'97 ProGlide

D

David

Guest
I've been told I have a 88cu in. S&S motor in my '97 ProGlide but the

'97 Big Dog spec book is saying ALL '97 bikes came out with only 80
cu in. motors. Can anyone clear this up? Either way I love the the bike
the way it is. Just wondering.
 
Easyrider

Easyrider

New Member
Hello all! I thought I'd hijack this hibernating thread rather than create yet another one. I have a 1997 Proglide, purchased new. It's been a great bike but has spent a lot of years mostly sitting in the garage. It's a very good bar hopper but I think her long distance riding days are over. At age 76, mine too I suppose. I've spent this past Winter getting her back into tip-top shape but am constantly running into parts problems. I'm hoping to connect with one or more Proglide owners and ideally at least one who is really good with a wrench.

My basic question is, where are the best places to procure parts and what Harley model do you use as a reference? Most of my needs are not engine related. Forks, suspension, frame, running gear, things like that. The Proglide seems to be closest to a 97 FXDWG/FXR but often the parts are not the same as what's on my bike.

I need to rebuild the forks and the mickey mouse fuel filler hardware needs to go. I understand that the filler insert can be removed and that there is a tool to do this but I've not found anything. I've read elsewhere that a lot of Big Dog customers have had problems with the fillers and I'm assuming there's a fix/replacement.

I'm happy to share what I know after owning mine for 26 years. Looking over this site there seems to be a lot of misinformation being thrown around so what would be really helpful to me is facts not opinions. I'm sure there are at least a few very good techs here who understand what I mean and are not offended by this. Biggest waste of time is chasing leads posted by people who really don't know what they are talking about, right? Thanks very much in advance!vernonia_072614a.jpg
 
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Mickmorris

Mickmorris

Well Known Member
Supporting Member
Easyrider said:
Hello all! I thought I'd hijack this hibernating thread rather than create yet another one. I have a 1997 Proglide, purchased new. It's been a great bike but has spent a lot of years mostly sitting in the garage. It's a very good bar hopper but I think her long distance riding days are over. At age 76, mine too I suppose. I've spent this past Winter getting her back into tip-top shape but am constantly running into parts problems. I'm hoping to connect with one or more Proglide owners and ideally at least one who is really good with a wrench.

My basic question is, where are the best places to procure parts and what Harley model do you use as a reference? Most of my needs are not engine related. Forks, suspension, frame, running gear, things like that. The Proglide seems to be closest to a 97 FXDWG/FXR but often the parts are not the same as what's on my bike.

I need to rebuild the forks and the mickey mouse fuel filler hardware needs to go. I understand that the filler insert can be removed and that there is a tool to do this but I've not found anything. I've read elsewhere that a lot of Big Dog customers have had problems with the fillers and I'm assuming there's a fix/replacement.

I'm happy to share what I know after owning mine for 26 years. Looking over this site there seems to be a lot of misinformation being thrown around so what would be really helpful to me is facts not opinions. I'm sure there are at least a few very good techs here who understand what I mean and are not offended by this. Biggest waste of time is chasing leads posted by people who really don't know what they are talking about, right? Thanks very much in advance!
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Nice bike. I have a 2000 Vintage Sport that’s very similar to yours in many ways. Front fork rebuild is fairly simple to do at home. The only specific tool you need is the seal driver and it’s worth the $40/$50 to buy. Check on bigdogpartskingpin.com for the tool to remove the fuel bung. :cheers: :chopper:
 
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Easyrider

Easyrider

New Member
Hi Mick. Nice to meet you and thanks for jumping in. Yours does look somewhat similar to mine. In 1997 the Proglide was BD's flagship model. They were still a very new company and no two Proglides were ever identical. This caused a lot of compatibility and reliability problems with their early models. That and the kids assembling these bikes were not very well trained or skilled. Mine had numerous problems that were caused by BD's poor quality control and lack of manufacturing processes. This could be why bigdogpartskingpin doesn't support anything older then 1999.

