75 FXE Superglide

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Aug 30, 2006 | 03:13 PM

tbone52

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Road Warrior

Joined: Jul 2006

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From: New Iberia, Louisiana

75 FXE Superglide

Is it possible to replicate the 1975 FXE Superglide with modern parts? I owned one of these and have been looking to get back on the glide. I looked at a friends new '07 superglide and it looks like a abrams tank compared to what I remember of the '75. I swear my '75 was a lot narrower. If I was trying to describe my bike, the word nimble and powerful comes to mind. I sat on my friends '07 and that word didn't pop up as a suitable description.

I believe the '75 was a FLH frame with a Sportster front end, a 74 ci shovel, a 4 speed transmission, electric start, chain primary and final drive, 16 inch rear wheel and 19 inch front wheel.

Looking at the new Harley's, the Sportster 1200 almost matches the 1975 FXE except for the wheelbase being 1 inch shorter at 60 inches. The FXE wheelbase was 61 inches. I would say that it looks the same but it just doesn't seem to sit like the picture I have of me on the '75 FXE.

I can't find the seat height of the old FXE but it appears to be lower than the Sporty.

Are the 1200's on the new Sportsters set up different as to the primary and transmission when compared to the FXE of old?

Thanks in advance for anyone who can help with this comparison or offer any information or advice.

Aug 31, 2006 | 02:32 PM

tedali2004

Tourer

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 459

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From: Florida

RE: 75 FXE Superglide

I just helped finish putting a '76 FXE back together. New Dynas would (IMO) be the closest to the style. A lot of apples and oranges. Now the F stood for FL frame. The X was sportster front end w/ 19 inch wheel. The E was electric start. Check out my gallery. I have a stock 1975 sportster and 1976 FXE (w/ 1997 fat boy front end). The FXE sat lower. I messured the wheel base of a 1997 FL. It is 3 inches longer than the 1976. That might give the FXE a lighter feel. New bikes have different rakes and neck styles. Hard to compare.

Sep 1, 2006 | 10:16 PM

JAMES2

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RE: 75 FXE Superglide

You'd be farther ahead to find an older bike and redo it they way you want. Check out ebay there's still good deals to be found!
I just sold this one that way.

[IMG]local://upfiles/17396/4433262CBA3A43D2BFF9253471E98801.jpg[/IMG]

Sep 2, 2006 | 12:56 AM

tbone52

Thread Starter

Road Warrior

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 1,363

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From: New Iberia, Louisiana

RE: 75 FXE Superglide

To answer one of my own questions, I researched the web and found a source for replacement parts for the FXE. Original FLH frame, FXE forks, shovelhead motor (80 ci instead of 74 ci), 4 speed transmission (or 5 speed stuffed in a 4 speed box), inner and outer primary covers, sprockets, chains, seat, tank, handlebars, controls, fenders, hubs, rims, tires, etc.

Total estimated cost about $18,000 to replicate the $2,700 motorcycle I owned 30 years ago.

Sep 2, 2006 | 03:17 PM

JAMES2

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RE: 75 FXE Superglide

Sounds like a great deal, when ya gett'n started!

Sep 2, 2006 | 03:55 PM

tbone52

Thread Starter

Road Warrior

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 1,363

Likes: 1

From: New Iberia, Louisiana

RE: 75 FXE Superglide

I think I will save myself 3 or 4 thousand and just buy a new FXDI. Maybe when my kid finishes college I will embark on the build.

Sep 3, 2006 | 09:23 PM

Neil74

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Joined: Jul 2006

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RE: 75 FXE Superglide

I just road up to New York and bought a 1982 FXE for $3,000.00, It had 7,077 original miles. You can still find a deal out there if you look hard enough!