Buying my first harley as a shovelhead?
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 228
Likes: 124
From: Atlantic Beach, FL
If you're used to Japanese reliability and know virtually nothing about Harleys, run, do not walk away from that Shovel. Evos and early Twin Cams are cheap and nearly bulletproof. I got my 2002 FLSTCI ( Fuel Injected Heritage Softail) with 14K miles in excellent condition for less than $8K a couple years ago.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 229
Likes: 20
From: Portland OR
This is ridiculous. Shovels are old bikes, and like any old bikes, you need to have some mechanical ability and more importantly, a love for these old bikes. . My '77 runs great and comfortable at 70mph all day, but I maintain it and fix whatever comes up. Twin cams will NEVER have the soul as an old shovelhead. Its a labor of love...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 10,135
Likes: 4,777
From: Sandpoint, Idaho
Not me, with my Rigid I ran 47 tooth rear.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 574
I'm with you Carl. 60 is the sweet spot for my shovels. But then I have a Road Glide for touring and going fast. I know guys are into modifying their bikes but you can't make them into something they're not without a lot of problems.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 10,284
Likes: 7,765
From: West Central FL
Nothing wrong with a Shovelhead. I rode and kept mine running for 36 years and didn't really have trouble keeping up with anybody. It's all in the sprockets. If the other guys wanted to run at 80-90 mph that was fine with me. I get up with them sooner or later somewhere down the line. Remember Shovels were what people rode before Blockheads and Twinkies and now Bubbleheads. And believe me, the EVO was definitely NOT the bike that Harley made so owners could do all their own mechanical work. Where do people come up with this crap???
Whatever you do, base your decision on what's said by people who have owned, ridden and actually know Shovelheads. Not from people who wish they did.
Whatever you do, base your decision on what's said by people who have owned, ridden and actually know Shovelheads. Not from people who wish they did.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,064
Likes: 7,591
From: Poolville
My 77 has a 24 / 37 primary with a 23 / 51 secondary and 60 mph is just about The Sweet Spot on that.... I did the math on a gear ratio calculator and comes out to a 3.42:1... For an old 74"er though it can get up and go... And yeah you better know something about the mechanics of the older bikes...
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