I bought a vintage Harley Davidson! The FIRST EVER ROAD GLIDE!

[@1Bowtieluvr]

3 bikes ago, I had a 1981 FLT. I built the motor, put a S&S super E carb, polished the rockers to a mirror finish., eliminated the oil bath for the chain. Painted from green to black, then life got hard and had to sell it. I miss the shovelhead sound and the bike in general. Been looking for another. Funds are limiting me. Thanks for rekindling my love. 😊

[@Napalm44]

I love how the exhaust for the front jug goes down the left side

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

One year only!

[@Napalm44]

Is that the first rubber mounted engine in a shovel

[@kevinbrown1420]

Still riding my 83 tourglide. Only bike I own!

[@panman54able]

Picked up an all original 1981 FLTC 9 years ago. Went through it and rode her out to Sturgis from Long Island, NY and it never missed a beat. Great road bike. The classic came with the radio package, oil cooler, lowers and full gauges.

[@mikeb3427]

WOW! Watching that video put such a huge smile on my face. This was the bike that got me hooked on Harley Davidson. I was a teenager living in Germany in 1980 when I first saw and read a review on the Tour Glide and I immediately fell in love with that "face only a mother could love"! The lights, fairing and overall look of the bike had me pulling the pages out and taping them to my bedroom wall. Thanks for an awesome video and a walk down memory lane. AWESOME!!!!

[@ricksutton4296]

My dad brought home a magazine when I was 12 years old that had a picture of that bike. That’s what I fell in love thanks for sharing.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Very cool!

[@wayneblubaugh2122]

There's a channel called "Pacific Mike" who's an old school mechanic. His channel is great for learning the ins and outs of the motor (and other things). I've got a '80 shovelhead wide glide, and his advice has helped. Happy Dad's Day to Monkey and all of us with kids, grandkids, and those who help take care of children, in any way that you can. Wayne out West (Denver area. I am not a KZbin channel.)

[@GawgaCracka]

Pacific Mike is Tits bro...I got a '80 80ci Super Glide...old school cool is Fonzy Cool imo.

[@mikeashcraft4354]

Mike Kaplan, great dude. He's a little hard on sidecars though!! I just hope he is able to hand off all that experience to people worthy to receive it

[@hondo1829]

PMike good guy 👍👍

[@LonesomeNomad137]

There is no better teacher than Pacific Mike except maybe Kevin Baxter from Georgia.

[@dinkydotzero]

In 1984 I rode an exact copy of that bike from San Diego to Ohio. My dad's friend sold it to my dad, and at 18 he sent me out to get it and have an adventure ride back home, I came home the southern route and had the adventure of a lifetime

[@digitalmischiefHD]

Old bikes are the best because they have a story. I honestly believe that over the years they develop their own soul due to their little nuances.

[@alanquintus2069]

The foundation of what we're riding today. Couldn't hardly give them away new. I've had my 86 FLT since 10-87. Absolutely the best bike I've ever had. We've had many adventures lol

[@Wolfpack6D]

Find a good stereo shop and have them mount the Amp and anything else to a piece of plywood and have it carpeted. They can pull the hinge pin and change that out for a slightly larger hinge that should mount in the original hole but will sit in there nicely and clean. When they do, make sure they change the rubber grommet around the wiring harness hole . The one thing I remember about my Dads old FLH was the grommets were rubber and always seemed to be worn out and coming apart. Also, be sure and check the floors and the needles in that old carb. There was a lot of thim rubber in them, and that had a tendency to wear out. My uncle is still riding a 77 AMF shovel head that he absolutely loves and would never part with. That is a beautiful example of Harley's movement to become the best brand available after the employee buyout. That was also the bike they were attempting to adjust the frame and mounting to handle the evolution engine. Being a change over year bike, it should have plenty of love and goodies so they could continue to sell it to the public while they were making people salivate over the coming improvements. Beautiful bike brings back incredible memories. Oh, and I think that is a saddleman seat, I had one just like it on my 83 Goldwing, very comfy and I think it brings a better look over all but I understand wanting to bring it back to stock also. Ride it till it dies brother, you both deserve it.

