Every technique you use is applicable to every machine known to man. Your a teacher, a mechanic, a millwright and an artist of the highest caliber. Some will learn all and all will learn some from your wisdom...

And let me say Billy Lane is one of the best bike builders ever!! He brought so much to the bike building world, now a days it's glue on gas tanks and BS Billy would make gas tanks and fenders and put blood, sweet and passion into projects and still does. I'm glad to see him doing well, he had a hard time but overcame it. I salute you sir.

I graduated high school in 1980 and the Harley dealer in my neighborhood had a sold Sturgis sitting on the showroom floor. I fell in love with that bike when I saw it. Tell your buddies if that thing wasn’t sold it would be mine. Yeah right no way possible at the time. Sadly other priorities took over and I never was lucky enough to get my dream bike. I keep telling myself that’s why they’re dreams. I’m not giving up you never know. You take care and stay safe brother.

@BillyLaneChoppers

9 ай бұрын

This one was for sale on Instagram over a year ago. They didn’t make many, but I imagine they’re still out there.

@jackhopkins4679

8 ай бұрын

But I'll have a Harley someday

@johnhall3860

6 ай бұрын

@@jackhopkins4679 In 2006 I bought a new FLSTNI softail deluxe. Just not the same as the shovel heads and EVO’s I rode as a kid. It’s a very nice bike but it’s kinda like riding a metric bike with a big block Chevy. So if you have your heart set on something wait for your chance to get what you truly want. Take care and stay safe bud.

@user-eq8es8xw8v

6 ай бұрын

I never thought I'd get another one either before I die below and behold I found the deal of the century don't give up on the dream man

Loved this video. Love that bike, what a beautiful beast the Sturgis was. The very first Harley I ever rode was the 1980 Sturgis . My brother in law, bought it in 1980 brand new. He was such a good guy, I was seventeen, had a Suzuki. He wanted my first Harley ride to be on his new Sturgis. Wow , seeing this video was a blast from the past. What a great job on that bike. Thx for sharing bro

I have a 1981 Low Rider. I bought a matching frame/motor/title and already had most of the stuff to put it back to stock. Only deviation is it’s getting a 1977/78 charcoal gray paint job which I’ve loved since seeing these bikes brand new back in the late ‘70’s/early’80’s. These are cool motorcycles.

Just rewired my 1976 FXE. Can tell you that everyone who touched that bike before me was a “mechanic”. Wires spliced, changing colors, cut to go no where. It’s a blast finding other peoples work!

@fartdonkey8290

9 ай бұрын

The guy you bought it from commented just below you

You do absolutely the best instructional videos I have seen on the internet! Many great tips and superb step by step instructions!

@deepskywishingwell2602

16 күн бұрын

I cannot express enough how much I agree. Billy Lane is the McGuyver of Harley’s and is a true friend to all he shares his knowledge with.

You are like a walking talking Harley Davidson encyclopedia. Its awesome

Hey Billy, Thank you for all this free content you share with us. I’ve been stuck in a hole raising my two girls after the momma took off years ago. Motorcycles has been my life until this. I haven’t even thought about em . You inspire my love for wrenching and riding !!! Your a great guy , you have all my respect for all you’ve been through. Be well brother, thank you!!!

@BillyLaneChoppers

9 ай бұрын

You’re a wise man-family first always. I have three daughters, and they’ve changed my life. I ride every day during the week, but spend weekends with my family. I run out to get milk or eggs on the motorcycle just to grab some weekend miles, because I believe in riding every day. Let me know when you get back on two wheels.

@theartoffrankdelisi4978

9 ай бұрын

@@BillyLaneChoppers Thank you for this reply Billy! I will in deed keep in touch. Kids are growing up fast. You always got a brother in Colorado. Be well.

