Shovelhead Years / Models
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,725
Likes: 193
From: South
In 1970 and onward the vin was assigned to the frame, the engine came with a matching vin but it was the frame the cops would now pay attention to. 69 and earlier it was only on the engine. So 1970 and newer you can put any engine in it you want with no legal hassles. Some buyers care and others dont, sounds like you dont so go for it and buy the few odds and ends required to move the control back on the left side or move the right forward.
I think you're referring to 1968 up in the thread with 68 frame and a cone engine. That one is out.
The 1983, the last bike posted here, has the original 1983 frame. So it should have the vin on the frame. But since the case has been changed no vin on the engine. Do these have vin on tranny as well?
Also, I am curious how the control mismatch happened. Is that something that you need to fix After swapping the engine case? I am guessing the guy put in the S&S case and it was just easier to move the controls forward ??
Last edited by OddJack; Oct 11, 2022 at 07:16 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,604
Likes: 3,375
From: Cental, MI
In 1970 and onward the vin was assigned to the frame, the engine came with a matching vin but it was the frame the cops would now pay attention to. 69 and earlier it was only on the engine. So 1970 and newer you can put any engine in it you want with no legal hassles. Some buyers care and others dont, sounds like you dont so go for it and buy the few odds and ends required to move the control back on the left side or move the right forward.
The problem is - The frame is a 1968 - the engine is a 78 ?? Prior to 1970 the Vin was on the left hand motor case - the title goes with the engine - no vin numbers on the frame. After 1970 the Vin was moved to the frame down tube and the title goes with the frame. Nothing to title on that one - Some will attach the title to the engine - take your chances with that one - it's not legal
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 9,511
Likes: 13,826
From: Pa.
So that last bike cannot have matching numbers because the case has been changed, correct?
The numbers are on the frame, tranny and the engine case?
Professor Fate, If the S&S is better than the stock, why search for a bone stock one? I am not a collector, I want to use it as a project. I see many people here obsessed with originality, but we have to accept, many of the after market parts have newer and better technology and are more reliable. I would say unless a bone stock shovel has very low miles, say under 25K, the stock engine doesnt matter.
And, I hadnt notice it has middle brake pedal and forward shifter, how the hell did that happen??
The numbers are on the frame, tranny and the engine case?
Professor Fate, If the S&S is better than the stock, why search for a bone stock one? I am not a collector, I want to use it as a project. I see many people here obsessed with originality, but we have to accept, many of the after market parts have newer and better technology and are more reliable. I would say unless a bone stock shovel has very low miles, say under 25K, the stock engine doesnt matter.
And, I hadnt notice it has middle brake pedal and forward shifter, how the hell did that happen??
While I can appreciate a very original bike, I don't mind one that not as long as it's period correct and/or very tastefully done. Guess it all depends on what you plan to do to the bike as to whether it's a good purchase or not. It also depends on your knowledge so be very cautious.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,125
Likes: 51,446
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
So that last bike cannot have matching numbers because the case has been changed, correct?
The numbers are on the frame, tranny and the engine case?
Professor Fate, If the S&S is better than the stock, why search for a bone stock one? I am not a collector, I want to use it as a project. I see many people here obsessed with originality, but we have to accept, many of the after market parts have newer and better technology and are more reliable. I would say unless a bone stock shovel has very low miles, say under 25K, the stock engine doesnt matter.
And, I hadnt notice it has middle brake pedal and forward shifter, how the hell did that happen??
The numbers are on the frame, tranny and the engine case?
Professor Fate, If the S&S is better than the stock, why search for a bone stock one? I am not a collector, I want to use it as a project. I see many people here obsessed with originality, but we have to accept, many of the after market parts have newer and better technology and are more reliable. I would say unless a bone stock shovel has very low miles, say under 25K, the stock engine doesnt matter.
And, I hadnt notice it has middle brake pedal and forward shifter, how the hell did that happen??
You haven't got a firm idea what you starting with you will never get where you want to be and shops that deal the old bikes can be iffy with dewy eyed newbies and modified machines.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 8,055
Likes: 8,080
From: Canada
There is no vin on the trans case, it'll have a letter / number combo for anti-theft and the frame may have one as well as the lower tree on the front end. They wont match each other and they have no meaning to us other than certain letters were used in certain years which means you can safely say I think its original. But with the original engine long gone who cares? If the seller says numbers matching ask him what he's referring to, should be an interesting answer with a lot of hmmmm.....ahhhhh......you know......
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,725
Likes: 193
From: South
I am looking for a bike that experts approve. At least on the visuals. Photos can tell a lot as you guys have proved.
I never claimed to be an expert or know much about shovels and I have said that before that I am here to learn from guys who lived through those wonderful years of 60s and 70s as riders. I really wish I had that experience.
Now you can
as much as you want.
I never claimed to be an expert or know much about shovels and I have said that before that I am here to learn from guys who lived through those wonderful years of 60s and 70s as riders. I really wish I had that experience.
Now you can
as much as you want.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 4,471
Likes: 3,853
From: Florida
I am looking for a bike that experts approve. At least on the visuals. Photos can tell a lot as you guys have proved.
I never claimed to be an expert or know much about shovels and I have said that before that I am here to learn from guys who lived through those wonderful years of 60s and 70s as riders. I really wish I had that experience.
Now you can as much as you want.
I never claimed to be an expert or know much about shovels and I have said that before that I am here to learn from guys who lived through those wonderful years of 60s and 70s as riders. I really wish I had that experience.
Now you can
as much as you want.
Not much “1970” left
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 4,471
Likes: 3,853
From: Florida
Curious, original or repro from the Harley and the Davidson’s mini series… hard to imagine outta 80 reproduction 20’s-30’s board track racers, all but a handful were abandoned in Romania.. they shoulda been auctioned off to collectors.
Last edited by Rains2much; Oct 11, 2022 at 04:30 PM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 10,289
Likes: 7,773
From: West Central FL
1977 was tops. After the '76 production ended the factory retooled. Castings were not as porous, cutters were sharper, holes were spot on, machined parts had tighter specs, overall fit and finish was improved and there were a few engineering changes that improved quality. It was a very good year. I bought mine from a friend in 1980 and kept it for over 37 years.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,725
Likes: 193
From: South
From the descirption:
All numbers match
Updated RIVERA clutch,
Inner primary case,
All seals replaced,
S &S carb,
New tires,
Dyna 2000 ignition,
Oil cooler
Runs great
Talked to the owner, all work done by Harley / Indian shop. Wont go lower than $8300. Two extra seats probably worth $500