Mike, I enjoy listening to you. You've got a steady cadence and great delivery. Like a Mr. Rodgers for adult motorcyclists. Thank you

@pacificmike9501

Жыл бұрын

Thank You.

I appreciate that you do not talk too damned fast; it helps a lot in processing and remembering the technical information you are teaching without us having to always re-listen. Thank you PM!

@pacificmike9501

4 жыл бұрын

Thank You. That's what I'm trying to do.

Mike, I do "garage" mechanics since there is no one in my immediate area. I'm 64 ys old and have a fair amount of knowledge. Thank you for sharing your knowledge to us all. I was particularly impressed by your lapping the cases video. I thought only a handful of folks did that. BRAVO!! Keep'em coming and God Bless you for sharing

@pacificmike9501

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

Best video I've seen today! Please keep'em coming.

@pacificmike9501

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you. You got it.

Another great video, Mike. Always enjoy hearing a bit of Harley motor and drive train theory. Because of you sharing your motorcycle wisdom, a lot of us are out having fun with our motors singing along. Me and my '81 FXB Sturgis rocking down the highway

@pacificmike9501

5 жыл бұрын

Awesome! That's the dream I wanna hear about! It's not wisdom though, just " time in." Thank you.

I haven’t thought about this, it would really help my 1969 FLH on the Highway.

@pacificmike9501

5 жыл бұрын

Cool. That was the purpose of the video.

thanks mike i watch you a lot not only are good at splainin shit your the kind of people i could sit under a shade tree with and have a beer or an ice tea

@pacificmike9501

3 жыл бұрын

I'd love it. Thank You

More great stuff Mike, I really enjoy all your video's. The information is fantastic and presented extremely well. Very helpful and useful to anyone turning their own wrenches. Thanks!

@pacificmike9501

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

Very good relaxing video and super information I hadn't considered before. Thank you Mike.

@pacificmike9501

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

A genuine treasure, you can feel the heart love and respect in every word, thank you Mike

@pacificmike9501

2 жыл бұрын

Wow! Thank You.

Don’t ever retire. Don’t think you ever will, it’s in the blood. Respect always 🇨🇦

@pacificmike9501

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you. This is retirement.

Mike, I could listen to you all day long. Thank you for teaching us so much. Best wishes.

@pacificmike9501

3 жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you! You're more than welcome.

Thanks Mike! Great information! I've played with gearing for years & years learned more from your video than I ever knew before!

@pacificmike9501

3 жыл бұрын

Thank You. My goal is to explain things in a manner that makes sense to acheive our purposes. For me, all I want is for my motorcycle to travel at the speeds I want with a minimum of effort. Glad this helped you.

Hey thanks for your videos!!! Your a great instructor to us at home. You seem like a cool cat. Your videos have helped me with my old shovel a lot!!! Please keep them coming!!!!! A video on bike alignment would be awesome and any back garage hop up tips. Much respect from Minnesota

@pacificmike9501

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you. We just keep going as things come up.

Thanks for the video Mike. Its nice to see someone who knows they're shit taking the time to explain and show people. I look forward to your seeing your videos.

@pacificmike9501

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

Thanks for another great explination and i vote yes to hearing the tire discusion.

@pacificmike9501

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you and message received.

Hi Mike, I've been watching your videos, I enjoy it lots. Great information. Thank you 👍. First time I write a comment.

@pacificmike9501

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

Thoughtful and informative, as always Mike.

@pacificmike9501

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

If i could only listen to everything you got between you’re ears ..... thankful you’re making these videos with the wisdom you’ve gathered over what seems to be an amazing career. About to do my evo top end.

@pacificmike9501

4 жыл бұрын

Cool. Take it slow and enjoy it. Settle for nothing less than the best you can do and it will be great. Thank You.

Known this for years,when I ran my old Triumphs. Thanks for the video,Mike.. Keep em comin!!!

@pacificmike9501

2 жыл бұрын

Thank You.

Hi mike , got the pushrod adjustment done on my Bigdog 117z took my time and got it done right. Enjoy your videos very much. Very informative.

@pacificmike9501

Жыл бұрын

Congrats. Hydraulics are nice. Thank You.

Hey Mike damn good talking point got me an 87 Electra glide I've been fixing up and you are the man ty for the break down and rebuild of the Evo !

@pacificmike9501

4 жыл бұрын

Thank You.

You're like the Bob Ross of wrenching. Subbed. Great videos, please keep them coming.

