Adjusting and Servicing the Saddle Spring Post on a 1952 Harley Panhead

[@Getgraphics]

I was just watching the part about the step nut, and you asked "Can you see it". I caught myself saying "Yeah". Great lesson man, thanks.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thanks for hangin' with me.

[@michaeldoherty138]

Nice job Mike. I appreciate you showing me this.

[@pacificmike9501]

You bet. Thank You.

[@The1948Pan]

Wife and I did this today, we used a die grinder on the old bushing, grownd 2 lines ; then a punch to collapse it. 10 min job. Our set post needed to be adjusted. works great now. Thanks Mike

[@pacificmike9501]

That's great!

[@jasonallen3842]

Bud,it always feels like hanging out with my buddies dad who taught me alot about bikes and modle t. Keep up the good work. Thank you so much. God bless you.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. I grew up the same way with those old guys who are gone now. Now I'm an old guy. The way of the world.

[@203patrick08]

You are god’s gift to motorcycles and KZbin. Thanks Mike. You make the world a better place. See ya out on the road! (Even though I’m in New York).

[@pacificmike9501]

I ain't that good, but I do try. One of the coolest parts of America, is the roads. They go just about everywhere. Thank You.

[@martinwall7297]

nice train whistle in the background, it reminds me of grandmas house in Noank, CT.

[@pacificmike9501]

I don't know why, but I always seem to wind up near the tracks. I grew up by the trains going by. I've lived in a lot of places in this state. Guess we have a lot of tracks. I love it.

[@rodgerkuhl2547]

Good morning Mike. I'm downing some coffee and riding my 77 FXS to my shop this morning. I started "Johnny Cashing" her when I was 18yrs old. When she was finished, I immortalized the moment with a painting for the family wall. Thank you so much for your videos! I'd be honored to send you a couple prints of my artwork to hang in your home. One Shovel rider to another. Just a way I can pay you back for your valuable lessons! If I had an address, I'd send a couple signed prints. You have a friend in Texas sir.

[@pacificmike9501]

Well, I must say, "I'm blown away." I am an art lover. Your enjoyment of our efforts actually is a payback. But, if you insist, I receive mail at my friend, Kenny's shop. American V-Twin c/o Pacific Mike 448 E. 4th St. Beaumont, CA. 92223 With or without paintings, we need our friends. Thank You.

[@rodgerkuhl2547]

You are an artist and a true gentleman Mike. What you mentor and I build is a dying artform. Thank you for giving us this hard earned information so future generations can keep these old beauties going. Enjoy the artwork my friend.

[@123hellqvist]

Thanks Mike, for sharing all the things you do, best education ever, adding confidence verification and the extra fine tuning, that you are so good at, definitely the best go to, when in need of advice, or simply, what tools are out there. have a few old rides, myself ranging from a 1956 Panhead 1969 FLH, 1980 FXWG 1988 FXR and finally a 1999 Sportster 88ci Hot Rod, as you probably know there are not many people capable of wrenching and tuning the old stuff, so the knowledge from you is highly, valued, from my standpoint, just the passionate and keen way you are doing things. Thanks again for sharing your hard earned knowledge. John From Ontario Canada.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You, John. What beautiful thoughts. I hope you realize how much I appreciate you and the rest of our viewers.

[@kevinzanahogan]

Mike, I always learn something from your videos.

[@pacificmike9501]

That's great. Thank You.

[@jayknight850]

Just adjusted my seat post on my ‘67 FL, your videos are a treasure to learn the details of the Harley. Thanks much!

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad to help!

[@johnwagner464]

Great video an thank you

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank You.

[@vanislandsteve]

Loving these old bikes. Thank you.

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad you like them!

[@LonesomeNomad137]

I subscribed long ago, but I just hit the notification button. First and only channel I’ve done that for. Loving it.

[@pacificmike9501]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@richardhartley7094]

All your videos are a must watch to the end you have a gift of making most straight forward tasks so interesting thank you👍🇬🇧

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@sylvainblaney9379]

Thanks Mike, your videos are invaluable references

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. Quite a compliment.