@aphysique

9 ай бұрын

​@@BillyLaneChoppersBilly you moved bck to Melbourne now ? 🤔

@TheRoadhammer379

7 ай бұрын

​@@aphysiqueno, he's in Tennessee

Not seeing any mention of it... but... if I remember correctly the 80 Sturgis was dual belt drive... it was the first belt primary/belt final drive. Not a real big deal but does add a bit of special. I still have my 78 Superglide... bought new. Although it sat in a flood under 7 feet of water in a guys shop 2 years ago... Fresh water luckily... so far I have only cleared all the water out and pumped first wd 40 through everything... then motor oil. There's fucked wiring because it was in the shop getting a new headlight bucket. I put the new programmable Dyna ignition in. But I ran the same S you have there from 1990 until the flood. Will be starting it this winter hopefully. Great bikes. Lots of personality. Vibrate a lot compared to newer machines... I pulled the stock toaster oven air box off day 1... I ran a Mikuni for a lot of years. Then settled in with a Zenith Bendix with adjustable main jet. She has close to 50,000 miles on her without any major work. Still has the stock valve guides. I was putting Marvel Mystery oil in the gas for years... don't know if it actually helped but most everyone did valve guides by 40,000... Didn't smoke when it last ran 3 years ago. Unless hot August weather after a hard run on the highway it would puff a bit on decel. By the way my neighbor had this exact bike in 1980. Can't wait to see how this one turns out Billy...

@BillyLaneChoppers

9 ай бұрын

This is still belt/belt. I briefly mentioned it in the written description. I’m going to change the rear pulley for a more favorable ratio, make a video, & discuss it there.

@miker7798

9 ай бұрын

@@BillyLaneChoppers I remember my friend Andy being excited it was belt belt. He was my dad's age. A trucker. He taught me how to drive big trucks... I taught him how to ride bikes. He's gone about 10 or 12 years now. My second dad. Taught me about guns too... First time I ever went over 100 was him driving. In the Jersey Pines. Not sure. Maybe they were all black like that with the red emblem. He was a riding mofo... take a 75 mile trip to the shore and turn it into a 200 mile tour. Waist gunner on a B 17... Your bike reminded me of him as soon as I saw the tank with the emblem. Love your vids brother.

Using the long 5/16 rod to check the alignment is genius. Thank you so much for the education, Billy. I remember when those bikes were new. It’s awesome that you’re getting the original Fatbob tank back on. I always wanted an FXRS, and seeing barn finds like this one is encouraging that I may someday find a good one.

@BillyLaneChoppers

9 ай бұрын

It’s pretty amazing how using a long rod will show me how wrong I am about alignment. I have long 1/4”, 5/16”, 3/8”, & 1/2” rods I use to double check myself. I had a 1993 FXRS that I used to ride from Florida to Ohio & back monthly. They’re great bikes. Mine was lowered with a big cam, BUBS exhaust, & speedway handlebars. Other than that, it was stock. Great motorcycle.

@Michaelobama184

7 ай бұрын

​@@BillyLaneChoppersI've learned a lot by watching your videos. I have a 99 Softail Custom that's been changed around a lot and I did everything myself except the stretched tank and paint job. Stock motor I realize that I'm a decent mechanic partly thanks to you Billy

Always wanted a shovel. Visually the best looking engine. I had a 03 anniversary sportster with big bore kit , cam, carb etc. Still wanted a shovel.

That’s the holy grail sturgis model Nice find

Of all your bikes I appreciate this one the most. What a classic machine. It’s only justice that one of these prize Harley’s has found you as an owner.

Billy I REALLY like your later work. Man you have grown a ton in my eyes not that it matter but damn I like your work.

Found me an 83 Sturgis belt last year and it’s one of my greatest joys in life. Thanks for the content, it’s informative and concise. Stay safe out there!

When you have spent a lifetime doing this on bikes and whatever else, you become a master and it looks so easy

Love how you take the time to explain how and why you do things. Makes it really easy to learn and comprehend. And I always enjoy seeing the Indian Larry tribute stuff as well.

I remember when this 1st came out. Wild. I think this was the first model that was given a return to the belt drive.

Takes me back to my Sturgis loved that bike.

Wow thanks so much proposing I had Sturgis 1980s myself Kickstarter

I remember how cool that bike was when released, nice to see one today with the original look. Thanks for video Billy.

You do a great job of explaining everything you're doing. I really appreciate that.

This isn’t science this is art. Great line!

The master shows us again how ti\o fix and start Thanks

i have a 1982 Sturgis Harley Davidson i just bought its in very good condition got my moneys worth not disappointed in my purchase has a 103cc motor on the bike its very nice

I've always wanted one of those exact machines. Was during my freshman year in college I saw my neighbor off campus ride religiously and he told one day after I graduated and began earning some money I should finally get a 1980 ride of my own. Well your cool video was well received and a reminder of - what if...!!