@pacificmike9501

5 жыл бұрын

Will do and, thank you.

So much knowledge. Thanks for sharing and documenting these things.

@pacificmike9501

2 жыл бұрын

Thank You. I hope it's useful.

I'm currently working on getting an old Franken-pan back on the road and this is great info to have. Straightforward and to the point as usual. Excellent vid.

@pacificmike9501

3 жыл бұрын

Cool. Glad we could help. You know, back in the day, you picked your favorite parts to build your own dream. That doesn't make it a "Frankenbike." It makes it a custom bike built from someone's imagination. My bikes aren't all original. I try to use the best of everything I can get, to create My Dream.

@ThatGuy-nb7zf

3 жыл бұрын

@@pacificmike9501 That's a great perspective. I generally use the term so I don't have purists telling me it's not a "real" panhead. She's a 72FL with a 49 motor that sat since 99 or so. Been having fun chasing gremlins.

It’s great when you take a trip down memory lane and simultaneously impart mechanical wisdom... Love it!

@pacificmike9501

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Mike I learn so much from you, as i only have worked on a few Suzuki's but a just god my hands on a running 1976 shovelhead chopper from a family member, other than that the only had one other Harley sportster [ roadster i got NEW, but never did work on it. thanks for sharing your knowledge.

@pacificmike9501

2 жыл бұрын

Thank You for enjoying our stuff.

just came across your vids mike and they are great. i've run max trans spocket on my 71 flh for years. they even sell a rubber bumper now to protect the case as any chain slack would wear away at the metal above the trans. i checked the milege with my speedo and found 10% difference in reading. ten miles on the interstate results in 9 mile increase on the odometer. also has the added benefit of being the last guy to run out of gas when riding with other shovels.

@pacificmike9501

3 жыл бұрын

Thank You. That's good stuff.

Great info Mike, keep up the great videos !

@pacificmike9501

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

Thank you for sharing you knowledge of Harley Davidson bikes!

@pacificmike9501

2 жыл бұрын

Our pleasure!

Hi Mike, my first ever old bike is a 45 WL….I bought it many years ago and had to fix it a lot all along…and thanks to you, I always had the motivation to go further. Now the bike is….I would say…SWEET…and this also thank you Mike!

@pacificmike9501

3 жыл бұрын

That's awesome! Thank You

Mike you are wonderful for knowledge. Younger bike enthusiast here who is elbow deep in a shovelhead. Thanks for sharing and doing what you do.

@pacificmike9501

4 ай бұрын

Thank You. Wouldn't do it if you folks weren't watching.

Awesome Mike , another great video from the past !

@pacificmike9501

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching

Nice my man. I really enjoy your videos I've lost all my OG harley guys and I feel alone in my home town in regards to my shovel everyone is riding at least twincam or newer that includes me with my heritage springer. But I miss riding and dealing with all the headaches and pain of riding my old shovel and I'm going to do everything I can to get back on it this coming summer. Pans and knuckles are a dream for me but home is on my 1st bike ...my shovel. Thank you so much for all the content.

@pacificmike9501

8 ай бұрын

I love them all. But, I bought my Shovel (77 FLH) new in 1978. We've been together 45 years. We are very attached.

You good sir are to motorcycles what Bob Ross is to painting . You take the experience and the art and teach us . I mean that as the greatest possible complement. I am sure you are much more mellow than you were back in the day sir . Thanks for sharing your wisdom that I am sure you learned the hard way .

@pacificmike9501

5 жыл бұрын

Maintaining "mellow" is a fulltime job. Sure, I'm more mellow than I was 30 years ago, isn't everyone who has lived this long? And, of course, I miss my wild youth. But I can still get on an old bike and ride through the back roads and it's whatever year I think it is. Thank you for watching and thank you for the great compliments.

Mike you are one of those who have a golden voice. Your voice is useful for telling story, Radio, Tv, Movies, you name it. Great video thank-you

@pacificmike9501

3 жыл бұрын

Thank You. I'm open. Seriously, thank you.

Great video! I ran two teeth larger on the engine, and two larger on the transmission sprocket. Back in the day, I found that each tooth changed the RPM by 75,so the 4teeth dropped the RPM by 300 rpm's. I later went to the 11mm belt primary, but left the transmission sprocket tall. That to me is my sweet spot on my 52 pan, Debbie Kaye. Another great video, thanks for sharing.

@pacificmike9501

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info!