I've looked over various threads and these paint savers have caused a lot of angst. Mine look different from anything I've seen posed here or elsewhere. No idea how the tools on that site would work to remove/install them. Pretty soft metal I'm assuming so I don't want to damage them just in case they don't come out. And then there's the matter of what to install to replace them. This is why I need exact part numbers.

Ditto on the forks. It would be VERY helpful to know who's forks they are and to get a service manual or some information about them. Easy enough to drain the fork oil and that's on the list. But I'd like to have a pair of drain plugs and washers to replace what's in there. I always ditch the Phillips for a Garner & Westcott hex plug on the first fork service I do. So knowing exactly what part to order would really be helpful.

The fork seals don't seem to be leaking and the bike handles fine so I'm going to just flush the fork oil for now. But for future knowledge I'd like to know what to order when I am ready to rebuild them.

The triple tree design is really wonky. It was poorly chromed and the chrome is pitted and flaking. It's a screwy design with the front brake lines attached to it. Replacing it with something else would probably be non-trivial. Are the guys who made what's on the bike even still in business?

There is no grease fitting for the neck bearings so I'm assuming they are badly in need of being repacked if not replaced. Again, doing a major disassembly without knowing where to get parts for whatever I find would be a serious problem.

This model was very popular 25 years ago and I'm sure there must still be a few of them out there. Hoping to connect with some who have one to see where they are getting their parts.filler.jpgfiller-1.jpggas_cap.jpg
 
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mleach72

mleach72

Well-Known Member
Easyrider said:
Hi Mick. Nice to meet you and thanks for jumping in. Yours does look somewhat similar to mine. In 1997 the Proglide was BD's flagship model. They were still a very new company and no two Proglides were ever identical. This caused a lot of compatibility and reliability problems with their early models. That and the kids assembling these bikes were not very well trained or skilled. Mine had numerous problems that were caused by BD's poor quality control and lack of manufacturing processes. This could be why bigdogpartskingpin doesn't support anything older then 1999.

I've looked over various threads and these paint savers have caused a lot of angst. Mine look different from anything I've seen posed here or elsewhere. No idea how the tools on that site would work to remove/install them. Pretty soft metal I'm assuming so I don't want to damage them just in case they don't come out. And then there's the matter of what to install to replace them. This is why I need exact part numbers.

Ditto on the forks. It would be VERY helpful to know who's forks they are and to get a service manual or some information about them. Easy enough to drain the fork oil and that's on the list. But I'd like to have a pair of drain plugs and washers to replace what's in there. I always ditch the Phillips for a Garner & Westcott hex plug on the first fork service I do. So knowing exactly what part to order would really be helpful.

The fork seals don't seem to be leaking and the bike handles fine so I'm going to just flush the fork oil for now. But for future knowledge I'd like to know what to order when I am ready to rebuild them.

The triple tree design is really wonky. It was poorly chromed and the chrome is pitted and flaking. It's a screwy design with the front brake lines attached to it. Replacing it with something else would probably be non-trivial. Are the guys who made what's on the bike even still in business?

There is no grease fitting for the neck bearings so I'm assuming they are badly in need of being repacked if not replaced. Again, doing a major disassembly without knowing where to get parts for whatever I find would be a serious problem.

This model was very popular 25 years ago and I'm sure there must still be a few of them out there. Hoping to connect with some who have one to see where they are getting their parts.
Click to expand...
Those paintsavers are odd. I've never seen anything like that on any bike. If you have a set of rubber gloves, you might be able to turn them out by hand, depending if they used jb weld on the threads. The left side is reverse threads. You gotta turn clockwise to loosen it. The good news is if you can get them out, the tank threads are pretty much standard. You can use a set of harley caps, or you can get a set of the paintsavers and caps for the dual tank models from bigdogpartskingpin.com.
 
