1972 superglide
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Novice
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 21
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From: Phoenix,az
1972 superglide
i'm way excited.
Yesterday I picked up a 1972 Superglide boatail shovelhead.
33000 orig miles.
was rebuilt by Hiway choppers in in Glendale,AZ in '79 with 23121 miles.
pistons, valves, roller bearings, 3 hole crank pin, Timken bearings, balanced & blueprinted, glass beaded.
I got rcpts & balance spec tag.
Looks to be original paint.
White with red & blue stripes. I hear Harley (AMF) called it Midnight Express, buyers called it Evil Kneivel.
Looks pretty original, spokes, pullback bars, sportster front end, kick start.
I was there when Evil tried to jump Caesars fountains, they moved the ramps at the last minute. He had no chance.
Its got an AS&S Super B carb and forward controls look to be the only mods.
Those mods look to be period correct so I might leave 'em.
Wanna get it pretty close to stock an ride the **** out of it.
Hear these are some of the most fun bikes to ride.
Last 'all Milwaukee' bike, first Willie G. custom.
OK - goin on & on.
Open to suggestions.
This is my 13th bike, like to do almost everything myself.
Got an ElectraGlide Police FLHTP 103 bought new in 2007. Put 51000 on it so far, ride almost every day.
Got a 1988 Sportster 883 had 1 year just got plated runs great. No more smog check in phoenix effective 6-21-13. Damn it's fun to ride on side streets an old hiways, not so much freeways.
Mostly jap bikes, three wheelers, Odyssey, Interceptor, Ninja before.
hope to post pics soon.
SuperGlide hasn't run in over 3 years, needs all new fluids and carb tear down. any suggestions appreciated.
Thanks.
Rawg
Yesterday I picked up a 1972 Superglide boatail shovelhead.
33000 orig miles.
was rebuilt by Hiway choppers in in Glendale,AZ in '79 with 23121 miles.
pistons, valves, roller bearings, 3 hole crank pin, Timken bearings, balanced & blueprinted, glass beaded.
I got rcpts & balance spec tag.
Looks to be original paint.
White with red & blue stripes. I hear Harley (AMF) called it Midnight Express, buyers called it Evil Kneivel.
Looks pretty original, spokes, pullback bars, sportster front end, kick start.
I was there when Evil tried to jump Caesars fountains, they moved the ramps at the last minute. He had no chance.
Its got an AS&S Super B carb and forward controls look to be the only mods.
Those mods look to be period correct so I might leave 'em.
Wanna get it pretty close to stock an ride the **** out of it.
Hear these are some of the most fun bikes to ride.
Last 'all Milwaukee' bike, first Willie G. custom.
OK - goin on & on.
Open to suggestions.
This is my 13th bike, like to do almost everything myself.
Got an ElectraGlide Police FLHTP 103 bought new in 2007. Put 51000 on it so far, ride almost every day.
Got a 1988 Sportster 883 had 1 year just got plated runs great. No more smog check in phoenix effective 6-21-13. Damn it's fun to ride on side streets an old hiways, not so much freeways.
Mostly jap bikes, three wheelers, Odyssey, Interceptor, Ninja before.
hope to post pics soon.
SuperGlide hasn't run in over 3 years, needs all new fluids and carb tear down. any suggestions appreciated.
Thanks.
Rawg
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 6,133
Likes: 2,528
From: CT/FL
Congratulations! I always liked those bikes, considered getting one for a while. Decided I wanted disk brakes and electric start. Got a 79 FXS project to keep me busy...
Enjoy the bike. I'll share this list of things to check that I got regarding my new-to-me bike:
swing arm bearings neck bearings...chain and sprockets... wiring...fuel leaks...timing...compression...shocks...fork oil...BRAKES...rust in tanks...lights work?...handlebar grommets...clutch work?...brake light switches...oil lines ok?...return to tank...oil pressure...battery box and oil tank mounts ok?...battery ok?...grounding strap intact?...ignition switch...TIRES dry rotted?...oil leaks?....oil hoses?...exhaust system?...carb need a cleaning?...petcock?...wheel bearings?...spokes all there and tight...oil tank clean?...trans need flushing and new oil?
also, google shovelhead forum - lots more traffic over there...
Enjoy the bike. I'll share this list of things to check that I got regarding my new-to-me bike:
swing arm bearings neck bearings...chain and sprockets... wiring...fuel leaks...timing...compression...shocks...fork oil...BRAKES...rust in tanks...lights work?...handlebar grommets...clutch work?...brake light switches...oil lines ok?...return to tank...oil pressure...battery box and oil tank mounts ok?...battery ok?...grounding strap intact?...ignition switch...TIRES dry rotted?...oil leaks?....oil hoses?...exhaust system?...carb need a cleaning?...petcock?...wheel bearings?...spokes all there and tight...oil tank clean?...trans need flushing and new oil?
also, google shovelhead forum - lots more traffic over there...
