Hello people.
I have been a member of this forum since 2016. However, have not been active for quite awhile. That said.

I have a 1984 FLHTP Electra Glide Special I bought in October 1984 It had 1600 KM on it. It was vehicle #1 of 40 used as the Papal Escort across Canada.
I now have 98,000 KM on it, and have done several modifications mechanically. Nobody but myself has touched a wrench to this bike, when I moved from Montreal to Eastern Ontario, I had to have an inspection done and the tech at the HD said he had never seen this bike before, I told him it was the last time he would see it, he kind of got pissed of at that.
I am old skool, been a member of HOG since 85, went to a HOG rally in New Hampshire in 87. Thats it, no more of that. Paint is all original.
Question. Does anybody know if I can get historical data on this bike from Harley, not decoding the vin, I mean detail info like you can for antique cars?

Thank you. EScott

 

You’ve owned it since 1984.....keeping history of it is up to you. You seem to know history already on it.

I don’t know what else Harley can give either. The OEM specs of every part of the bike? Different configurations?

1983-1985.....Harley did lots of different configurations using up leftover Shovelhead parts. There’s no telling and I doubt Harley knows exactly what was what either.

Got any pictures?

 

I was just wondering if its possible to get something from HD like I have done for a Firebird I had to maintain its provenance. I had ordered through GN Oshawa a document that specified |# built, OEM equipment and specs and where delivered. I thought because it was made specifically for the papal tour may someone might have more info.
Pics are in my profile album. I dont know how to attach them to a post, Old \Fart syndrome.

 

Pretty cool, stuff.

HD seems better than most manufacturers at retaining historic information. Can't hurt to send them a letter and ask.

The Catholic Church is also pretty obsessive about record keeping. You might try hitting up the Archdiocese of Montreal (and/or others) and see if they have anything. That Papal visit was a huge deal back in the day. I'm sure they would have some records of it. Whether those records extend down to the level of a detailed explanation of how that motor detail was formed, etc, is anyone's guess, but again, can't hurt to ask.

Just guessing, but was the motor detail an RCMP thing? Might try reaching out to them, too.

 

Thank you for the feedback.
I will contact HD directly and see what response I get.
Just for info if anyone is interested. As new it had the police tractor seat on an air shock, adjustable pressure. Front anti dive front shocks using the front crash bar as the air reservoir, wet clutch, 5 speed, rear oil bath enclosed chain. Same rear chain on it today. Never changed. No need. Rear air shocks.
The old style tractor seat was very wobbly with the air shock and also too soft, very disconcerting in the twisties I made a solid mount for it, and much better. The front shock fluid ended up dumping into the crash bar reservoir, so changed it to use the front handle bar as the air reservoir. Changed the rear air shocks to FXR shocks because they were either too hard or too soft,
Andrews cam for increased torque at 2000 RPM S&S super E and Supertrapp mufflers with 18 baffles plates, Dyno tested at 89 HP If i remember right, at AmJam .

I have recently added LED rear brake and turn signal lights with a strobe flasher unit, great setup, used by Florida police for idiot drivers behind them and tailgaters.
I also installed a front and rear camera system, best thing I did, so many stupid drivers out there now, more now than in years gone by, I have been wrenching and riding for 40 plus years and i guess I am getting crotchety.

 

You can start by visiting the H-D website and going to the Owners tab, where you can get some original spec data on your bike by using the VIN. That may provide some info which you can ask the MoCo to expand on. We also have a member with a similar special bike that was used as escort for an Olympics, in Australia IIRC.

 

Great looking motorcycle! Are the rear LED lights and flasher part of a kit? I'd like to do the same to my '90 FLHS.

 

Very nice 84. Surprised to see an Evo in it.. most came with a Shovelhead...