My Harley Davidson won't start | 1986 FXR

[@orionslaver432]

I can picture the FXR slowly ascending, headed for a place of eternal peace and joy, within sight of the golden gates of motorcycle heaven, only to be cast down once more into its languishing body where every rev is a new nightmare brought on by a bearded, gold-toothed demon who gleefully wants to see just how much it's going to take before the FXR falls apart entirely.

[@shadetreesurgeon]

I’m pinning this comment 😂

[@robertbelote5273]

This is an exceptional piece of work , reminds me of his talking head vlogs.

[@Legendairy_Angel94]

HELL YEAAHH

[@bradleyalexander5821]

Could not possibly put that better. 👍🏼 😎 👏👏👏 🎩 (hat tip)

[@eastexxxan]

Bearded, gold-toothed, split tongue demon

[@southerndandy4910]

Loved this video! It inspired me to take apart my lawn mower. On an unrelated note I’m now in the market for a new lawnmower.

[@shadetreesurgeon]

😂😂😂 ok I laughed pretty hard

[@MrPAULONEAL]

Shadetree actually worked on a lawnmower in one of his videos...

[@calebbanta8944]

😂

[@Paddy.C]

The Rocket 3 is like a girlfriend that you know full well is out of your league, so you have to make a real effort with her. Barf Party is more of a KFC hook-up. You get a bit of breast, a bit of leg, and a greasy box to throw your bone in.

[@shadetreesurgeon]

Apt analogy 😂

[@caseyroskwitalski4647]

Classic

[@DavieJones_Lockr]

I'd say the multistrada is more the high class broad..... shes in a different league and has some class but you're not talking about a low maintenance cost situation when she wants attention.

[@KEVRPH]

Best coment ever!

[@MarkR973]

Paddy .Cook the rocket is a hot but high maintenance girlfriend ... can’t count on her and not trust worthy... the barf party is like an okay looking chick, but really cool, and a killer body that you never get sick of riding....

[@Marcus_972]

It’s like your best dog, sure he’s old and farts constantly but he’s still the one you always take with you.

[@billhill7330]

Evos are like the SBC's of motorcycles. They're everywhere and parts are cheap and easy to find aaannnndddd despite what people say about American stuff, they run forever

[@MalcolmTodd1966]

Evos were second only to the Chevy 350 small block crate in automotive engine sales!

[@drummerdm1016]

Shadetree, thank you for encouraging people to shop AMERICAN!!!!!!! That is awesome

[@MyDyerMaker]

The fxr is my favorite of all the bikes you ride.

[@Indobiker61]

The FXR is the best Harley ever build. Rode one for years and never let me down. Done 150.000 km on it and was still going strong as i sold it. But still miss it. Hope my 2003 Superglide with twincam engine treats me well....

[@reddog543211]

You my friend ....are a professional youtube video spokesman.....I learned lots ...I'm 68 haven't ran my FXRD in 8 years...trying to make it run is getting to be a challenge....2 shoulder replacements help with the mobility....but I'm pluggin away.....thanks so much for sharing this with us !!!....."HELLO WISCONSIN "!!

[@rickel-bisi3556]

One of the best videos I've found on the Internet, I was researching the jackshaft assembly but watched it anyway and he is very adept at showing you with clarity what exactly is happening

[@TheDutchPathFinder1]

you are very fortunate to have this Ride Factory nearby. If anything wrong with my sporty i have to call the dealer ( or whoever is able to fix my problem) and have my ride picked up.Fortunatly this is a rare occassion....my trusted 2005 xl custom sportster hasn't let me down so far.

[@stinde666]

So cool to see you don’t edit out your mistakes 💪🏻 it would be so easy to show perfect fixing every time but we all screw up sometimes! Thanks again 👊🏻

[@FranTheGimp]

The Monty Python reference makes me wish I could hit the like button more than once

[@seeul8rwaynekerr]

May the great barf party never have it's feet nailed to any man's perch. If it had to be put to grass and ever used as an ornament. The dirty shame must bce the finest place for it surely?

[@colormesarge]

Have mine

[@shnrmrz68]

Ya but the music made me take one away🤣

[@MalcolmTodd1966]

With the exception of a shitty comparison!

