Hey guys,

I come from a background of Japanese cars and took a interest in bikes early last year. I bought a yamaha XJ550 for $600 and got it running and cleaned up. I sold my Yamaha last weekend and somehow made some money on it. Witch is pretty amazing because it was my first and of course i made mistakes.

Regardless, i have attached a link to a shovelhead i am considering. I dont know much about shovels, other than it sounds like they leak and do not stop leaking. This one is 2 hours away from me and im planning on going up on the weekend.

Let me know what you guys think of it, in terms of things i should look for and price.

I appreciate the help guys.

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-street-cruise...ationFlag=true

 

Cool bike but I've owed a shovel and enjoyed it a lot but I really do enjoy the modern reliability of the newer bikes
fir 10 grand you can get a nice dyna and not have the worries that you have with an old bike
but you will enjoy either
just my opinion

 

Thanks for your reply matt!

Im on the same page, i was looking at a '96 sporty as well but someone beat me to it. I love the look of the shovelhead but our summers are so short up here in alberta i dont wanna spend 10k on a bike and only ride it for three because i spent so much time fixing it. Was your experience with your shovel a good one? would you get one again?

 

Yea I would buy one again for fun and to fix up and play with but not as my only bike to ride
the one I had was built by my brother using a shovel s&s motor and original frame
kickstart only and that was a mistake
shiukd have put electric on it
it was fun but even being a new engine still leaked a little oil and damn kicking it got old
had 15 grand in it sold for 6
that sucked

 

I don't think that is worth 10K.Not sure if the frame is original. For 10K US dollars you gat get a 2014 Superglide Cusom with a 103" motor. look here....

There are more shovels out there for less.. Be patient....

https://www.cycletrader.com/search-r...CUSTOM%7C5187&

 

A word of advice if you are open to it, while a hot looking bike that one is not for the new novice shovelhead owner . Way too much custom stuff done there that will take a lot of care & weekly maintenance by someone with good background with aftermarket parts and a good skill set. Otherwise it will eat you alive finding a shop who has a clue and most won't for that bike.

 

"Not sure if the frame is original."............LOL, well no chit, it's a rigid frame and a Shovel.

 

You should most definitely look for something newer more modern mine is a 88 cid. Shovel rigid frame kicker and you have to know the right time to turn power or endure the kick back and posable injuries A newer sporty would be ideal for starter bike Good luck. Wild Bill

 

so much good information in here. I really do appreciate any and all input guys.

 

Nice looking custom but even in Canadian dollars that seems way too high for me.

Regarding leaking and such...if properly assembled they actually leak very little and only require regualrly scheduled maintenance (2500 mile service).

Nothing wrong with older iron. Problem is that a lot of folks who assail them do not have the knowledge about how to properly maintain them. You mention that you have little knowldege of Shovels. as mentioned this is not a good staring point for you. If you really want to invest in old iron something closer to stock is the way to go.

...or maybe invest in an EVO? They are plentiful, easy to work on, priced right, and a good starting point.