Mechanic Breaks Down a Classic Harley-Davidson | WIRED

Matt Dawe, a mechanic from Greenpoint, Brooklyn breaks down a 1974 Harley-Davidson shovelhead motorcycle. The classic Harley is taken apart, piece-by-piece, as the mechanic explains the importance of each part.

Check out Matt Dawe on Instagram
@franklynsfinest



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[sdominguez-]

I have always fixed my own cars since high school. Preventive maintenance and basic fixtures at least (nothing major). I'm just now getting into motorcycles and this video is one of the best breakdown videos I've seen. Thanks for making this video. Two thumbs up

[nicholasboggan]

As a fellow Newfoundlander who also loves old bikes, I never heard of Matt until now… I’m super bummed cause he seems like a chill guy, man you’re living my dream

[vitsanuuruburus]

This is the most comprehensive all around explanation I’ve watched ever. Great for newbies like me.

[rfftastic]

Please follow-up with this guy and film the custom re-build process.

[bradgribben]

I watch endless motorcycle content - This is the greatest video I've seen for learning lots of bike basics. Thanks so much Matt and

[wander]

This Is like Beautiful Butcher by Bon Appetit but with bikes

[rsjojo]

I’m in the process of de constructing mine to have frame powder coated. Because of the rush to get it tore apart, I wasn’t able to memorize where what went, so this video is very detailed and helpful. Thanks Matt for the time you have spent to make this video.

[SilverFatBoy]

Just FYI: The tool used to remove the inner primary case is actually a tool to remove/replace hubcaps/wheel-covers on cars (Way back when cars HAD hubcaps/wheel-covers). The rubber part is used to hammer them on, usually without damage. I'm old so I have used one for it's intended purpose.

[haroldsanchez]

I just got a complete 71 shovel head kick start clear title and all Don’t know where to start You my young brother are a blessing Thanks

[cove.]

The most mind blowing thing about this video is that it took 22 minutes to strip a bolt!! This is also the best video on youtube! Thanks so much for your attention to detail.

[patdoc]

now deconstruct a car, boat, computer, radio, etc. i want to know more!!

[annecampbell]

Thank you for including the detail about using hand tools so you can feel tension on the fasteners! Awesome job on this video!

[Liveharley]

Excellent video, i love working on my harley with my manual, i have worked on everything on the bike, but only one problem at a time. I have never torn down a bike piece-by-piece, you my friend have made a learning video for all the garage mechanics like me, thank you Matt for posting it. I wish you-tube was around when i was growing up, fixing things would have been so much easier. lol I would love to see the rebuild! Take care :)

[smokechecked]

This is huge for someone like me diving head first into motorcycles.

[jeremyherl]

Matt says in the video the compensator nut is reverse threaded. Hes wrong there. The only left handed (reverse threaded) nut on a shovel is the Clutch Hub Nut.

[goofy-monk_VR]

Thanks for taking the time to show each part. Must have taken you 10x longer to get the job done, but I appreciate the detail.

[tewodroz]

Content like this should have had millions of views by now. But it isn't mumble rap or dumb cat video so it's relegated to a fringe content. I hope the producers aren't discouraged! There is still some of us who love and appreciate everything about this video. Keep it going ....please please! oh and I just subbed to WIRED just for this series :)

[Backpack-yg]

Just getting into bikes and trying to take stock parts off a 2018 softail slim. Any tips on dealing with the loctite and such?

[Clayvicle]

We definitely need more than two episodes of this

[lisar]

I have a 1972 FLH police special that was an old Tampa PD bike sold at auction. I got it as a basket case in 89 and spent a year rebuilding it. It is factor correct to include the old buddy seat except the leather bags I have on it that came off my 55 when I sold it. I love the iron Heads they are simple. I just bough my first bike that I could just get on and ride without rebuilding it this fall. I picked up a one owner low mileage garage kept 2002 FLSTC that is all chromed up . It has a lot more pep the my 72 FLH but after I rode it a while I like my old FLH better. Great video thanks.