[@Fausto_4841]

“This is an Ex-Parrot!”

[@Kyle-ue5uj]

I love that you use a local shop and buy the parts from them as well, I do the same thing, my guy is down the road from me and is the first place I go for anything my garbage but loveable sportster needs and because I support his shop and his livelyhood he hooks me up, discounted labor rates, fixes small issues that require no parts for free and is super easy to work with, him and his wife are great people and knowing that buy bringing my bike there and buying the stuff through him I am helping my community is a great feeling. These local shops are out neighbors and if we all support each other our local economies can stay strong even when the rest of the country is dying.

[@neilo.hislop950]

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT CYCLE SHOP.

[@David-og7di]

Probably been said dozens of times but your show is so real cf the many la-de-da's running round on their brand new bikes. My 1995 FXD will appreciate this one day. I would like your 'local motorbike shop' to open one of those down south. Thanks from New Zealand.

[@5280Woodworking]

I love that you're more about riding than the ride itself. I'm not nearly at your echelon of dont-give-an-Fs but I respect it tremendously nonetheless. Also must respect the machine that is mechanically simple to fix and rides for literally thousands and thousands of miles.

[@bigmikeh5827]

Shade tree. This is what I like about you and the channel. You deal with reality of riding. Fixing it yourself. (BTW, wisdom is gained through mistakes.). But you seriously keep it weird and real. I also like that you ride with everyone. What a mix of riding buddies. Good job on the repair. Keeping it weird in Tennessee still.

[@jeremyhuston1]

Thank you for telling us the things that you learned, from the last time having the primary cover off. A lot of channels/shows don't do that or acknowledge when they did something wrong. You do, that's why your channel is growing. Your just like us learning as you go (From mistakes). Keeps up the good work, and being real. The FXR will never die!!

[@glennfazzino6630]

Now I remember why I don’t own an older bike. Great for your KZbin content and good to watch someone else getting their hands dirty.

[@checkitout6944]

A long piece of pipe for the torque is probably my favorite shop tool of all. Been my go to since day one for pretty much any tough nut. God bless the shop pipe

[@PanM8]

Shadetree, how dare you say: "Harleys are reliable." You're pissing off the metric guys. I personally, am a Harley fan. (And honestly DON'T care what someone else rides.) But I really think your channel, is much more than just about motorcycles. (Hidden and not so hidden messages) I have been watching since you only rode the Rocket. You definitely have something the other motorcycle KZbin channels don't. Reality. Keep up the good work.

[@Kyle-ue5uj]

Crazy the life advise and wisdom we get from a goofy Florida man bartender who forked his own tongue, Justin is the motorcycle man guru!

[@jonathangriffiths2499]

Kyle Zapf thank God UT exists or we would have never met our man

[@tomakafrankconlon3207]

Pan, you seem to be missing the obvious. Metric guys laugh at harleys because of people like you. To make a claim that HDs are reliable is like saying I have a hammer that works . They are supposed to work. As I said before Budweiser is the king of beers and McDonalds make the best burger and some people actually believe that. If I have to explain it then you wouldn't get it.

[@PanM8]

@@tomakafrankconlon3207 "people like you?" Do you really know what I am like? Come on now....

[@partlycloudy9443]

I actually enjoy old bikes, keeping them running is half the fun to me, very satisfying when you fix something on an old bike.

[@kikiaguilar2604]

She's back to life .cool video thanks for taking me with you on that trip

[@justinvandermolen5705]

was touring with my pops and his 1986 heritage with the same eve had the stator go while we were 1100 miles from home in Wisconsin. Local Harley shop (in Wisconsin of all places) didn't have the parts and wouldn't work on something that old but great small local shop similar to the ride factor had the part on the shelf and got us going in half a day. Love to see this old bike keep ticking

[@TobyCross]

I wanted to say a huge thank you for the content you post. We are locked down in the UK, my Sport Glide is locked up on trickle charge and I really miss riding. But your videos are keeping me going man - you do great work and it’s very much appreciated. Keep it up, thank you and stay safe.