[@sylvainblaney9379]

@@pacificmike9501well deserved,happy new year

[@davemooney3435]

Mike, thank u for this video. I can use this information along with the service manual. I am very happy to try the genuine HD deluxe solo saddle. You are a great teacher. Dave

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad it was helpful!

[@darrell3368]

Love you show and learning a lot keep up the great work see next time

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@darrell3368]

Mike your a great mechanic and your a great teacher and a great person. God Blessings on you and your family

[@jobuck893]

Cool video Mike I didn't know the seat post was adjustable until I started watching you videos

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad I could help. That's cool.

[@colinross7800]

I'm going to service the seat post on my 74 FLH after watching this. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad it was helpful! Stay safe and comfortable.

[@59jaguar]

Excellent instructions mike. Thanks!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@timwheeler8728]

Thank you Thankyou Thankyou!!! as usual Mike you have shown and explained another informative video that makes improving my 42 that much more straight forward and enjoyable Looking forward to your next post keep well regards Tim from downunder

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. That's great.

[@paulsouthey5175]

Hey Mike, thank you. I bought the '85 FLHP which is my first big block iron Harley. Now I understand the attraction of the shovelhead. Being a larger person myself I need to adjust the seat post as you guessed it, it bottoms out and I don't want to pound the frame. Thanks as always, stay well, greetings from NZ.

[@pacificmike9501]

Greetings! Enjoy your bike.

[@secretlee7957]

👍 Mike. I love your channel because I always learn something, like using a music stand to hold your manual,"bike side" .🇺🇸 Just yell at the dog to SHUTUP, he will ,that what he's used to..lol..🙃☮🇺🇸 Nothing spells Freedom ,like Harleydavidson! 👀🇺🇸

[@pacificmike9501]

Yup. Thank You.

[@tonycurtis4427]

Thank you

[@pacificmike9501]

And, Thank You.

[@willphelps6715]

Another invaluable video by Pacific Mike. This solved half of my problem. I'm putting a seat post in a Bobber that had a frame mounted seat on it. I bought a new bushing, a reproduction rod and new springs. The reproduction springs don't say which spring is equal to which OEM part number, so I'm kind of shooting in the dark here. I could not find spring lengths listed anywhere in the Panhead service manual. I'm just going to have to fake it, I guess. Going by what looks close as per the picture. Thanks again for helping me through the bushing install.

[@pacificmike9501]

The lengths they show are totals of the stack. That's in all the old service manuals. Have a look at the drawings in V-Twin's catalog. I believe it even shows the rebound springs.

[@billmillar7234]

Mike, you're not a lightweight.....you are a heavyweight of knowledge....always a pleasure to see your videos

[@pacificmike9501]

Wow. Thank You.

[@jfwmba7084]

Hi Mike, I thoroughly enjoy your knowledge about motorcycles and your wisdom about life! Please keep it up....you are a treasure ! JW

[@pacificmike9501]

That's really nice. Thank You.

[@christianmccollum1028]

Can never use too much grease, I agree! Love sitting down and catching one of your videos; there's always something new to learn. Thank you for sharing your work. Much respect from Texas.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thanks for watching!

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

Hi Mike, You just added another "feather" in my KNOWLEDGE base Thanks for the VIDEO - I learned a LOT about somrthing brand NEW Thanks again COOP ...............................................

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@dennisc.1189]

Thanks, Mike, for showing the seat post adjustment and installing. I never had owned a bike this old so I'm learning a lot from your videos. Great job by the way.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@gasgas2689]

I know very little about Harleys, although I have heard the expression 'hard tail', and now I know what one is. (I am in England). But you make it all absolutely fascinating Mike, I love it. Your videos are far superior to anything on the TV.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@alstone5257]

Hello Mike, Nice work again as always.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ty-dl7ts]

Great video Mike. I think I need to do my seat post.Ha Ha Thank you

[@pacificmike9501]

They usually need it. Thank You.

[@shovel_head80]

man it’s the best knowledge I’ve ever seen and free . Thanks a million for keeping the art alive . Bravo Zulu brother

[@pacificmike9501]

My pleasure. Thank You.

[@machinistmikethetinkerer4827]

Love my tractor seat pogo setup on my Shovel FL. Best ride I got. All my other seats collect dust up on the walls.

