Shovelhead advise requested
Banned
Joined: Sep 2006
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RE: Shovelhead advise requested
Nice looking shovel. Might have 33k showing on the clock, but from the looks of the pix that scooter has been tore down and completely done over. Chrome rocker boxes, heads look like they were glass beaded or painted, jugs look like new paint, lower end looks real clean, sheet metal repainted, chrome looks new, just to name a few. If the parts weren't replaced with o.e.m. and to origional spec's, you could be playing a guessing game when repairing it.
If you buy a shovelhead, invest in a service manual and a parts manual, they'll pay themselves off in no time.
1984 1/2 was the last yr for the manufacturing of the shovelhead, but a little more then 200 were actually titled as 1985's.
"To own a shovelhead, the thrill is in the journey, not the destination."
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
RE: Shovelhead advise requested
Thanks everyone!
To narrow it all down, Do you all believe that it is not worth buying the shovel if you dont want to be spending money all the time to work/repair it? Also, I really dont want to have to wrench on it more than I ride it. This would be my only bike and I would want to use it as a daily commuter and make small trips(2-8 hours) on the weekends at least once a month.
It sounds like from all the advise that I should go with a newer RK or something like that with the evo?
That bad thing is I love the bike! The looks of it are great! I really like the old school look and definately love the idea of haveing something different than everyone else.
Any suggestions for other Touring models and or years that may have that different look as well as less maintenance/money requirements?
Or, maybe I should just get the bike with the mindset that I will have to do my own wrenching and with time will learn how? What am I looking at for a top half rebuild if I do it myself? On average what are the upkeep cost for the shovel per year?
Thanks again
To narrow it all down, Do you all believe that it is not worth buying the shovel if you dont want to be spending money all the time to work/repair it? Also, I really dont want to have to wrench on it more than I ride it. This would be my only bike and I would want to use it as a daily commuter and make small trips(2-8 hours) on the weekends at least once a month.
It sounds like from all the advise that I should go with a newer RK or something like that with the evo?
That bad thing is I love the bike! The looks of it are great! I really like the old school look and definately love the idea of haveing something different than everyone else.
Any suggestions for other Touring models and or years that may have that different look as well as less maintenance/money requirements?
Or, maybe I should just get the bike with the mindset that I will have to do my own wrenching and with time will learn how? What am I looking at for a top half rebuild if I do it myself? On average what are the upkeep cost for the shovel per year?
Thanks again
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 365
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
RE: Shovelhead advise requested
I assume from your location, and post you are presently serving in the military.
I also assume you are a young man. I can tell you are in love with this bike.
I don't blame you it looks nice. I don't know the location of the bike.
There may be dealers and companies that will do an inspection on motorcycles.
Cost depends on the location, and what they do. If you private email me the
details. I will check and see if this service is available in that area, and the cost.
I will email you what ever informatiom I come up with. I am happy to help someone
who is serving his country. It may cost much less to pay for an inspection than
make a big mistake. Let me know if I can help.
I also assume you are a young man. I can tell you are in love with this bike.
I don't blame you it looks nice. I don't know the location of the bike.
There may be dealers and companies that will do an inspection on motorcycles.
Cost depends on the location, and what they do. If you private email me the
details. I will check and see if this service is available in that area, and the cost.
I will email you what ever informatiom I come up with. I am happy to help someone
who is serving his country. It may cost much less to pay for an inspection than
make a big mistake. Let me know if I can help.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,499
Likes: 3,717
From: Santa Klaus County, Cali
RE: Shovelhead advise requested
wrtnaz...do not let the naysayers deter you! An older shovel properly maintained will give you years of service. While not stock, the bike you are looking at certainly seems to have been well maintained. Yes...shovels do need regualr service/maintenance. That being said, what you will be owning is way cool and so much more desireable (IMHO) that a newer evo or twin cam. Just purchased a 76 FLH. This is a new bike fro me since my others are older pans. Haven't regretted the decision and am looking to many happy miles on her. Just do it!
Novice
Joined: Aug 2007
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RE: Shovelhead advise requested
Hello wrtnaz,
I would like to say that buying a Shovelhead is not a decision based on common sense but more a decision from the heart. The day I bought my Shovelhead and stepped on it and drove away was one of the best days I have had.
