Shovelhead Gurus
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Meadville, PA
Shovelhead Gurus
My brother has an apportunity to buy a 73 Shovelhead..has appro 19,000 miles.
He said it smoked "a little bit" when he started it..the guy wants $2,000 for it. I know nothing about shoveheads and neither does my bro. What are the odds that he is probably buying a high maintence troublesome bike. He is looking for bike for a DD not a rebuild project.
I would appreciate any feed back that could help him make a informed decision..
Tom
He said it smoked "a little bit" when he started it..the guy wants $2,000 for it. I know nothing about shoveheads and neither does my bro. What are the odds that he is probably buying a high maintence troublesome bike. He is looking for bike for a DD not a rebuild project.
I would appreciate any feed back that could help him make a informed decision..
Tom
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
Likes: 1,477
From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
A 35 year old bike is gonna have maintenance required. One that smokes on start-up - may or may not mean anything. A '73 year old Shovel for $2k? I'd jump on it so fast the bills would be smokin' worse than the engine! But I'd also be ready to rebuild at least the top end. If you or your bud ain't wanting to be Shovel mechs, then this is definitely time to pass.
Novice
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Fla/Mich
Bendix Carb
Hello, I'm looking for a good condition/rebuildable, not worn out, Bendix carb for a 70-75 year range 1200 Shovel. TomL
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,134
Likes: 146
From: texas
i am definatly not a guru---but you might want to verify its a shovelhead and not an ironhead.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Novice
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Fla/Mich
Here's a true story; I just bought a 1970 FLH last Friday, not all the origianl parts there, missing correct rear fender, has a wide glide style, saddle bags included plus engine and bag guards. I fixed a starter drive, cleaned carb and installed new manifold O rings, bled brakes, re wired the starter button, set points and timing, put in a new battery and took it for a ride. It has a 1984 license sticker, 9767 miles on ther odometer, original dbl white stripe Goddyear Speedgrips, F/R. It's what I call "barn fresh" cosmetically and have a total of $1800.00 spent! They are still to be found guys! TomL
1969 Sprint SS350
1970 FLH
1971 FX
1999 FXR
1999 FXWG
2004 FLHTCU
HD Racing Model/Special Construction
1969 Sprint SS350
1970 FLH
1971 FX
1999 FXR
1999 FXWG
2004 FLHTCU
HD Racing Model/Special Construction
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 314
Likes: 5
From: Albany Oregon
Just bought a 74 FX for $600. The guy said his Dad bought it new, rode it for 2 years. Something happened and He parked it behind the barn. There it sat for 32 years, I bought it and brought it home. It took 5 hours of cutting Blackberries to get it out. Of course everything is shot on it but I did some quick temporary wiring on it, Changed the oil, Put my coil, plugs wires and carb off my 78 on it. I kicked it about 10 times and it fired. It smoked a liitle....well maybe a lot. I then went to drop it in gear and the clutch cable snapped. So thats where stopped. I then proceeded to tear it apart. I am now in the cleaning, rebuilding, replacing, reconditioning stages. From what I have found. It looks like the Key in the tranny mainshaft fell out at one time. found lots of metal in the primary and the clutch basket was messed up. Good clean title though. My wife thinks I am nuts to call a project like this....FUN
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