[@pacificmike9501]

Yes. They were an excellent design from the early days.

[@pacificmike9501]

Congrats on your new lathe. It is beautiful.

[@lisar3006]

I still have the seat post on my 1972 FLH with the old buddy seat on it I love it.

[@pacificmike9501]

It helps to have long legs, but they're really comfortable.

[@Bracenbit]

Perfect timing Mike. I’m adding HD springs to a 68’ Shovelhead seat post. Your videos have helped me out a lot. Thx.

[@pacificmike9501]

That's great. Thank You.

[@michaelmurillo7979]

Same here, Mike. Perfect timing for me too on my '66 Shovel. Thanks also.

[@elsdp-4560]

THANK YOU...for sharing. Watched and as always enjoyed. Jay Leno doesn't get ice cream on his denim shirt. lol

[@pacificmike9501]

I'll bet he does. Thank You.

[@boss30268able]

Great video.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@glsandlin2222]

Good presentation, Now I can go into my installalation and do it right , Thanks

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. Have fun.

[@tommontague5721]

Good video Mike.....I can tell your getting very popular. I had to fast forward through six commercials to get back to your video....lol...but well worth it.

[@pacificmike9501]

I appreciate that. Thank You.

[@michaelbonaiuto4847]

Thought I would need to ream the bushing. It’s on the list of to do’s now. Thanks Great vids

[@pacificmike9501]

That bushing is pretty strong structurally. You'll notice it didn't distort when I "Animaled" it into place. Thank You.

[@jamesnorman7552]

Another good video, thanks Mike and thanks Cameraman Mike, don’t be too hard on the dog, he may just be lonely.

[@pacificmike9501]

He has a buddy with him all the time. He just needs people time.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍

[@juliochingaling5824]

Thank you mike for the great videos. God bless

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad you like them! Thank You.

[@caseykelso1]

Thanks for the video.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@paulj4463]

Thanks for getting to the seat post Mike. Been waiting for this one..., getting ready to put the buddy seat on the ‘70 now. Keeping indispensable knowledge alive and well! Powerful stuff!! Babydoll is a very nice girl!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. And, yes she is.

[@docholiday1034]

Thank you Mike 👍

[@pacificmike9501]

Very welcome

[@jasonbruno6084]

Great videos. Really enjoy watching and learning from you. Thanks for all you do.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thanks for watching!

[@rickeysmith7674]

Great lesson Mike, thanks for sharing your knowledge 😎

[@pacificmike9501]

My pleasure!

[@jimmybb6772]

Ever try putting a bronze or brass bushing or bearing in the freezer for a day or 2 to make it a shrink fit? Works well for most applications, but you have to work fast so it don’t warmup when its 1/2 installed. Just an Food For Thought. Thanks, Mike & Cameraman Joe!!

[@pacificmike9501]

Yep. I've done it lot.

[@michaelbonaiuto4847]

Thanks Mike. Running my 69 with the buddy seat. Have never changed the post bushing. was under the impression that it would need to be reamed. Love the ride on the buddy seat. Been looking for a solo police seat. I’ll find one in time.

[@pacificmike9501]

I think we lost contact. Still glad you liked the video.

[@timmix331]

Soakin up your knowledge. 👍🖖

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. I feel complimented.

[@kenpflueger1967]

Love your videos Mike, very interesting and informit, I need my bushing replace in my 57 pan

[@pacificmike9501]

You can do it!

[@dellyddon1038]

Thanks Mike, never bothered to see if they could be adjusted, hopefully I won't dent my rear fender this time!

[@pacificmike9501]

It's in the book. Enjoy it.

[@Chewy-Da-Redneck]

Another awesome tutorial..... Such a wealth of knowledge!! Thx Mike for sharing. . .

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank You.

[@pietdevries5554]

When you said that it was enough about the barking dogs. They stopped. I think you are the next Gandalf!

[@pacificmike9501]

Shhhhh. We don't claim positions higher than we diserve. We have to earn them throughout our lives.

[@tarmak968]

Another great video Mike!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. Glad you liked it.

[@markhowitt6422]

“Early model stuff was not early to him he was that old” boy do I feel that statement. Well said sir.

