New 'rider' needs 70's Super Glide identification help.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 750
Likes: 3
From: 3rd Rock
I talked to the guy who led our safety classes, and said since I have a small build(5'10/160), it might take me years of riding smaller bikes and slowly moving up in size to be able to ride something like that regularly, regardless of my skill level. Which was kind of discouraging because as far as I could find, Harley's smallest engine is the 883.
I was wondering if I could get some opinions from you guys on this issue, and suggestions of what size to start out with
even if it means it won't be a Harley. I'd rather not have one yet, than risk ruining one because I shouldn't be riding it.
Also, is the 883 the smallest they've offered in the last 30 years? Or have I just not found it yet?
(I only say 30 years because I eventually want to be able to work on my own bike, and I can imagine its just like old cars. If you can't find the parts, its not going to matter if you can work on it or not.)
I was wondering if I could get some opinions from you guys on this issue, and suggestions of what size to start out with
even if it means it won't be a Harley. I'd rather not have one yet, than risk ruining one because I shouldn't be riding it. Also, is the 883 the smallest they've offered in the last 30 years? Or have I just not found it yet?
(I only say 30 years because I eventually want to be able to work on my own bike, and I can imagine its just like old cars. If you can't find the parts, its not going to matter if you can work on it or not.)
The whole idea of MSF riding is to introduce, inform, give you some first-hand experience in a closed coarse to develop your confidence, and share some personal experience. A little positive reenforcment goes a long way too!
My advise to you is, If you feel uncomfortable riding a heavier bike right now, go find yourself a secondhand beater for a few hundred dollars, and have at it until your get your confidence up. Believe me, it will not take "a few years".
Don't get me wrong, an 883 is a fine bike, But..... they are about the same in the "weight and manuverabiliy" department. To a seasoned rider, that 100-200 lb. difference in weight (depending on the model) is noticable and important. but to an inexperienced rider, it's all going to be bulky and cumbersome.
The one thing I've noticed is that ther are a lot of used 883's out there that have low miles, and have been "garage kept" for sale CHEEP!
Ask yourself why? Answer; A lot of new riders buy them as a starter bike, and soon discover that they have out grown them. (Time to move up). there's a hidden message here. hope this helps.
Best wishes....Tim(HT)
PM Me.. I be glad to share some of my views with you.
Last edited by Harley Tim; Sep 3, 2012 at 10:53 AM. Reason: Because I can
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 822
Likes: 0
From: Gonzales, Tx
As the guys tell ya, size doesn't matter when riding BUT whatever you do, REMEMBER that shovels are hard to stop and if you buy or rebuild one, get rid of the banana caliper on the rear brake and obtain a good precision made rear. Keep good rubber year round and you can switch to electric start on anything from the AMF days of Harley which is what the bike would be if before 1981. I have an 82 Sturgis and the kick pad is taken off to keep from bruising my leg while "walking the bike" and I use the electric start for that reason. For electrical issues, I keep the peg with me to kick if needed. I am 5'6", fat *** now, was 130# for years and have rode the shovel since 1982, so size don't matter, on riding a bike anyway 
The fact you seriously want to bond with your father via HDs is awesome kid. Get out with the old dudes, take your time and don't try to keep up with the idiots. You will find freedom like you never dreamed of!
The fact you seriously want to bond with your father via HDs is awesome kid. Get out with the old dudes, take your time and don't try to keep up with the idiots. You will find freedom like you never dreamed of!
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 428
Likes: 21
From: Western PA
Zack,
First, don't let the size scare you. My first bike was a Honda 350 and I ran it off the inside of a turn. Yamaha 400. Ran it off the outside of a turn. 1985 Harley FXRT. Best bike I ever had. I'm 5'9" and weighed 145 when I had the FXRT. Now I have a Wide Glide and I'm trying to get it to look like a 70's/80's Wide Glide.
