of the things that inspired the book was the 1954 50th Anniversary date. Of course Harley-Davidson didn't like the book because they've been claiming for decades that they sold 3 bikes in 1903, when in reality things didn't start popping until 1904-05. But the truth is the truth.

[@darrenhawken9766]

Great revival, and story , thanks for sharing 👍💨💨

[@davidseward7857]

I have a 1960 FL that hasn't been started for awhile: it was completely rebuilt by Superior Machining in Superior, Wisconsin. It ran perfect but with too much oil pressure! I haven't rode it in over five years :(

[@justinolsen9284]

Came down from Michigan in the spring and saw h the e museum. Would have been a blast to see the restoration shop. Did get to meet Chris.

[@larrywade9041]

I came across your channel a couple of weeks ago, & really enjoy you guys. Am an old biker myself (73), but wasn't into Harley's in my youth. I've only owned one Harley in my life, a 2009 xr1200. Only owned it for 2 years as after approx. 20 your ass was screaming. Wish now that I bought a better model 20 years ago. To late now. Have a beautiful day my friends. Cheers!!! Illinois P.S> I subscibed

[@chrisrhodes5464]

The only thing I would be doing is giving it a very good cleaning and getting the motor up and running and replace the windshield

[@theonehavingthekey5966]

Great video! Blessings to you all and your families. 🙏

[@DYFEA]

this is so inspiring to me, im glad i found your channel! i inherited a 57 panhead that im too scared to work on since im only educated on cars. But maybe ill have to give it a shot, i can learn from your videos like this one! keep it up

[@LuRK504]

Such a beautiful bike , and sounds great

[@marpenman]

Great episode guys, lots of fun!

[@JamesAllmond]

Well, HD thought the one and only 1903 in the museum was a 1904 until well into the 90's... at least that's what Willie G told me in Daytona ages ago. Is a good read and story.

[@retiredafce3373]

It’s the perfect museum bike!

[@MarcinEasyRider]

❤️❤️❤️ awsome Harley regards from Poland 😀👍

[@andrewparry6106]

Love your enthusiasm guys

[@The.Real.Timmii]

awesome video and bike, bikes and beards shows where he found it, amazing

[@sporty196071]

David Allen Coe says Panheads forever in his song. I know a few old timers that will only ride Panheads.

[@grayfox9911]

Great video! Thanks!!

[@seanjul549]

This is such a great show !

[@georgeburke6336]

Do you ever go to Joey's Pancake House. I used to go there in the 60s and 70s when Joey and Brenda owned it. They were the original owners. They used to have the best silver dollar Blueberry pancakes and their homemade Blueberry syrup. Ghost town was still open back then. My sister worked at the camera shop there on the top. The gun fights were bad ass and so were the CAN CAN girls. Maggie Valley was really nice back then. Now it has grown out of purportion.There was a ice skating rink back then also. We lived in Wild Acres. Back then our house was the very last house at the top of the road. There was a old logging road that went up past our house and there were no houses there back then. Now there are houses all along that old logging road. Back in those woods is where me and my sisters used to go to and explore.

[@Broadshore]

I gotta say... She is a Salty ole gal. I love it!

[@adamvanostrand2664]

If the message in the bag said Dale, I would have fell over crying. 😊

[@__Just__Adam__]

Sean is the man ! Keep it Sean !!

[@jacknabox2158]

Ask Sean if you can trade him for your parts and/or labor on any future work he will need. Offer him shop credit for exactly what he paid + the cost of picking it up & delivering the bike. I like the bike too.👍👍

[@michaelmahoney4744]

That's what it's all about, having great mate's.

[@philipgibbs2211]

The coat of arms badge on the intake cover looks like it s an Austin of England badge from the 1950's

[@wilfredsexton2823]

No from what I have read on 50 year HD by mistake skipped 53

[@georgeburke6336]

That scoot sounds awesome.

[@arielsaeth]

That air filter badge is off a British Austin car steering wheel centre , worth about $2 but priceless on this beauty .

[@mikebeggs4933]

The medallion on the air cleaner is early 50's Buick.

[@TootsMacTait]

“Some Scottish guy” what a flute!