I have owned different bikes and makes but never had so much fun as with my Shovel. I believe that buying something newer then a Shovel willnot give you that much fun. It is the feeling that the bike is giving you (all the vibrations and sounds make the bike alive).
I have driven new Harleys and I won't even consider waisting my mony on a new bike (when it is not a Shovel). For me there are only the Pann's and Shovels. When I go to a rally and see those Yuppie guys driving around on there full dressers I can not help it but smiling to them and thinking "you are not riding a Harley but an enginered peace of metal with a Harley tag.
I know it does not sound respectful to the other HArley ridersbut this ismy feeling.
And Ido believe you must at least have the possibility to tinker on your own bike. After the EVO this not possible anymore, I love oldschool and will never own an EVO or newer!!
IMO I would just buy what I would like and not care for people who saya Shovel needs care, treat it like a woman and you get a lot in return.
Bootsy.
I would like to say that buying a Shovelhead is not a decision based on common sense but more a decision from the heart. The day I bought my Shovelhead and stepped on it and drove away was one of the best days I have had.
I have owned different bikes and makes but never had so much fun as with my Shovel. I believe that buying something newer then a Shovel willnot give you that much fun. It is the feeling that the bike is giving you (all the vibrations and sounds make the bike alive).
I have driven new Harleys and I won't even consider waisting my mony on a new bike (when it is not a Shovel). For me there are only the Pann's and Shovels. When I go to a rally and see those Yuppie guys driving around on there full dressers I can not help it but smiling to them and thinking "you are not riding a Harley but an enginered peace of metal with a Harley tag.
I know it does not sound respectful to the other HArley ridersbut this ismy feeling.
And Ido believe you must at least have the possibility to tinker on your own bike. After the EVO this not possible anymore, I love oldschool and will never own an EVO or newer!!
IMO I would just buy what I would like and not care for people who saya Shovel needs care, treat it like a woman and you get a lot in return.
Bootsy.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,642
Likes: 6
From: Forest Lake, Mn
RE: Shovelhead advise requested
Howdy wrtnaz. Great questions, and great comments. Being an ol' timer (55), and loving to tinker and wrench all my life, I run pans and shovels and just got a 78 FLH from Santa and I am in 7th HOG Heaven. My best friend wanted a Harley last summer, so I found him a freshened 83 FLHT, 80" rubber mount shovelhead with new paint for 7500. The bike looked and ran superb. He rode it 2 months, and went out and bought a Kawasaki Voyager. I am telling you this because he hates getting his hands dirty, he didn't want drips on his driveway, and he said it shook too much. He is what I refer to as a push and go. Push the start button, shift into first, and go. If you are a push and go, check into an Evo, or Twin Cam. They are reliable, need very little in the roadside repair to get home mode, and generally are drip free. But if you enjoy touching and tinkering on your toys, then by all means grab a handful of this shovel and go. I have managed to get and keep my pan drip and trouble free, and the FLH will be a roadwarrior when finished. But I spend countless hours in my grudge. With the new metals and new technology out there,ol' pans and shovels can be just as road reliable as an EVO or TC. For a complete rebuild, I have spent less than $350 and more than $6500 (Don't tell her !!!) And I domost of my own wrenching. And with all that, I still tell those who step into a shovel, no matter how I have built them, they do not like being pounded on trying to keep up with a pack, i.e. motorcycle club. The guys who try, put a new top end in every winter.Get yourself a manual, get your shovel, and while learning to enjoy your newtoy, learn to work on it. Nothing like pulling into an event or tavern on a sweet runnin' pan or shovel. On top of all that, it is a nice lookin' shovel.Good luck and God Speed getting home. Viet vet here. THANKS for your time.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,371
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RE: Shovelhead advise requested
ORIGINAL: wrtnaz
Thanks everyone!
To narrow it all down, Do you all believe that it is not worth buying the shovel if you dont want to be spending money all the time to work/repair it? Also, I really dont want to have to wrench on it more than I ride it. This would be my only bike and I would want to use it as a daily commuter and make small trips(2-8 hours) on the weekends at least once a month.
It sounds like from all the advise that I should go with a newer RK or something like that with the evo?
