What's a 43 Year Old Shovelhead Tour Glide Like to Ride? The FIRST Road Glide!

[@mattbales526]

I had one for years! My favorite bike ever! Put some clips in the front tabs on those saddle bag lids! Those locks will fail and this will keep the lid from skidding down the road!

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Thanks for the tip!

[@joe6223]

93 flhtc original paint and chrome excellent baker 6 speed bassina true daul exhast set up like a street glide have all parts to dress it back out, black paint im happy to see a channel that appreciates older harley history most riders only the new stuff

[@Horazzify]

The type of person who gets upset by a phone mount and a 12v charger in the cigarette lighter isn’t someone I want in my life.

[@charleycavanaugh5414]

Seeing that Bike takes me back to when I had my FXE 1200 (Freight Train) from 1975 Bought it new and seeing a 1980 model just makes my hart melt . Thank you for bringing back so many great memory's . Ride safe and good luck with her .And God Bless .

[@steelcitytbirds]

Saying it’s a 1980 is one thing. Saying it’s 43 years old is something else entirely. It hurts in a way for which I was not prepared.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

I know exactly what you mean...

[@johndsmith7785]

Agreed

[@stevenbonnesen5988]

@@ProfessionalMonkey my Shovelhead FX Superglide is 50... me I'm 70 so I get it... 😆

[@JonBlaze]

I totally understand. 😹

[@bradleyyounger8499]

Get some s&s heads and a woods cam that thing will haul ass. Or send those to Dave Mackie for a port job.

[@scruffy4647]

Still riding my 83 Low Rider. Belt primary, belt final drive. Shovels are easy to wrench. Wiring is basic. S&S is a simple carb. Type of exhaust pipes make a lot of difference on how well it’ll run. Not sure if your bike comes with an oil cooler but if it doesn’t, that’s the first mod I would make. Also, put a bypass thermostat on the oil lines feeding the oil cooler. It’ll make that puppy run cool all day long. My cruise control is a knob that holds the hand throttle in place. You put enough pressure on it to hold the hand throttle in place but can still adjust it like normal. Really like my ride but there is no way I can keep up with the later model HDs.

[@araneaetvelivolum1086]

Did i see that correctly, true dual from factory? 😃 That bike is an absolute beauty, great selection to open the vintage series👍 well done, boss Ride safe 🤙

[@djkak5320]

1980 was the only year for this exhaust on the FLT.

[@Shtevelhead]

Basic mods I've done on my '81 FLH that I consider essential...Pins on the bag lid tabs. A battery disconect switch. A timed signal flasher/relay (those TINY buttons suck wth winter gloves). Sweet old (yes, it is vintage) survivor...glorious in it's hideousness.

[@chrisberg2083]

Thank you for letting me just enjoy the sound of this beautiful machine.

[@joekool4]

Love seeing this kind of stuff. My 87 still has the "hold" turn signals and hazards. The battery box in those bags were on all touring models til 93. One piece if advice though. Get the knob style bag screws. It saves a ton of time getting to the battery.

[@AR-jz7lp]

Loving this series, there's a tour-glide for sale locally I've been talking myself out of for a while...

[@rickyhawkins7407]

Something about the sound of a Shovelhead. My first bike was a 1974 FXE Superglide. Should never have sold her.

[@danemartin5288]

Out of the bike's you've shown on your channel, I'm actually jealous of this one lol. Such an amazing find.

[@richardrussell500]

Those old machines bring back a lot of memories... Enjoy :-)

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

You got that right!

[@darkhorse1989]

I couldn't stop staring at the beautiful sky

[@1012kwats]

I had a '79 FLH the same gold color and had the dealer go thru it before I took delivery. He was a personal friend and told me about AMF's shortcomings so I paid his head mechanic to blueprint the motor and trans while I went thru the chassis. We found a few things that needed attention. When it was done I had a great bike that I rode for alnost 90,000 miles before I had to sell it because life got in the way. Two of my buddies bought new FLT's in 1980 and they both traded them in before the summer was done becaus of constant problems. 1981 FLTs were a bunch better; at least at that dealership. Anyway, I had many other FLH's over the years and always wanted another gold one so I made one out of a 2008 Ultra and it's a good one.