[@didierlancien8700]

I'm glad to know the FXR on the road again. he is still alive. I'm waiting for parts for mine and I'm impatient to hit the road again. hi.

[@kritterhillvideos9221]

Hey thanks for sharing working on your bike! People need to know that it’s ok to struggle through something. Every time you forget something it gets better next time! Been there done that and still do that. Carry on Josh!

[@christophaustria4775]

I totally understand your love for that old harley. Got a 1953 Puch SV 175cc two-stroke bike. It is still all original and it is absolutely simple to keep alive. I just love riding this little thing around as my daily ride. 10 horsepowers, 100 km/h downhill at best,... nevertheless at the very moment by far my favorite motorcycle leaving my harley nighttrain, my different kawasakis and all my other two wheeled motortoys sitting behind in the garage. Simple to fix, cheap to fix, and this incredible thing about it being 67years old and still running. .. As I said, absolutely get it 4 why u love your FXR so much...

[@DeuceRollinChainSmokin]

I bought a used bike from a Harley Dealer one time. Used so no warranty. Ride 250 miles fries regulator. Harley replaced the regulator free and said all is well. 100 miles later fries again. I decide to open it up myself (couldn't afford Harleys $1300 quote) and find stator free twisting inside the rotor, bolts were all out of the stator completely in the gap between the stator and rotor, had ripped the wires loose from the regulator. I still have the stator and rotor as souvenirs. Replaced with a CompuFire 3 Phase upgrade set and ride the hell out of it to this day. Stay safe my friend. May the wind strike your face, cold beer grace your belly and keep 2 wheels down haulin ass!

[@HARMARSCH2]

Shadetree Surgeon, As much as I miss seeing the Rocket 3, I do like seeing learning to wrench on the FXR. Plus when you ride Barf Party you get the extra Braaaaaaaap on video........HELL YEAH!!!!

[@CCitis]

I am not a harley guy (never owned one) but that is a testament that the stator was toasted but she still got you home. That is a good motorcycle!

[@CCitis]

Oh and I also forget one bolt, or one piece everytime I am in there working on a bike lol... good practice doing twice... or three times... sometimes four LOL

[@303MoTo]

I got a quarantine beard started... in 2 years I'll catch up to you.

[@williamjohnson6517]

😂 Finally RESPECT for the FXR! Even though you beat on it it's still around! Who says Harley's are crap?

[@solwong1338]

Holy sugar...under $150!?!?!?. That would've cost close to 500 in parts alone in the great white north. Glad you did all three though, I would not have recommended doing just one or the other in my shop. FXR's are the best. Love em.

[@shadetreesurgeon]

Yep! I was gonna do just the stator but the ride factory recommended exactly that. Do all three

[@jeffkeni]

I dare not think of the hundreds it would have cost to do the same on a Nippon jackhammer :-(

[@solwong1338]

@@shadetreesurgeon sounds like The Ride Factory and I would get along very well servicing motorcycles.

[@patrickhatrick6215]

Great work brother! I admire a man who can assemble an disassemble ten times and not throw a wrench lol your patience is inspiring! Having TRF pro's to call on is the best tool in the box, great guys. Be safe brother. PEACE!!!!!

[@KaptainGranite]

Always love these kind of videos from you. Makes it feel like we are all at the shop with you it is a great experience.

[@jeffpaul738]

I have a 93 fxr that I had to do the same thing to. Wish I would of had a good KZbin video like this to watch when I did mine. Or a place like the ride factory. I put one of those calipers like you put on yours yesterday, now if I could find my brake bleeder tool maybe I could go for a ride today. Have a good one.

[@dejonsmall9886]

STS, this brought back memories of the late 70's working on my Shovel. Great job...

[@KEVRPH]

I've ridden a lot of bikes, and love them all. Old Harleys are forever and merics are disposable.

[@MiguelCura]

All hail The Ride Factory and the fine folk who populate it!

[@StevenVanLoven]

FXR was one of the best Harleys I' v had...Love this

[@JohnnyParanoid]

Good call pulling the battery connection. That's how one of my uncles lost the tip of his finger. Glad you got Ol' Barf Party back in action!