Mickmorris

Mickmorris

Well Known Member
Supporting Member
mleach72 said:
Those paintsavers are odd. I've never seen anything like that on any bike. If you have a set of rubber gloves, you might be able to turn them out by hand, depending if they used jb weld on the threads. The left side is reverse threads. You gotta turn clockwise to loosen it. The good news is if you can get them out, the tank threads are pretty much standard. You can use a set of harley caps, or you can get a set of the paintsavers and caps for the dual tank models from bigdogpartskingpin.com.
Click to expand...
I agree Matt. Those are definitely different paint savers. Rubber gloves or rubber strap wrench maybe to remove possibly. My old caps are identical to yours EasyRider & I did get the new paint savers/ caps from Matt Moore. Fit perfectly. I am just guessing you have 41mm front legs? I don’t have stock BDM on mine. They are Arlen Ness hot legs but the rebuild kit from HDM Inc. for the 41mm had everything to do a complete rebuild should you find you need to do that later. AFB1631A-28C3-48BC-B8D3-D8A5DE5C584A.jpeg0F33A72A-C50E-4EBF-82F5-868389E3E56C.jpeg
 
Mickmorris

Mickmorris

Well Known Member
Supporting Member
Easyrider said:
Hi Mick. Nice to meet you and thanks for jumping in. Yours does look somewhat similar to mine. In 1997 the Proglide was BD's flagship model. They were still a very new company and no two Proglides were ever identical. This caused a lot of compatibility and reliability problems with their early models. That and the kids assembling these bikes were not very well trained or skilled. Mine had numerous problems that were caused by BD's poor quality control and lack of manufacturing processes. This could be why bigdogpartskingpin doesn't support anything older then 1999.

I've looked over various threads and these paint savers have caused a lot of angst. Mine look different from anything I've seen posed here or elsewhere. No idea how the tools on that site would work to remove/install them. Pretty soft metal I'm assuming so I don't want to damage them just in case they don't come out. And then there's the matter of what to install to replace them. This is why I need exact part numbers.

Ditto on the forks. It would be VERY helpful to know who's forks they are and to get a service manual or some information about them. Easy enough to drain the fork oil and that's on the list. But I'd like to have a pair of drain plugs and washers to replace what's in there. I always ditch the Phillips for a Garner & Westcott hex plug on the first fork service I do. So knowing exactly what part to order would really be helpful.

The fork seals don't seem to be leaking and the bike handles fine so I'm going to just flush the fork oil for now. But for future knowledge I'd like to know what to order when I am ready to rebuild them.

The triple tree design is really wonky. It was poorly chromed and the chrome is pitted and flaking. It's a screwy design with the front brake lines attached to it. Replacing it with something else would probably be non-trivial. Are the guys who made what's on the bike even still in business?

There is no grease fitting for the neck bearings so I'm assuming they are badly in need of being repacked if not replaced. Again, doing a major disassembly without knowing where to get parts for whatever I find would be a serious problem.

This model was very popular 25 years ago and I'm sure there must still be a few of them out there. Hoping to connect with some who have one to see where they are getting their parts.
Click to expand...
On a side note. I rebuilt the entire rear end on the 2000. Had the Works shocks rebuilt. Much needed at Worx in California. Should you ever find yourself in the need for either of the upper strut/shock studs lmk. I have all the remaining inventory I think! Lol! Well that’s if they are like mine pictured. Keep us posted on your progress! :cheers:5DA45E4C-0529-4E1F-9059-C2FA3255DED0.jpeg
 
Easyrider

Easyrider

New Member
The same, sort of. But the Progressive Suspension is holding up pretty well so far. Appreciate the offer and I may be taking you up on it come Winter. I have a few more pressing repairs that need to be done.

The paintsaver insert isn't coming out without a fight. If you look at the filler image I posted. inside there are two small holes on the side that look like they are for some sort of a spanner wrench. That's the tool I need although I might be able to jerry rig something. Matt Moore? I'll definitely want inserts that I know will fit in my hand before I do surgery on what's in there. Might be smarter to do this come Winter instead of right when the riding season is starting.