All your videos are fantastic I wish I lived where you lived you be the one I would try to get to work on my motorcycle I know you're retired but you must have been one great motorcycle mechanic and still are as far as I can see love your videos brother if I had to have one person and listen to the videos and that was all it would have to be you have a good one

@pacificmike9501

4 жыл бұрын

Wow. You make me blush. Thank You.

Mike, your method of presentation is wonderfully free of superfulous talk. You are the opposite of a show-off even though you have all that specialized harley knowledge and skill. We "preciate ya!

@pacificmike9501

4 жыл бұрын

Thank You.

Howdy there Mike, I really love the fact that you had this little but Powerful conversation with all of us, mainly because it brought back memory of my Dirt Bike(s) racing days. Having a love for it from the very beginning, my father back in 1961 had a machine shop build a Tote Goat for us (Mini-Bike) it was great for riding around the farm. But not much on the trail riding. So the very next year Pa brought a 1962 Ducati 120, it had a mid exhaust, which made it just right for trail riding except for one thing, the bike had street tires and a small rear sprocket, so Pa brought a larger rear sprocket and Knobby Tires and a Longer chain. This conversion as you know made this little street bike a great little trail bike. So by learning this little trick of gear ratio conversion, I went through all those racing days of yesteryears to even today time. I have two Harley's my favorite is the 1989 Sportster1200 (883 with a kit). I converted it to a chain drive, because the front drive sprocket worn out and I could not find a new one at a reasonable price. Now I can change the ratio any time I want too, Front, Rear, both at the same time or one or the other. If I going on a long trip I'll put the 48 tooth on the rear, and the 23 on the front, I have gotten 52 miles to the gallon on the Interstate with this combo. I know this is a long comment but wanted to let you know we all love your insight and Great Memories from the Great all Mighty Yesteryears you have. Thanks for the memories. See Ya out on the Road.

@pacificmike9501

Жыл бұрын

Thank You. I've done a bunch of 883's to 1200's. Very fast stuff. Just gearing it for you is the best.

Hey Mike hope you're good, thanks for the videos man I've learned a lot, keep it up really enjoyable

@pacificmike9501

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you like them! More to come.

Thank you for your knowledge 🖖🏽👍🏼✌🏽 And sharing I have been thinking about putting a six speed in my 98 Fatboy or maybe putting a larger sprocket on the engine

@pacificmike9501

5 жыл бұрын

Just a matter of funds. I've had a six speed in my Shovelhead for a long time. I love it. It has the full spread of a stock Harley 5 speed and then, another gear. Easy to maintain any given RPM level. Thank you.

Thanks for the lesson. We older guys know stuff like that, but the newer riders are pretty clueless. I've never run belts, but the portion about them was enlightening.

@pacificmike9501

Жыл бұрын

Thank You. I worked with prototype belt drives and got to learn the rules on them the hard way.

Thanks for the informative video! I hope to see you on the road one of these days! 1974 FX Super Glide 1200CC I still ride this bike since the day I purchased it, from Dudley Perkins on Page St., in San Francisco, Ca.

@pacificmike9501

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you. And, look forward to seeing you. That old shop was amazing. The "Room With a View" was my favorite t-shirt.

Fantastic Mike...you make it sound so much better to understand....see you out on the road.... johnnie WOLVES MC RUSSIA.... cheers 🍻

@pacificmike9501

3 жыл бұрын

Thank You. That is the goal.

Though this video is a few years old I first saw it now. I have been following your build videos. But I think you have found something special with this tech tip explanation video. Kinda like the easy riders tech tips. You tribal knowledge that only comes with history. I feel that these tech knowledge videos could be a new niche.

@pacificmike9501

Жыл бұрын

Cool, thanks

Mike,,in my opinion this is the best video yet,, I have watched all and have asked ya questions,, but the info on this one is a grand slam,,, keep em coming,, thank you

@pacificmike9501

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Just trying to get information across properly, and hope it's useful.

Great information Mike! Something that many folks don't think enough about. Also, adjusting sprockets to suit your riding style is very subjective. I've heard of folks swapping both up, or down in tooth count to get the bike to work the way they want. We swapped an Andrews 34-tooth sprocket/pulley on my 2006 Road King's transmission and it made a world of difference to the bike. As you mentioned, I could now travel through an intersection entirely without needing to shift. The bike just works better for my style of riding. I've also added Andrews 21 cams, so the bike pulls good from a stop and handles the higher gearing very well. Cruising on the highway is much easier and more enjoyable for me too. The new sprocket, cams, and tuning the EFI to make it all work together has transformed the bike for me. It also helped to illustrate how beneficial it can be to consider all the systems that work together on a bike. Get it all right and there's nothing sweeter! Keep up the great content! Always enjoy learning some of the tribal knowledge held by those who have lived it!