[@Petesmotoadventure]

Nothing like finding that one part and saying do I really need to put that back on. One of these days going to have to ride up the Shame and see the surgeon. Hell Yeah!

[@jerrypardue1678]

Finally got my bike going yesterday it was magnificent. Originally had the same issue with stator.

[@sickbird9865]

Love my fxr! I rebuilt mine after 2 years of riding it with the stock 80" and dumped close to 25k into it, 124 , six speed, suspension, munit blue, lockup clutch, lsr pro stock pipe, 48mm lectron.... ect... but its still unreliable as hell hahahaha ill never get rid of her!!!

[@Carreidas]

Good that you have specialists on tap. Makes you more confident when you wrenching your bike to pieces.

[@baywolf5245]

i love this. i just came across ur channel recently i been riding a 1988 FXR for about 20 years now. glad to see others doing work to keep them alive. i just recently got mine going again too after starting issues

[@flashgordon2816]

Another fine video...I like the repair content vids on the FXR...refreshes my memory on "been in that part of an Evo before"(same or similar components on Shovels) > Previous vid leading up to repair I was thinking weak battery,wires,solenoid,gunked up or worn pinion gear fulcrum,starter brushes,etc....multi meter test of charging system saved some exploratory diagnostics..>> Previous vid of roll starting "The Krusty" reminded me during late '70's toward Fall I roll started a '74 XLH(no kick start) for about a month as I didn't want to tear into it with Summer weather fading...only an afternoon or so to repair but no "interwebz" back then or needed parts in stock at local AMF era dealers.(order & wait)...Parked on hill everywhere I went for a while...Bit of a workout to push it back up hill for 2nd attempt a few times...LOL!

[@shadetreesurgeon]

That’s a true believer right there!!

[@SmokeRingsPipeDreams]

I think it's inspiring the way you wrench your own bikes like this.

[@joec2174]

Keep in mind silicone when it cures damages copper wires. Use dielectric grease next time! Great videos and I enjoy your outlook on motorcycles. You ride for for the love and joy of it and not for just the image!!

[@joshuahoskinson]

Great work man! Love the commentary on the difference in cost/time/effort between Harleys and other manufacturers. It's something that people these days like to ignore because so many are of the mentality that if it breaks, you just toss it aside and buy a new one... But it's a great feeling to fix the bike. Gives you a stronger connection to the bike in my opinion!

[@Adrian-rn1ym]

I love your content sir ! , most people on you tube always try to get the newest coolest products on the market for their Channels . I like that you keep it for the average person who isn’t loaded and just has a passion for something , keep it weird man !👍

[@jgacusana8976]

I moved from miami to Boca what sucks is it’s hard finding like minded shop I worked for Harley in miami but I’m not a dealership guy so small shops and not knowing anyone sucks but I do my best keeping them running. I’m old I have a RD glide 10, & a heritage 04 with a replacement 03 engine for a custom future bike when I retire. Stay shady & Ride Florida. We have no turn on the road for 150 miles ahead of us so hands off the bars and cruise. Keep em running your channel is kool.

[@vincentgagnon6224]

hi from quebec canada. always nice to watch your post. dont know why im always happy to see your videos. probably because its genuinely authentic. keep making it im guessing a lot a people thinks the same

[@TheZombiejohn75]

5:56 the exact instant those eyes narrowed as he locked eyes with that busted magnet...we've all been there

[@Master_Nightstone]

I had to do the same repair on my 12 FLHTP. While I was in there I replaced the clutch plates with a set of Screaming Eagle plates. Went back together easier than it came apart.

[@Firestorm637]

Lead acid batteries have one year warranty vs 2 year warranty lithium battery that also lasts 3-5 times longer. Enjoyed the video.

[@davidk1850]

I feel your pain bro, '87 FXRS here. I've had her apart more than a few times, it's a love/hate relationship.

[@Henry.58]

Hell Shady , You did a good job putting her back together! I would have had to spend an extra hour hunting the tools I threw in anger!

[@thevtadventure1062]

Just put a new starter on relay on my 79 shovel . Which was original and wow what a difference 😂

[@tmar0075]

Hell Yeah!!!..nothing wrong w old bikes..my son rides a 92' Flhs Evo.. appreciates old school!!!..😀

[@harryunzeki219]

That’s cool that you got someone to nudge you in the right direction, mechanically speaking.