Second, think about what you want to accomplish with this bike. Do you want to build (exact copy of your dad's bike) or ride (experience motorcycling like your dad did)? It looks like your dad's bike had a custom frame - higher neck and longer forks. Like some other guy's said, the Shovel will be more work, so building a "copy" of your dad's bike will be quite a job. But one you might enjoy. If you're not so much the mechanical type, think about a newer Super Glide Custom in Black. Paint it to match your dad's bike as a "tribute" bike.
Either way - decide, do it, get out and ride (practice, practice, practice)... and then take your Mom for a ride.
Good Luck!
First, don't let the size scare you. My first bike was a Honda 350 and I ran it off the inside of a turn. Yamaha 400. Ran it off the outside of a turn. 1985 Harley FXRT. Best bike I ever had. I'm 5'9" and weighed 145 when I had the FXRT. Now I have a Wide Glide and I'm trying to get it to look like a 70's/80's Wide Glide.
Second, think about what you want to accomplish with this bike. Do you want to build (exact copy of your dad's bike) or ride (experience motorcycling like your dad did)? It looks like your dad's bike had a custom frame - higher neck and longer forks. Like some other guy's said, the Shovel will be more work, so building a "copy" of your dad's bike will be quite a job. But one you might enjoy. If you're not so much the mechanical type, think about a newer Super Glide Custom in Black. Paint it to match your dad's bike as a "tribute" bike.
Either way - decide, do it, get out and ride (practice, practice, practice)... and then take your Mom for a ride.
Good Luck!
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,465
Likes: 16
From: Nor Cal
I'm aware that it is a Low Rider. I had wanted one back in '77. I was pointing out that the old FX's are still out there. Besides the silver FXS was one the best looking stock Harleys made.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,922
Likes: 826
From: Toronto Canada
it sure was , and i wanted one but i'd only been riding a year and wasn't sure of my skills so i waited till 78 . when i went in to buy it they only had black in stock and no more coming in until the 79s were released . so i bought a black one , sure loved that bike !
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,122
Likes: 51,431
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Young man, the older bikes are the best experience and the 883s are way more powerful (hurts to admit) then any of the old shovels, knuckles or pans. When you have an old HD, you wrench a lot, love more, cuss more, and are more careful riding coz you don't wanna sit on the side of the road behind trying to throttle too much. It teaches you finesse and gentle steering. Never is it about the weight or size, it all about the feel, sound, and heads turning to see that shovel go by. Trust me. An old 74" or 80" is the sweetest thing you will ever learn to scream, cuss, and kick at, yet never stop wanting to be riding on.
OP the older bike once you do a few simple basic and not expensive upgrades can out handle the new ones , they are a much more solid built machine unlike today's stamped steel light weight frames that bend when falling over in a parking lot .
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 822
Likes: 0
From: Gonzales, Tx
Excuse me ?????? You musta been around some screwed up old iron then . While my shovel isn't stock 103 twinkies are easy game and the 107's about 50/50 so unless sporty boy has some serious riding skills and money in it they still lack in HP .
OP the older bike once you do a few simple basic and not expensive upgrades can out handle the new ones , they are a much more solid built machine unlike today's stamped steel light weight frames that bend when falling over in a parking lot .
OP the older bike once you do a few simple basic and not expensive upgrades can out handle the new ones , they are a much more solid built machine unlike today's stamped steel light weight frames that bend when falling over in a parking lot .
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Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,122
Likes: 51,431
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Had a knuckle for 16 years, my shovel since 1982 before that. Between the 2, more top ends then I can count and with a brand new overhaul, an 883 can still kick my *** BUT can't touch my 96" WG. Only time I ever see a shovel worth a damn is an SS and that is all aftermarket so... you have to baby the old stock engines. I have run brand new SSE carbs on both and still never have the power I have today with my WG. Sad fact but true.
Even when she was a 74" no 883 had a snowballs chance in hell , that's the rider more than the bike bud , ride it like a ***** a Vespa can take it .
My 93" puts out 3 HP less than the 103" today and I still kick start it .