I am trying to work a deal on an 1981 Harley FXWG shovelhead. The owner claims that the motor was rebuilt last summer with s&s big bore kit installed and he said that Kevlar clutches were put in it. The bike is supposed to have new gas tank, voltage regulator, battery, starter solenoid, front and rear tires, front fork seals replaced and rear shocks. The bike also has forward controls. The only problem is speedometer and cable need to be replaced. The starter does drag but the owner claims it kick starts easy. I hope to look at it this week. Any suggestions on what to look at? This will be my first shovel and just want to be careful and not get a bucket of worthless bolts.

 

good looking WG, my HD first was '78 Super Glide in '78. Shovels sound great! There's a couple shovel pros on here, they'll probably chime in with some good info.

 

Does he have any receipts to back up his claims?

 

Thanks Wide_Open. That tidbit had not crossed my mind. Now I gotta ask him about receipts for the rebuild.

 

No receipts, the work wasn't done!
I had an 81 FXWG years ago, the ignition switch on the dash was flakey as hell.
The bike would just shut off while cruising down the freeway.
I finally figured it out by banging on the switch with my first, and it would come
back to life again..

 

Should I worry about numbers matching? What do I need to look for on the frame, primary etc. I sent an email asking about receipts. Should have that answer soon.
Thanks
Oldsarge29

 

Clean title is essential.

 

Got an email back from the owner. No receipts for the engine rebuild. He claims the work was done by a HD shop. I am going to try to get the vin number and dealer name to verify what if anything was done. He said that he has a clean title.