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,104
Likes: 51,374
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Did they have that color scheme in 72 ? I thought that was 1970 only . Anyway nice score that rear fender setup is rare . Sitting 3 yrs isn't a thing for a shovel in Arizona , check the all the rubber , tires and change the fluids and ride it .
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,481
Likes: 3,677
From: Santa Klaus County, Cali
Meaning no disrespect but my understanding is that the 'Boatail" models was only 1971, the first year HD introduced the FX series. The same goes for the red/white/blue paint job.
The rear fender was not exactly popular so for 1972, HD went to an XL-style fender with a different seat.
For the new FX fender, a set of new rear alloy frame rails had to be fabricated to fit. A standard banana seat sat on top. The six sided emblem went away to be replaced by a rectangular version with 'AMF' preceeding 'Harley Davidson'.
The rear master cylinder was repositioned below and behind the right footpeg so that it was actuated through a shorter linkage.
Other than that the FX basically stayed the same.
The changes definitely worked out because production/sales went from 4700 units to 6500, small by today's standatrds but bigtime for back then.
At any rate post up some pics and enjoy your new ride.
The rear fender was not exactly popular so for 1972, HD went to an XL-style fender with a different seat.
For the new FX fender, a set of new rear alloy frame rails had to be fabricated to fit. A standard banana seat sat on top. The six sided emblem went away to be replaced by a rectangular version with 'AMF' preceeding 'Harley Davidson'.
The rear master cylinder was repositioned below and behind the right footpeg so that it was actuated through a shorter linkage.
Other than that the FX basically stayed the same.
The changes definitely worked out because production/sales went from 4700 units to 6500, small by today's standatrds but bigtime for back then.
At any rate post up some pics and enjoy your new ride.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 68
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FX Night Train found.
Great score, wish it was me that found it!
There is lots of mis information out there on these bikes and this might be more.
For the record, I am 67 so I was in my twenties when they came out. A friend had a new one.
I am building one , sort of, now. I have two Boat Tail fenders, three decal sets, parts book and repair manual for these bikes plus advertising literature.
They were made for the 71 and yes 72 model years.
The fender style was available on Sportsters in 1970 first to the best of my info.
In 71 they were called "Night Train" they were available in about 5 color schemes; Sparkling America (white w red blue trim), black, Sparkling Burgundy, blue, green ?
I have 77 Low Rider I bought new. I am doing to roughly look like the 71 Sparking America.
The 72 model year was called the Mid Night Express and came with the regular FX common rear fender. Due to left over Boat Tails however they were offered and some were sold. Did they still call the 72 boat tail model a Night Train? or just an option on the Mid Night Express? I do not now the answer to that.
Great score pal, I am happy for you. You will turn heads every where you go! I have missed a few of these in the $7 to 10K range by a few hours or a few days. If you want to sell it let me know!
Buzz
Update to my input; In the fall of 2013 I bought an original 1971FX w/56K miles on it. Paint is pretty nice, runs and drives. Mine is the Sparkling America version. I've entered a few shows and won some 1st and 3rds. I may be tempted to sell it though. I am having Hillside build my 04 Ford Fat Boy motor. So some extra cash would be nice. I guess the climax of the 30 year chase for one of these Night Trains is all I really need. Now that I have it, I would sell it for the right price In the high teens if you are wondering.
There is lots of mis information out there on these bikes and this might be more.
For the record, I am 67 so I was in my twenties when they came out. A friend had a new one.
I am building one , sort of, now. I have two Boat Tail fenders, three decal sets, parts book and repair manual for these bikes plus advertising literature.
They were made for the 71 and yes 72 model years.
The fender style was available on Sportsters in 1970 first to the best of my info.
In 71 they were called "Night Train" they were available in about 5 color schemes; Sparkling America (white w red blue trim), black, Sparkling Burgundy, blue, green ?
I have 77 Low Rider I bought new. I am doing to roughly look like the 71 Sparking America.
The 72 model year was called the Mid Night Express and came with the regular FX common rear fender. Due to left over Boat Tails however they were offered and some were sold. Did they still call the 72 boat tail model a Night Train? or just an option on the Mid Night Express? I do not now the answer to that.
Great score pal, I am happy for you. You will turn heads every where you go! I have missed a few of these in the $7 to 10K range by a few hours or a few days. If you want to sell it let me know!
Buzz
Update to my input; In the fall of 2013 I bought an original 1971FX w/56K miles on it. Paint is pretty nice, runs and drives. Mine is the Sparkling America version. I've entered a few shows and won some 1st and 3rds. I may be tempted to sell it though. I am having Hillside build my 04 Ford Fat Boy motor. So some extra cash would be nice. I guess the climax of the 30 year chase for one of these Night Trains is all I really need. Now that I have it, I would sell it for the right price In the high teens if you are wondering.
