Sovelhead or no?....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 12,878
Likes: 5,449
From: la la land jerzey
we see shovels as a Mans bike - it started its life with a generator, butterfly carb, cables in the bars,and so it was not totally stoneage - electric start- with a kicker was also available - everything about a shovel is - industrial revolution - post second world war - its tough - loud and most of all fixable in the field by those who know more than pushing a button makes it go - if you fit this its all you for life if it dont - no jap copy was ever produced so you cant have one -- just my take - jz
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Novice
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Thanks gents...this has given me a lot to think about. I know what you mean about taking care of little stuff before it becomes big stuff...I certainly try to do that with my cars. I also understand the bad rap that things get that is not always justified...I have a '96 camaro ss and people are always badmouthing the LT1.
What worries me is that there will be little things that I won't know until after I've already got it. I've been hanging around hot rods for a lot of years, so I have a pretty good idea when there is a problem. Someone mentioned cracks in the wheels for example...that is something I wouldn't even know to look for. The exhaust pipe being slightly off...makes me think I'm better off with a newer bike until I can learn more about Harleys in general.
What worries me is that there will be little things that I won't know until after I've already got it. I've been hanging around hot rods for a lot of years, so I have a pretty good idea when there is a problem. Someone mentioned cracks in the wheels for example...that is something I wouldn't even know to look for. The exhaust pipe being slightly off...makes me think I'm better off with a newer bike until I can learn more about Harleys in general.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 9,511
Likes: 13,826
From: Pa.
Daniel, you sound like a pretty mechanical, common sense guy that likes to be "involved" with his rides. A Shovel can be a perfect fit for someone like yourself. Just the fact that you're drooling over that FX says a lot. Good luck whatever you decide.
I suggest, if possible, to ride a modern bike, like a dyna and then ride a shovel. That will tell you immediately.
I suggest, if possible, to ride a modern bike, like a dyna and then ride a shovel. That will tell you immediately.
Advanced
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 63
Likes: 2
From: AZ
I just recently bought my first Shovel (77 Electra Glide). Have been wanting one for over 20 years. I went into it knowing that I would constantly have to tend to her (Mrs. Henry is her name by the way). The first thing I did was have the primary and transmission seals replaced, oil lines replaced, wheel bearings checked and re packed. fork oil replaced, engine oil, transmission oil, new voltage regulator, new tires, adjusted clutch and brakes, packed the saddle bags with any tool that I used on her, 3 quarts of oil, some electrical wire, connectors and tape, push rod corks,my manual and 2-100 bills for parts just in case. Lets not forget some good old fashioned bailing wire. Also tie down straps just in case. I am a carpenter not a mechanic. I have done all the work myself except the inner primary and transmission seals. I find if she has an issue I do not get upset, it gives me an opportunity to get to know her better. Yes its a bummer when you plan to ride but end up wrenching instead, but to me that's fine. Its in my garage and love it either way (wrenching or riding). My lady is amazed that I have the patience that I do. She also sees the enjoyment I have tinkering with it. I say go for it you might be sorry if you do not. 
Advanced
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 63
Likes: 2
From: AZ
I might add that oil soaked cardboard is from working on her. She only drips 2-3 drops from the chain oiler. She does not leak YET! Yes I just knocked on wood! Also that wood under the front tire is so my jack will slide easily under her. If not then the jack will not go.
Last edited by DanMan1; Jul 13, 2013 at 08:25 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 252
Likes: 4
From: POZO, CAL.
+1 As stated before...Take your time looking,if you decide to go with the last true motor Harley built,you won't be bummed ever.............! If you look in most Biker Rags,most show bikes for vintage class are Shovels...........If you get a Shovel,go through it top to bottom,upgrade here and there,and maintain her,every time you go out for a putt, she'll be waiting.............What took you so.........long! SHOVELHEAD TILL THE WHEELS FALL OFF.............
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 12,878
Likes: 5,449
From: la la land jerzey
I just recently bought my first Shovel (77 Electra Glide). Have been wanting one for over 20 years. I went into it knowing that I would constantly have to tend to her (Mrs. Henry is her name by the way). The first thing I did was have the primary and transmission seals replaced, oil lines replaced, wheel bearings checked and re packed. fork oil replaced, engine oil, transmission oil, new voltage regulator, new tires, adjusted clutch and brakes, packed the saddle bags with any tool that I used on her, 3 quarts of oil, some electrical wire, connectors and tape, push rod corks,my manual and 2-100 bills for parts just in case. Lets not forget some good old fashioned bailing wire. Also tie down straps just in case. I am a carpenter not a mechanic. I have done all the work myself except the inner primary and transmission seals. I find if she has an issue I do not get upset, it gives me an opportunity to get to know her better. Yes its a bummer when you plan to ride but end up wrenching instead, but to me that's fine. Its in my garage and love it either way (wrenching or riding). My lady is amazed that I have the patience that I do. She also sees the enjoyment I have tinkering with it. I say go for it you might be sorry if you do not.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 29
Likes: 1
From: Central Illinois
Nothing looks and sounds like a Shovelhead
I have a '79 Ironhead Sportster and a 2008 Ultra, but nothing looks and sounds as good, to me, as my '82 Electraglide Shovelhead. I agree that you have to love wrenching and know a little something about mechanics and electrical to maintain one of these, but most of the wrenching is getting them to run like you want them to in the beginning. Most of the time now, anything that goes wrong is generally a 30 minute or less fix; and the best part is that I can fix it in a parking lot or on the side of the road - can't do that with the newer computer controlled, fuel injected stuff. Just my humble opinion.