When Harleys had soul. Long live the venerable Shovelheads.

Billy thanks for all the knowledge you drop for no cost that’s solid badass

That’s the content I like too see Keep it up you are a legend Respect from Germany

I went to Orange County Harley shop in October 1980 and bought my Sturgis, rode for 3000 miles then flew myself and bike home to Queensland. Sold the bike for twice as much as purchase price 10 years later to help get a house. Good memories. Intake manifold used to get all frosty when running SU carby.

@BillyLaneChoppers

2 ай бұрын

Mine is a great machine. Runs so strong. Always wanted one, have really enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing your memories

I hear ya Billy I purchased a 1996 FLHTCUI as a basket case and WOW what troubles I fixed. It was repaired or let’s say damaged by shade tree goof offs but now it is right. A special thanks to you and all other KZread channels for your constant dedication and advice for us guys. Your are greatly appreciated.

One of my favorites nice find Billy

Great find Billy. Good thing you kept those mounting tabs. Great skills and legendary builder.

Really want to thank you for taking the time to make these videos, creating this channel. Your explanations of what you're doing and why, are so very important not to mention entertaining !

@BillyLaneChoppers

2 ай бұрын

Thank you. Glad you are enjoying this

Great channel. Billy is the only YT I can watch more than 10 minutes of. Keep the videos coming!

It is always with great enjoyment for me to watch a master do their thing!!! Thanks Billy🤙

Man, that's such a cool ride!!

Big fan of the respect and love you have for your tools. I'm the same way and like to see when a real mechanic does the same. Everything seems to pan out better.

Man Billy,i love your content,and have been following you for years,you inspire me,and i hope to meet you some day!!!!

Every video I come to watch is incredible. The level of understanding and love for these machines is staggering. I'm not even a mechanic, but I love watching you work and talk about these old bikes. You're right, this is an artform, and there are not many artists left at this level.

Your a great teacher , i enjoy learning about your art

Beautiful lowrider. Love my 05 Lowrider and my 81 fxwg shovel 🤙🏻⚡

I appreciate the amount of detail you go into in explaining everything verbally and with close ups THanks!

REALLY ENJOY WATCHING YOU WORKIN & EXPLAINING WHAT YOUR DOING, YOUR TURNING SUMTHING SOMEONE ELSE SCREWED UP AND PUT IT BACK RIGHT 🏍️🏍️ YOUR THE BEST BILLY , W / R 🏍️🏍️🏍️

Stumbled upon the channel Love the content. Remembered your stuff from the biker build off days good times. Keep passing on the old school torch

Remember watching the build offs when I was younger . When that bike caught fire side of a free way.was my favorite bike i almost cried .man, that was so beautiful that tank was awesome. Good, see him still at it, mad respect for his skills

Thanks for the education! Lots of great information..

My dad had a 80 Sturgis and I am proud to say it's the HD I learned to ride. I would love to have one for in memory of my dad. I would probably ride it more than my Road Glide Ultra. Awesome bike!! Glad to see a legend of bike building get a legend HD

That is one cool bike. Keep up the good work.

Hi Billy really like watching you your a great mechanic and engineer I spent 25 years working with a guy like you he gave me the supercharger off his 1947 knucklehead drag bike I really think it would be great for 1 of your old flathead race bikes

Nice work Billy !!

Nice job on the busted bolt. And the dent. Great sounding troublehead!

Billy, thank you so much for the patients you have in making your videos. One day I'm going to graduate from the University of Billy Lane.

Billy, I love how you really do fix bikes to ride, and build bikes for show, but even they are riders. The Sturgis has always been my favourite bike.

@BillyLaneChoppers

9 ай бұрын

I’ve always ridden every day, it’s a big part of what makes me good at my job. Thank you for watching.

