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The electric start was someone's upgrade. FX would have been kick only. Does the motor number match the frame?
If you like the 21" wheel go for it, I'm just partial to fat 16's on a FL. Either of the larger diameter wheels will make the handling lighter. You could even make this a wideglide lookalike with what you have there. Just change the rear fender and a few bits, on top of a narrow 21" wheel and fender.
Have fun, and looking forward to seeing your vision unfold.
You may want to take a look at returning it to original, probably be worth more. Your bike to do what you want to with of course.
I respect your opinion Ken. I expected it. You are right this should maybe be the proper route, bring it back FX.
Its really a huge decision. He showed me FLH tin, and apparent bobbed FLH photos and thats where we went.
Going FX would maybe double my parts list going forward...
In my mind (oh boy) I have a big twin pictured as I have posted on the 1st page. A fairing-less Street Glide so to speak with a larger front wheel.
A Big Twin bar hopper poker run bike. Hmmm...
What I have is a blank canvas that happens to say FX on the frame. And a lot of FLH parts.
What I also have is a bike that some owner along the way, long ago, gave up on the FX style bike.
Agreed Joe, another good fun route. I have a build up of an FLH done in that manner.
I will check the motor number soon.
Last edited by Maxacceleration; May 3, 2023 at 07:10 PM.
I respect your opinion Ken. I expected it. You are right this should maybe be the proper route, bring it back FX.
Its really a huge decision. He showed me FLH tin, and apparent bobbed FLH photos and thats where we went.
Going FX would maybe double my parts list going forward...
In my mind (oh boy) I have a big twin pictured as I have posted on the 1st page. A fairing-less Street Glide so to speak with a larger front wheel.
A Big Twin bar hopper poker run bike. Hmmm...
What I have is a blank canvas that happens to say FX on the frame. And a lot of FLH parts.
What I also have is a bike that some owner along the way, long ago, gave up on the FX style bike.
Agreed Joe, another good fun route. I have a build up of an FLH done in that manner.
I will check the motor number soon.
If the numbers don't match then no matter what you do it can never it's full potential. I see a bunch of bikes that have been customized that do not sell. Nice original restored bikes bring decent money and you don't see them around. If you take your time and shop around you can get parts reasonable, go to swap meets. These old bikes that aren't chopped up are getting more and more collectable. My friend is chopping his '79 low rider but the matching engine is gone. What ever you do have fun !
Cool pic. Yes, it started life as a 73 FX model. From the pic it has been converted to a custom build FLH model. The good news is that the frame for FX and FLH models in 1973 were exactly try the same.
I officially took on the project today, a gentlemans handshake with my friend. He has the title! Lol
Just a word of caution here. I know you state that he is your friend and that you have a gentleman's agreement, but he has the title, not you. It is still "his" bike... meaning he can take possession anytime, any date, anywhere.
As I learn more it looks as I have the 61-62 'Gun Sight' logo on the tank (if original) which would go along with the Duo Glide front fender & drum brake & forks...
The pics show half moon floorboards also.
Strange how this FX appears to have been backdated substantially. Hopefully not because of a front end crash.
I believe we are checking alignment to see if its straight. It looks straight although its been bead blasted when it was torn down.
Hmmm... A lot of things to go over.
As I learn more it looks as I have the 61-62 'Gun Sight' logo on the tank (if original) which would go along with the Duo Glide front fender & drum brake & forks...
The pics show half moon floorboards also.
Strange how this FX appears to have been backdated substantially. Hopefully not because of a front end crash.
I believe we are checking alignment to see if its straight. It looks straight although its been bead blasted when it was torn down.
Hmmm... A lot of things to go over.
People back date bikes all the time, including Harley. Look no further than the Highway King they just announced and softail springers. You can buy Panhead valve covers that fit an EVO if one wanted to take the retro look too far. Someone on this site puts Shovel engines in softail frames, the list goes on and on.
In the case of the FX and FXR, one of the first "upgrades" is to lose the sporty front in exchange for an FL or Fatboy to get away from the flexible skinny forks and narrow front wheel.
I think you should go with your initial thinking - FLH style your way! Why drive yourself nuts and broke hunting original FX parts to satisfy the masses when you have all of those FLH parts and really wanted an FLH ala you in the first place.
Thanks guys. I will go with FLH my way.
I have the bars I hope to use, a smallish solo seat and I think shorter shocks come with the bike. All just for mock up.
Wheels, motor, tin, seat & bars to be mocked up for my initial visual to see if thats how it will go.
I have a 2013 Sportster I bought new that came with 16" spoked wheels. I did not like the fat wheeled bobber looking sportster.
So I rebuilt the wheels to 17/19" wheels. The finished diameter is virtually the same & gained a more proper sporting Sportster IMO. A visual trick.
That is what I hope to do with this 'FLH' giving a Street Glide visual balance. It could be a 19" or 21" front wheel, keeping the 16" rear...
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