[@alanwebber43]

Back in 1988 I had a 1981 FLT, the only problem was it sumped. Even sumping it didn't use excessive oil. Great old shovelhead.

[@Manfromnantucket653]

Add an black is a great compete. I bought lowers color matched. Perfect. Prices were reasonable too.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Shovels are famous for fouling plugs. Better to use the throttle lock (if it has one) to let it idle than using the choke/inrichener. The inrichener is mainly for startup.

[@brucenelson73]

There should be a set screw next to the throttle cable. I used mine as a poor man’s Cruze back in the day.

[@pcontiman]

Not a shovel guy only because I'm a lousy mechanic. That's a beauty nonetheless, great start to the vintage series.

[@fleetkorrelljr3651]

my 86 had a black seat just like that factory,as were the saddlebag guards on mine,beautiful bike!

[@bhop8465]

At 22 years old my first bike was a 86 Tour Glide Classic that I bought from my father. The only issue I can remember having was replacing the blown intake plenum which was rubber from the factory but that was an EVO. The only mod was S&S super E carb. I miss that bike Good luck with her

[@josephtizol9695]

Love this! The reason it was so smooth is because the FLT and FXR shovels were rubber mounted 5 spd and FLH was rigid mounted 4 spd I’ve got an 83 FXR in similar condition. The bags with directional were available on FLT only. I’ve also got a 93 FLHTP that I sourced a low mileage FLT fairing for and converted and imo it seems to handle better. I also love the tank decal on these although I thought they were only available 81/82. Looking forward to more content with this bike

[@Chevyv8man1]

I've had 80s Harleys and just so you know some of the big touring FLs did come with a brown seat. I'm betting that that is a stock seat on it. Also they did come with the saddlebag chrome guards too. I love the ole Shovelheads, as a matter of fact I have a 80 Sturgis and a 84 FLHS. Both are in the process of rebuilding at the present time. The biggest problem with these ole bikes is things getting loose. That would be the first thing I would do if I were you, is to go over all the fasteners and make sure everything is tight. Good luck and enjoy this beautiful machine. Later

[@randymarks4011]

first thing I do is tear em down to the flywheels and do a proper balance job.

[@JonV-r7q]

Love the turn signal in the bags

[@twocupstwodrams7535]

My 1980 FLT was the same color. I turned it into a "Road King" removed the fairing and fitted the Road King nacelle. The stock oil bath inclosed chain worked like a charm.

[@sparkyrevenge]

That bike is pretty bitchin...its a great example of how far we've come and how little Harley has changed their bikes in 40 years. Now nobody will be able to pick one up for cheap because your making it look cool again. Great Harley sound ..... I miss that...Cant wait to see a ride video...

[@richiebainbridge2608]

Bought my tour glide classic ultra 1987 even though it was advertised as an FLH . Ugly as sin but a hell of a bike but wouldn’t pull through the revs until I realised the throttle cable wasn’t set right from the factory so it took a few thousand miles to eventually pull max revs. Crackin bike 🇬🇧 still got it too.

[@vernleroyson331]

Tour pack looks correct,and the smaller luggage rack is correct for that period. Those seats we also used then or available at the dealer. The emblem on the tour pack was also dealer available, but more commonly seen on the rear of the saddle bag bars.

[@peternorton5648]

When I was a young teenager my much older cousin had I believe an ‘78 model Electra glide. Man, that was the one cool bike that really got my blood pumping for having my own bike some day. I wonder what happened to it as that bike was his baby. Anyway glad to see what you have going on with the channel. I’m excited to watch this series.

[@Pyro1776]

Awesome. My buddy rides an 80’s Tour Glide.

[@scottjohnson-od1qk]

That’s a nice FLT. I rode a 1981 Tour Glide for a lot of years only recently sold it to a young man for his first shovel. Now I ride a 2021 Road Glide Limited but will always love my old bowling ball. As for seats Mustang makes a nice one for the early tour glide that I think you would like.

[@BigSmittyRiding]

OMG! That’s completely amazing! I haven’t seen one of these in years. Great score and a cool video.

[@HoliseEClevelandJr]

I fell in Lust the second that I saw the bike. I hope that I have the money when you are ready to sell it. I will be sending you an email.