@pacificmike9501

3 жыл бұрын

Thank You for the kind words, and your explanation is something for everyone to realize.

I got into conversations with guys that didn't believe they could drop their RPMs by changing their sprockets. Also by dropping the RPMs you can save a little gas as well. Thank you for sharing and God bless brother.

@pacificmike9501

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Gas mileage is not usually my goal, but, running the motor in its "sweet spot" makes everything right with the world.

Very cool Mike. I was a young fella when I learned this. It was on a bicycle though. Put a mountainbike crank on it ran it to the single sprocket 20in wheel. And was able to smoke all the other kids. Lol

@pacificmike9501

4 жыл бұрын

Yep, I got my start with bicycle gearing. Then it was cars and motorcycles. I like long gears.

Thanks Mike changed trans sprocket on my 85 flht to keep up with the six speed friends...made big difference rpms down 300 or so...

@pacificmike9501

3 жыл бұрын

Very Cool. Thank You.

Always shares great information.

@pacificmike9501

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

I just figured this out. After primary and rear sprockets. Them I believe you divide both. I needed a 3.23 for my 96 shovel. 100hp. Less hp. Higher like 3.40 Thanks to Mike and Tatro. Mike is an excellent teacher. Like Bob Ross

@pacificmike9501

5 жыл бұрын

I tried to keep it simple. 3.4 is lower, not higher. The smaller the number, the less revolutions of the motor to attain a specific speed. 3.23 is "higher geared.

This video gave me joy. See you out on the road, sir.

@pacificmike9501

4 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

Professional, right there... Hello I have a 2005 15th anniversary Fatboy, I have the stock ,but new 25 tooth compensator and spring pack is driving me crazy ,loading and unloading , esp hot and starting the bike. So Im switching to a single sprocket BDL 24 tooth .hopefully it'll run better, thank you . The exact video what I was looking for... unbelievable!! impeccable timing! You my friend, are a great mechanic!

@pacificmike9501

Жыл бұрын

You might want to have it checked out. Sounds like it may be malfunctioning.

thanks mike. im gonna look into that for my 1974 shovelhead

@pacificmike9501

5 жыл бұрын

Cool. The idea is, find that "sweet spot" that's right for you.

Thanks again Mike. Glad you do this.

@pacificmike9501

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

Great vid and so true. I just switched from 23/51 to 24/48 on my 84 FX Shovel and she's much happier on the long roads. Thanks for confirming and for putting this into historical context.

@pacificmike9501

5 жыл бұрын

Cool. Glad it's working for you.

@Keepitmooving

Жыл бұрын

Thats what going to do too from 21 front rear 51 to a 23 front and 47 or 45 rear though👊💥💨

@rod4530

Жыл бұрын

@@Keepitmooving I've been doing more town work, so went to 24/49. Works for me.

@tikkabrno

11 ай бұрын

Is your FX a chain drive? I've just bought an FLHS belt drive with 4 spd. Dare say if it hasn't been addressed already I'll be going down this path next month when I get the bike. How's yours performing after your ratio change?

@rod4530

11 ай бұрын

Mine is chain drive and I changed to 24/49 for a bit more low down around town, but still ok for cruising. @@tikkabrno

This is absolutely true. I rode an 84 Sportster for 23 years. I did do some cruising on the interstate, but mostly on the back roads. But still, it never seemed happy running the rpm it was. I installed a 2 tooth larger sprocket on the transmission, and it made a world of a difference at cruising speed. You do lose a little at the start, but it makes up for it on the road. Everything is a trade off. IF you do nothing but city riding then there is no reason to do it. But I live a couple of miles from the closest town which is only 7,500 population. And much of my riding is highway. I have been riding a 99 Softail Custom for the last 14 years, and with the 5 speed I have had no need to change it. I am 83 years old, the EVO seems happy up to about 75. Anyway, what you say can be a great help to others who have never thought of doing it. By the way. I started riding on Whizzer motor bikes when I was 8. Bought my first Harley, a 1942 "45" flat head when I was 14, back in 1955. Wish I still had it.

