F6B new here.

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04-14-2015, 08:41 AM
1surebet

F6B new here.

Hi Folks,
As of 3 days ago, I picked up a well sorted out F6B. After about 400+ Harleys of about every type since 1936. I've been riding now for 46 years. A lot of miles alone, and quite a few with like minded people. Motorcycling has been my life. My motorcycle hero's I would read about are now my friends. Unfortunately some of them passed. Buzz Walneck, Allen Sputhe, Eddie Long, Elmer Trett, Mike Roland, Lee Wickstrom, are some of the old names, and of course there are newer ones on the scene...I'll stop there. Maybe some of you are familiar with these guys. I have to say they are mainly HD guys, but I feel they also are into anything on two wheels and would stop to look at a rusted out Bridgestone.

So, a new adventure, new friends and a whole new learning curve. Appx. Two hundred miles so far. Back surgery this Thursday...and then, the open road on..."the Beast" a working title for my F6B until something better sinks in. I've got a few great upgrades from the former owner, who himself put about 3k on this machine. He's a perfectionist and a hot rodder, so I have an immaculate ride. I have a set of HeliBars coming and black Rush pipes. I travel between Minnesota, California, Arizona, Ohio, Florida and visit points in between. Summers about here - I hope y'all make the most of it, and see a few of you on the road, B-kind, watso (1surebet)
04-14-2015, 09:24 AM
Spanky

Welcome. We have a bunch of us harley converts here. Once you get over the "it's not a harley" mentality, it's a very fun and well designed bike. You can wave to your harley pals as you pass.
04-14-2015, 09:35 AM
Hornblower

Welcome, 1surebet, to a great bunch of motorcycle enthusiasts :yes:. Wow, and I thought I had owned a lot of bikes...400+, really? That's got to be some kind of record :shrug:.
04-14-2015, 09:46 AM
1surebet

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spankyrir

Welcome. We have a bunch of us harley converts here. Once you get over the "it's not a harley" mentality, it's a very fun and well designed bike. You can wave to your harley pals as you pass.

Thank You Spankyrir,
I still have a few Fxrt's, which has been my specialty. If you are familiar with the machine, it was quite unpopular in its day, but now has a following and many of those guys contact me for parts. They have a few things in common with the F6B, and I did ride to AZ from MN a couple of Octobers ago with the needle riding at 100 most of the way. Stopped in Surprise to repair fairing lowers, as the were cracking from continuous higher speed. Then on to SF with no problem. I can't knock them, in fact, they too are a blast, just kinda older.
NO DOUBT HERE! This F6B will clock the miles. I just have to avoid obsticals. I am excited, and will be headed down your way going to Florida, maybe at night because of heat.

Hollar at me if you ride up this way, I have an (as old stories go) an old barn full of motorcycle stuff, a couple chairs, coffee pot, and a radio. What more do you need. I also ride to powwows if any of you are Native or have an interest.
04-14-2015, 09:57 AM
1surebet

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hornblower

Welcome, 1surebet, to a great bunch of motorcycle enthusiasts :yes:. Wow, and I thought I had owned a lot of bikes...400+, really? That's got to be some kind of record :shrug:.

It adds up when that's all you think about from the age of 14. Then at 15 taking the 300 my grandmother was trying to save for college (we were somewhat financially distressed) and buying a 1947, 61inch knucklehead. I know it seems like a lot, but I know for sure 400 is a consevitive number. I currently have around 14 FXR platform bikes and parts to build more and various other types. It has become somewhat an identity, and so now, I'm shrugging off my identity. If I wasn't having surgery this week I'd be gone on this great machine. I know a few guys with over 300 bikes in their barns currently.

Also, I make the Chief Blackhawks antique swap meet in Davenport at end of summer. I would enjoy meeting anyone there, if there is a run there or we could start one.

Thank You for the welcome. I've got to get some stuff done. Enjoy. watso
04-14-2015, 10:09 AM
Spanky

I had a buddy with an FXRT. Really nice bike, was popular in Calf, with the 1% clubs out there because they were so maneuverable in the hills. There are a few left in the carolinas, but for the most part, one of harleys better bikes, and under appreciated.
04-14-2015, 11:18 AM
Ixol Phaane

.welcome20.
Nice to have you aboard, 1surebet. I'm sure you're gonna enjoy your time spent riding The Beast. As I'm also sure you'll enjoy the comraderie and interaction of the great folks here on the forum..

It's obvious you've been doing it right for the past 46 years... you're still here among us.

