1979 Harley-Davidson Superglide
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Highlights
- Only one former UK keeper, within the same family
- Imported from Holland
- Less than 9,000km on the odometer
- Outstanding condition and original throughout
The Appeal
Often cited as the first mass-produced ‘custom’ motorcycle - created by marrying the Sportster front end and other components with the chassis of the larger ‘big twin’ models, the Harley-Davidson Superglide was introduced in 1971, and continued in production across a number of generations and models until 2017.
This particular 1979-registered example was originally delivered in Holland, before being imported to the UK by the previous owner.
Wonderfully original throughout and presented in outstanding condition, this must be one of the finest examples of the ’79 Superglide on the market today, and it could be yours…
Wonderfully original throughout and presented in outstanding condition, this must be one of the finest examples of the ’79 Superglide on the market today, and it could be yours…
History/Paperwork
- V5, showing just one former UK keeper
- Purchase documentation from 2014, when the bike was imported
- Import/export documentation
- Rare license plate holder / alarm system included
Delivered new to Holland and registered in October 1979, this ‘Shovelhead’ 1200 Super Glide remained in the Netherlands until 2014, when it was imported to the UK by the vendor’s late brother, who was the only other UK-based registered keeper.
Moving into the care of the vendor following his late brother’s passing, this Superglide has been used sparingly whilst in both the current and previous ownership, and has been kept entirely standard throughout, with no modifications, upgrades or changes being made, other than the removal of the rear ‘sissy bar’ which is included with the sale of the bike.
Recently, the vendor - an engineer by trade and long-term bike enthusiast and collector - has fitted a new battery, new voltage regulator (in the correct H-D black colour) and performed an oil change, using the factory-specification Harley-Davidson oil which was purchased from a main dealer.
Included with the bike is the V5 registered keepers document, showing that the bike has been in the same family since arriving in the UK in 2014, registration documents, export documents from the Netherlands, miscellaneous invoices and some photographs of the bike’s condition when it arrived in the country.
There is also a rare and unusual license plate holder / alarm system included, as seen in the gallery below.
There is also a rare and unusual license plate holder / alarm system included, as seen in the gallery below.
Now, in rude mechanical health and excellent aesthetic condition, this V-Twin Harley is offered up for sale simply due to a lack of space, and it is hoped that it will go to a loving home where it will be used and enjoyed to its fullest extent.
The Interior
- Seat in excellent condition
- All controls working as they should be
Of course, ‘interior’ in this instance refers to the bike’s seat and controls, and we’re happy to report that everything is in excellent shape.
The seat shows virtually no signs of any discernible wear, whilst the chrome pegs, levers and trims are only very, very slightly showing some signs of life, and look far better than any of us would at the ripe age of 43!
The vendor reports that all systems, switches and displays are working as H-D intended.
The Exterior
- Outstanding paintwork
- Minimal wear to chrome
- Very good condition throughout
The bodywork, frames and paintwork on this ‘Shovelhead’ are simply astounding, and you’d easily be forgiven for thinking that the bike was first built in 2014, rather than simply being first registered in the country during that year.
Looking closely, there are a few small chips along the leading edge of the front mud guard, and one small noticeable chip on the offside edge of the fuel tank.
The vendor also notes some marks on the exhaust silencer chrome, which he believes were caused by an old battery breather pipe, which has been eliminated by the fitment of a more modern AGM battery.
The vendor also notes some marks on the exhaust silencer chrome, which he believes were caused by an old battery breather pipe, which has been eliminated by the fitment of a more modern AGM battery.
The wheels show some very minor patina, but otherwise everything looks to be in simply fantastic shape, and the bike is a testament to the level of care and cosseting it has enjoyed on both sides of the English Channel.
The Mechanicals
- 1200cc ‘Shovelhead’ engine
- Starts on the button
- In rude health - ready to enjoy!
Between the frames, the 1200cc V-Twin engine is in excellent health, having been carefully fettled and well-maintained throughout its lifetime. As the vendor states “some Harleys are ‘rough’ and some are ‘smooth’ … this is definitely a ‘smooth’ Harley!”
Firing into life instantaneously and with no smoke or issues, the bike sounds simply fantastic, with no smoke present even when the throttle is blipped.
Looking at the block and ancillaries, everything looks to be in good order, with no oil leaks or fluid misting noted.
Recently, the bike has been fitted with a new voltage regulator, and the vendor has stated a new speedo drive is going to be installed prior to completion of the sale, as the only known issue is that the speedometer tends to ‘bounce’ slightly when on the go.
The most recent MoT took place on 22 July 2022, and shows a clean pass with no advisory items. It should be noted that the MoT examiner has noted the odometer reading down in miles, rather than the correct kilometres, and this has been the case since the 2015 exam.
The correct reading at the time of the MoT is 8,229 km or 5,113 miles.
The correct reading at the time of the MoT is 8,229 km or 5,113 miles.
Summary
Unmolested and unmodified Harley-Davidsons are hard to find at the best of times, thanks to the customisations available and the tuning scene being particularly strong for H-D enthusiasts, which makes this particular example even more special.
Offered from one-family ownership in the UK, in rude mechanical health and excellent aesthetic condition, this is a truly wonderful example of the breed, and one not to be missed by anyone looking for some V-Twin powered fun to add to their garage.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1979
- Make Harley Davidson
- Model Superglide
- Colour Red
- Odometer 8,355 Kilometres
- Engine size 1200
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Basingstoke
- Location Hampshire
- Country United Kingdom
28
bids
- MW•••• £8,600 16/08/22
- hu•••• £8,500 16/08/22
- MW•••• £8,400 16/08/22
- to•••• £8,300 16/08/22
- to•••• £8,200 16/08/22
- hu•••• £8,100 16/08/22
- to•••• £8,000 16/08/22
- ol•••• £7,900 16/08/22
- ol•••• £7,800 16/08/22
- hu•••• £7,700 16/08/22
The Gallery
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