[@killerdublin]

Brilliant, Ride On Man.

[@neildewitt2869]

Thank you. Your narrative on here explains my 1984 FXRT pertty well. Mine doesn't have a hazard light flasher. The blinkers had a device you could buy to hold the blinkers on. It is impossible to clutch, brake, throttle, and shift going around a corner. The battery is the only easy thing on my bike. It's under the seat that is on a hinge. Push the tab, and the seat rises up. It has a great sound without changing anything. It's a great ride but I need new rubber mounts. It's still original equipment. It's hard to find parts, but I heard of a guy in Tennessee who buys every FXR there is that comes up for sale!

[@djkak5320]

As I remember, the “flashers” were introduced in ‘73. The DOT mandated headlights on with ignition in ‘75. It was routine to have the jumper for the headlight cut on the early machines to allow the headlight to come on independent of the ignition; eventually H-D changed the ignition switch to eliminate this field modification. I also noticed that the the front saddlebag cover latch tab has a hole drilled in it to accommodate a retaining pin. This has been done since the Royalite “Bubble Bag” era in order to help prevent losing the bag lid when the latch failed to keep the lid in place…which was all of the time. The battery under the seat happened in ‘93. The early enclosed rear chain drive used a rope seal instead of the later lip seal. Additionally, I recall that the 1980 wheel bearings were a needle bearing and unique to the 1980 FLT. There were big changes to this machine, as well as the 4-speed platform in ‘81.

[@nadewitt-yf6ng]

You must not be talking for all Harleys. My 1984 FXRT mid year has an EVO motor, battery under the flip up seat, and the ignition switch that has to turn the key to light headlight.

[@djkak5320]

Correct. I was referring to the touring platform in response to Mr Monkey’s remarks regarding the battery location on his FLT.

[@LonesomeNomad137]

Grab a low profile black seat and keep the tour pack off unless you need it. It makes my Electra Glide Classic feel like a street glide. I put a hog works sissy bar and luggage rack on for when I’m staying local.

[@daveco1270]

Sweet. I love the vintage stuff... it's all I have in my garage right now, 60's and 70's bikes. No Harleys though. Not yet anyway. You'd think if they were going to put the battery inside the bag like that, they'd make a hatch so you could get to it easily. Having to take the side bag off is a bit of a pain when you could have just cut an opening in the fiberglass and put a hinge and a latch on it.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Right? Two body panels have to come off to get to it!

[@SWATT101]

I had bought a 78 1/2 when I was 21...sold it in 88. Rode several bikes there after. Just got finished a chain drive 82 FLH, partial restoration that has 13,000 original miles. Geared 23/48, s&s E, RB racing exhaust, Andrews A2 cam, 8.5:1 pistons etc... anyways looking fwd to re living my youth lol Nothing sounds as nice as a good running shovel.

[@kerrytimm9920]

This is good, I love seeing an old harley back on the road.

[@jbt68]

Ah, the memories! 😊

[@tomw2084]

I too have a 1980 flt love it

[@Jim_Berry]

Really excited about this series on the Shovel Head!

[@SoloAsylumStudios]

Shovelhead were definitely not Interstate bikes. Highways were sketch if riding longer than a few hours. But, absolutely loved riding them.

[@ryguy903]

You should link up with the guy Shovelheadffej! That’s his channel. He’s based outa FL and he builds old school bikes!

[@ryguy903]

If you’ve seen any of his videos he’s hilarious and very detailed about his builds. I don’t know him personally but chatted with him on here. He’s great IMHO.

[@PaulBerry-bm6lk]

Good video. Looks like the bike runs great. And your plans will start taking shape

[@shanecoker8566]

I can’t believe someone would not think a Shovel is vintage. Remember to clean the oil screen under the plug by can cover.

