I was looking for input....... My finacee is looking to buy his first Harley and he's ran acrossed a 1970 Harley shovelhead he really likes and I was wondering if anyone can give me your honest opinion and our experiences with them because someone has told him they are junk..... We are trying to get him a good scooter and if there is specific issues I would like to know any help and our advice would be extremely helpful thanks in advance can not wait to get him riding

 

Welcome to the Forum from Colorado!
If unmolested (unlikely) they are fine bikes. Is he mechanically inclined?

 

Welcome to the forum from PA.
Buying a 46 year old bike can be a bit dicey. It really depends on the condition. If the price is right and your fiance has some experience and is good with tools it might be a good project, and depending on what kind of shape it's in it could be a big project.
I would think you'd be better off looking for a nice older Evo. IMO they are more reliable and easier to work on.

 

Yes he is very mechanically inclined

 

He has his heart set on a Harley and we finally have the funds(kinda lolz) to make it happen wat would be the best one to start with

 

Welcome from Maryland. As someone else mentioned starting with the evo motors would be more reliable. The evo engines came out in 1984.

 

Welcome Melissa! Ohio here too. Whereabouts are you? As others have said, you really don't want a shovelhead as a first Harley. They are maintenance intensive. Especially if he hasn't ever owned a Harley, and has no experience working on them.. Go with an EVO (1984 or newer) at least.

 

We r in Columbus....... Have looked around ALOT any suggestions

 

There's another thread going like this re: whether to start on a shovel or evo. My advice to a new Harley enthusiast is to buy the newest bike you can afford mainly because it has less opportunity to have been messed with. It is very unlikely a 70 shovel hasn't been totally screwed with.

Once he gets his feet wet on someone's garage queen, he can start looking for the classics with a little more experience under his belt.

At the very least, have someone who is vintage Harley knowledgeable check the bike over.

 

^^good advice there

what's his riding experience and budget?