[@sethwalton2008]

Thank you for not messing up that bike

[@geraldhollman2524]

I bought my first bagger this spring a 90 tour guide ultra classic it’s the best riding bagger I’ve ever ridden. And mine is all stock with those pipes and that seat in black.

[@robertcunningham1730]

Love it! Rode a ‘91 TourGlide for nine years or so, sat on my dealership’s floor for months, got a great deal on the price, put about 100k miles on it before I upgraded to a RoadGlide.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Right on!

[@hawaiibikekahuna8204]

DUDE! I just picked up an Ultra Classic Anniversary Electra Glide one owner. Left it to his kid. Was mine for $4,500. I LOVE YOU MONKEY!

[@charlesmilligan6937]

Brown seats used across the line back then,I like the look. Original mufflers would be a nice addition. S&S good carbs, but original Keihins were simple and easy to tune. The old "HAM CAN" air cleaner wood be nice too !!

[@LonesomeNomad137]

I have a 93 FLHS and I wanted to add a fairing and maybe some lowers. Good luck finding replacement parts.

[@lonniedugan6120]

That will be a fun project. I am miss my 1976 AMF Harley, Davison, liberty edition, best bike I ever owned and yes you can fix them where they don’t leak. I had my bike for 21 years the only time it Everleigh doors from the drain plug in if you push some fish tail drag pipes on there till about 6 inches from the end and run a 5/16 bolt in it and it will create enough back pressure for that S&S carburetor to run like a striped ape .

[@tonyhenley8284]

I love my Shovels! Got 3 of them and I wish I could afford 3 more. Nothing sounds like a Shovel!

[@benjimandover8072]

My dad had a 79 flh with the same color on it... it's wild to see that thing is very clean...

[@hoodrat2hunt]

Very nice!! Excited to see what you do and adventures you take on this puppy!

[@frankfurther3828]

Enjoy that enclosed chain. The thing you have to watch with these bikes is the inadvertent soft leanover onto the crashbars. Any nudge to the crashbar throws the fairing out of whack. I think it's the correct seat, as I am a previous owner of a '79 with a factory brown seat. I betcha it cost $4200 new. Exh pipes look aftermarket. The tourpak and cushion is a later unit, Or the clasps were added. Ya finally got some class in the garage!!

[@steve-rb8nj]

really cool bike. I had an 83 fxrt shovel with the chain oil bath, alot of them leaked though mine necer did. I got 45000 miles on my chsin.. And I am intereseted in the flt

[@Luis-pz6ni]

That bike looks mint

[@b.3657]

Man I am so excited for you and this channel can't wait to see what you can do with it...

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

You and me both!

[@dazthejazz1640]

Hey, I had an 87 FLT here in Australia, was an import and the original American owner kept receipts for everything and it came with all the original dealer books and paperwork, even a full workshop manual. I was going to modify it but it was so original and clean for its age, I just couldn’t do it. A real testament to its original owner. The guy I sold it to saw this as well and has kept it as he bought it, an amazing time capsule.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Incredible.

[@Primal-Rage]

glad to see gold member's carb is S&S.. I had an '81 super glide back a 100 years ago or so..(last year AMF owned harley) that had the original AMF carb on it.. they were junk.. every 1/4 mile or so it'd "spit" and could cause a wreck if it caught you in a turn or something.. it was problematic.. my guess is that's precisely why gold member has the S&S and not the AMF....

[@alvintarrer6914]

Awsome man unbelievable, proud Monkey 👍☕️☕️✌️

[@georgeveneziano2754]

Very sweet bike you did good don't change a thing she's awesome now

[@karlanderson1791]

I bought my first Harley in 1984 when I got out of the Air Force. It was a 1979 1/2 Super Glide, the first year of the 80 incher. For some reason I never had to shut off the gaa on it. My sister didn't know that a when she saw us at the bar one day she stopped in for a beer and asked to take my bike for a spin. I said sure and off she went. When she got back she said YOU NEVER TOLD ME I DIDN'T HAVE TO TURN ON GAS!! Needless to say it died on her but at least she had the sense to pit the petcock back where it was, got it fired up and made it back to the bar.

