Electra Glide in Black !

[@billfish5913]

There’s is an old Harley tee shirt that said: If I have to explain, you wouldn’t understand. Which means you can only understand why people love Harleys by riding one. Much like taking Hallucinogens in the 1960s, Harleys are an experiential event. I’ve been riding my 2001 HD Electraglide for 21 years, mostly because my wife feels comfortable and safe on it. I had a 1995 HD Softail Custom before that, which was fine for me but uncomfortable for her. But I have also had Hondas, Yamahas, BMWs in 50+ years of riding and I loved them all. I still have my beloved 1986 BMW R80RT, which I’m going to ride here in Wyoming after this note. You don’t have to disavow your love of other bikes to ride a Harley. It’s interesting to hear what Brits think of Harleys. Great show. Thanks and watch those floorboards!😎👍

[@vics8873]

Your comments "...primordial, iron horse..." really capture the Harley mystique, even to today. Having ridden a panhead years ago (also Triumphs) my 2011 Road King Classic, although containing EFI, ABS, etc. still has those traits. Love your channel, cheers from Maryland, USA.

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

+Vic S thanks Vic

[@jiltedjohn9294]

I had a '72 Fx which was 20 years old when i bought it, my mrs and me went all over Europe on it and i put a sidecar on it at one time. It was a temperamental sod and the weather dictated whether it started easily or not. They have character in spades and i really loved the engine despite the brakes and handling being crap. I moved on to a Buell X1 which i 've had for over 20 years and is the most fun you can have with your clothes on.

[@micksterboone4517]

I live near the factory in York, Pa. and have owned and loved Harleys my whole life. Your knowledge is superior to most, so cheers for that. Subscribed!

[@andrewward1887]

Likewise I'm in southern York county 12 miles from Harley.

[@jimkraft9445]

I bought my first Harley when I was 14 back in 1955. A 1942 Flat head "45". No power house, but a grand bike to ride. Mine had the big buddy seat, side shift on the tank, and foot rocker clutch. It would top out a bout 55 down hill with a tail wind. But, we did not ride Harleys to go fast back then, It was the experience of riding a motorcycle with a 2 cyl. radial engine. The offset running order of a v twin motor with both rods on the same crankpin. I am 82 now, and have ridden many motorcycles over the years. I rode an Iron Head 84 Sportster for 23 years. Now I ride a 99 Softail Custom which gives about the same feel as the old 45. The EVO engine was just an improved version of the Shovel head. I started riding on a friends Whizzer Pacemaker motor bike when I was 8. I had a friend that had a Triumph TR6c. The one with the single carb, high pipes and knobby tires. I loved that bike also. It was a hoot to ride on or off road. But I have ridden mostly Harleys. They have their own character that only Harleys have. Nothing else like them. But you cannot know it till you ride one. I do not do long rides anymore, but go for an hour or so on the back roads around where I live. My wife of 64 years knows when I come home I will have a grin on my face.

[@jimkraft9445]

Just so you know. I rode my "45" to a high school track meet. I asked a girl I had had my eye on if she wanted to go for a ride. She hopped on the seat behind me, and as I said above, we have been married for 64 years the first of June. She does not ride anymore, but does not mind me riding. She has always supported me in almost everything I have ever wanted to do. I would not trade her for all the gold in California.

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Great stuff Jim thank you for watching

[@4570duplex]

Hello from Seattle! Thank you for the wonderful video - I always enjoy others' perspectives on "our" motorcycles. They are indeed different in oh so many ways from what you are typically exposed to in the UK. I'm 61 years old, a lifetime motorcyclist, and a lifetime Harley rider. I bought my first one, a 1967 Sportster, at the ripe old age of 18, after having ridden various Japanese motorcycle since I was a kid. I still own a 1976 Sportster purchased in 1979, when I was all of 19 years of age, and now a 2013 Road King that my wife and I affectionately call "the minivan". Other bikes include my beloved 1993 Ducati 900 SS, along with a Honda XR650L. I feel as though I have most motorcycling bases covered... With that, I would like to say you did a remarkably good job with Harley Davidson history. You covered it quite well, in spite of your trepidation. Just one small point, being an old Sportster owner (owner of old Sportster? Old owner of old Sportster?). Anyway, the Shovelhead was actually H-D's first bike with aluminum heads. The original Sportsters, which we now refer to as "Ironheads", carried on with iron cylinders and heads until the Evolution Sportster came out with aluminum cylinders and heads in the mid 1980's. Other than that nit-picky point, you were spot on with your history. Good job! I'm looking forward to your video on the Fat Boy, which I assume will be an Evo machine. Oh, and a fun little "homework" assignment for you in the meantime - see if you can find out the very politically incorrect meaning behind that name, and how it originated...