@pacificmike9501

7 ай бұрын

Thank You. Your experiences are wonderfully shared.

👍 ... Great Job on the Video Mike 💯. Sorry I wasn't there to help make it BUT It Came Out GREAT ❤❗I Think you are On To Something 💯 but I Still Love Being Hands On And Learning With You ❤💯❗ Stay Safe and "See ya Out On The Road " ❤💯❗

@pacificmike9501

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

Cool as always Mike !

@pacificmike9501

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

Thank you, kind sir, for sharing. I have been blessed enough to have had 4 brand new Harleys over the years and have experienced exactly the same targeted speed characteristics with each era of bike. 81 FXB, 99 FLHTC, 2002 XL1200C, 2003 FXDL. I have just undergone a physical stress test administered by qualified Doctors. I reached top end of 215 beats per minute. Then was backed out of it! I don't operate at that level all the time and neither did I operate my rides that way. HA! I just purchased my first used Harley another Sportster, a 2000 XL1200C, which I want to calm down just a bit in the vibration department at cruising speed.

@pacificmike9501

Жыл бұрын

Very interesting. I am sure there is a slightly larger trans pulley, to be found at aftermarket suppliers. As for your personal operating level, I can only speak for myself. I spent my early years at full throttle, 'til I realized that would only end with early termination. Cutting the speed to three quarter throttle, I found it easier to stay alive and continue on. At this point, I hope to continue on for a long time at half throttle. Occasional major spurts of massive energy, however, still seem to occur during motorcycle rides.

This really hits home Mike, thanks for the video. My dad had a 24 tooth sprocket on his 1980 4 speed, and sadly I broke some teeth off of 3rd gear. So I had to find a replacement transmission which was one year older, and came with a 23 tooth sprocket. I tried to get the 24 tooth sprocket on there but I'm guessing the gear was just slightly wider and there weren't enough teeth for the nut to grab to hold it on. Well I took that thing to Sturgis last summer and I'll tell you I've never felt like I've abused that motorcycle like that before. I was doing about 110 km/h at 5000 RPMs. This winter I have both transmissions apart and I'm interchanging parts trying to get that bigger sprocket back on there. Thanks again

@pacificmike9501

4 жыл бұрын

You can use a bigger sprocket, just use the right one for that trans. You can also try a smaller rear wheel sprocket.

@vendetta1306

4 жыл бұрын

@@pacificmike9501 I'm working on that as we speak, it seems to fit now

@vendetta1306

Жыл бұрын

I was young and stupid, the problem has been solved. Now we replace the clutch friction discs haha

Hi mike. I heard you started working on harleys before the earth even cooled down after creation. LOL. All the best from Australia. Great videos. Thanks. Greg.

@pacificmike9501

4 жыл бұрын

Yah, it was a little warm in those days. Glad I was young enough to deal with it.

@michaellohre1470

3 жыл бұрын

@@pacificmike9501 Comical.

Great stuff. I've found that if I generate more torque than hp, I'll run taller ratios. I have a 124 that loves an overdrive pulley. Also like to give a hats off to HD for what they did with the 6 speed primary ratio's back in mid 2000. Those combos work beautifully!

@pacificmike9501

2 жыл бұрын

That's the fun of gear ratios. And they sure did. And, those big strokers live a lot longer with tall gearing.

I'm really enjoying your videos, especially this one on gearing. This 50el I now have was purchased needing servicing on the brakes and now the front head. The only videos I'm finding for working on brakes are for disk brakes. Nothing for drum brakes anywhere.

@pacificmike9501

4 жыл бұрын

Last week, I relined a pair of rear brake shoes. See our video. This week, I've been trying to get around to installing them. Watch for the video. Thanks. Subscribe and click on the "notification bell."

Thanks Mike. Another great informative video. I think my trans sprocket on my 67 shovel is 23. 84" Im thinking a 24 now.

@pacificmike9501

5 жыл бұрын

I think you're telling me you're riding a 1/2" stroker. If so, the recommendations on that stroke are "tall gears." It makes lots of torque for highway travel, but with the increase of piston speed, more heat. Lower the RPM's and she'll run cooler and live longer. Sounds like a fun motorcycle.

thank you so much Mike you are seriously the best teacher ever

@pacificmike9501

Жыл бұрын

Thank You. And you, are obviously quite a drummer.

@tyandrews545

Жыл бұрын

@@pacificmike9501 still play here and there

I really wish you lived in the inland northwest. I would love to just sit for hours and learn from you.

