1978 1/2 Harley Lowrider. Fully reconditioned and updated. A Rare Beauty.

I bought this bike brand new in April of 1978 at Lower Harley Davidson in Leesburg. nbsp;Virginia.  This is a mid year Low Rider FXS model addition. In mid 1978. Harley Davidson introduced the Black with Gold paint scheme FXS. I believe that was the only difference in FXS models. paint scheme.

Because of eBay rules it can't be listed as new. That said. throughout the refurbishment process much thought was put into upgrading the bike to modern standards. Every area or component that was modified or refurbished was done with new parts that exceed manufacturers specification by large amounts. Without changing the engineering of the frame. nbsp;chassis. or original look. except for paint. most of the design updates lean towards performance upgrades to the engine. brake system. and suspension. It is one my beliefs that go fast bikes need stop fast brakes.  

My reasons for selling this motorcycle are simple. I do not ride it very much. and thus the upkeep is expensive. plus I have decided this bike should be in the hands of someone who will enjoy it. It is a thrilling. adrenaline laced motorcycle to ride. It does everything it is supposed too much better than anyone expects. and it is super fast. with excellent street manners.

Zippers Cycle. in Baltimore Maryland. performed all of the engine machine work. I performed the entire motorcycle assembly.

Finally. I have completely re-examined this motorcycle in the last 5 months and performed several more procedures. including pre sale cleanup/maintenance. repositioning the wiring system. and re-checking everything for perfection.

The bike is ready to ride home.

Modifications and upgrades listed below:

Engine: Originally 74 cubic inches. a small 78 cubic inch S&S stroker kit with S&S rods and pistons has been installed. The heads. and intake manifold have been extrude port flowed and honed to match the 13. 1 compression. Red-Shift cams. Thunder Header exhaust. and S&S Super carburetor with a Thunder-Jet enrichment system. Using Andrew’s hydraulic lifters and pushrods. Jims valve train components. and a Dyna single fire Ignition system.

Brand new OEM gas tanks were installed during the last re exam/redo.

Drive system: Bandit extreme duty clutch assembly. The clutch is the finest working clutch in the world. Premium grade front and rear chains. and hardened rear sprocket. High torque starter motor.

Brakes and Wheels: Performance Machine (PM) wheels. brakes. and master cylinder. Front brakes use four pistons. and dual calipers. with PM rotors. Rear brake has one four-piston rear caliper. with matching PM rotor. Both wheels are PM Chicane wheels. PM wheels are super trick; ultra light. spun forged 2 piece-welded wheels.

Braided steel brake lines.

Extras: Grade 8 military stainless steel fasteners. and standard grade 8 fasteners used almost exclusively for strength and safety.  

Also published at eBay.com