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

+4570duplex thank youI did indeed feel a bit of trepidation as there are so many passionate people out there and I didnt want to do what we call in the uk a “half arsed job” I had indeed come across the ironheads but didnt realise the relevance, so were the alloy heads also available for the sportsters (power pac), I will strive to answer your question and include it in the Fatboy video thank you for your responce Mike

[@4570duplex]

@@LemonDrizzleGang Unfortunately, Harley never did provide aluminum heads for Sportsters until the Evo model came out. There was a company known as Robeson Industries who produced their "Thunderheads", aluminum heads for the Ironhead, for a number of years. They are much sought after today in Ironhead circles. Interestingly, the original (late 1960's) overhead valve XR750 (Sportster based flat track and road race machines) shared the Sportster's cast iron top end, and were found to be less than competitive with the British machines because of this. They would simply heat-soak to the point of power loss or complete failure. This engendered development of the all aluminum XR750 race motor and, as they say "the rest is history". No other racing machine dominated its chosen form of racing (in this case, American flat track) for so long, nor so convincingly, as that aluminum XR750. Over three decades of outright dominance... Unfortunately, however, Harley never elected to sell any road going machines with that motor configuration, so we were stuck with true "Iron" heads until the Evo Sportster.

[@randalmontgomery4595]

I always wanted a Sportster as a youth (wanted a 1966) but did not get one until 40 years of searching. Lots of power but handling and long throw shifter detract from it (am used to excellent handling and fast shifting Brit Bikes). During the 40 years I tested a couple of Ironheads that were for sale. Then I tested an Evo Sportster 1200 at Daytona (Factory sponsored) and it was crap compared to the Ironheads and my 2001 Guzzi California. No character , no power and loud clanking from the bottom end. Are the Evo Sportsters emasculated compared to the Ironheads? (Have also owned 1941, 1950, 1964 and 1980 Big Twins, currently have 14 bikes)

[@4570duplex]

@@randalmontgomery4595 Boy, ummm... that is a huge "can of worms" within Sportster circles. Us Ironhead fans will always tell you that our beloved bikes were the "last real Sportsters". That sentiment seems to pervade most enthusiast interests, from motorcycles to cars to firearms to fishing poles. "The last real... (fill in the blank)". Great bench racing fodder, great late night around the fire hunting camp conversation, and such. But, alas, we are a sentimental lot, aren't we? The Evo Sportster is a far better machine in every way. I'm not a big fan of the rubber mounted versions, but the early rigid mounted Evo Sportsters were kind of a "sweet spot" in my estimation. Unfortunately, Harley had, by then, repositioned the Sportster from being a fire-breathing hot-rod to a "beginners'" or "ladies'" entry-level bike. Having been long since surpassed in performance by even the laziest Japanese 600cc four, where were they to turn? So they smoothed the rough edges and made it "friendlier" and "more approachable". So, yes, "emasculated" it. Never exploited its potential. In doing so, it gave up a lot of that intangible we call "personality". It does, however, represent both a tremendous bargain, and presents a "blank canvas" on which we can paint... Hugely supported in the aftermarket, the sky is the limit, performance-wise, on these machines. We can put the fire back into them that Harley left out. Inexpensively and reliably.

[@boblynch7535]

I’m 68. Started riding at 16. At 17/18 graduated to road bikes, 71 CB750 being my first. All my pals went Harley. I went on to Commandos then the Ducati 750 Sport in 74. My good friend in those days had a 68 Electroglide and now and again we’d swap off. Holy Smokes! Talk about agricultural! You have the sprung seat bouncing up and down, the rubber mounted handlebars rocking back and forth, the rubber foot platforms bouncing around and the speedo needle bouncing back and forth 20 miles an hour. Holy Smokes!! On one memorable corner I was smacking the primary case and came way too close to dying. I’ve driven tractors that handled better. We used to call these things “ Hogley Fergusons”.

[@adrianpancaldi8646]

Am enjoying the variety Mike! Having collected and ridden a few Brits, Italian and Japanese over the years, I did the stereotypical thing of purchasing an ‘81 1340cc Shovelhead when I turned 50 only a few years ago haha… I was one of those guys that had a respect for Harleys but never saw myself owning one, I liked to lean into corners for one! Also here in Australia was pretty much the same situation you described, I never saw any in really great numbers until the ‘90’s. Iron horse is an over used cliche, however a perfect description, in the three and a half years of ownership I think I can say that I have done more miles on the Harley than any other bike I have owned. A real mile eater as long as your not scared to carry some spares and swing a spanner… I too was (am?) confused with the Shovel designation. Then one time I had the tanks off for some maintenance, I noted that looking straight down I could see the back of a shovel (kinda). Looking from the primary side you see the two shoulders, and the gap between would be where you fit the handle, though I could have it wrong.