[@pacificmike9501]

Yah, we do. But, he was the generation before us. His Idea of cool was a hopped up "J" model. Thinking of that elderly gentleman. He's been gone quite a while. I think he and I would both be pleased if I scored a "J" model. No money now. We'll get there.

[@ronabner1577]

This is a very informative video, as usual.

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad you think so! Thank You.

[@gillpavon4967]

If I wasn't the first viewer I was close, within 25 seconds. Always a pleasure, thanks Mike.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. I feel like I should send you a prize. But, I do appreciate you.

[@cariboo4x4]

Great video. I need to check my post length and at same time I will check bushing condition.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. I use the chart in the service manual as a reference. But, whatever gives you the ride you're going for is what is correct. Mine never bottoms. I've been through some very rough situations, and it never bottoms.

[@cariboo4x4]

⁠@@pacificmike9501I just bought a 1981 FLH 80. The bushing appears to be in mint condition from top view. Bike has low kms. No zerk though. Looks like it definitely needs grease though. I weight 210 and it bottoms out once in awhile. I unload at the bottom of a gravel road by highway. The bit of gravel has a couple rough spots. Doesn’t ever bottom out on highway. Yes really comfortable! It has the solo seat. I expect 11” is what I will be checking for. Thank you for replying so quickly.

[@pacificmike9501]

"Bottoms out once in a while" is not necessary. You can add preload by adjusting the springs and not raising the seat. There is probably either a zerk fitting or at least the hole for one, behind the rear exhaust pipe on the frame seatpost, on the right side of the bike. If there is a hole and no fitting, check carefully. The hole should be a 1/16 NPT. That will take a standard old Harley zerk fitting.

[@michaelmitchell5909]

Great video Mike, i always learn interesting things from your channel....i can't wait to see the project bike come together, especially the paint with the brass pieces you have for it....satin and gloss black combinations would look amazing with brass...

[@pacificmike9501]

That's "kinda" part of it.

[@carlaskillings4312]

Good one Mike, ride safe, Wayne from Windsor

[@pacificmike9501]

Thanks, you too!

[@louisflege3741]

WOW! You are on point with this video! Just what I was asking about not more than a week ago. This topic can quicker than I expected, and I can't thank you enough for this. Now, I've long felt that the rigid frame bikes with a solo seat look best aestheticslly than swingarm frames inn the older bikes. Granted, the solo seats are rather large and not very attractive to look at much of the time, they aren't very streamlined like the modern "springer" seats, but most likely WAY MORE FORGETTABL COMFORTABLE by comparison. I'm really wanting you try a seat post on my '75 but I'm not sure my frame is setup for it, the post hole on your panhead looks a bit larger than what I have on mine. I'll have to do some research on that one. Thank you so much for the education lesson on this. You've really given me something to think on and work toward if my bike can make the transition properly. Maybe a rigid conversion is in its future. We'll see.. 'Til next time, take care, my friend!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you. You didn't say what your "75 is. Is it an FX or an FL. If it's an FL, it came with the bushing already in place and a zerk fitting at about the halfway point on the right side of the seatpost part of the frame. All you'll need to do is lube it and install it.

[@louisflege3741]

My '75 is an FXE. It's been awhile since I've had the seat off to see what it looks like under there. If I can locate my manual it may be covered in there somewhere. Thank you for clarifying for the FL model.

[@DG-hb8rh]

Hi, Pacific mike your seat post video got me thinking i should check mine, also great paint on your shovel. might be same color sept my cheap rattle can clear coat is starting to yellow , thought about re painting but the yellowing I think gives it a older look that has grown on me, I ment to send you a favorite pic of my 52' to wish ya a happy 4th but still trying to figure out how to work this technology ya know. anyway I enjoy your vids and they inspire always look forward to watching them thank you.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. It's people like you (there seems to be a lot of us) that makes this thing fun.

[@dscott501]

My ‘74 shovelhead has that frame tube and the bushing still looks good. I’m really thinking of rounding up the parts to put a proper solo seat on it. Mostly because they look super cool.

[@DG-hb8rh]

Sure do put one on mine too !

[@DG-hb8rh]

Mean they sure do look cool on em.