[@vernmoore7710]

The bike looks in great shape and triggers my nostalgia feelings. Like you said, pull the lowers, pull that hideous tour pack and ride on. The only thing I'd upgrade/replace is lighting for the safety aspects of LEDs over incandecents. I would look into the LED headlights that Edelbrock came out with for the old car market to be form, fit, function replacements for sealed beam headlights. And I'd hunt for some LED replacements for all the other lights or at least some LED bulb replacements for the brake and turn signals.

[@peternorton5648]

I was thinking along the same lines. I’d want to upgrade those lights if I could, better to see and be seen.

[@breez6502]

Monkey, it’s that chick you picked up at 2am! Now it’s the next morning. ( oh, shit) she’s pretty but doesn’t know it yet. A haircut, little tanning and an outfit she’ll be a pretty girl!

[@michaelwills7884]

Love how the lowers go all the way up.

[@Charger1908]

Love the hat! Keep up the great vids! And I am pretty sure that’s a Vetter fairing on the front of it. The lower may be an extra, but beautiful bike just the same. I see speakers on it, where’s the radio at. I’d also do some chrome work on it, won’t hurt it but make it look better. Don’t think it would hurt the value to chrome the usual stuff, rockers, primary cover etc. She’s a hawg!

[@brucenelson73]

Take off the seat and look down the center post that the og seat was attached to. You might just find the spring and post for the stringer seat. I had a 79/80 flh new and I bought a gram Mount seat from HD. Looked just like the one you have on there. That’s where I slide the spring and other seat parts. Good luck.

[@brucenelson73]

Holy eff my spelling sucks! Lol

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

I looked in there and it’s a huge empty spot. Great place to hide a bottle of booze! 😂

[@jbt68]

So awesome! That bike brings back so many great memories! My dad had a few bikes from that era. Not sure exactly what model he had, but very surely at least some of his friends had those early FLTs! Can't wait to see what you do with it!

[@Fl2harley91]

Awesome purchase! Interesting to see how they tan the pipes back then

[@djkak5320]

The manufactured date on the first “model year” machines will be in the previous “calendar year”. Production on the first 1980 bikes likely began in June of ‘79. The tank graphic on your FLT is from 1981, so it’s likely a repaint. The 1980 FLT was H-D’s first rubber mount powertrain, and internally, was called the “Rubber Glide”. The front caliper badge inserts are aftermarket. The first saddlebag lid latches were a push button design. I believe the latches on this bike were first used in ‘85. The saddlebag rails are original, the passenger footboards are a later accessory. The brown seat showed up in ‘79 on machines with the Tan and Cream paint scheme. I believe that H-D had a fairing lower for the FLT. Do some homework on those, they may be an H-D, period correct accessory.

[@daveco1270]

I really like that you're getting into vintage bikes on the channel. I think you'll draw in a whole new audience. The vintage bike guys are always looking for new vintage bike content. I'd like to see you go even older on the next one. That Mr. Snuffleupagus looking seat needs to go. I'd also take the tour pack off the back. I think the lines of the bike would improve without it.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

I completely agree. The tour pack and leg warmers are already off... HA!

[@homegrownson]

King of the Highway was the Original OG , and Everyone Loves the Sound of a Shovelhead

[@bmp72]

I got a few Shovelheads from the same era… yours misses a proud AMF badge/sticker. Thanks for not chopping it, shovelhead hardtails are a dime a dozen. My 3 shovels are all stock (81 and 82 Sturgis, 83 FXDG willie g special). The Sturgis is the first belt drive model, has primary and final drive belt.

[@ridefitnation]

This bike is absolutely beautiful! The condition looks top notch. Can’t wait to see what you do with it.

[@victoriasiegel3278]

Nice buy! My friend bought his Flt new in 1980--red. I thought it was the ugliestHarley I had ever seen I told him it was ugly--he shouldve bought a Gold Wing. He didnt talk to me for a week!! I believe that is a HARLEY SEAT,,,,my 1985 Electea Glide came with a button tuck seat like yours. You may want to check that 80s didnt come with brown seats. Enjoy the bike.

