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1978 Shovelhead

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Old Nov 20, 2023 | 06:41 PM
  #11  
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If it was pretty much stock I'd say yeah go for it but this looks like a Frankenbike and may well be a can of worms.
If it can't be started as is no way I'd go $3500 on it,just my 2 cts.
 
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Old Nov 20, 2023 | 06:43 PM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by QC
Did it "run when he parked it?"
He said it did.
 
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Old Nov 20, 2023 | 06:46 PM
  #13  
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If the title matches the frame & engine numbers buy it, even if it isn't running, you can part the thing out for that much. Wave $3 grand at him cash.

Here's the deal peeps I watch prices as a hobby I used to make a living at this **** and swap meets in the 80's and baskets in a pile were $1200 to $1500 then. Today bare frames and a pile of parts with a shovel title is $2000+ if you can score one, if it's rolling and most of its there with some extra's $3000 is low end. Beater frankenbikes running are clocking $4500 and up.

The cheap shovel days are gone gents.

That bikes gonna need a lot of work but there's a lot of good used gold on it too, those saddlebags complete are hitting $500 now.
 
Old Nov 20, 2023 | 08:38 PM
  #14  
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Originally Posted by TwiZted Biker
If the title matches the frame & engine numbers buy it, even if it isn't running, you can part the thing out for that much. Wave $3 grand at him cash.

Here's the deal peeps I watch prices as a hobby I used to make a living at this **** and swap meets in the 80's and baskets in a pile were $1200 to $1500 then. Today bare frames and a pile of parts with a shovel title is $2000+ if you can score one, if it's rolling and most of its there with some extra's $3000 is low end. Beater frankenbikes running are clocking $4500 and up.

The cheap shovel days are gone gents.

That bikes gonna need a lot of work but there's a lot of good used gold on it too, those saddlebags complete are hitting $500 now.
Agreed, but I probably wouldn't be interested in it until I heard it run.....or not. Then I'd at least know. Sounds like the OP need all the help he can get.
 
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Old Nov 20, 2023 | 08:59 PM
  #15  
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Originally Posted by AJSHOVEL
Agreed, but I probably wouldn't be interested in it until I heard it run.....or not. Then I'd at least know. Sounds like the OP need all the help he can get.
With me all I need is all the major goods there fairly intact and legit paper, I'll do my voodoo on rest anyway.

Scary for a new guy and his first adventure I'll admit but after you've done it numerous times it's just time and where do I have everything stashed.
 
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Old Nov 21, 2023 | 04:49 AM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by QC
Did it "run when he parked it?"
LOL
They All Did...Hell it was probably "Recently Rebuilt"... by Dennis the Menace!!!!
 

Last edited by Racepres; Nov 21, 2023 at 07:37 AM.
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Old Nov 21, 2023 | 05:02 AM
  #17  
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Looks like an honest bike from back in the day. I would take a punt on it for $3k or so if it has good paper.
It has obviously been messed with cosmetically, but most of them were in those days. Bit of paint, a new seat, front fender and bits and pieces and you got yourself a nice mild custom rider. Of course you don't know what can o' worms is inside that motor and trans but if you can turn it over with that kicker and it has at least some compression, you are off to a pretty good start.
 
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Old Nov 21, 2023 | 06:43 AM
  #18  
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She looks like an FX that someone tried to convert to an FL. Post up the VIN # and people here can identify. Is there a back story? Looks like someone loved her about 10 plus years ago, then she got parked. Parked and neglected can be over come, parked because she blew up is another affair, back story sometimes helps. I agree about the paper work being everything. Frame and motor case numbers MUST match and then of course match the paperwork.

Kick her through, she should resist. If it does not kick through at all, or kicks through with no resistance you might want to walk. But if you get some good huffing and puffing, it is still just a motor. Good luck.
 
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Old Nov 21, 2023 | 07:08 AM
  #19  
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I have bought many just like that one - sometimes you get a gift sometimes you dont - at 3000 todays money for your first harley adventure y not

DO NOT take it apart till you get it to run and ride it < this is the start spot for you as you never been involved before

Pictures to come

cam cover known as the nose cone right side lower engine - take out the 2 small 9 and 3 o’clock screws Allen’s what ever picture up whats in it

the engine oil tank is empty and the engine vent will make a real oil mess when kicking it you WILL need a pan under the back f the engine to the rear tire no telling its hose location

pull the spark plugs and poor in some marvel misery oil found at Walmart red colored bottle - this will help in its first start to keep from hurting it - now kick it over 10 times twice a day every day till you get a look in the gas tanks to see what condition - gas left in it is common and awfull to clean but part of the learning curve

of gas is bad an will be - in it then the carb and tanks need not if need cleaning real good with now hoses

report what you find and pictures is you keep to real help

oh yea speel check sucks on this site
 

Last edited by johnjzjz; Nov 21, 2023 at 07:12 AM.
Old Nov 21, 2023 | 11:14 AM
  #20  
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Note the power steering coil mounted as an oil cooler
Ahh, the good old days
 
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