1964 FLH, first ride

[panhead_jim]

After picking up my pan last week, I finally got a chance to ride her to work this morning. This is the first bike I've had with a mechanical spark advance, so that gave me something extra to think about, to say the least. Made it to the entrance of my neighborhood, before I realized the bike was almost out of gas as it promply cut off at the stop sign. Pulled up the reserve, kicked her off again and I was headed out. Made it to one stop light before I stalled, fooling with the advance. Pushed her over to the side, got her cranked again and headed for the gas station. Once the tank was full and the tires filled with air, things starting going much better. Pulled out on the highway and cruised at an indicated 65mph for about 6 miles. Based on the vibrations in the floorboards, that felt like a comfortable speed for the motor. Upon arriving a work, I noticed quite a bit of oil on the right saddlebag. Looks like the line between the filter and oil tank is leaking at the fitting. Hopefully it will just need some teflon tape to seal it off. All and all, I'd say it was a successful first ride. We'll see if I stick with the mechanical advance, the single point auto advance system from a '65 sounds like a good first upgrade...

[FlatHeadSix]

Jim,
Glad you had a good first ride, the rides will only get better as time goes on and the miles roll by under your pan.

The mechanical advance is nothing to worry about, or mess with once the bike is running, you really don't have to change it or "upgrade" it. The only time you use it is for starting the bike, retard it JUST A LITTLE, start the bike, and then roll it back to full advance and leave it there.

Just make sure the timing is set correctly to give you full advance when the twist grip is rolled all the back and the timer is rotated all the way to the stop.

mike

[panhead_jim]

I was working the advance too much then. I was turning back half way at stops to lower the RPMs... Thanks for the tip.

[hplhd]

jim, does it still have the dual point timer and coils?

[panhead_jim]

It sure does, although the original coils have been replaced with high performance VW coils. Original owner used to build VW motors, so he must have liked those coils better...

[john HD]

jim

before you go nuts with the teflon tape just try replacing the rubber in the fitting and see if that helps the leak.

there really are not any fittings on a panhead that benefit with it's use. they all are flare or rubber compression fittings.

except the breather line where it emerges from the crankcase, that is 1/8" npt and a little tape there may help.

john

[panhead_jim]

I hope the rubber pieces can be picked up at my local HD dealership... I'll check tomorrow.

[59Panman]

James gaskets has all the rubber gaskets.

[panhead_jim]

I was checking it last night and it looks like it may have just been loose. We'll see... I need to change the fork oil (or add it, may be empty) and then it will be back on the road tomorrow.

[59Panman]

Check them before every ride. My oil filter bracket broke and caused the return line to come loose on the oil tank. It came off and a 1/4 mile later, my oil tank was dry.

[panhead_kicker]

Jim,
Is your bike still 6v? If its 12v, any chance you could post a pic of your coils mounted, and maybe a part #?

[Sir_Rat]

Could be wrong here (probably am) but i thought I heard some talk here about the '65 Auto advance being somewhat troublesome??? Mechanical works just fine and has less parts to break..imho
Good luck...Mike

[panhead_jim]

Well, this morning was ride two on the '64. Since my first ride, I've fixed a minor oil leak, replaced the carb float, installed a YTZ14S battery and serviced the front forks. The second ride was definitely an improvement and I kept the timing advanced the entire time (as recommended by FlatHeadSix). Overall, I'd say the bike runs good. Based on the smell of the exhaust, it may be running a little rich, but there is no visible smoke coming out of the pipes. Cold starting is fairly easy, with two prime kicks and one or two kicks after that. I've not got the procedure figured out for warm starting yet. Do I still need to do the two prime kicks? I seem to end up flooding the motor and having to hold the throttle wide open to get it to start.

[Old Skool]

I have a 64 FL all original Duoglide that my father purchased in Oct 63. My warm-hot start procedure is No prime kicks/Choke off. Crack the throttle a small pinch and it should start right up.

[SFMike]

You are expeiencing the "Joys of vintage equipment."
I have rode pans for 40 years.

You either grow to love it or eventually give uo in disgust.

I love the oldies but have managed to acquire a roadglide for serious riding.
It has no soul, though.