[@pacificmike9501]

I love it. Have fun.

[@Getgraphics]

Looking at your buddy springs. I had a set of chrome covers that screwed on to cover the bolts. Only pair I've ever seen, even in magazines.

[@pacificmike9501]

Might have been for a springer front end (VL).

[@BUSTERBAHMER]

Greatest show on earth

[@pacificmike9501]

If you think so, it's good enough for me.

[@TechnMoto]

Great information Mike, thanks

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad it was helpful!

[@UncleRobsGarage]

Hello Mike! Wow that was my dads first harley a 52 hydraglide that he bought in panama,and, rode there.

[@pacificmike9501]

Cool. I bought "Babydoll" back in 1992. We've had a lot of fun and travelled a lot.

[@louiscormier4015]

As I recall there is cutout on the bottom of the seat post shaft that locks into the bottom frame hole so when you tighten the nut the seat post lower shaft cannot turn, you may want to make sure you seated your post properly.

[@pacificmike9501]

Yep. It's cool.

[@louiscormier4015]

Mike, just want to say I've enjoyed many of your videos, thanks. Do you have a email address that I could use to ask questions? I'd like to ask you a question concerning some tank repairs on a 52 PAN that I'm building from boxes of parts purchased in 83.

[@SendOout]

God bless you Mike

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. And, you too.

[@ronetuley]

Great information Mike 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@charleswilliams9233]

👍😎

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@dielauwen]

CAT wants a ride!

[@pacificmike9501]

Sorry. Sonia (My Siberian Husky) is rather territorial.

[@engleharddinglefester4285]

I think I'm going to have to drill holes in my 72 ironhead bushings and grind a channel around connecting them with my Dremel, and put in grease zerks. Or maybe chuck them on my lathe when I get it running and make those grease channels.

[@pacificmike9501]

Not sure about your project, but, be careful.

[@michaelhazen8658]

nice. Ive only seen the post seats from afar. I do like spring saddles when they are set up well with a proper spring rate. I rode an evil set up on a BSA chop that a friend had gotten. The seat wobbled from side to side very badly. Im not a big fan of banging on bushings if I can help it. You could probably get a nice even draw with a couple plates and a threaded rod. I did see that the post tube dig go all the way through. or is there a risk of damage that Im not aware of? or (probably most likely) "eh, the mallet works well enough" Im enjoying this stuff a lot

[@pacificmike9501]

I thought it went in quite nicely.

[@joakimharaldsson4871]

Thank you, I enjoy your videos. I recently bought a -70 FLH, and the seat post is higher than normal I think, about 90mm over the frame. Is it possibly to lower it easy? In the bottom it's two nuts m, one 7/8 and underneath a 9/16. Tank's Joakim in Sweden

[@pacificmike9501]

You can adjust it. If you make it too short, it may bottom out. That gets painful.

[@joakimharaldsson4871]

@@pacificmike9501 Thanks, I changed the side of the "piston" for some springs. After some experiments I succeeded.

[@popken6979]

Cool vid...

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@markowarren4032]

Great Video Mike. I have a 72 FLH and I don't see a bushing or a zerk fitting. I read all of the comments and I see where you mentioned it about 1/2 way down and on the right side, but I'm not seeing anything on the outside, or looking down inside the frame. Do I need to have this grease fitting to use a saddle spring post?

[@pacificmike9501]

It's easy enough to put one in. Are you sure that's an FLH frame? Could it be an FX someone turned into an FLH. No matter. Do you have the bushing in your frame? Halfway down the frame seatpost tube on the right side (in behind the pipes) is where that zerk should be. It shouldn't be too hard to find a bike with one and measure it out and drill and tap your frame in the same place. The HD zerk fitting should be available and you will need the right size drill bit and a 1/16th pipe tap. If you don't want to do it, you can remove the assembly periodically for lubing instead.

[@pacificmike9501]

The bushing should be at the top of the frame in the seatpost tube. That, you will need. I know V-Twin in New York stocks all the parts you may need.

[@markowarren4032]

@@pacificmike9501Thanks for the quick reply. I'm pretty sure is a FLH 73(I fat finger 72 earlier) Frame VIN is 2AXXXXXH3. I'll dig into it more next week. It summer and the wife is keeping me buzzy.

