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I have found two different shovelhead generator bikes. A 66 and a 68. Going to look at them next week. Is there anything I need to be aware of, or look over, pay very close attention to when I check them out ? Both have been sitting, but turn over.
I have a twin cam now. I know they are different animals. I do my own work, less machine work. I also work on antique tractors, so old iron doesn't bother me.
I would appreciate any advice you are willing to give me.
Thanks,
Pop
Any idea how long they have been sitting? And have they been protected from the elements?
You don't mention if they are custom or original bikes, but if it were me, I'd be looking for as much originality as possible. Frame (pre 1970 frames had no VIN) with round swing arm and drum brakes, sheet metal and engine that matches by year. Look inside the gas tanks with a flash light for rust. Verify the engine cases are number (on bottom of cases) matching. There are several places on the frame that have cast or stamped markings that help identify the build year. If you have a bore scope and are allowed to remove spark plugs, have a look inside the cylinders for condition.
If you can, post some pictures of them as you may have additional questions after seeing them and pics are very helpful identifying smaller details on older bikes.
When I look at old bikes to buy I verify its not a put together bike by checking dates on castings, belly numbers, determine if the vin is legit and of course it has to be titled as what its being sold as. I check forging die numbers on the frame and front end to make sure it matches the date of the title. On those swing arm bikes look for a weld repair to the left rear vertical frame tube above the lower forging. If it has a gusset on it, its been added after the fact. Hearing it run would be nice but sometimes thats not possible so I make sure it turns over and decide how bad I want the bike.
66 should have the petcock on the right tank, a one year mistake they made. 69 the front brake drum will be on the right, 66 on the left.
Lots more to point out but those are the basics for me.
Big difference between a restoration or a rider project in searching for a scooter ... Some of the Shovels biggest problems are previous owners ... Good Luck
Sorry for lack of details. They are both flh models. They are at two different places. One has been sitting for several years. He said it turns over, but hadn't tried to start it.
I don't know how long the other one has been sitting. I don't have any pictures. Both are "word of mouth" so I'm not sure what I'm going to find concerning condition.
Casting numbers were mentioned. Is there a reference book I can get to help with this, or is this what you have found over the years through experience ?
Thanks for the help.
Pop
Sorry for lack of details. They are both flh models. They are at two different places. One has been sitting for several years. He said it turns over, but hadn't tried to start it.
I don't know how long the other one has been sitting. I don't have any pictures. Both are "word of mouth" so I'm not sure what I'm going to find concerning condition.
Casting numbers were mentioned. Is there a reference book I can get to help with this, or is this what you have found over the years through experience ?
Thanks for the help.
Pop
Pre 70 they were all FL or FLH just so you know, FX series hadn't come out yet. As mentioned look real hard the numbers and overall details concerning fit and condition of the major hard parts, aftermarket chicom stuff is pretty easy to spot on the older bikes as they didn't come with a lot of shiney from the factory. More repop stuff on it the more the bikes been monkeyed with over the years and the less it's actually worth. On you get to decide that unless you find somebody with a bit of experience to go with you.
The value of these bikes is in the period correct and complete bikes. Learning how to spot period correctness takes a lot of time and effort.
Rust and scratched paint (patina) do little to bring down the value and if original paint actually increases the value.
Missing parts get very expensive to replace. Look at lots of pictures of the year you are looking at.
Main things to look for are bags, windshield, seats, bumpers, tank badges, Lights, speedometer, bag guards, mufflers, mirrors and handle bars.
As John mentioned the 66' will have the petcock on the right. Both should still have drum brakes.
If they haven't run in a while expect to rebuild the hydraulic brakes and carb and maybe clean out the fuel tank.
Most old shovels preserve pretty well.
Good luck!
Try to find pictures of the old Harley brochures as these are correct bikes. Then find pictures online and try to pick out the parts that are missing or incorrect.
Incorrect bikes are OK, just make sure you know what you are getting and pay the correct amount.
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What to look for ?
