'76 Harley possible purchase
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,162
Likes: 1
From: Just South of Detroit, MI
Look over the bike real good and do your homework. If the value of the bike and boat are on par, go for it. The shovelhead and ironhead are both easy to work on and parts are readily available. In spite of what some on here have to say, the "older" stuff can be very reliable and a lot of fun to ride.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,618
Likes: 3
From: Tucson, AZ
Look over the bike real good and do your homework. If the value of the bike and boat are on par, go for it. The shovelhead and ironhead are both easy to work on and parts are readily available. In spite of what some on here have to say, the "older" stuff can be very reliable and a lot of fun to ride.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
I don't know what basis the detractors above have for their opinions, but I loved my 1980 Low Rider. That shovelhead never gave me any problems. I didn't get to keep it very long due to a divorce, but during the time I had it, it ran great. Never Leaked. Had all the power I ever wanted. And like said, never left me on the side of the road.
Your biggest issue is going to be the current condition of the bike. Did the guy take care of it? Is he the original owner? Does he have maintenance receipts? Has it ever been rebuilt? etc., etc., etc.,
I recently looked up several 1980 Low Riders and they are currently going for about what I paid for it brand new. Yet they certainly don't look like new now. And it's going to depend on what you plan to do with it. Build a complete new bike using the basic parts? Or ride it like it is? Definately look up the value before even looking at it. That will give you an idea of what it should be worth. Then when you look at it, start deducting for obvious issues.
Your biggest issue is going to be the current condition of the bike. Did the guy take care of it? Is he the original owner? Does he have maintenance receipts? Has it ever been rebuilt? etc., etc., etc.,
I recently looked up several 1980 Low Riders and they are currently going for about what I paid for it brand new. Yet they certainly don't look like new now. And it's going to depend on what you plan to do with it. Build a complete new bike using the basic parts? Or ride it like it is? Definately look up the value before even looking at it. That will give you an idea of what it should be worth. Then when you look at it, start deducting for obvious issues.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 1
From: Oak Park, IL
When I had my Panhead a lot of the guys I rode with had Shovels. They were the dependable bikes in the crowd and us guys on the old iron were thankful to have them riding with us. As has been pointed out, by now any AMF problems have most likely been fixed, or you are looking at a really low mileage bike which would be cool in and of itself.
The two happiest days of my boat owning period were the day I bought it and the day I sold it! ( It was a 50's vintage ChrisCraft Cavalier ) If the bike meets your needs I say go for it. The value of the bike is going to do nothing but go up at this point.
And for my money the Shovel is the last of the "classic" Harleys, both in sound and looks.
The two happiest days of my boat owning period were the day I bought it and the day I sold it! ( It was a 50's vintage ChrisCraft Cavalier ) If the bike meets your needs I say go for it. The value of the bike is going to do nothing but go up at this point.
And for my money the Shovel is the last of the "classic" Harleys, both in sound and looks.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 595
Likes: 6
From: Detroit, MI
If it looks and runs good I say go for it, I am amazed how many people ride bikes that are 2000 and up models. What happened to all the olds bikes? If you cannot work on your own stuff run from this bike like the plauge.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 378
Likes: 1
From: SC
yea seems like theres a cpl people here, thats never rode or definatly never owned a shovel before thats basiclly all ive ridin besides a 69 iron head sporster, well for them folks you dont know what your missing,ive owned this one here for over ten years and im going for a ride today,and for the folks that own shovels here cool sure ya'll can relate
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
If your boat is worth $6000 are you going to trade for a $3500 bike?
Also this is a pretty old bike and it could have been hacked up over time.
Last edited by 1flhtk4me; Apr 9, 2009 at 07:21 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,642
Likes: 6
From: Forest Lake, Mn
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From:
Old School Rules
If ya want it get it. Who cares what others say about it. I just got a 1977 XLCR 1000 and it has sat for over 25 years. My son and I are gonna rebuild it to original this summer. Cleaned the carb and put a battery in it and foried it right up. Lots of rust from the drag pipes came out but it runs great. Now I need to chase down a few parts for it. Anyone got a right side cover or original dual exhaust? Can`t wait till it is done. Hope not to have more than three grand in it when finished. Yes, I did get it cheap.