Okay, here’s my blog post about my experience with the 1965 Harley Davidson Electra Glide:
So, I finally got my hands on a classic – a 1965 Harley Davidson Electra Glide. I’ve always been into vintage bikes, and this one? This is a legend. I remember seeing pictures of these things when I was a kid, and now I actually own one. It’s a pretty surreal feeling.
Getting Started
First things first, I didn’t just hop on and ride off into the sunset. No way. This bike is old, and it needed some serious love. I spent the first few weeks just cleaning it. Years of dust, grime, and who-knows-what-else were caked on. I got some good cleaning supplies, some brushes, and went to town. It was like an archaeological dig, uncovering the original paint and chrome underneath.
The Mechanical Stuff
- Engine: I’m not gonna lie, the engine was a bit of a mystery at first. I’m pretty handy, but this was a whole different beast. Luckily, I found a really good, old-school mechanic in town. This guy knew these bikes inside and out. He helped me check the compression, clean the carburetor (which was GUNKED up), and make sure everything was, you know, not about to explode.
- Fluids: Changed all the fluids, of course. Oil, transmission fluid… the whole nine yards. You gotta do that with any old vehicle, but especially with a motorcycle.
- Brakes: The brakes were… well, let’s just say they were vintage. I replaced the brake shoes and made sure the cables were all good. Stopping is important, folks!
- Tires: Found Some new tires.
The Little Things (That Aren’t So Little)
Then there were all the little details. The seat was ripped, so I found a place that could reupholster it. They did an awesome job matching the original style. I also had to track down some replacement parts – a new mirror, a few missing bolts, that kind of stuff. It’s amazing how many tiny pieces go into a motorcycle.
The First Ride
Finally, after weeks of work, it was time for the first real ride. Starting it up was a bit nerve-wracking, but it roared to life! That classic Harley rumble… there’s nothing like it. I took it slow at first, just around the neighborhood. I wanted to get a feel for how it handled. It’s definitely different than riding a modern bike. It’s heavier, a bit clunkier, but in a good way. It feels solid.
Ongoing Project
It’s still a work in progress. There’s always something to tweak, something to improve. But that’s part of the fun, right? It’s not just a motorcycle; it’s a piece of history. And I’m loving every minute of bringing it back to its former glory. The main point is I finally realized my dream.
