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There's no need to philosophize about it for long; the 1979 Harleys were AMF products.
Just like the FLH-80 Classic. Retail price in Germany at the time: 17,900,- German Mark, a lot of money.
The workmanship back then was very questionable, the paintwork was okay, but the fairing, panniers and top case were painted terribly. Nobody would accept something like that today.
I complained about this to the German importer at the time, but received no response.
On the other hand, the motorcycle carried us across the whole of Europe multiple times, from the North Cape to North Africa, and did so repeatedly without a single breakdown.
A faulty ignition coil caused a breakdown, but we had a replacement with us.
The old Goodyear tires were indestructible, terrible in wet weather, but probably good for about 50,000 kilometers.
The FLH was the ultimate long-distance motorcycle, and it's no coincidence that I bought a second one used many years later.
Mike
Reason enough for Me to seek out a 1979 1200 FXS.. I Much Prefer AMF Products... look at the Crap the Whiz Kids foisted upon us in the Aftermath.. Evo's and FXR's to the Rescue!!!!! Thanks to AMF... Period
It was quite simple; after the 1977 FXE, it just had to be an FLH. The classic "Harley" that we had admired since our childhood, without knowing anything about the motorcycle itself.
The "wet" dream of America that every little German boy dreamed of...
It was quite simple; after the 1977 FXE, it just had to be an FLH. The classic "Harley" that we had admired since our childhood, without knowing anything about the motorcycle itself.
The "wet" dream of America that every little German boy dreamed of...
Mike
Was...and Always will be... King of the Road!! Again...Thank You AMF!!!!
Finally, I "loved" the FLH, like an early girlfriend. There's a reason why most Harleys are referred to as a "she".
It's that soft, warm feeling of safety and security that no other motorcycle will ever convey – that's simply Harley Davidson.
I realize I'm getting carried away, but you all know exactly what I mean. That's what Harley Davidson is all about; anyone who hasn't experienced it firsthand will never understand it...
Mike
* The attached film is from 1975, Berlin, old but worth watching, I hope you enjoy it!
(The film was stored in German archives for decades and was no longer broadcast...)
Finally, I "loved" the FLH, like an early girlfriend. There's a reason why most Harleys are referred to as a "she".
It's that soft, warm feeling of safety and security that no other motorcycle will ever convey that's simply Harley Davidson.
I realize I'm getting carried away, but you all know exactly what I mean. That's what Harley Davidson is all about; anyone who hasn't experienced it firsthand will never understand it...
Mike
* The attached film is from 1975, Berlin, old but worth watching, I hope you enjoy it!
(The film was stored in German archives for decades and was no longer broadcast...)
Thats an awesome film thanks for posting it, Ive been lucky enough to have travelled to Germany many times its my favourite country, great people & everything works, the bike scene is next level & I agree with you nothing beats a shovelhead FLH Ive had mine for many years & love it.
As is the "relief" for the Frame casting.. collar looking relief... But..My O.E. Shovel tanks are more "hollow" at the front, where that one is Slab sided at the very front.. Maybe Later??? I have a later set...different Building...later Date!!
I will Venture that Not many Aftermarket outfits went thru the Bother to relieve (contour) the backside..If they did...they were generally a Quality piece.. I will try to remember to study harder when up to other farm.. til then...I would Not loose too much sleep over the Quality of your Tanks..
Edit; For Mike56G, The bayonet fillers (caps) were enough different side to side that the caps were Unlikely to fit ...unless sloppy indeed.. the Left, Non Vented, being a Shallow Bayonet...and the right, vented, cap having deeper reach to the bayonet end..
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.
