1977 Harley-Davidson FXE 1200 SuperGlide

Summary:

Good and classic looking motorcycle

Faults:

Tank paint bubbled slightly.

Brake pedal broke and fell off at the beginning of a long trip. Found a mobile welder to fix it cheap.

Went through a lot of brakes.

Replaced a couple of wheel bearings.

My right leg grew quite strong. (I had the FX, not FXE)

General Comments:

I can't comment too much on stock motorcycle characteristics, as mine was modified before I purchased it. For some odd reason, the previous owner completely reversed the whole design plans of the bike by replacing the front end with that of a 1973 FLH. Beautiful though, and lots of compliments.

Like others, I too was raised on Japanese bikes, but I always enjoyed riding my FX. Took many long trips, and would do so again. Good weekend touring mount.

Started pretty easy most of the time. Handled well if turning fast wasn't a priority.

Miss it, and wish I had another one. For all the trashing those old shovelheads got, people are shelling out big money for em now.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th April, 2010

1977 Harley-Davidson FXE 1200 SuperGlide

Summary:

Nostalgia 101

Faults:

Nothing major.

Bolts shook off here and there over the years.

Brakes were mis-adjusted during dealer service (Dealer picked up bike and repaired brakes).

Paint bubbled on original gas tank when new. This was replaced by the dealer.

General Comments:

My Harley Davidson was the 1200cc FXE SuperGlide. I believe this was the last year you could get this model equipped with both the kick and electric starter.

It was a beautiful motorcycle, great styling and a beautiful blue metallic paint job. I loved the chrome and I loved the sound of that big V-Twin.

From the first time I climbed aboard and started her up, I felt like I had traveled back in time. What a great sound and a great feel! Nothing was made for cruising like a SuperGlide.

My Harley was not as quick or as smooth as the Japanese bikes I've owned over the years, nor was it a particularly agile handler, but it cruised down the highway with a feeling you get from no other motorcycle.

The feeling of nostalgia was incredible.

What Harleys might have lacked in refinement back then, they made up for with nostalgia and that comfortable ride.

I kept her for nine years and sold her for more than I had paid for her new.

Harleys are like that!

I'm now back to riding Yamahas again, but I'll always fondly remember my SuperGlide.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th August, 2005

23rd Feb 2006, 22:50

I couldn't agree more, I have a 1979 Super Glide, but I have the low rider. I feel like King Kong riding that thing down Main St. There will never be another old school bike like that. I love it and will never part with it.

12th Dec 2006, 20:27

I ordered a 1977 FXE in September of 76. Had to be ordered because it was a special order only color (Arctic White). It came in to the dealer in December. I took delivery in March of 77 (they had a very short warranty back then). I have maintained it in practically stock condition ever since. It has about 25,000 miles on it now. No major repairs ever, engine has never been torn down. I have NEVER considered selling it and will keep it until I die.

Paid $3962 for it out the door. My coworkers said I was "nuts" to spend that much for a motorcycle. Who's been laughing ever since?

How many people have had the same motorcycle for 30 YEARS?

1st Aug 2008, 22:09

I bought a '78 1/2 Harley Super Glide FX in '78, my third bike at that time,... no "E" on my model, I'm sorry to say, so I had some starting problems from time to time (flooding) and had to hold tight while working to start it in the colder months. It was, I believe, the first Super Glide with electronic ignition, but we shifted it back to points and switched out the pipes, then added a few things.

Harley was owned by the bowling-ball group at that time (AMF), but my bike never leaked oil and it never experienced any problems of consequence.

Mine, too, was a deep blue/purple, and it was slow compared to the Honda 750's I bought in 1971 and then in 1976, but I loved that bike.

I had to check it frequently for loose nuts, etc, but that was more a pleasure than not.

Anyway, I just had to reply to similar experience that someone else had. I now have a new C90T Suzuki... and simply could not be happier. This is a heck of bike.

12th Sep 2009, 22:05

I purchased a 1976 Superglide FX for $3200.00 out the door. It was blue and a great fun bike, and a great original from H.D. I would like to find another original someday. I miss mine!! gkiron.

10th Mar 2010, 18:42

I have 79 FXEF Superglide Lowrider version, my dad left it to me when he passed, am in the process of restoring. And now can truly appreciate the bike, haven't took it for a ride yet or for that matter her her purr yet. But when I take for a ride when it's, done words won't be able to explain the feeling. I'm going to carry on the tradition and leave it to my boy.