I guess I'm getting to that age where nostalgia seems to be more common. I thought it might be nice to have a classic bike for short little jaunts and coffee-shop riding. I was considering a 73 FLH Electra Glide but have heard from some that the shovel was what drove loyal buyers away from Harley. On the other hand, Panheads are older and probably more difficult to find parts for but are supposedly less troublesome.

Anyone that owns either one of these engine-type bikes -please feel free to chime in. Your thoughts and opinions are most welcome!

Lobo

 

The sound of a shovel is unmistakable.

 

You'll find far more Shovels, in good condition and for much less money than you will old Pans. A Shovelhead that's been cared for and gone over well and maintained is a reliable machine. Just be aware that things do wear out and all old bikes got some wear on them. Good luck.

 

It wasn't the Shovel head that did that,, It was AMF.

 

I've had my Shovel for 35 years. The bottom end lasted well over 200,000 miles. Over the years, I have replaced stuff. 3 top ends, one bottom. Tranny is original.
People that put them down, have never had one, or don't know how to treat them. Pans are good if you get the right years, and they haven't been molested by a shadetree mechanic.

 

About 15 years ago I knew a guy with a Panhead. There was a waiting list on who was to be the next owner after he dies...

AMF (lack of) quality was the force driving people away from Harley. The difference between those years and the company of today (2003 to present) is that AMF bikes can be fixed on the side of the road.

 

Get a Shovel and enjoy it for long rides too! No need to just use it for short jaunts. They can cruise!

Take your time looking for ones for sale...you can find decent ones. Yeah the AMF years had quality control issues, but by now....any Shovel that's in decent shape and running has been "gone through" and the old AMF quirks and bugs likely long gone.

When you find a bike you're digging....find out its history, what's been done to it.

 

I've had both and if I was going to get either one, I'd get the shovel because it'd be easier to get parts for it.

 

I'd say there's a ton of Truth to that!
I was speaking historically, those where some grievous years, but they all got "fixed".

 

Best of both worlds- '66 to '69 Harley- Pan lower, Shovel upper- pre cone motor.