Hi guys,
I've never had an older bike or a shovelhead period. What should I look for? The price is $5500 does that seem high? I can attach the craigslist ad if that helps.
Thanks,
Jon

 

Need more information and pics to even make a wild guess if that is a good price...it would have to be really nice to be worth much more than that...and if it needs any work, that is a little high.

 

The one bike that I really regret letting get away was a 1982 FLH. The seller tore the bike down then sent the components out to various rebuilders. Then got every thing back, reassembled and had a "better than new" bike. I told him I had to think about it, called back the next day and it was gone.

 

Depends entirely on the bike. That's the going rate out here(vancouver canada) for a stock shovel that's been used lots. Here they range from 5000 to 10,000 but I don't see them selling.

 

Here is the ad. Let me know what you think.
Thanks,
Jon

Also would you recommend this to someone who bought a 2008 new and traded that in on a 2010 that I got rid of.

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/mcy/4475329492.html

 

5500 is what I paid for my bike ('83 FLHS) last spring. Based on the pictures, your bike appears cleaner than the condition mine was in when I got it. Mine had some oil leaks, including rocker box gaskets. Plus my front fender had a good dent. I forget mileage...<30k I think...but my speedo looks like it was replaced so who knows. Mine was a rarer "S" model FLH...but I spent near a whole year looking for a Shovelhead to replace my '06 FXDBI and prices seemed to range from 5k to 9k. 5k for some "needs some fixing up but runs OK" deal, to above 7k for ones in "good shape".

try to find out what work was done, and how long ago.
See it in person...ask them to fire it up cold. Check to see if engine is warm first...touch it, some people with stubborn cold starting engines will warm them up before someone comes to look at it so it will start in front of them.

I bought mine knowing I'd be putting work into it, 5500 was a good price to me so long as it didn't need tons of work.
Already tore my heads off and did that gasket work...so engine doesn't leak anymore.
Doing same to my primary this weekend hopefully.

Shovels need some tending to...but they're pretty simple to work on. Stuff you can do in your own garage.

Give her some checkups now 'n then.
Ride her like an old big block engine....not a high revving one like the twin cams. I used to push my twin cam 88 up against the rev limiter all the time, but I won't to that to the Shovel.

 

Be prepared to work on that thing. A riding buddy has an '81 Shovelhead, he has it apart at least once a year.

 

You and your tools will become good friends and that's not a bad thing. Maintenance is a regular thing with the older scooters. Treat it right and you'll have miles of smiles!

 

I have a '81FLH which I purchased a few months ago for $4500. I went through the engine with new bearings, seals, pistons and heads and misc stuff for about another $2500 and love the bike. Plenty of power and rides like a dream. You do have to do frequent oil changes and tighten up stuff regularly but there is nothing like an older harley for sound. If it's the style of bike you want then get it. Price sounds fine if its running good.

 

bike "looks" nice. but who knows about the internals

but no, i wouldn't recommend it to someone with your background, unless you have some good mechanical skills.

it's nothing that difficult, but these shovels demand your regular attention and maintenance. so if you want a bike that you can hit the button an go, whenever you want. then a shovelhead is probably not for you.

they can be that way, but it takes the owner's patience and abilities to make it that way. just my .02

mike