Shovelhead sound
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,852
Likes: 2,494
From: Decatur, Alabama
That thump-a- tee- thump sound is why the shovel is still so treasured by us old timers. A big part is due to the dual fire plugs. It is the last of the classic Harley sound. It is also the cause of tremendous vibration making the mirrors virtually useless and any speed over about 65 an exercise in holding on for dear life.
Progress, Porsche, and modern design have made Harleys sewing machine smooth. I'm not knocking the modern machines by any means. I am on my second Road King now.
Having said that, I decided to ride my old shovel in the Memorial day Parade yesterday. I figure that at my age riding my old girl might be getting difficult to do.
I was right. I put in about 400 miles yesterday, and she kicked my A-S-S. Part of the reason is that the old shovel requires all your senses all the time. There is no such thing as letting your mind wander on the highway and enjoy the sights. You are constantly attuned to the sound of the motor and for any inconsistencies in the ride. You have to plan to stop. The old banana calipers just don't work like the new brakes. And turns can be wobbly at best.
I was thankful to get home yesterday. I patted the old girls tanks and thanked her for going out one more time. I was exhausted. My back and wrists hurt and the old shovel needs maintenance before the next outing.
Progress, Porsche, and modern design have made Harleys sewing machine smooth. I'm not knocking the modern machines by any means. I am on my second Road King now.
Having said that, I decided to ride my old shovel in the Memorial day Parade yesterday. I figure that at my age riding my old girl might be getting difficult to do.
I was right. I put in about 400 miles yesterday, and she kicked my A-S-S. Part of the reason is that the old shovel requires all your senses all the time. There is no such thing as letting your mind wander on the highway and enjoy the sights. You are constantly attuned to the sound of the motor and for any inconsistencies in the ride. You have to plan to stop. The old banana calipers just don't work like the new brakes. And turns can be wobbly at best.
I was thankful to get home yesterday. I patted the old girls tanks and thanked her for going out one more time. I was exhausted. My back and wrists hurt and the old shovel needs maintenance before the next outing.
Carl
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 2,597
Likes: 2,172
From: australia
That thump-a- tee- thump sound is why the shovel is still so treasured by us old timers. A big part is due to the dual fire plugs. It is the last of the classic Harley sound. It is also the cause of tremendous vibration making the mirrors virtually useless and any speed over about 65 an exercise in holding on for dear life.
Progress, Porsche, and modern design have made Harleys sewing machine smooth. I'm not knocking the modern machines by any means. I am on my second Road King now.
Having said that, I decided to ride my old shovel in the Memorial day Parade yesterday. I figure that at my age riding my old girl might be getting difficult to do.
I was right. I put in about 400 miles yesterday, and she kicked my A-S-S. Part of the reason is that the old shovel requires all your senses all the time. There is no such thing as letting your mind wander on the highway and enjoy the sights. You are constantly attuned to the sound of the motor and for any inconsistencies in the ride. You have to plan to stop. The old banana calipers just don't work like the new brakes. And turns can be wobbly at best.
I was thankful to get home yesterday. I patted the old girls tanks and thanked her for going out one more time. I was exhausted. My back and wrists hurt and the old shovel needs maintenance before the next outing.
Progress, Porsche, and modern design have made Harleys sewing machine smooth. I'm not knocking the modern machines by any means. I am on my second Road King now.
Having said that, I decided to ride my old shovel in the Memorial day Parade yesterday. I figure that at my age riding my old girl might be getting difficult to do.
I was right. I put in about 400 miles yesterday, and she kicked my A-S-S. Part of the reason is that the old shovel requires all your senses all the time. There is no such thing as letting your mind wander on the highway and enjoy the sights. You are constantly attuned to the sound of the motor and for any inconsistencies in the ride. You have to plan to stop. The old banana calipers just don't work like the new brakes. And turns can be wobbly at best.
I was thankful to get home yesterday. I patted the old girls tanks and thanked her for going out one more time. I was exhausted. My back and wrists hurt and the old shovel needs maintenance before the next outing.
....ive found after all that polishing stuff is done a wipe over of the front disc with vinegar helps heaps with banana front brake
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 435
From: australia
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 12,878
Likes: 5,449
From: la la land jerzey
That thump-a- tee- thump sound is why the shovel is still so treasured by us old timers. A big part is due to the dual fire plugs. It is the last of the classic Harley sound. It is also the cause of tremendous vibration making the mirrors virtually useless and any speed over about 65 an exercise in holding on for dear life.
Progress, Porsche, and modern design have made Harleys sewing machine smooth. I'm not knocking the modern machines by any means. I am on my second Road King now.
Having said that, I decided to ride my old shovel in the Memorial day Parade yesterday. I figure that at my age riding my old girl might be getting difficult to do.
I was right. I put in about 400 miles yesterday, and she kicked my A-S-S. Part of the reason is that the old shovel requires all your senses all the time. There is no such thing as letting your mind wander on the highway and enjoy the sights. You are constantly attuned to the sound of the motor and for any inconsistencies in the ride. You have to plan to stop. The old banana calipers just don't work like the new brakes. And turns can be wobbly at best.
I was thankful to get home yesterday. I patted the old girls tanks and thanked her for going out one more time. I was exhausted. My back and wrists hurt and the old shovel needs maintenance before the next outing.
Progress, Porsche, and modern design have made Harleys sewing machine smooth. I'm not knocking the modern machines by any means. I am on my second Road King now.
Having said that, I decided to ride my old shovel in the Memorial day Parade yesterday. I figure that at my age riding my old girl might be getting difficult to do.
I was right. I put in about 400 miles yesterday, and she kicked my A-S-S. Part of the reason is that the old shovel requires all your senses all the time. There is no such thing as letting your mind wander on the highway and enjoy the sights. You are constantly attuned to the sound of the motor and for any inconsistencies in the ride. You have to plan to stop. The old banana calipers just don't work like the new brakes. And turns can be wobbly at best.
I was thankful to get home yesterday. I patted the old girls tanks and thanked her for going out one more time. I was exhausted. My back and wrists hurt and the old shovel needs maintenance before the next outing.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 366
Likes: 25
From: CONUS
Ive found my old FLH to be the most comfortable of all the bikes ive owned.... ive done a few 400+mile runs on it, got home and thought i could just keep on riding........maybe all the other bike ive ridden were just plain old uncomfortable and i didnt know it ....ive found after all that polishing stuff is done a wipe over of the front disc with vinegar helps heaps with banana front brake
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