[@TootsMacTait]

Big Eck MacBuick. Knew him well!😂

[@avonnova7982]

Does anyone know why Matt doesn't like white walls asking for a friend who has white walls lol

[@JohnDoe-mp1yn]

the white walls are a little too "old geezer". maybe it'll come back some time.

[@craigpennington1251]

@@JohnDoe-mp1yn Love the whitewalls. I'm an old geezer too.

[@mikehobday1468]

White Walls Were The Coolest In The 60s Lol I Remember That Big Time !!!

[@RobertSherman-h9d]

32:25 !!! Smiles 😊Priceless dude

[@kennethwise7108]

You also passed on my Brother's 1986 ALL original 1986 Liberty bikes one of which is a Tour Glide and only 160 were made. Oh well...

[@Shirley-hr8tx]

86 is a bit new I’d say

[@geraldtakala1721]

Clean it, especially get rid of rust, it polish,it fix broken stuff get it running keep it original if it is safe to do and ride it!

[@Daveinet]

Shaun, you should have secretly shut the fuel off on the kick challenge. He would have gotten a couple of good starts and then been kicking forever. I will always remember a bike very similar to that one, but had the suicide shifter. I met the bike oncoming at it just wrecked. Headlight was shinning up in the air. Appearantly the driver was drunk, missed a sweeping corner, bumped into the leading curb on an intersection. The evidence looked like it it the trailing curb upside down, and the top half the bike was totally destroyed.

[@Mattoldiron-hc9nd]

The look on Matt's face when he slowed it down to a nice idol. That was truly the moment he knew he fkd up.

[@williamhoeweler8259]

Coating oil from a glass factory, they use it on bottle mold castings use it for unlocking a engine ,I used it on a farmall M that was locked up I filled the cylinders and let it set a week. It not only unlocked the engine but without breaking the rings

[@terrypack7537]

That bike is as old as I am, great bike !!!!!

[@BobbyAtwell]

There's only 2 more things id love to do and that's get to Ride a great bike and get to go out on a Boat I've still got plenty of hope and hopefully I'll get to do that one day soon

[@johnnylightning1491]

3 kicks, we'll see. i was optimistic but noy optimistic enough. Nice survivor bike, yep you should have bought it Matt. keep the good stuff coming.

[@thinman8621]

1954 to 2024 70 years old. Amazing old bike.

[@alcatrazrider]

Conor McCloud's bike 5:54 😂😂😂

[@georgeburke6336]

I got tickets for the 36 bike raffle. See you soon to get the bike. I am going to win it. My truck needs a trip to Maggie Valley. My dad owned a restaurant there in the 60s and 70s. The name of the place was, The Copper Kettle Steak House. My dad passed away in 73. Can't wait to come pick my new 36 Harley Davidson.

[@fredmasse6451]

Sorry Bud, it’s me who have the winner ticket 😉

[@jang9166]

That Crest on the Air Filter is a 1948-1952 Buick Horn Button!

[@Mattoldiron-hc9nd]

That came from the king, live free cycles

[@joshualother]

Yeah and he already got it running before the sale

[@Mattoldiron-hc9nd]

@joshualother ah I don't know I think if he did he would have had it running in his video he made about it when it was for sale. Joe seems like he's pretty straight up.

[@josephs1438]

I like how Sean is the one who introduced you to the paint depth guage and now you're trying to tell him how to use it. 😂

[@bigetcb9994]

Thats the best sounding one of all the bike you fired up

[@47indianrider]

If HD was founded in 1903 as it is displayed in all of the company logos and badges then why is a '1954 Pan the "50th Anniversary Model" ??? But wait there is more.....we fast forward to 2003 and every model from Sporty to Ultra is a "100th Anniversary model" ???? What kind of math where they smoking?

[@easycrider7453]

That's a '54.

[@47indianrider]

@@easycrider7453 Corrected my fat finger mistake.

[@lancehites6697]

I believe the former owner would start it once in a while to keep it lubricated. Is why it runs so good. Proper storage is key. Nice story.

[@MrHayoo22]

He could’ve given it to you for your birthday Matt 😊

[@jenkins1979]

Matt,I want that bike.I was born in 1952