@pacificmike9501

3 жыл бұрын

And, I'm sure you have something to share. No tellin' where we might meet.

great vid Mike. I bought a Baker 6 speed on my shovelhead bobber. Very nice gearbox, for me the best there is on the market, and made in the usa! Cheers from france

@pacificmike9501

4 жыл бұрын

Congratulations! That's guaranteed fun. Thank You.

@caspar0777

4 жыл бұрын

@@pacificmike9501 I have already for about 12 years and it runs very nice and smooth. One of the best investments I've done on my long distance bike. Cheers mate, can't wait your next video

Another great video, Mike

@pacificmike9501

Ай бұрын

Thanks for watching

Mike ,right on ! in jersey it's 55 mph in right hand lane with my 64 FL machine is happy,and others can pass me !

@pacificmike9501

5 жыл бұрын

Cool. I really mean it when I say, "It's all about you and what you want."

Mike, I did sprocket changes a long time ago, ran a 24 motor and 25 trane on my '55 Pan it was good enough to walk away from my buddy's stroked knuck while we where cruising at 55. Swapping gears is definitely the way to go.

@pacificmike9501

3 жыл бұрын

You got it, especially with the speeds traffic is going today.

I subscribed first video doing the rocker arm now I'm listening to you talkin about bigger sprocket 1975 74 inch I had it gear 24/24/51 my buddy had a SS 80 Dallas Texas on a Friday night drive 70 miles to the West stop and smoke a cigarette about halfway and we'd be home in 30 minutes not sure how fast we was going down Highway I removed the speedometer did not like looking at you blow me away just listening to you great video are great guy to hang out with you would be a honor and a privilege I got to go outside smoke a good one may this message finds you well my friend medicine man also truck driver from Texas but I don't haul cattle

@pacificmike9501

3 жыл бұрын

And you, sir, are great to hear from. Take care.

I found it easiest to replace the rear sproket on my 1973 FLH, and go from a 51 tooth to a 48 tooth. Did not have to disassemble the clutch, and only needed to remove the rear wheel, and remove a link or two from the chain. This I could keep up with the traffic on the freeway.

@pacificmike9501

3 жыл бұрын

You bet. I ran a 49 on the rear and a 24 on the trans for years.

Got a 24 tooth on my '66 and a nice new x-ring chain. Did the trick!

@pacificmike9501

4 жыл бұрын

Cool.

You didn't say anything about taking your rear sprocket a tooth smaller for a higher speed,Mike.. I've done both on my 72 114" 5 spd. It sure helps on the freeway when everyone wants to run 70 or better.. Thanks for the video. Awesome,as usual!!! Be safe out there,and keep those 2 wheels planted!!!

@pacificmike9501

3 жыл бұрын

Changing a rear sprocket is easy. Prior to 1973, the sprocket is riveted to the brake drum (unless modified to disc brake) and 51 teeth is all you can do. 1 tooth is cool. I used to run 24 on my trans and 49 on my wheel. This was on my 77 Shovel. Prior to that, I ran 23 and 47. Then, I opted for a six speed overdrive trans. Back to stock sprockets, but is has a .86 overdrive. The combinations are fun to play with. Big motors like yours will pull some high ratios. Take care and enjoy.

The first HD I owned was a 69 Police Special. It had a 16 tooth trans sprocket when I got it, it was fun in town outrunning 750 Hondas redlight to redlight but was reving too high at hiway speeds. Changed to a 24 tooth and it was like a completely different bike sooo much better at cruising speeds.

@pacificmike9501

4 жыл бұрын

Yes, it sounds like you got ahold of an old "Captain's Bike" that only got used for parades. But, that's an awesome unit.

Thank you Mike, I am a new subscriber and really enjoy your very informative content. I am 64 and owned many brands of motorcycles, when it comes Harley’s I always had Shovelhead’s and early Sportsters from the sixties. Currently, the newest bike I ever owned is my 1993 EVO Lowrider, for me it’s high tech. I always wondered why Harley Davidson geared their bikes so low? I always felt the Shovelhead and iron heads had more then enough torque and horsepower to pull a higher gear for comfortable cruising speeds. My Old FLH and Superglides would scream bloody murder past 65 MPH And my old 63, 68, 70, 75 XLCH would be fine up to 55 MPH anything past that those bikes would shake your teeth out! If I remember correctly, the XLCH had a 19 tooth counter sprocket and the XLH had a 21 tooth counter sprocket. You did touch on my questions about my current 93 EVO.. the five speed is not enough past 70 MPH and I wondered if I could go with a larger belt pulley at the primary. I am not sure if they are even available for the EVO? Today’s traffic speeds on the interstate is about 80 MPH and my 80 inch EVO can handle it fine but I definitely need to go taller on the primary belt pulley to achieve a 80 MPH sweet spot to keep up with today’s traffic on the interstate. To be extremely honest, 65/70 mph is my preferred top speed, but sometimes you just have to keep up the the cages out there! Thank you very much!

