I picked up a bike on a whim last week. It's a 1979 FLH 80. I've been wanting a shovel head for years as old Harley engines become unobtainable at a good price as they age. It's seen better days, no idea what the mileage is, as the speedo was replaced. I probably paid too much for it at $4,500. I had a mechanic (who is used to working on these) look it over. Oddly enough, I found the same guy that the previous owner used. He said that it was rebuilt about 7 years ago, and said it just needed some minor stuff, the biggest of which was to fix a slew of oil leaks. I only put 20 miles on it so far. It naturally doesn't ride anything like my 2010 FXDC. Loud, rattley, and the smell of gas. I like it. Wasn't too fond of smelling like gas when I got home. My plan is to strip it down and make something pretty but basically stock. I know, an old AMF bike isn't desirable as a restore…but that's my plan.

 

amf's are fine if you maintain and treat her nice, as for $4500 You have a deal. if it was me I would just put a few new chrome parts, then ride the heck of it. I have a 79 , it's the 7th amf Harley I've had and they have never let me down, and buy the way you can work on them not just take them the shop and pull out the credit card.....John

 

From the looks of the bike, I'd say ya done pretty good. Always liked an old stripped done FL. As oldngrey2 said, nothing wrong with AMF. Not sure why you smell like gas....Check out your lines and your back tank mounts to make sure there's no hairline cracks.

 

put me in coach 4500 for that condition bike in jersey its 6000 that original '- fuel smell might be the S&S carb float too high - the rubber tip does not like the fuel we have and shrinks up a bit making the float level rise

 

Nice....

 

Mine's got 264,000 on it. Original tranny, although various engine internals have been upgraded/improved. I would take it anywhere, and often do.

The original gas tanks had badging straps that said "AMF Harley-Davidson". Make sure those aftermarket tanks aren't slightly leaking around the mounting tabs. Metal fatigue, don'tcha know.

 

very nice. definately a great buy at 4,500 if it runs and numbers match. just get on the maintenance and enjoy riding it. and nothing is wrong or different about amf bikes, don't listen to that crap.

mike

 

Thanks for the replies folks. I'll probably end up riding it around for a few years before I consider redoing anything. I figured it would be a good idea to have someone who knows what he's doing look it over first. I plan to learn learn what I can as I go along.

 

I hope the tank is original minus badge. Is there a defining stamp or marking I can check for to find out?

 

I read that the frame and engine numbers didn't match on 79 bikes? I'll check the numbers when I get it back from the shop.