[@johnbyrns2159]

Haha had a 1987 Electra glide and a 86 Fxrd yup had to hold the turn signal bottom, kinda fun having to pull the clutch and front brake All at the same time

[@gregmerryman7939]

Good idea. Close a dealer two days during summer.

[@Mr1986paul]

My '83 FLHTC is Tan/Cream... 23,552 original miles. Nice Bike 👍

[@fldad32USA]

It's not leaking, it's marking it's territory.

[@robertperry5272]

Great Video Brings back memories of my Dads bike

[@georgiahillbilly6150]

It's road glide or no glide for me love that bike

[@BootsOnABagger]

Yeah. Alligator Alley was supposed to be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays also for the remainder of the summer.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

I hadn't heard that. I wonder if that means business is slow?

[@daledahlman9629]

Still riding my 84shovel super glide runs great doesn’t leak either. Thanks for the video’s

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Good to hear

[@alex_the_stampede]

Great bike! Love the channel! We need an epic KZbin meet up with you and Shadetree Surgeon!

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Maybe one day!

[@blackfootnativeMT]

That is very kool mr monkey you are right hearing it looking at it the sound does bring back memories i had older brothers that rode and going out with them greatest kid memories ever take care great vid as usual 1:41

[@coreybye2533]

All shovels leak oil that is how you know the tank has some in it

[@vjm7342]

Wrong I have a 1980 flt king of the road dresser 15 ,000 original miles doesn’t leak a drop . Runs like new .

[@domperuccio]

Wow!! Looks just like my 1988 FLHTC Looked. I still have it but put the battery under the seat and and 08 tranny starter and primary wheels and swing arm.. love my Evo!! Great looking and sounding bike enjoy brother stay blessed ML&R!

[@mikeystavaros9448]

Evening @mrsmonkey5151..you too I guess monk 😂

[@jimday3112]

Just talked to a friend of mine who's dad had an 82 Tour Glide. It also had a brown seat so the one on yours might be factory original

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

There were some brown ones but in 80 they were all black. It’s like Sherlock Holmes!

[@RBUSA1969]

Florida has some of the best road for bike riding.

[@janyoung1633]

No Radio? LOL!

[@duck539]

Who Says thats not OG !! Shes a piece of History !!

[@williamrose8944]

Put a cam in it to help on the highway cruising I remember my 1979 80 cu in Fat Bob I changed the front sprocket for running the highway less RPM too , better around town too.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

That probably needs to be done, cost might be the issue.

[@williamrose8944]

Or pur a 5 speed in

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

It is a five speed.

[@markaschenauer4673]

Still trying to figure out the pipes?? They are very cool, but I don't think they are stock unless it was a tour glide thing. I had a Low Rider at that time and Some friends had Bagger's in the early 80's and don't remember seeing anything like that, and yeah, those things are definitely not geared for today's roads.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

No, they're aftermarket for sure, but I want to get more sound!

[@rjoetting7594]

I love the sound of a shovelhead, I have a 78 flh bobber with Santee up-sweep straight pipes, and it's like listening to classic rock and roll to me. (Think about the soundtrack for the movie Heavy Metal)

[@MidnightExpressMC]

Good rundown - appreciated. But who cares about turn signals. The more you let people know, the worse it gets. Always keep ‘em guessing, because if you don’t, they’re liable to try to zoom past you and sideswipe you. Always get rid of turn signals, too - they look stupid, and only belong on a cagers civilian car 😁 How do I know this? Because I first swung a leg over a motorcycle in 1969. From Southern California ~ Ride Rorever! 🦅

[@nadewitt-yf6ng]

My 1984 FXRT turn signals are like that. It's a pain but very doable.

[@davesleyer9393]

I bought a blue tooth adapter that hooks to your cigarette lighter and it works good to listen to tunes off a dead radio station. You can still charge your phone too

[@andrewlufi7659]

A friend of mine has a KZbin channel, and for his ride videos, it is just the camera and background music. He might do a voice over once in a while, but if he is on camera talking, he is not riding. If people are wanting you to record while riding, you could do that and still have the ride be yours.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

That's what I am gonna do from time to time, just put little pieces now and then.