@pacificmike9501

4 жыл бұрын

First off, I'm sorry that Google has held some of the comments aside and I didn't know they were there. That is my fault. Yes, Evos are much more modern than the old stuff. A blessing and a curse, however you see it. There is a smaller rear pulley that used to be available and should really please you. You won't even have to change the belt. I like to cruise 65/70, sometimes even less and take in the scenery. Sadly, everyone seems to be in a hurry. I didn't retire to speed up.

@paulhealey8221

4 жыл бұрын

Pacific Mike Hello Mike, I did not expect to get your comments 3 months later, but they sure are welcome! Thanks for the advice. Like you, I didn’t retire to speed up, I burned the candle at both ends in my youth and want to preserve what candle I have left and keep the flame going. Take care Mike and thank you for sharing your knowledge with us all.

Great video , confirm what i already made on my 2 springler evos (95 &89) years ago , replace the compensator motor sprocket with a 27 teeth ,80 mph at 2800 rpm sweet spot.Also easier &less expensive than replacing either pulley or belt.

@pacificmike9501

2 жыл бұрын

That's really old style. That was the way a lot of Knuckles and Pans were done. Same thing on the 45's. Back then, it was no big deal to change the length of the primary chain. Not as common nowdays. But certainly another good choice.

Great accomplishment Mike ✌️

@ronaldnapier8991

3 жыл бұрын

Great information Mike 👍✌️

@pacificmike9501

3 жыл бұрын

Thank You

After riding a 1000cc Sportster for many years in 1984 I bought a '78 80" El Glide (75th Anniv) and since had never rode anything but 'Glides. Recently I found myself on an EVO Softail Custom. Beautiful and runs great but it is NO Electra Glide. At 70 mph it's taching just a little too high to take any kind of road trip on. Looks like a higher Trans pulley might just do it. Thanks for the inspire, Mike.

@pacificmike9501

8 ай бұрын

Thank You.

Mike love your videos, I would love to see a video on installing a kick start on my 1978 4 speed trans

@pacificmike9501

3 жыл бұрын

It's coming up soon. We'll do it on the project bike. It is the same.

This video was great. I have a stock '84 Evo FXR and I'm looking to increase my hwy speed while keeping my rpm's down. Thanks.

@pacificmike9501

4 жыл бұрын

Cool.

Thanks for the talk. Last fall I got my newest flh an 08. Was thinking about gearing, I've decided to leave it alone. Yes the older ones were low geared. At 75-80 I think Electra is good.

@pacificmike9501

2 жыл бұрын

Kinda like I believe. It's about the speed of traffic when the bike was built. Today's bikes are moving at today's traffic speeds.

I highly recommend dropping in a overdrive transmission. I have a 6 speed ultima in my evo and love it. You get more highway speed without sacrificing and pulling power.

@pacificmike9501

4 жыл бұрын

You bet. I have a Baker Six Speed i my Shovelhead.

I love your show mostly because I can relate

@pacificmike9501

2 жыл бұрын

That's cool. Thank You.

Excellent video, thank you

@pacificmike9501

4 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

I'm running a 22 t Transmission and a 48t rear sprocket. Perfect for my 76 FLH.

@pacificmike9501

5 жыл бұрын

Nothing succeeds like success. Perfect is what works for you.

Great Talk Mike. A lot of people are not honest about this or don't understand what the sweet spot is. My 80 inch 96 Evo seems to be happy between 65 and 70 MPH. I added a 22 tooth engine sprocket on my 87 four speed 1200 Sportster. this sprocket is one tooth bigger than the 21 tooth that was on there. My Sporty now has the same sweet spot my EVO has..

@pacificmike9501

3 жыл бұрын

Cool. As you know, the point is to get what you want. Sounds good to me.