[@markowarren4032]

@@pacificmike9501 Hi Mike, Hope you had a good weekend. My bike does have a bushing in the seatpost. When I look at the replacement bushings for a 72 it shows 2 bushings. I'm guessing I would put one in, and then add the second one, pushing the first one down even farther. ?? I do not have a zerk fitting. I have a buddy send me a pick of his zerk postion on his 70. Looks like I will have to drill a hole and add one.

[@cavemandan]

the whole geometry of the ride changes with the pogo stick ..... one of my shovels has it and both flatheads... i added length to my one pogo stick with a 3/8 - 24 coupling nut and some all thread.... the couple of extra inches let me open my springs up more and it is more comfy than I imagined...both feet still touch the ground...may do it on th eother 2 bikes some day it is an easy improvement

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. I've done some odd ones too. That part disserves way more credit than it gets. I've gone off some bazaar unplanned jumps and never bottomed it. Thank You for your input. Have Fun.

[@AbdulAllahAbuDaoud]

Somebodies dog is going crazy Mike.

[@pacificmike9501]

Not my dog. Neighbor's problem. Sorry 'bout that. They are nice neighbors though.

[@kjellblomstrand2497]

Hi Mike. Ice cream and kids 🙂. I don't have a rigid frame,but i can see now that it works fine with a seat post if it is adjusted right👍. You should be a teacher because u know how to xplain things👍. 🇸🇪 Kjell .

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. It really is a pleasure to know I've explained well enough. And yes, I'm a kid who loves ice cream, and motorcycles. In fact, to ride my motorcycle to get ice cream is ideal. I have found, they make ice cream all over this country and in Mexico and Canada. I've ridden to ice cream stores in a lot of places.

[@kjellblomstrand2497]

@@pacificmike9501 Yes i can just go for a Harleyride just to eat an ice cream on a sunny day 😎. But it have been rain past days here in Sweden and autum is not far away. 🇸🇪👍Kjell.

[@1999zrx1100]

Love the dog comment, it was getting to me as well. 😎

[@pacificmike9501]

Yah, well, my neighbors are so good, I hate to complain. We all actually like each other. It's really nice.

[@heidiarvin6886]

Hi Mike! I hope you don't have to evacuate your home. I am praying for you.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. My place is fine. We were evacuated with the last major fires weeks ago. It's all good. You stay safe.

[@2000tc88]

Great video Mike, as I am a bit heavier bloke maybe 300lb can you tell me if I can use those extra buddy seat springs on a solo saddle seat and do all the early bikes [pre 58] have the capacity to fit those springs if they are not already on it or would tabs need to be welded on the frame.

[@pacificmike9501]

You can add them. I believe V-Twin carries them as a complete assembly. You can also get heavier seatpost springs. I knew one guy who added a spring to the top of his seatpost right under the seat. I believe he used a Big Block Chevy valve spring.

[@2000tc88]

@@pacificmike9501 Thank you very much.

[@pacificmike9501]

No welding necessary. The buddy spring system bolts right on.

[@Seitanabolic]

great vid, thanks for sharing

[@pacificmike9501]

Thanks for watching!

[@hardhatcat100]

Great video!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@paulhenderson8155]

would it help to put the brass bushing in the freezer overnite?

[@pacificmike9501]

You could, but, it's fairly soft and goes in without any major pounding.

[@daved299]

Is there a way to adjust the length of the seat post to lower the seat height? I haven't seen that in any of my service manuals.

[@pacificmike9501]

Not really. It requires a lot of movement to keep from bottoming out. You can get "creative" but you'll end up "bottoming out." It looks good, but not too good when it crashes down and pounds your spine. I've seen shortened ones with an automotive (I think it was a 427 Chevy) valve spring around the top, but it wasn't very comfortable.

[@daved299]

Thanks for the reply. I figured if there was a way to do it, you'd know. Guess I just won't be able to flat foot at a stop with a buddy seat installed.

[@arthurcgans8198]

Just a note. If you put the bushing in a lathe first, make sure it's running true and cut a thou or two off the diameter for about 1/8 inch long on the end that you put in first it will help align and cause it to press in evenly.