That bad thing is I love the bike! The looks of it are great! I really like the old school look and definately love the idea of haveing something different than everyone else.
Any suggestions for other Touring models and or years that may have that different look as well as less maintenance/money requirements?
Or, maybe I should just get the bike with the mindset that I will have to do my own wrenching and with time will learn how? What am I looking at for a top half rebuild if I do it myself? On average what are the upkeep cost for the shovel per year?
Thanks again
Thanks everyone!
To narrow it all down, Do you all believe that it is not worth buying the shovel if you dont want to be spending money all the time to work/repair it? Also, I really dont want to have to wrench on it more than I ride it. This would be my only bike and I would want to use it as a daily commuter and make small trips(2-8 hours) on the weekends at least once a month.
It sounds like from all the advise that I should go with a newer RK or something like that with the evo?
That bad thing is I love the bike! The looks of it are great! I really like the old school look and definately love the idea of haveing something different than everyone else.
Any suggestions for other Touring models and or years that may have that different look as well as less maintenance/money requirements?
Or, maybe I should just get the bike with the mindset that I will have to do my own wrenching and with time will learn how? What am I looking at for a top half rebuild if I do it myself? On average what are the upkeep cost for the shovel per year?
Thanks again
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 0
From: Snowflake, Arizona
RE: Shovelhead advise requested
Hey...nice mileage, appears very clean,nice bike, and the price seems fair. Here is my take: Shovels are about ready for a rebuild, top end at least, at about your mileage. The reason they did not do well was the oiling system had the oillubrication routed with the motor and primary...bottomline you have clutch dust and primary chain filings in the motor.Also, most of us found that a stock carb and stock points are trouble...so a S&S or Munuki carb made life better, and the points were dumped for an electronic ignition. So, the three changes that a shovel needs are: 1. Oil system: block off primary, 2. Carb, 3 Electronics (hang onto the carb/parts for the future resale). As a 4th item, the stator is subject to failure.
If the above do not bother you, a shovel might work.If not, you might want to do as Bogley said and move forward to an EVO (1985-1999)for the same money, or a little more and you are in the Twin Cam (2000 up) price. On all models make sure the motor number matches(or a shorterabreviated number) the frame VIN. Never take a salvage or reconstructed title.
Good Luck
Hogback
If the above do not bother you, a shovel might work.If not, you might want to do as Bogley said and move forward to an EVO (1985-1999)for the same money, or a little more and you are in the Twin Cam (2000 up) price. On all models make sure the motor number matches(or a shorterabreviated number) the frame VIN. Never take a salvage or reconstructed title.
Good Luck
Hogback
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
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RE: Shovelhead advise requested
Don't know how to say this any other way so here it goes. DOT 5 is most likely what the m/c in question came with/has in its system. DOT 3 should never be mixed with it. My 1980 came with and still runs DOT 5. DOT 5 is a silicone brake fluid. Every early '80's H-D I have ever seen ran DOT 5 from the factory. Have I said DOT 5 enough times to get the point accross?
God bless
God bless
Banned
Joined: Dec 2007
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RE: Shovelhead advise requested
Anyone with fair to average credit can and does own a Harley. They all want to be looked on as a "biker". While not original, this Shovel appears to be a well cared for bike. I would NOT recomend a Shovel as anyones "first bike". If you just "want to own a Harley", PLEASE buy an Evo or TC! Leave this bike to be bought by a true Harley guy (or girl). To a true biker, a Shovel will be the BEST bike you ever own. To a "wannabe" a Shovel will be the BIGGEST MISTAKE you will ever make. You can't just "love the look", you have to LOVE THE BIKE! As a "low life, poor, low rent, sob", I have riden many metrics and always wanted a Shovel. After 35 years of "loving the bike", I have my Shovel and couldn't be happier with her, oil leaks, vibrating mirrors and all. If this is your first bike you will soon like 4x4's, boats, etc, and will never be on 2 wheels again. Harley makes a WIDE range of "Retro" bikes that have the look of a Shovel without all the hassels of Shovel ownership. If you are only committed, and not obsessed, walk away. If you are like me and only a Shovel will do, "LIVE THE DREAM"!
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