[@davedunbar-h1h]

i have a 81 bought new in 1980 i was in the canadtan army in germany paid 5500 canadian a third less of what they cost at home then .it was a fxe 80 ci it was alright but it was modifted several times i seddled with a stripped decker look 5 degree rake trees off a 72 sidecar bike forword roled wideglide rear fender a 45 bucket seat on those t type swivel from between the tanks i liked it no spings just on the frame had 4 speed trany and the 80 ci and 9 inch progresive shock so when upright the hightst point of the seat was 24 and a half inches the engine was tubbed ported polished and double plugged with 11 to 1 compression pistons went from stock 60 hp to 98 hp at the rear wheel on the dyno..anyways all this so i could tell you we used to seal up the bag lids with 1 inch by 1/2 inch black rubber weather stripping it worked great. enjoy your shovell theres no sound quite as nice

[@richard-hr4tw]

Great bikes. I ride a Saddle brown '80 flt myself . A real attention getter anywhere I take it.

[@benfischer655]

I love that thing! I hope it’s actually yours.

[@bmp72]

I use a beeline moto on my shovelheads, with the phone in my jacket pocket.. None of that spaghetti wiring for me. The good sound under load probably comes from the intake, not the exhaust.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Nope, pretty sure I know what a pipe sounds like... since it's behind my head...

[@jimwilson774]

Would love to ride my RK down to Palm Beach some day. I have a bunch of inlaws down there around you! My wife grew up in N.Palm in the 70's and we live in Fort Wayne In. She doesn't want to go back. Says its too hot! Haha!

[@stevehenry2142]

Have no damn idea how to use the map thingie on my phone...I use a Garmin specific to telling me where the hell I am, where the hell I have been; and where the hell I am going with benefit of gps speed, fuel stops/restaurants and most importantly hospitals/hotels.

[@iammoshpotato7793]

I just bought an 84 found it out in winter haven it runs but it really needs some TLC it's going to be a fun project

[@corneliusrogers848]

Interested in this year would love to see some custom upgrades of any sort what can and what can't be done

[@billstevens3727]

yes, law in Florida says you must have a headlight! and how do I know.......🙄

[@mikeshaffer2950]

My 75th anniversary Sportster has same turn signal set up, all original.

[@bradleyyounger8499]

Can you just toss the oil bath and get a nice x ring chain?

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

You can, but the fact that this one still has it makes it sort of special, I don't want to ruin that.

[@LonesomeNomad137]

I think you guys should think about setting that bike up and donating to “Scooter Tramp Scotty” , let him put a couple hundred thousand miles on the Advanblack/ProMonkey touring shovel head.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

His bike is newer and more reliable than this one. Also, I think it needs to be saved, not miled out...

[@LonesomeNomad137]

@@ProfessionalMonkey I’m not sure about that he could keep that baby running. I know he likes and prefers Evo’s but it be an awesome collaboration

[@LonesomeNomad137]

What are you gonna do with that “Bread Box Dash”. I have the chrome version and I’ve never been able to take it off and do risers and bars which would make the bike cooler looking but my take away that classic look which is oem

[@H20-town610]

I think one thing that is most neglected is to replace the fork oil. Research to see which weight fork oil weight works best in these bikes forks.

[@RichardDekubber]

are you going to change the gearing so it can match the speed limits? Not even sure if that's possible.

[@johnnyt599]

You can change the sprocket for what we used to call a highway sprocket . It don't start out strong , but it will cruise at 70 and 80 and the motor sounds like you're doing 40 .

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

I don't plan to, but maybe a sprocket change.

[@johnbeardsley7360]

I dont see anything wrong with updating this bike. Bringing it up to date seems what anyone would do, its still a 43 yr old bike .

[@s.gossett5966]

Arent those 7" headlights? If so i bet that Advanblack's headlight kits would drop in. Talk about a difference at night.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

The pan they go in is crazy shallow so I'd have to cut it. Not gonna do that.