[@pacificmike9501]

Sounds a a very proper and correct approach. Thank You.

[@arthurcgans8198]

@@pacificmike9501 After almost 50 years as a machinist one learns a thing or two.

[@pacificmike9501]

I've had the benefit of some wonderful machinists to help me. Thank You.

[@davidcook1166]

Mike....great vid!....I generally "chill" bushings in my freezer in an effort to "shrink" them before installation. Does it make a difference? Not sure....I've never put any bushings in at room temp, I always shrink them....walt...tulsa,ok

[@pacificmike9501]

Yes, it helps, if you're quick. If a bushing sits on the surface for a few seconds, it warms up.

[@MrGunPilot]

Thanks, great video.

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad you liked it!

[@ludditeneaderthal]

Didnt the sprung seat post transition even into the rear swingarm era? I'd bet a large brake cylinder hone would be just about perfect for cleaning up an abused seat post tube mouth

[@pacificmike9501]

Sure it would be fine. But, a new bushing there makes it really smooth. Yes, Harley put those units in big twins right up to around 1980, maybe even a little longer.

[@aquadan005]

Hey Mike, I'm in the early stages of restoring an 82 FXWG. The seat on it was a double or King - Queen something, anyhow I'm not going to have riders with me and I want to install a single seat. Is it possible to do on this with a swing arm frame from 1982 using a pogo style set-up? BTW, I am loving your vids, extremely helpful and full of great info and ideas !!

[@pacificmike9501]

There are plenty of solo saddles out there. There is however, no provision on your frame for a spring post. There are a few chopper setups out there that have suspension systems under solo saddles. It's a lot of work. Not sure what you want, but, there are lots of solo saddles that mount right to the frame. No suspension under them, but, you have a comfortable swingarm frame. I'm not saying it can't be done, but that '82 frame didn't expect that early model post and saddle setup. I wish I could say something different.

[@aquadan005]

@@pacificmike9501 Thanks for the info, don't know if ya don't ask , right !

[@michaelmarshall2356]

Thanks Mike for this video on the seat post. Where can you get the springs so that you can adjust it for the weight of the rider? I have a 1971 FLH and I weight about 240, when I'm riding and hit a bump the seat bottoms out.

[@pacificmike9501]

V-Twin in New York. It is also referred to as Tedd Cycle. Try to match and use the manual as a starting point. When you get it right, it won't bottom.

[@paulbecket7399]

I once saw some one making a custom chopper use a shaved down fork leg as a seat post on a frame that had no provision for this kind of stock seat post (it supposedly worked quite well)

[@pacificmike9501]

I could see that. Makes sense to me.

[@nmpan-shovel]

Mike, very helpful and crystal clear, as usual (thank you). I have a quick favor to ask. At the end of the video, you show the seat post installed with the swivel portion aimed straight up. Would you be able to get your hands under the saddle to measure the amount of seat post extending out of Baby Doll's bushing (uncompressed) without having to remove her saddle? That is, the amount of seat post itself protruding from the bushing--not including the swivel portion. I'm designing a new chopper/bobber part that would attach at its front end to the seat post, and it would be hugely helpful if I could know that dimension. I'd greatly appreciate it if you could manage this without too much trouble.

[@pacificmike9501]

You got it. That measures 2 3/8". It's adjusted for my weight. It never bottoms. I want to see what you build.

[@creativespridgets]

@@pacificmike9501 - beautiful, thanks very much. I will post again here when I've had a chance to build the prototype and test the concept. Please pay no attention to interim silence, as the 'honey do' list is long, and the wife has been wonderful about my devoting so much time to getting the bike running this past year or so.

[@pacificmike9501]

Sounds like a happy, well adjusted homelife. That's worth everything.

[@nachocuevas]

Thanks a lot!!! Great video!!

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad you liked it!

[@mickmcnulty8200]

Mike, thanks. You mentioned that your gonna do the kick starter, please, please don't leave it too long. I took off the cover on mine, and am now stuck. Help

[@pacificmike9501]

Sit tight. I'm ordering new gears for the Kickstarter on Tuesday. I'll have the parts this week. I'll do it. I try, you know.