Last edited by land of giants; Mar 13, 2014 at 11:49 AM. Reason: Add some new textspelling
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,326
Likes: 56,888
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
I'm from the same school "Panz" ... I was pretty sure that the only year for the "Boat Tail" was 1971 and they were all red white and blue ... And FWIW many of original tail sections were removed for a more conventional look ... Wouldn't be surprised that a bunch were added to later models ( 1972, 1973 etc ) by those who thought the look was cool ( unique )
Here a REAL NICE EXAMPLE ...
This one sold for big money ... Claims restored to original ... Hmmm ... Chrome Rocker Boxes? ... among other things ... Still a real nice scooter!
Here a REAL NICE EXAMPLE ...
This one sold for big money ... Claims restored to original ... Hmmm ... Chrome Rocker Boxes? ... among other things ... Still a real nice scooter!
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 188
Likes: 17
From: SE Pa.
The 1972 FX, the first 3 months it originally came w/ the fiberglass boattail rear fender, the metal rear fender was an accessory. After 3 months the metal rear fender was standard and the fiberglass boattail was an accessory.
Only the black 1972 FX with the "Sparkling America" decals (red, white and blue), whether it had the fiberglass boattail or metal rear fender were called "Midnight Express". Any other color 1972 FX whether it had the fiberglass boattail or metal rear fender were called "The Night Train", same as the 1971 FX's. A 1972 Midnight Express w/the boattail rear fender is rarer then the white 1971 FX.
1972 FX's did not come standard with a starter, kick only. A starter was optional. If you look in the 1972 owner manual, pg 11, shows the handlebar controls. Button #9 on the right handle bar is an ignition cut out button. If a 1972 FX was ordered with an electric starter, the button would be wired for the starter.
Only the black 1972 FX with the "Sparkling America" decals (red, white and blue), whether it had the fiberglass boattail or metal rear fender were called "Midnight Express". Any other color 1972 FX whether it had the fiberglass boattail or metal rear fender were called "The Night Train", same as the 1971 FX's. A 1972 Midnight Express w/the boattail rear fender is rarer then the white 1971 FX.
1972 FX's did not come standard with a starter, kick only. A starter was optional. If you look in the 1972 owner manual, pg 11, shows the handlebar controls. Button #9 on the right handle bar is an ignition cut out button. If a 1972 FX was ordered with an electric starter, the button would be wired for the starter.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 188
Likes: 17
From: SE Pa.
I'm from the same school "Panz" ... I was pretty sure that the only year for the "Boat Tail" was 1971 and they were all red white and blue ... And FWIW many of original tail sections were removed for a more conventional look ... Wouldn't be surprised that a bunch were added to later models ( 1972, 1973 etc ) by those who thought the look was cool ( unique )
Here a REAL NICE EXAMPLE ... 1971 Harley-Davidson Super Glide - YouTube
This one sold for big money ... Claims restored to original ... Hmmm ... Chrome Rocker Boxes? ... among other things ... Still a real nice scooter!
Here a REAL NICE EXAMPLE ... 1971 Harley-Davidson Super Glide - YouTube
This one sold for big money ... Claims restored to original ... Hmmm ... Chrome Rocker Boxes? ... among other things ... Still a real nice scooter!
A few discrepancies with that 71FX.
Look closely, the speedometer is the wrong black face, most likely a repop. 1971 and 1972 FX speedometers only had "Harley Davidson" at the bottom under the trip odometer on the black face, no MPH on the face at all.
Dash is after market or later 1970's, an original 1971 and 1972 dash had "Parking Lights" to the right of "Off", not "Accessories"
1971 FX's, the rear brake master cylinder was in front of the brake pedal, 1972 FX's the master cylinder was behind the brake pedal.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,481
Likes: 3,677
From: Santa Klaus County, Cali
land of the giants (I am only a year behind you) and LilRosie you both mention extra parts being put on and sold in 72 as Boattail models. Can you tell me where you got your information. I have been unable to find anything on it.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 188
Likes: 17
From: SE Pa.
I'm sure these will confirm my comments.
The first is an official letter from HD. When held up to the light, you can also see a HD bar and shield water mark in the paper. (I deleted the document when the owner of the document asked me to remove it).
The second is a copy from the dealers 1972 price guide. (I deleted the document when the owner of the document asked me to remove it)
The third is pg 10 from the Electra Glide/Super Glide 1972 Owners manual. Notice no starter on the left side of the 1972 FX.
The fourth is pg 11 also from the 72 owners manual. Notice #9 is ignition cut off. Ignition switch name plate, "Parking Lights" to the right of "Off", also it was the same on original 1970, 1971 and 1972 HD big twin dashes. Speedometer, "HARLEY DAVIDSON" below the trip odometer, no MPH which is correct for the 1971's and 1972's HD big twins. Actually there were three variations of the black face speedometers in the 70's.
Fifth is pg 9 owner manuals, #6 rear master brake cylinder located behind the brake pedal.
Last edited by LilRosie; Aug 29, 2013 at 09:11 PM.