I always learn something Billy…thanks brother. 👍🏻🇺🇸

Being 21 with not much money I traded my 91 ford pickup on a solid mount 94 xlh sporty… just got done rebuilding the motor in my parents living room lol but fresh top end cut cam cover cleaned everything up as I rebuilt because it was caked in oil and weathered also top end worn out also split the case and resealed checking crank tolerance, now I am installing old proven points and ditching electronic ignition because mine died and can’t start it up for the first break in. Father and I got a 83 fxrs frame and now I’d like to part together an old 1340 shovel to keep it period correct and ride even if I have to wrench on the side of the road. Big inspiration to me billy and I’d like to keep the old stuff around not just to look at but ride em til the wheels fall off. Thanks for all the knowledge you share for us young guys to take note

for me the best Harley Davidson ever Amazing Sturgis

@BillyLaneChoppers

5 ай бұрын

I really love mine

My two biggest motorcycle regrets were selling my 1972 Superglide FX that I bought new and rode for 13 years and in 1980, passing on a Sturgis a guy bought, put less than 400 miles on, then decided to sell. Feels like loosing the cheerleader in high school.

1981 FXB was my first Harley Davidson. Loved those bikes looks, and ride. Sadly it was the only one of my Harleys that left me stranded on the side of the road. The primary belt baked itself into a dried out shredded mess in the enclosed primary case at 9,000 miles. That is why Harley went back to Primary chains. Just another one of Harley Davidsons consumer test beds. Haha

Billy , I love this Sturgis series…This is the type of video that really helps guys keeping old bikes going down the road..Thanks

@BillyLaneChoppers

4 ай бұрын

Awesome. I ride it to & from work daily

WOW... I learn so much from your videos. Keep them coming. Thanks

@BillyLaneChoppers

9 ай бұрын

Will do, thanks

Nice little education, thanks for that tank mount alignment…

I agree 100% with you, If i ever had to bandaid something i would be going back as soon as im back home or to my shop or whatever and get it fixed properly, thankfully nothing has ever left me stranded.. ive had some things break or come loose before but i carry tools in every single one of my vehicles haha 😊🤘👍

Hey Billy, I have been a fan of yours since the Biker Build off series. I really appreciate all your mechanical tips and tricks and that was great to see you repair the tank on the barn find Sturgis. When I saw you riding the Sturgis at the end of the clip, it inspired me to seek out and buy a 1982 FXB Sturgis which I rode for the first time today and it handled like a dream. It is all original except for the pipes, which are drag pipes. Keep up the great work!

I like your nifty tank dent repair trick.

Nice of this gent to take time out making these teaching movies. We have an unmolested 78 FLH that is an absolute blast to ride.

The way you popped that dent in the tank was awesome!!! Broken screw removal was great also

Just when I think I know my shit, I find this guy. Thanks for the tips!

How would I describe Billy Lane?..........A breath of fresh air.........aye, that'll do nicely.

The backing plate on the Ham can has "L" brackets that get bolted to the base of the Rocker cover so it doesn't fall off. Trust me, it will fall off without them.

@BillyLaneChoppers

9 ай бұрын

Mine are missing, but I’m going to make them. I haven’t bothered with them yet because I’m still sorting through the motorcycle, and I’ve had the ham can on & off two dozen times already.

@kennethwise7108

9 ай бұрын

@BillyLaneChoppers gotcha, I restored a 1985 FLH and it had a completely different style of backing plate and was actually plastic. Talk about hard to find! Was only a 1.5 year option. Wait until you have to adjust the primary belt on that bike. You'll realize why HD only did that one year and one year only. There are no accommodations for tightening it. I'd even consider going to a chain if you could

I just recently had to sell my 1985 FXDL due to a back injury. It was BUILT as far as it would go. Complete restoration. Such a sweet bike. I really like that bike Billy. Has a good stance.

To each their own when it comes to old HD’s….but this is mine…first bike I ever rode on as a passenger behind my older brother, at the age of 11, He was 17, never saw 18…. What a Great memory seeing this HD just brought back. Thank you for saving this one Sir….fkn Joyful onions👊

@BillyLaneChoppers

9 ай бұрын

Great to read your memories. A friend I rode with as a 20 year old had one. I always wanted one from that time in 1990. I won’t restore this one, & I won’t cut it up. It’s a time machine that deserves to be preserved & ridden

@DC-rl4rp

9 ай бұрын

@@BillyLaneChoppers That’s exactly what Mitchel would have said…so true all the hands it’s been passed through..some more knowledgeable than others LoL. great to see a Man put this one on the Road and Ride….I can feel it like yesterday 👊

A very cool Sturgis!!!