[@prestobizmal]

3:15 that Wave race music getting me right in the feels

[@SasquatchDispatch]

Nice video! I dont have any issues in the stator dept. currently, but after watching I feel confident to open up this area of the bike if needed. Keep up the good work ShadeTree!

[@hippytrev7452]

my 1st 2 84 softail both blew there stators..thanks to some good utubes l learnet to change my own not a hard job just a pain in the arss to do cheers From Down Under & Keep Ya Knee's in Da Breezzzeeeee

[@Chris-hq7nl]

Hahaha I thought putting a towel on the battery terminals was just me 😂. Can’t be too paranoid with the zappy bois.

[@jonathangriffiths2499]

Particularly if you got a ring on your fingers ...

[@JonPBixby]

I wish that he had shown, or simply mentioned in the video, that the black (negative) terminal was what was disconnected at the battery (and then isolated with electrical tape, a paper towel, or even an empty water bottle slip over the disconnected cable. Jon 1987 Kawasaki ZL1000 Eliminator, 1994 & 2007 Yamaha V-Max (VMOA #5105)

[@rjay4019]

Hey Shade!! Glad your back on the road! And speaking of "roads", and better not to have to fix crap on the side of one; it made me think of that Creedance song, "SIDE O' THE ROAD". Rad song from their best album. Lol. You're too cool being real and showing redos and surprise goodie finds inside stuff. I'm a woman and really enjoy watching. Thanks. 👍.

[@arthurleino]

Took my 1983 FXWG to a local independent shop today! I have the tanks and fenders. Paint them myself.

[@Paul20661]

It ain't a Shadetree vid if u don't do it twice XD The Ride Factory rocks,yay the Crusty Glide is back to working ok

[@shadetreesurgeon]

They’re good folks :)

[@PBstx1100]

Good tip that took me far to long to learn when disassembling and reassembling especially when you don’t do this stuff everyday like me. Write down a reassembly list as you are taking stuff apart. I also write the torque specs next to each step so reassembly is supper easy and you don’t have to do things twice.

[@jeffpalmer5502]

Looks like your buddies piston and your stater both are victims of high heat on a hot day, it would be really easy to put an ultra cool on your bike. I am actually thinking of installing one on my victory as an auxillary Cooler. When I’m visiting my brother in Vegas there’s no such thing as too cool. It was 107 last time I stopped in. That was a well-done video. Bike sounds great! thank you!

[@roymoderatto]

Last week my '85 FXRP gave me carb problems and I had a mini crash on the '86 FXR. Nothing serious. Things happen. I love them, though! I've been through stator problems, clutch problems, carb problems... it's challenging but fun to gradually get them to 100%

[@bitpixpr]

One of my favorite things is when that Sunset Bay track comes in

[@TheGorignak]

When I was about to buy my first bike (a Harley), an experienced biker asked me what kind of riding and how often. I told him, occasional and just tooling around. He told me to get a Honda. I studied and compared. Came to a toss up between VF750C and a CB750. Got the Magna, wish I still had it and the Nighthawk.

[@robertelliott5532]

About 10 years ago i was in the Tampa/Brandon area for many months and would venture into Ybor for cigars. Many times i passed that cycle shop, seems like it wasn't open much back then.

[@vincentvelazquez6001]

It seemed to me that there was a problem when you started the bike these past few videos and the last time with flip, but when I saw the stator I thought that it was cooked on the barbecue... But the Crusty Glide will never die! Cheers from France.

[@russellsmith2556]

Thank you for what you do but I think I'm going to say goodbye. I always loved the bike building and off road/ Hare Scrambles video's but I can watch people ride worn out Harleys and drink right here at home. Thanks dude it was great for awhile.

[@brianriddell8425]

I love the EVO ... I had a FXRT 84 and now a FLHTC87 keep it weird brother 👍😎👍

[@14theroad1955]

Stator, voltage regulator, and rotor...Cycle Electric makes an excellent product, made in Brookville Ohio (USA)..just saying..Great video Shadetree...Kudos to The Ride Factory.