@Keepitmooving

Жыл бұрын

Am gona change mine 79 ironhead 1000 from a 21/51 to a 23/47 thats when ile be comfortable 👌 💥

Thanx Mike! I've been following you for over 5 years now. Another 2 years we'll be at our 10 year anniversary 😅 You're concise and to the point and very good at explaining things. We appreciate you! I'm trying to decide at this very moment what sprocket to change to on my 80 FLHC. It's factory 22/51 currently. It screams like a rapid banshee at 65 mph on the highway. I'm doing transmission mainshaft seals presently. So thought it would be the best time. I wanna go 24/51. Wadaya think? S&S top end (stock spec) and a Andrews #3 (514/514) S&S oil pump stock carb straight fishtails with lollipops. Thanx for any light you can shed on this. And always a pleasure seeing/hearing your videos!

@pacificmike9501

23 күн бұрын

I ran a 24 on the trans and a 49 on the rear wheel for years. I was pretty happy with it. Then, I got a six speed. I love tall gears. I'm not a drag racer. I like to run at freeway speeds with no effort. That's why I say to experiment around and see what you like.

I've got a 79 shovel. It had a 51 tooth sprocket on the wheel when I got it with a 23 up front. Changed it to a 48 tooth and kept the 23. It made a difference for sure on the highway, but it feels a little like the bottom end is playing tug-of-war with the final drive. It's really bad when riding 2-up. I'm going back to the stock configuration with the 51 and 23 now that you mentioned that an 11mm belt is a taller ratio. It does a have a belt primary.

@pacificmike9501

Жыл бұрын

The 11 mm is just a slight raise in ratio. I you have an eight mm now, the 11mm will be only slightly higher. You may just plain need more power.

Very informative and well said

@pacificmike9501

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you think so!

Thanks Mike! You know it's funny, motorcycles have come so far we have so many options for gearing now and I'm 41 so I do remember if you wanted to see something new you read it in a trader magazine or thereof, before internet but I bet when disc brakes came about it must have been technology at its finest opening cheaper avenues and options for torque or top end. There must have been so much hope for the future of motorcycles back after WWII, I used to love listening to my Grampa's Navy stories about Pearl Harbor but I feel like motorcycles have peaked and are going in a weird, don't want to say cultureless but let's just say HD for example, I think anything after the 99' Evo engine so starting with the twin cams are throw away motors, just there bottom ends alone. The new M8's are yes fast and technology has done wonderful things for HD but way overpriced and I'm willing to bet Evo motors outlast them, I mean they are changing every year now. Maybe I just have an old soul but it's guys like you who keep the soul and roots of Harley Davidson alive.

@pacificmike9501

4 жыл бұрын

These are really long involved discussions. And, I find them interesting. There is a place for them. They are things we have very little control over. But, we can each pick and choose for ourselves, so far.

Interesting biography on the history of the knuckle heads and pan-Flat heads when it come to gear ratios!

@pacificmike9501

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

On my 72 fx put b grind cam 40 inch drags Bendix carb changed tranny sprocket up to a 24 tooth the guys with 5 speed evos had problems keeping up don't ride anymore but love your videos I love my old kick only oil dripping shovel

@pacificmike9501

5 жыл бұрын

I understand.

Hi Mike, all you say is 100% correct, however, a consideration is riding in traffic with a taller 1st gear. 1 went from 19 to 20 tooth drive sprocket on my 1973 Norton. Yes it cruses 70/80 mph happy. But then I'm pulling the clutch in at lower speeds in town. Best wishes...

@pacificmike9501

3 жыл бұрын

This all takes experimenting. I'm sure your Norton makes its power at a higher RPM level than an old Harley. We're all different sizes and have our own riding styles. I try to build massive torque, then cruise easily at low RPM. Doesn't always work in every application.

Great discussion.

@pacificmike9501

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

I had front sprocket with one more tooth on my 96 sportster S. Perfect for my cruising style

@pacificmike9501

3 жыл бұрын

You got it. It's all about what you want. Thank You.

In Indiana I was running 24 and 26 on my 64 Pan. Sweet spot in 4th was about 83-85. Moved to Maryland and was always shuffling between 3rd and 4th, had to drop the trans down to 24. At 24 /24 sweet spot was about 74mph with a top speed at about 110.

@pacificmike9501

4 жыл бұрын

Yep. Where I live, the freeway traffic is doing 80. I'm geared very high on my Pan and in the mountains, I'm mostly in third gear, which is like a stocker in fourth. Nice to have that kind of flexibility.