The next time you find yourself heading down into AZ, give us a shout out. Would enjoy meeting you... lunch is on me. :icon_biggrin:
04-14-2015, 12:03 PM
MAYHEM01

'welcome gang'
04-14-2015, 12:44 PM
XKnight

Congrats on your F6B from another former Harley owner. I wouldn't mind having another Harley for around town use, but for the highway I'll take the F6B any day. Power, handling and comfort is far superior to any Harley.
04-14-2015, 01:37 PM
Steve 0080

'welcome gang' to he board....
04-14-2015, 04:57 PM
FlaMike

.welcome20. from Fla.
04-14-2015, 05:00 PM
Fla_rider

'welcome gang' from Tampa, Florida.

Join us for the Third Annual Rally in Franklin, NC.
04-14-2015, 08:56 PM
1surebet

Big Thank You

It was a nice surprise, seeing all of the welcomes and comments for my first day here. In response to invitations, I'm always up for a visit, even for a cup of tea or more. The same goes for those of you traveling, just give me a yell.

I am in southern Florida quite a bit and will be there again soon. Also, hopefully many other spots, including AZL!!!!!and I know it will be hot, but have to make a trip to the northern part of Phoenix and then Cottonwood area. I'll post before departing.
Thanks again for all the well wishers and for those still posting.
watso
04-14-2015, 09:04 PM
BobinMich

6 Attachment(s)

Welcome aboard! from an "X" FXRT owner! Bought a 1983 Shovelhead FXRT new in Boston.....I was 22 years old. My first new hog. GREAT Bike!!!! Pretty darn collectible now! Ride Safe, Bob

Attachment 2887 Attachment 2888 Attachment 2889
04-14-2015, 10:53 PM
srt8-in-largo

Welcome aboard SureBet and good luck with your surgery.
04-15-2015, 10:30 AM
1surebet

Hey Bob in Michigan

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobinMich

Welcome aboard! from an "X" FXRT owner! Bought a 1983 Shovelhead FXRT new in Boston.....I was 22 years old. My first new hog. GREAT Bike!!!! Pretty darn collectible now! Ride Safe, Bob

Attachment 13179 Attachment 13180 Attachment 13181

Now you are tugging at my old heart strings. The first and only Shovel FXRT! That is the only model FXRT I didn't have. I was a glutton for these bikes...and now I see they are becoming popular again. Maybe I can get some of my money back. I have plenty of parts and bikes in various forms of you'd like to have another in your stable.

Michigan is not too far away, so come on down on your F6B. I have to head to Michigan to pick up a 489 big block in a couple weeks, so, no riding the bike. I work at my own time...anytime is a good time to visit.
watso
04-15-2015, 01:48 PM
BobinMich

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1surebet

Now you are tugging at my old heart strings. The first and only Shovel FXRT! That is the only model FXRT I didn't have. I was a glutton for these bikes...and now I see they are becoming popular again. Maybe I can get some of my money back. I have plenty of parts and bikes in various forms of you'd like to have another in your stable.

Michigan is not too far away, so come on down on your F6B. I have to head to Michigan to pick up a 489 big block in a couple weeks, so, no riding the bike. I work at my own time...anytime is a good time to visit.
watso

and I have had TWO.....fxrt's.....both 1983 SHOVELS! :icon_mrgreen:
04-16-2015, 07:46 AM
USMARINE

Greetings and welcome, from Georgia. Enjoy your new scooter.
04-21-2015, 08:16 AM
1surebet

Quote:

Originally Posted by XKnight

Congrats on your F6B from another former Harley owner. I wouldn't mind having another Harley for around town use, but for the highway I'll take the F6B any day. Power, handling and comfort is far superior to any Harley.

Yes xKnight, they are completely different and I'm not sure, for certain riders, if the attributes of each bike could satisfy all needs. For instance, I like trying different engine combinations, such as 74" pan head barrels on a 61" knucklehead bottom-end with a lightning (or same spec) cam. That's a 68" and an old racers delight. The different rocker arm ratios throughout the years make for a different exhaust note even on stock motors. The power range on Harleys can be wide from very low 36hp to an easy 140hp or more on the street. Strip is in the hundreds. The V-twin design is what it is, as they say. It like trying to compare an old 283 or 289 to a modular motor. My F6B is long distance. For me that used to be 12-14 hrs a day. Now it's all how I feel, when riding by myself. I have a '86 FXRD (one year only) with internal mods, that is a blast to do long distance, only slower. It's like taking a drive in a '63 split window 327 injected StingRay. For me to buy a Honda is a big thing, not ego wise, but I have a large barn full of equipment, tons of H-D parts from many years. All useless on a Honda - probably won't need them, but I enjoy the creative and competitive aspect of racing someting I designed.

Anyway, I'm happy to be here and need to get back into the garage putting on Honda bolt on's.