[@dnice4431]

Just got back from the Laconia. Now watching monkey. Great times.

[@johnost8128]

I had a blue 1980 FLT, had some charging problems, ground down the inner primary to ease replacing the stator, always kept a voltage regulator in the saddlebag. I put over 100K miles before I sold it. You could tell right away when the rubber motor mount went bad. It was a great bike. The original Goodyear tires lasted a long time.

[@louisnoto7860]

I had a brown FLT, 1980 model. Your bike is a FLT Classic, chrome and black motor. They came with enclosed chain, not an oil bath. It should have a rubber “bumper “ on front fender like on the back. Tour park is standard as well as saddle bag guards. They were not very popular back in the day, Harley lovers didn’t like the fairing, and rubber mounting was not appreciated by the faithful. My shovel was a pos, never seated the rings and burned oil like crazy. Finally burned an exhaust valve at 6k, HD made it right, kept it till evo FXRT in 1984.

[@genepudsey465]

To be clear, the first year of the FLTR RoadGlide was 1998. The first year of the FLT Tour Glide was 1980. Granted, they look a lot the same. But Harley never called it a RoadGlide till 1998. When they made changes to the fairing and the dash, and started with the twin cam motor in the 1999 models. Another thing was at first it was a complete flop. No one wanted them and it was so bad that most FLTs out there look like an Electra Glide now. Due to the fact that dealerships changed the front fairing to that of an Electra Glide just to get them off of the showcase floor. Don’t take me wrong. I think it’s cool that you found one, especially in that good of condition. I personally love my RoadGlide and always will. The way it handles on the Highway at higher speeds is incredible.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

I know that of course, but this is the genesis of the Road Glide... yeah, people hated these "that's not a real Harley, etc."

[@SBMC-GOOSE]

My first Harley back in 88 was a 1982 FXRS shovelhead. It was a real love-hate relationship lol.

[@aceflyer32]

Looking forward to watching the progress on this project!

[@kylepelletier6590]

We still have my grandfathers bike. It’s a 77 FLH shovel head. We were able to fix it up and get it back running and on the road right before he passed away. I love the old bikes. I currently ride 92 dyna Daytona and thinking about buying a 85 FXE that is for sale locally

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

A Daytona!!! Wow!

[@kylepelletier6590]

Yeah, unfortunately it’s not a stock Daytona. I wish it was. It was already customized when I bought it

[@GawgaCracka]

I remember when you considered buying this bike a few months back...1st year of the 80ci Shovel, 1st of the Road Glide Lineage, that's badass bro!! I got a 1980 Super Glide that took me 15 years to buy, so I get it...Save Em All I Say!

[@Matt-ze3oo]

she's a nice old lady that deserves respect! 😊

[@Salty_Badger]

I just picked up a 98 Electra Glide got her on the lift right now to get her road worthy again.

[@zultanfiziqs]

Beautiful Monkey! Goldmember is outstanding. Well played sir.

[@TheVillagesChief]

I love that bike, not ugly at all, retro, very cool!

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

I feel like that old bike is my buddy.

[@carycasteel3227]

Awesome ol' vintage FLHT! I'm impressed at how well preserved it is. Great bike to start your vintage series. 2 thumbs up!

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Its an FLT, there are so many little things different from an FLH, it's crazy!

[@willie91fx]

Yes I've had my share of shovels! Still have a ham can aircleaner hanging on my wall! Some advice- take a lot of beer breaks when you start working on it!

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Great tip!

[@bob5817]

Omg the memories that flooded back in. Great find

[@kennycunningham8721]

Go in to the oil bath chain setup I would like to see a closer look at it.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

I will. Its bizarre looking under that bag...

[@JA-zh5xi]

I don’t think I could change that bike in any way. Really cool!

[@roblandis4125]

I had a 1984 FLT, 5 speed transmission. I had a 1980 FXE, Love the shovel.

[@scruffy4647]

Ok, you probably know this but on the S&S carb, that lever is an enrichner, not a choke.

[@whatyoumakeofit6635]

Ya, that always drives me nuts too.

[@emmanuelraes803]

Even the cv 40 has an enrichner but on the knob its written choke

[@travismccarty515]

Gorgeous bike!