Beautiful bike…. Happy your making videos… class act🤘🏾

Absolutely brilliant video and work! Thank you for sharing with us!🙏

Nice find Billy , a buddy bought a 1980 Sturgis , $8200 cdn. He put over 50,000 miles on it . I purchased a FLH Classic same time , we travelled all over North America with those 2nd generation shovelheads . I currently have a black 1998 Dyna Superglide Evo , picked it up last yr . Only 18,000 original miles & one owner bike , which had been stored for 5 yrs . Nice to get my knees back into the wind brother !

Thanks for these awesome videos Billy. I’ve learned a lot of small tricks that makes life a lot easier lol.

Man i really love to watch you work. Great that you explain why you do what you do.

You are EL MAESTRO Billy !!!👍👍👍

Love it , still dropping knowledge and doing your thing. I’ve learned immensely from you over the years Billy. Always liked the Sturgis and that sleeper look is something I’ve always dreamt of doing, like the crusty but used daily and put away wet look haha. All the best from 🇨🇦

Nice, work Billy those were some great tips nice thing about a bike like that is you don't have to be really careful all the time I'm planning on getting a bike like that soon to work on.

Way to go Billy, I got a 09 FatBob only 12.5miles on it, I like Dynas more than Softails … My dream bike would be any bike with a good strong knuckle head in it I feel that they are the best looking engine ever made by Harley Davidson but Always enjoy your videos all the way from New Zealand ✌️😎👍

“Somebody loved it so much that they rode it.” Awesome channel. Love the content. Remember you back in biker build off days. You’re a reason why I’m so into motorcycles today. Thank you

I really appreciate the details in your comments as you process the issues and remedies, possibilities of restoring and or customizing in your videos clips. Would be cool if you consider having sponsored weekends so the younglings coming up could gather the Years Of Experience you share so well on your vids, but live! I like promoting...

I've watched a lot of your build videos. Some of the fab/mod stuff that I'm familiar with I still love watching and hearing your explanation of each item in detail. That pointless dent removal technique dropped my jaw! Great work!

Man you never cease to amaze me! Truly a motorcycle guru! Thanks Billy!

I'm sooo glad you got a mike. Your awesome videos are much easier to hear and understand. Thanks brother.

Nothing like learning from The Master. Thanks, Billy

Billy I love to watch your methods, you really should open a bike building shop.😮😢😅

Thats a beautiful bike when restored to original.

My grail Harley, man I always loved the Sturgis! Closet I’ve gotten so far was a Bad Boy, but I’m not giving up hope……

Hey Dude Right on Man. It is good to see real people that knows what they are doing. Thanks man I really appreciate you. My little brother has got a 1980 80" er and you have really helped us out.. my brother has had his shovel since 1979. Again I really appreciate your sharing your knowledge. Dude you are the man man.. sorry for my lack of everything and well... Thanks Dude 😎.

Billy I watched the ya back on biker build off etc , I love the content and I’m glad I found ya on here by complete chance when I picked up a 1979 low rider and was looking for shovel head info! I’ve spent hours watching your content it’s awesome that your doing this I’m learning a ton from you! Thank you for doing these videos I really look forward to them!

Thanks, this is nice, practical work. I think your FLH video set me on a path.

One of the best looking Harleys straight of the factory ever 🎉

Hey great video I have a 81 Sturgis I've had for 17 years my first harley I bought when I was 18 at some point I cut the lower tank mount so I could pull the head off I also cut apart the inner primary so I could have a open belt now I'm older I've been looking for a new inner primary at the swap meets and haven't found one yet. I grew up watching you keep up the awesome content

I missed you man I'm glad you're back you're one of the Kings I have never seen that done before with gas tank I've always enjoyed watching your shows you're really cool dude much respect like I said I'm glad you're back

Hey Billy, great video! I had a 76 FXE that I machined and welded a lot of custom parts. It was my daily rider for 8 years. Wish I had never sold it. (2017 sold it). Thank you for all the great content you are providing.

@fartdonkey8290

9 ай бұрын

Hahaha you sold it to the guy who commented above you!!

That was some impressive surgery on that timing plate screw.