When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Quick backstory: This was my grandpas bike he's now in a retirement home and has dementia but always asks about Ol' Blue. He bought the bike around 30 years ago 2nd owner. After installing new battery cleaning the carb, new fuel lines and cleaning out most of the rust in the tank it runs really well.
Question:
1. Is this blue color a standard 1982 FXS HD color? If not any idea what HD color it might be? I haven't been able to find another FXS with this color so I'm thinking it was resprayed at one point.
2. Any other maintenance items that should be taken care of? (Its got new plugs, oil change etc.) My goal is to ride this an hour and half to surprise him with Ol' Blue running good again.
3. Is it 111000 Miles or 11000? Sounds nuts but without it moving I'm not sure.
4. Front brakes are basically non-existent I'm planning to flush with DOT 5 fluid and hopefully it fixes the issue. Rear works well enough but I'm still planning to bleed that while I'm at it.
5. I'm using evapo rust to get most of the rust out of the tank. I'm planning to just keep the tank full after riding instead of seal coating the tank. I've heard too many horror stories about the seal coating flaking off.
Any general information would be cool to know.
Thanks for the help.
I've also attached a video of it running. If you have any tips or if anything sounds funny let me know.
Last edited by Dunbarington; Mar 5, 2024 at 08:39 AM.
I might be wrong, but I think because the ODO can mechanically only display up to 99,999 (.9), he was questioning whether it had "Rolled Over"... but maybe I'm just showing my age
Bike looks good ... I like that Blue
.
Last edited by Harley_ish; Mar 5, 2024 at 09:21 AM.
Very nice bike. Grandpa kept good care of Ole Blue.
I'm not sure if that's the stock paint or not. The front fender isn't original so maybe it was re-painted at some time???
eighteight posted the 1982 color options (thank you sir!). One of them is Metallic Blue. That color option was also offered for 1978 FXE models. Here's a pic of that color (bike was stock except for the rear brake caliper which was from 1979))
Color looks similar as does the decal (sans the AMF logo). Not sure tho that the decal was used 1982 models.
Bike looks really nice as it sits. Good for you to get it back up again so that you can show your grandpa the bike is still up and running.
Last edited by panz4ever; Mar 5, 2024 at 10:21 AM.
Wow that's in great shape, grandpa will be proud to see you riding it! It could be a factory color, but maybe not stock on the FXS models? Call Harley Cares (customer service) located on Juneau Ave: 800 258 2464.
Give them your VIN and they'll tell you the original color and what colors were available that year. They'll also tell you when it was built and what dealer first sold it.
The 73-80 records are on Microfiche, but 81-up is available to them electronically, so easier to get.
1982 was the first non-AMF year so it won't have the AMF on the tank decal. It should also have a commemorative medallion on the front fender.
I might be wrong, but I think because the ODO can mechanically only display up to 99,999 (.9), he was questioning whether it had "Rolled Over"... but maybe I'm just showing my age
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.
Question about Grandpas Shovel 1982 Low Rider FXS
