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Does anyone here really know what a 1972 FLH would look like and be equipped with on the showroom floor of a Harley dealership in late 1971? Were they all equipped exactly the same? Did they all have fairings, bags, tour packs,....bumpers? Was there options that some bikes had and others did not? Today.....on a Harley showroom floor, every model is very much the same except for colors. In 2004 when I bought my Road King new, I ordered it from the dealer with a carb instead of fuel injection,...as well as the color black, but otherwise it was equipped just like every other Harley Road King....windshield, NO bumpers, no crash bars, no tour pack, seats were all the same, etc.
I have a number of books on Harleys, but none that really identify what a 72 FLH would look like on the showroom floor. I know that as always, Harley produces tons of accessories in their catalog, and AFTER the bike was bought, owners fluff them up with doo dads, etc.....but I want to know what the bike was equipped with BEFORE the owner fluffed it up. Looking for information from those who actually know, and possibly were there in late 71 who saw the bikes on the floor.
I'm not sure when the 'king of the highway' package became standard. You might consider joining the AMCA (Antique Motorcycle Club of America) and asking on their forum. Someone may be able to come up with the original ordering form.
My understanding was the FLHS didn't have bags either. There's one for sale near me, they guy mentions in the ad how rare it is blah blah blah. It has pegs and no bags, more of a poverty model than a sport was the impression I got.
My understanding was the FLHS didn't have bags either. There's one for sale near me, they guy mentions in the ad how rare it is blah blah blah. It has pegs and no bags, more of a poverty model than a sport was the impression I got.
Right, no bags, no fairing....just a stripped down FLH. Nothing "poverty" about it, just a Sporty version for guys who didn't want a full dresser, but liked the FL look.
The earlier ones still had the footboards. Once the FXWG came out, they started to incorporate that style of forward controls on the FLHS.
Continued removing stuff today and cleaning.......at this point its down to where I want it, almost. I love that big back fender rising up and shining, the paint is incredible, with just a few chips, and it tempts me to ride it without bags, but it does look good with those white bags,....and you can still see the fender well....now that the "bicycle" luggage rack is gone. I gotta get ready for work now....but I will continue to post and ask questions. This is sure fun stuff, and I found an awesome original bike,.....doesn't get any better.
Last edited by Shovels & Vettes; Jul 13, 2024 at 10:52 AM.
- Most of the chrome is cleaning up nicely, with just a few place that have thinning chrome, or deep scratches......cool...Patina.
- The front fender tip looks aftermarket, versus the rear fender tip that has a brushed center area, and black around the square. I may look for an original.
- Aftermarket Gas caps have to go....want stock
- The lower front fender trim may need replaced, since there are three holes drilled through it to mount that "mud flap". Looking for original.
- The outer primary is chrome, which I don't believe came on the bike new.....I would prefer aluminum....you can see I already removed the Eagle chrome clutch cover and installed the aluminum cover.
- I prefer the heel / toe shifter,....so will be looking for one of those.
- Still don't know about that fender light ........the mounting holes would be hard to hide, it kinda looks cool and was a Harley accessory. May be one of the owners add ons that might stay in honor of him.
- Will be ordering a Police Solo in black....I see some cheap seats from India....but I suspect they are junk versus the Corbin Genty seats that looks pretty good quality. Anyone have any experience with the $150 india made seats?
- I may want to send out the speedometer for reconditioning.....anybody have recommendations on where to send it.
- The mufflers do NOT have the Harley -70 part numbers on them......so does that mean they are aftermarket?
- Interesting that HD put a red reflector on the rear fender.....inside of the bags, AND on the bags.
- Did the 1972 FLH NOT have the orange H checkerboard sticker on the oil tank trim? Most pictures I have seen show they don't.
- Its dripping oil on the garage floor......!
Last edited by Shovels & Vettes; Jul 13, 2024 at 10:47 AM.
The "ElectraGlide" logo on the front fenders of the earlier, and later models, sure beats the look of a stupid yellow reflector I am sure Harley was mandated to put those reflectors on. Another possible change, but I keep telling myself to stick with the stock look.....although that emblem certainly belongs on this bike.
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Looks great without the bags but the large twin mufflers look out of place without the bags IMO. My 66 FLH was blue, looked awesome without the bags but has the single cigar muffler.
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