[@richardrussell500]

I remember my dad's AMF cruiser... He rode it during the week and repaired it on the weekends-LOL. That is how I learned to wrench. Cool machine. I look forward to the build. I have built a few bikes. I had a lot of fun. Enjoy :-)

[@brucesantacory1390]

YOU have one of my dream bikes, i was in 80 a gate guard (MA) at a navy base in San Diego and i worked part time at the local Harley Dealer, and when the Tourglide came in i was in Love and Almost Traded my 77 FXS Lowrider to get it, but i was young and got shit about buying a grandpa bike and i passed. A few years later out of the Navy and working for the Air Force at Dyess AFB in Texas i was working part time at Ken's HD and another one came in and once again i passed, life happened and i moved from Texas to Kansas City and worked at Belton HD (Now Gail's) and didn't see one , then moved to New England and now we're in the EVO Era and i was at Seacoast HD and Harley had the FLHS and i ordered one (this is when it took 6mo to get a bike and you didn't get a color choice you took whatever came in or it went to the next guy on the list, when mine came in it was pumpkin orange and in the shipment was a sapphire sun-glo blue FXR i took that instead, Long story short i never did but a touring Harley till after i retired and i've owned a couple of Road Kings, but the Tourglide is still a favorite every time i see it.

[@MnCz75]

I have an 1988 classic I bought new and still have. The saddle bags guards are stock. The seat looks the same as the stock seat that’s on mine. The luggage rack did not come on the bike from the factory.

[@TheRickbaker74]

Not sure how I missed this video til now, but glad I got to see Goldmember, beautiful I am 100% jealous

[@jimday3112]

That is a beautiful motorcycle. Love the color.

[@mightyquinn8727]

I gotta say the color actually suits the bike! Congratulations and good on ya advan black!

[@Wind.Road.Therapy]

Congratulations on your new bike. I can't wait to see what you do with it

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

You and me both!

[@SIN7SYN_TANK]

Gorgeous bike. Im obsessed with my 1988 electra glide classic.

[@BoDean52]

Dude I am so excited for you and for us 👍

[@nickkinne]

What a awesome find! A time piece!!! Awesome OG

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Yes indeed!

[@bradleyyounger8499]

I looked at on 1980 that was in beautiful shape a month or so ago but passed because he wouldn't budge on price 😢

[@hondo1829]

Monkey Goldie is awesome!

[@adamgianetti6315]

Had an 81 shovel for years. I loved that bike. Only problem is riding 2 up at 80 or 85 was getting hard to keep up. Should have kept it and put a 5 speed in it. Still have an Evo though

[@RBUSA1969]

Very cool...can't wait for more videos!

[@PhilipStandefer]

I have a 1981 like your 1980 with a windshield not a farring. But it does have the same seat, only black. It is for sale. If interested, can send pictures.

[@charleneguthrie6724]

I just bought a 1989 Harley Tour glide haven't got it home yet to mutch snow on ground 😢 but can't wait one owner

[@byoung8528]

When you take the tour pack off these bikes it changes the scale and the windshield looks even bigger.. You will more then likely want to mod (shorten) it. My neighbor had one of these back in the day when we called them dressers and even though it wasn't my style back then that ol gray beard looked cool as hell in his wife beater tank top and tattoo's cruzin that big boy. now I am an ol gray beard riding a Dresser/ Bagger : ) ----- Staying at Kickstands and looking forward to meeting you and Mrs. Monkey. Keep up the good content Brother!

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

You be there the 3rd!? That’s the night of the event pre-rally.

[@rongibson679]

I had a 80 FLH and it had saddlebag crash bars on it but didn’t have turn signals in the the bags. It had a bar around the taillight. My father had a 84 FLT and he had a turn signal bar on his too.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

The FLTY was the only one with built in turn signals in the bags, then they dropped that in the 2nd generation.

[@MrandMrsThumper]

That’s a cool ass bike. Congratulations!! Definitely want to see what you do with it. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@thomasirwin3112]

head pipes are one year only.had one fifteen yrs at 69 ,bad knees 'got to heavy so traded for 97 big dog vintage.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

I thought so, the path is nuts!