I had no idea!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23,000
Likes: 11,441
Even with the HD warts I have own plenty of them put up with their issues. But they went to far when shutting down good honest small dealers because of pressure from the big group owned ones..
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,518
Likes: 57,070
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
Yes 14 and up saddle bags are to die for compared to the previous generations I will admit! Other than the ease of opening and closing while riding, you can also squeeze most 1/2 helmets, as my HD 1/2 goes in no problem!
My 91FLH ex police bike has the ***** on top and are MUCH better than my aggravating 08 model. If it was black I would be trying to swap it to the 14+ bags!
But again large wheels with short profile tires has done nothing for Harley except to boost the aftermarket shock world! 😲
My 91FLH ex police bike has the ***** on top and are MUCH better than my aggravating 08 model. If it was black I would be trying to swap it to the 14+ bags!
But again large wheels with short profile tires has done nothing for Harley except to boost the aftermarket shock world! 😲
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 419
Likes: 223
From: Florida
The 2010 RK has become my "go to" ride.
But my sweet 81 shovel has now entered the realm of "vintage/exotic"!
Ive been taking her out for short rides just to stay in touch with my ridin' roots.
Funny......Ive so totally absorbed the RK dynamics, I have to remember where to put my feet on the 81 even after all those years if riding her.
To evolve is good!
So I have also evolved with Harley over the years. There was a time I thought electric starters and windshields were for wimps. If it didn't have a foot clutch with no front brake it wasn't a true chopper. Then I bought a 76 FLH and thought that was the pinnacle of touring bikes. Push a button and that bad boy fired right up. Then disk brakes and EVO's came along and all the Moco choppers. Low riders, Wide Glides and Super Glides. I learned to love them all. Then came the Twin cam and the powerful 88" cu. In fire breathing monster. Then 96" and the unbelievable 103. I now own a 114" Road Glide with cruise control, stereo, hand grips and seat warmers and could not even imagine sitting on one of my old bikes. Not saying I would not like to have my Duo Glide back, I just know it would become a garage queen and rarely be ridden. If you a blown away by a 2010 RK, wait till you ride a new M8.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,434
Likes: 3,716
From: backwoods
Heated grips are awesome. Even on not that cold of days I use them. I worry I use them so much they will wear out. Which is my concern of heated gear, you don't know when it will fail. Heated seat is so-so. I like it, but not as much as grips. I wouldn't buy a truck without heated seats unless a junker.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 713
Likes: 235
From: Florida
I'd like to see the list of parts replaced. How much of the original drive train is still used?
The only other person I knew who had a documented 500,000 miles on a ElectraGlide had the engine replaced because of cam and lifters. The tranny and primary cases were the only drive train items not replaced. But he did have 150,000 on the original engine before any issues occurred.
The only other person I knew who had a documented 500,000 miles on a ElectraGlide had the engine replaced because of cam and lifters. The tranny and primary cases were the only drive train items not replaced. But he did have 150,000 on the original engine before any issues occurred.
The tranny shifter shaft got bent so it was replaced along with the bushing that it went through and 5th gear. I wore it out.
Can't think what else has been done to it. I just ride it.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 419
Likes: 223
From: Florida
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 8,469
Likes: 19,162
From: The Republic of Texas
There is no one correct answer for that type of question.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 8,469
Likes: 19,162
From: The Republic of Texas
Do you have any pictures to share of your '81 Shovelhead?
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