[@colinnuttall9579]

Loved the ‘74 Electra Glide Mike. The shovelhead always pleased me with it 500 rpm idle. You could hear every such, squeeze, bang & wheeze, wonderful. But they were always very agricultural, they weren’t referred to as Hoggly Fergusson for nothing. With those type of bikes, you have to ride within its limitations. Cornering is always cautious but they have a special joy all their own. I thought you did pretty well on the various ‘head’ descriptions. I note your Electraglide had the ‘mousetrap’ clutch device located on the left front downtube. Crude device that thing. I had a red Softail Evo 80 cu inch in the 1980’s that I purchased new in Melbourne Australia. Loved that with its mini apes. You could guarantee that wherever you parked it, some old bloke would strike up a conversation about it, often commenting on the ‘fact’ that they still had no rear suspension. The twin shocks under the frame were hopeless and often bottomed out, but it was a great bike. Now I prefer my Heritage Classic 103 with floor boards and heal & toe shifter. It doesn’t ruin your boots. Love the show, keep ‘‘em coming. You may be interested that also in the 1980’s I had a Munch TTSE Mammoth 1200. Now that was a fun bike. I later sold it to Kieth Williams of Hamilton Island fame. That went into his 140+ bike collection and I regret selling it now with prices topping $200k !

[@stewy62]

Ross in the shop mentioned Brymbo Steel Works, a couple of my mates worked there in the mid 80’s after graduating shortly before it closed. That was the only time I’ve ever been in that area on two wheels.

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

+Stewy62 I am sure they would have known Russ he is a local legend

[@boxercup1]

Russ is great, they mot my bike every year and everyone is so helpful, I think Russ is an ex Upton guy?

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

@@boxercup1 Hi Howard Russ is from Medowsway and is indeed a top guy Dont forget sunday if you can make it Stew and Richard will be there

[@classicraceruk1337]

Great video Gang… enjoyed watching it a lot. Brought back loads of ancient memories. My greatest Harley moment was watching Lance Weil at Brands Hatch battling the triples. What a glorious sound… only bested my Mike Halewood’s 297cc Honda Six….

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

+Classicracer Uk we were at the Classic TT waiting for Plater on the 6 to come past at the Gooseneck I think he made it to Glen Vine :-(

[@classicraceruk1337]

@@LemonDrizzleGang LOL they are a bugger to maintain. I remember Hailwood having many techs looking after his bike back in the day. I used to race classic bikes through the CRMC back in the 80’s. I had the great pleasure of warming a 6 up, would have loved to actually take it on the track!!!

[@johnmcclain3887]

I've been watching from a different perspective, I've ridden most of my life, and got to "Harley's" as soon as I could, but went through a dozen or more foreign, German, Japanese and Italian bikes, before getting my first "big bike", a 64 Triumph, bought in 76, and cut short by buying a Sportster, long before I should've, not giving enough time to enjoy that very fine British bike. I've bought a 78 Triumph recently, and been enjoying it riding a week or so, this having been exclusively on my last Harley, built in 95 or so, and desiring to enjoy the cruising of a "sport bike" for a change. My Harley has less ground clearance than the FLH, is in a rigid frame, does great on fast highways, cruising, but not something for the turns. The "finesse" of the Triumph, riding on a tree lined country road is a joy, easy curves, no panic braking, it's something I've missed in the past decade, and enjoying it with a different take, because of having enjoyed this series, and some others, in this past year. Your detailed analysis of the problems of the Harley's is right on, things generally missed by most, in particular, the problems of huge cylinders and bad gas. I came of age in 75, and having lived in "bad fuel" most of my life. Your description overall, is very fair, and better explaining than most. I believe I have for the brit bikes, what you describe of yourself, and your love for the harleys. Thanks for showcasing these bikes, and the detailed defining of some of the joy you get.

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

+John McClain thank you John appreciate you taking the time to comment this is what these are for to generate discussion and listening to different perspectives Mike

[@geoffozevans4500]

Lovely little film, enjoying your channel, you've had some great bikes on show so far, all the best guys, job well done 👏

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Thank you! 👍

[@Flyingscotsman3]

Xr1200 Dave's old bike....brilliant, would be good to see you review one now. Lots of character and very underestimated but, now quite rare sight out on the road. Definitely a modern classic, that fly's under most folks radar. I have one.....in Mirage Orange livery, same as Dave's one. Be interesting to see also, Ldg testing a few modern hd's, now their fitted with brembo brakes etc. Enjoyed the video take care all...🏍🏁

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

That bike with the King of the Road package was 2400 dollars back then. Since then the prices have gone up 10 times and the wages have gone up four. It also gained 200 lb.