Forks look to be 41mm but could be +/- a mm or three. The cap bolts may not come out without removing the handlebars depending on how long the cap threads are. Another reason why I want to talk to someone who has a Proglide. Iffy if there is sufficient clearance to remove the fork springs with the handlebars still on. If the handlebars have to come off I might was well drop the forks and grease the neck bearings. Again, just wanting to flush the fork oil for now. I want to ride and not spend the Summer looking at this bike up in the air disassembled.rowena_081510a.jpg
 
Mickmorris

Mickmorris

Well Known Member
Supporting Member
Easyrider said:
The same, sort of. But the Progressive Suspension is holding up pretty well so far. Appreciate the offer and I may be taking you up on it come Winter. I have a few more pressing repairs that need to be done.

The paintsaver insert isn't coming out without a fight. If you look at the filler image I posted. inside there are two small holes on the side that look like they are for some sort of a spanner wrench. That's the tool I need although I might be able to jerry rig something. Matt Moore? I'll definitely want inserts that I know will fit in my hand before I do surgery on what's in there. Might be smarter to do this come Winter instead of right when the riding season is starting.

Forks look to be 41mm but could be +/- a mm or three. The cap bolts may not come out without removing the handlebars depending on how long the cap threads are. Another reason why I want to talk to someone who has a Proglide. Iffy if there is sufficient clearance to remove the fork springs with the handlebars still on. If the handlebars have to come off I might was well drop the forks and grease the neck bearings. Again, just wanting to flush the fork oil for now. I want to ride and not spend the Summer looking at this bike up in the air disassembled.View attachment 113122
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So I just rebuilt my front legs and I just took them off 1 at a time and did the rebuild put it back on. Really simple actually. Remove brake calipers. Drop wheel out. Remove bolts from fender on left side. Remove dust cover on leg with rubber strap wrench. Loosen pinch bolt on lower triple tree. Slide fork out of triple tree. Breaking fork apart is straight forward and many vids on youtube to follow. Rebuild. Reinstall exactly as removed. Repeat with the other. Those look like 41mm in your picture.
 
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HMAN

HMAN

I just like my Freedom
Once you remove the old paint savers, standard Harley caps will fit. New paint savers will take a reduced diameter cap and use the spanner listed on Bigdogpartsking site. Small punch and deadblow hammer and a rubber strap wrench may loosen the OG paint saver? Most were installed using JB Weld. Good luck. Keep us posted.

Edit: Matt Moore is the current owner of BigDog motorcycles. Derrick and Donna run HDM(Bigdogpartsking) and Curtis is owner/operator of WSW(WildSteedWorx)
 
Easyrider

Easyrider

New Member
Amy idea who's transmission is in these 1997 Proglides? It's a 5-speed of course. In a Delkron case. I may have to replace the shifter spline/pawl so it would be handy to know what's inside.

Thanks much for the fork rebuild report Mick. I'm guessing you are right that it's a 41mm setup. But as I said, if you don't have an exact H-D model to reference it's very difficult to be sure you are ordering the correct parts. I have to replace the front tire anyway so perhaps I'll follow your suggestion and just drop the fork tubes enough to get access to the top cap and then drain and refill the forks that way. I'd just as soon put off a fork rebuild (and neck bearings repack) until the end of this year's riding season.

My most pressing issue at the moment if the wobble in the transmission spline shift lever connection. Having trouble finding a really good (aircraft quality) bolt for it. Hoping I can tighten things up without ripping out a perfectly functioning primary.CL-dog4.jpgvernonia_072614b.jpg
 
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Mickmorris

Mickmorris

Well Known Member
Supporting Member
Easyrider said:
Amy idea who's transmission is in these 1997 Proglides? It's a 5-speed of course. In a Delkron case. I may have to replace the shifter spline/pawl so it would be handy to know what's inside.

