This is on ebay. I do not know what to look for on one of these. I am interested in one, not this one, due to the distance from me and the time frame. It is just an example. From the pictures, can you tell me what to look for ? what's correct ? What is a fair price ? I am an experienced diesel mechanic (32 years) so I'm not afraid to dig into it.
tia,
Pop

 

The bike in the pic is commonly referred to as a "Genny Shovel" and were made from 1966-1969. The one you posted is definitley not stock but looks like it could be a good runner. The early year Shovels (before the cone motor came out in 1970) easily bring 10-15% percent more in market price for west coast sales.

As far as what to look for...that seems to vary.

Most states require the frame and motor to match (began in 1970 models). So I would check your local DMV to see what is required in order to licesne an early model bike in your state.

Next impotant thing is a title that matches the motor and the frame.

After that you need tou decide if you want an FLH model or an FX series bike. There is also the FLT rubber mount Shovels that were introduced around 1980 I belive.

Next up is the decision regarding wether you want a stock, close to stock, or flat out custom bike. In most instances the closer to stock configuration, the better the value, the greater the price. That is generally due to the fact that there are a lot fewer "stock" Shovels around.

What to pay for what you find? That is like a road map sometimes. Prices can go for as low as a couple grand (usually a non-runner) all the way to an asking price in the mid-teens. That said the final price is whatever the seller is willing to let it go for and what the buyer is willing to pay.

Just a suggestion, if you find a bike that interets you, post it up with as many detailed pics as you can. Lots of folks on both the Shovel and Pan forums to throw out an opinion or two. If you go to look at a bike, take someone with some knowledge about Shovels. That way you do not come home with a bike and end up with buyer's remorse down the road.

Lots of folks talk trash about Shovel models, especially the AMF years and will relate a horror story they heard from a friend who told a friend about the one he owned (well, he really didn't own it, he just heard about it one night in a bar drinking with friends). Set the stories aside. If the bike is till on the road and running, if there were major issue at one time, they have been worked out; otherwise it would be in a junk yard wasting away or sold off in pieces already.

Best of luck on your search.

 

if its a good runner id pay around $5000

 

Have had 3 Generator Shovels...2 bone Stock..1 not so much
Do Not miss them at all... But, I do Not miss the Panhead either.. Found my Sweet Spot!!! Now, if I would just leave them Ironheads Alone!!!

 

in the states rubles convert to 15,000 US dollars and that is cheap today for a bike like that one

 

There's one up here for sale for $7500 Canadian.

 

Panz, thanks for your input. I am interested in an flh, close to stock. Not afraid of a project, just don't want to start out with something that's been cobble-housed together. Also, where to find decent parts, hopefully reasonably priced.
Everyone else, thanks for your input and comments as well. Always looking for parts sources.

 

i would look for one that is stock and all there as sourcing parts can be expensive......go through the posts here and you will see a forum member just bought a 79 flh........you will get a good idea as to what is what and what isnt...best of luck with your search

 

Here's an example of one I bought that was far from correct and I made it much more correct.

​​​​​​https://www.hdforums.com/forum/shove...ew-66-flh.html

 

Real Harley parts are becoming more difficult to Source... Mostly Indy's and Swap Meet guys that have the good stuff..
Aftermarket is Crap... Leave that Chinaman Crap for amateurs!!!
Maybe some ebay... but... Be Very Mindful that most sellers have No idea what they have... so of course it is all NOS!!!!!
Spend all at once... or a little at a time... still probably end up the Same Money... in fact as with anything from Parts... The Parts are actually worth More than The Whole!!!