[@davidalanroden]

KH250 - hope you show one of those - best sounding bike ever made

[@jcnorth]

AMF = American Massey Ferguson. My claim to fame was bump starting an Eltra Glide on a side street in Edinburgh. It was in for non starting in the morning. OK when hot. What we found was that the clutch cover gasket was missing just thin sealant applied and when cold the electric starter was binding. No kickstart 😂

[@loicgalmiche5821]

Hello Mike, I love the tone of your videos! you have previously chosen more suitable places for your exchange between blokes, but you are easily forgiven😉. Thanks to you, I finally understood what these Harley names mean... I'm waiting for your coming video about Honda CB750, the bike which revealed me I had to ride a bije. Many thanks !

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

+Loïc Galmiche thanks yes that group chat was a nightmare I was nice and quiet then a huge truck turned up and started to unload We have a different Mic technique for future videos Thanks for watching

[@johnmcclain3887]

As one observing from "across the pond", I actually enjoyed the "unsuitable place" for the exchange, getting to see, hear some of the "normal traffic" experienced there in England. The hustle and bustle was well in keeping with the subject, and not too much bother at all.

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

@@johnmcclain3887 thanks John glad you are seeing it as it really is I have got a better mic (or system of mics) for future videos that will allow better audio (I used it on the latest bike meet video)

[@thatmanstumototours2270]

The big dog wanted to eat....Knucklehead is the fist facing forward, not upward Panhead is a cooking pan, Shovelhead: Look at the shovel from the side and parallel facing to the ground (and throw away the handle) .

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

+Thatmanstu Moto Tours still dont see the shovel will have another look

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

+Lemon Drizzle Gang aha just googled coal scoop shovel and get it now 👍

[@thatmanstumototours2270]

@@LemonDrizzleGang Shovel has a slight arc, similar to your hand, Fingers together, slightly cupped, facing down and viewed from the side…

[@markb3180]

Great content, keep them coming!

[@airframedent]

Enjoy your videos immensely. Any plans to review a Yamaha XS650? I'm in the states (Kanas City) but I know a few blokes out your way with XS'. Was stationed at Upper Heyford back in the '70's. Had a few bikes back then... the main one being a BSA 441 thumper. Loved my time riding in the Midlands. Look forward to your next video. Cheers.

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Thanks Jim dont know of any XS650s locally but we have a B44 lined up for the near future

[@airframedent]

I've got a '68 B44 in my garage under restoration right now. Look forward to seeing yours.... help the motivation.

[@davidalanroden]

Saw the Danish flag ("Dannebrog") in Brettons' bike shop - and the Norwegian flag - any story behind them?

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

+David Alan Roden I will ask Russ but I believe he has a lot of Danish friends I know he goes over there quite a bit

[@davidalanroden]

@@LemonDrizzleGang I live on the west coast of Denmark - Esbjerg.

[@lotophagi711]

Looks like you nearly killed Jimmy Saville🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

+Lotophagi haha didnt notice that

[@davidallen7540]

Very enjoyable 👍

[@garryhorton9105]

Thanks fella’s for the video but is there a chance you will get to do a more in depth ride and review on another Harley Davidson?

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Yes we have a Fatboy lined up to video

[@garygardner6536]

Removing the lead here in OZ killed my air cooled Kombi- they replaced it with some phosphorus muck that didnt help just clogged thing's up. BASTARDS.

[@fostersminibikes2937]

Helmet on the ground? Party foul!!!!

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

+Foster’s Mini Bikes why ?

[@bruceparr1678]

Uraa

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

+Bruce Parr hmmm am I correct in thinking this is a comment in support of the Russian armed forces ?

[@bruceparr1678]

@@LemonDrizzleGang Sure bloody is. These neocon scum started this war to stop the revival of the Ural motorcycle brand. BTW, when are you going to feature a Ural, or a Dneiper, which is a Ukro motorcycle.

[@J_Creek54]

Please buy a better microphone to avoid the nasty sound of old vans etc

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

+J Creek we have drastically improved our mics and setups listen to the later videos Audio can be a huge challenge its not so much the quality of the mic but placement and use 👍

[@RuudRous]

PLEASE less bla bla bla more vroem vroem thanks

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

+Ruud Rous if you listened to the blah blah you would have the answer to why there was a lack of vroom vroom …. But you do have a good point Future videos will be much more vroom vroom rich 👍😀 Cheers Mike

[@RuudRous]

@@LemonDrizzleGang Thanks Mike I can appreciate that and keep it up with lots of vroom vroom🤠 Greetings from Holland

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

@@RuudRous thank you your comment really made me laugh as it sums us up to a tee 👍

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

+Ruud Rous you will be pleased to know your comment has become an LDG catch phrase 👍👍

[@RuudRous]

@@LemonDrizzleGang Congratulations LDG with this good choice, on to more vroom vroom 🤠👍🏍