Thanks much for the fork rebuild report Mick. I'm guessing you are right that it's a 41mm setup. But as I said, if you don't have an exact H-D model to reference it's very difficult to be sure you are ordering the correct parts. I have to replace the front tire anyway so perhaps I'll follow your suggestion and just drop the fork tubes enough to get access to the top cap and then drain and refill the forks that way. I'd just as soon put off a fork rebuild (and neck bearings repack) until the end of this year's riding season.

My most pressing issue at the moment if the wobble in the transmission spline shift lever connection. Having trouble finding a really good (aircraft quality) bolt for it. Hoping I can tighten things up without ripping out a perfectly functioning primary.
Click to expand...
Most likely a Andrews 5 speed transmission. Good pics! :chopper:
4C0442A9-1823-4F53-B9F1-85FA9E39AE48.jpeg
 
R

Rod p.

New Member
Easyrider said:
Hello all! I thought I'd hijack this hibernating thread rather than create yet another one. I have a 1997 Proglide, purchased new. It's been a great bike but has spent a lot of years mostly sitting in the garage. It's a very good bar hopper but I think her long distance riding days are over. At age 76, mine too I suppose. I've spent this past Winter getting her back into tip-top shape but am constantly running into parts problems. I'm hoping to connect with one or more Proglide owners and ideally at least one who is really good with a wrench.

My basic question is, where are the best places to procure parts and what Harley model do you use as a reference? Most of my needs are not engine related. Forks, suspension, frame, running gear, things like that. The Proglide seems to be closest to a 97 FXDWG/FXR but often the parts are not the same as what's on my bike.

I need to rebuild the forks and the mickey mouse fuel filler hardware needs to go. I understand that the filler insert can be removed and that there is a tool to do this but I've not found anything. I've read elsewhere that a lot of Big Dog customers have had problems with the fillers and I'm assuming there's a fix/replacement.

I'm happy to share what I know after owning mine for 26 years. Looking over this site there seems to be a lot of misinformation being thrown around so what would be really helpful to me is facts not opinions. I'm sure there are at least a few very good techs here who understand what I mean and are not offended by this. Biggest waste of time is chasing leads posted by people who really don't know what they are talking about, right? Thanks very much in advance!
Click to expand...
On lake drive cocoa fla a used. Parts place they sell vtwin Evo big dog iron horse ect parts.
 
A

Alan T

Member
Easyrider said:
Hello all! I thought I'd hijack this hibernating thread rather than create yet another one. I have a 1997 Proglide, purchased new. It's been a great bike but has spent a lot of years mostly sitting in the garage. It's a very good bar hopper but I think her long distance riding days are over. At age 76, mine too I suppose. I've spent this past Winter getting her back into tip-top shape but am constantly running into parts problems. I'm hoping to connect with one or more Proglide owners and ideally at least one who is really good with a wrench.

My basic question is, where are the best places to procure parts and what Harley model do you use as a reference? Most of my needs are not engine related. Forks, suspension, frame, running gear, things like that. The Proglide seems to be closest to a 97 FXDWG/FXR but often the parts are not the same as what's on my bike.

I need to rebuild the forks and the mickey mouse fuel filler hardware needs to go. I understand that the filler insert can be removed and that there is a tool to do this but I've not found anything. I've read elsewhere that a lot of Big Dog customers have had problems with the fillers and I'm assuming there's a fix/replacement.

I'm happy to share what I know after owning mine for 26 years. Looking over this site there seems to be a lot of misinformation being thrown around so what would be really helpful to me is facts not opinions. I'm sure there are at least a few very good techs here who understand what I mean and are not offended by this. Biggest waste of time is chasing leads posted by people who really don't know what they are talking about, right? Thanks very much in advance!
Click to expand...
IV got a 95 coyote am having trouble with finding parts for to IMG_20230509_183007429.jpgIMG_20230509_183007429.jpg
 
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