[@14theroad1955]

@Shelby TRF That is great to know Shelby..👍

[@seeul8rwaynekerr]

You've got to admit, like the uss enterprise in "The wrath of Khan". A Harley seems a joy to work on because of its compartmentalized approach. So having to change "item x", means that you haven't got to breach the reactor core under most circumstances. There clearly is no school quite like the old school.

[@shadetreesurgeon]

Great analogy, as a fellow Trekkie I love it 😂 🖖🏻

[@dmelson7502]

I've always heard that those Harley reactor cores are a real bitch. That's what Scotty told me anyway.

[@jamesmegill]

Man. I like that old FXR. Keep her going🏄‍♂️🏄‍♂️🏄‍♂️

[@scottsmith5095]

Old Harleys never die. They just fall asleep sometimes.

[@binnydinney9739]

12:05, that’s also how you rip the flywheel off a lawnmower. Lol

[@JarheadSixRides]

Great to see the bike back on business.

[@MalcolmTodd1966]

All hail the FXR! Still the best motorcycle I ever owned!

[@IrishZombieNation]

That bike and what all you've done to it has more personality than anything I've seen you ride regularly before. I enjoy all your videos, but since you picked up this bike and pimped it out with all the eagles, the Huffy BMX foam security pad thingamajigger, I've really been enjoying your videos with this bike a lot. This is why people used to fall in love with Harley's, for the exact reasons you said in the video. Screw the naysayers!

[@marcusnegro3762]

Knowledge is power glad to see you try to do as much as you can 👍

[@dantheman3426]

I feel the same way bro I have a 2000 dyna which was the first motorcycle I ever owned. It’s not the prettiest or the fastest, has rust on the frame and cracking powder coat but it’s so easy to work on I keep bring it back to life. I have a new street bob that rides like a Cadillac but I prefer my crusty glide because it can take the abuse of wheelies and burn outs.

[@CowboyNation1977]

Ride factory are some good ol boys. They will be doing my s&s 128 kit for my FLHRXS

[@DamnitDave]

that fxr is worth more than any college education and is teaching you so much about bike repair, that you just might have another career (or at least more youtube viewers that enjoy the "gear head" stuff)

[@Kingofthepnwdorks]

Happy to hear you got it fixed so quick. You hit the nail on the head. There are much better” bikes out there, but evos and sportys are simple in comparison and cheaper to maintain.

[@j.d.herman8373]

Should be working on my bike. take a beer break and watch shadetree work on his. Good enough!

[@AlliKhat718]

Josh can become a master at anything with the amount of times he has redo everything, just like me! 😂😂😂

[@evil_musclemuscled3814]

He's getting it down wrenching on them . I like riding my 82 lowrider , when I'm on it I like to think I'm back in 82 no reason just think like that . Bikes like that not everyone is on so you'll always stand out . I can take my 82 to the city and be damn proud to be on or next to my bike while being surrounded by new or newer Harley's

[@jonfarris2716]

I rode metrics for awhile and went back to Harleys for that exact reason. So much easier to work on. My 2000 Sportster is my thrash bike.

[@zacharysmith2983]

I know it is the "crusty glide/barf party" but seeing you not wipe down that grungy primary cover when you put it back on hurt my heart 😂

[@KowboyUSA]

Need to do a stator replacement my Evo too. Have it sitting here on the computer desk. Just need to put it on.

[@seeul8rwaynekerr]

Amazing! I'm loving your mend the flea pit machine series. Cheap and cheerful. I've got an sv650s that I'm tempted to treat like the fxr.

[@SixShooter14]

I feel your pain with doing things twice....Finishing up my recent rebuild and after torquing down the heads, tried to turn the engine over by hand and got a hard 'clunk'....I had put one of the pistons on backwards and it was hitting the head...oops!! Luckily, I could see which one through the spark plug hole and didn't have to pull both heads.

[@YogisCycleService]

Awesome stuff. Good times, good times lol. I do think it’s funny how you used to talk smack about Harley and now you’re having fun wrenching on one. I am gonna hopefully test ride a rocket 3 here this week and do a review on it.