[@s.gossett5966]

@@ProfessionalMonkeyI wasn't aware. Yeah no cutting up a survivor.

[@steve-rb8nj]

cool bike

[@FrankF-vp4pt]

I bought a 8o sportster brand new spring of 81. 61 now, where'd the time go?

[@alvintarrer6914]

Nice bike

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Thanks ✌️

[@shameless6963]

If the lid gasket from advan don't work J&P Cycle has the right ones, got 'em for my '77. One question, is that the stock exhaust? Have never seen that head pipe setup before and I've been around Harleys since the 70's.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

The head pipe is correct, the mufflers are aftermarket.

[@richardschaffling9882]

Did you find out if the seat is original to the bike

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

It's not.

[@brucehelppie6119]

good looking bike...

[@killerdublin]

Can you re-gear her to get more speed out of that power?

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

A lot of people retrofit 6 speeds in them, but that would cost a fortune, and it would be money gone.

[@danielbock7562]

Hey bro love Ur work U always have good ideas 😉😉💡💡 sorry to bother you today like this but U said you were going to change your fish tips ?? And I was hoping U'd Be willing to sell them for a Decent price ?? I don't have a lot to work with but I Do have some Money and Would Absolutely love them for My Bike ???😎😎😎

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Hey! I hold on to things like that, I always end up needing it. Thanks!

[@hueyc2103]

Did the 80 not come with a radio? My 84 has one, even though its garbage

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

The caddy was an accessory. This one's was unfortunately damaged so the previous owner got rid of it...

[@hueyc2103]

I wouldn't mind getting rid of it either for all the rattling going on. But for purest sake, I need to keep it. Thanks for the reply. You have my email when you are ready to move it.

[@chrisburch9513]

Can ya do an Indian Larry oil filter relocate?

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Not really an easy place to mount it.

[@chrisburch9513]

@@ProfessionalMonkey shove harder make room lol

[@jdreyno1958]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@biggun1450]

TJ what model of ray bans are you wearing?

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Modern Wayfarers.

[@choppergirl]

Nice bike, but I don't like the 80's era dash, or the battery location. Yeah, I don't like the modern location of batteries either under the seat under the ECM under a tray. Put it on the side of the bike where it belongs and where you can get at it, because you will have to... all the time. Someone with a CAD program went st00pld.

[@DrVlok]

My 1980 FLT indicators, you hit the button, they flash for a time, then stop. Maybe you have a fault ?

[@frankfurther3828]

did you try pressing both directional buttons at the same time for hazzard lights on the newies?

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

The new ones have a dedicated button, and a few years back I think you hit both, but there was a long period where harleys just didnt have them.

[@happylittlemotorcycles9922]

Shockingly lol

[@ChadLand011]

Is that the oem seat ?

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

No.

[@ChadLand011]

@ProfessionalMonkey are you sure ? It looks like the one in the 1980 brochure. Won't be a HD logo just a part # on the bottom.

[@robertjeffery6100]

Shit I rode my 72 shovel with a 92 in stroker motor in an Arlen ness rigid frame from Texas to new York and back sitting on shop rags with a handlebar mounted tool bag… no cell phone or credit card….whats the worry

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Sounds like an epic journey for sure. It was probably a different time then and you were probably a bit younger than I am now. That bike also probably wasn’t 44 years old at the time…

[@hookdog8640]

How is fiberglass done.. Fiberglass + risen to harden. Lmao, fiberglass is just a fabric or ground fiber.

[@johnbeardsley7360]

I like the look without the tour pack

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Me too...

[@frankanthony3919]

0-60 time

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Eventually...

[@MoeLarrycurly1]

😁🏍️

[@ridered7394]

Please dyno the shovelhead .. for science!!

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

HA! Probably like 40 hp

[@freddisch4042]

I’m disappointed with the commercialization of this show .

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

So ask KZbin for a refund. How is it commercial when you don’t pay anything?

[@chuckshipley9917]

Top heavy, clunky, mess of a bike.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Or a vintage work of art to those that understand respect.