I am new to the Shovel forum but not new to HDforum. Lived in the Sportster forum for the past several years. Had a 2011 fully customized Sportster XL1200L then a factory original 1980 Sportster XLH1000 Ironhead. I just could not get use to the small tank and shift peg on the Ironhead so I bought a 71 FLH Shovel....I plan to use this bike for my daily comuute about 30 mils RT. I believe it is almost all original but has a B S&S and a 96 stroker upgrade.

I am not familiar with Shovels. I have been viewing images but don't know what is factory original and what is not so need all the help I can get.. By these pics, can you tell me what is NOT factory original on this bike. I am finalizing the deal and the bike will be shipped from another part of the state. The seller has the original turn signals. Thanks for any input.

 

lots of things are not original to a 1972 not picking on it - it looks like its been cared for

the 2 top holes on the nacelles' have no bolts usually the top tree threads are stripped out < a dumb a$$ did that
the kicker cover is not a oem original < only FL or a super glide had a kicker not an FLH and the solo is an FL thing the buddy seat an FLH
the battery box is not correct - i cant tell but the shocks Might be 12 inch not 13.5 - and if its running a 23 front sprocket the inner primary will be chewed and even welded already
the front fender might be a re pop no holes for the badges - electra glide on the sides no tail light so ???? rear fender - tanks have the correct badgers but the decals are missing and i don't believe the color is a 1972 available - handle bars are re pop and the center cover is missing
the engine has a bunch of things that are not 72 and you said its a 96 inch not a 74 inch so it matters not

does any of this matter NO, but if you not hearing a stroker run and not driving it in see its in good shape, and bringing someone who knows shovels with you -- good luck

 

Thank you for the response...that is a lot of things that are not original. I know it will never be factory original like my ironhead, but perhaps I can work on the looks towards that end.

Is a 72 that you refer to in your response the same as a 71 FLH (title of this thread)?

I know a couple people at the local dealership that knows the seller and one of them assessed the bike in person...the bike started right up and is in great shape. On a scale of 1-10, 10 being museum quality and 1 being a piece of junk, he rated the bike 7-8.

I know I need to address the oil leak.

 

71 FLH would look a lot more like this . if you get that one at a decent price i'd just ride it and add a few things as you find them . getting it back to original is going to be very expensive .

 

This is a 1971 we restored in my shop back 6 maybe 7 years ago, it was in this picture in the AMCA winners circle exhibit at motorcycle pedia museum 3 of those years, and its still the highest scoring Restored AMF shovel dresser in the country and yes they were close 71 / 72

 

Thanks...a pic of the real deal is just what I needed. Did they have options or did they all come with white bags and white seat? I plan to do things slowly.and change things to improve my riding comfort and safety.

 

congrats! wow awesomely beautiful...thank you. Now I can dream lol.

 

Seller confirmed the VINs are matching. I asked the seller to take a photo of the VIN so I can identify the model. Seems there are a lot discrepancies noted by John so perhaps it is a FL vs FLH. According to the seller, it is "close to all original". Will find out either way. Thanks for the pics and input. Bike has kick and electric start.

 

My 2 cents as the owner of a 1970.

Bike is far from original. But a nice bike regardless. Using John's pic as reference you can see the multitude of non-original parts. And they all cost money to replace. Obviously not original paint and like John said, if original tins, someone welded all the holes closed for the badges, reflectors etc. If you want an original bike, 1971 is out there for about $12k to $18k depending on condition. If you just want a cool Shovel to ride around on, this one could be it for the right price, which to me would be under $10k based on pics.

Get the VIN# and call Harley Museum, they can tell you what the bike started life as, FL, FLH, FX etc. And the numbers on the frame and motor must match, or now it is worth way less, get a pic of both for yourself.

 

you're welcome ! i really don't know about bag and seat colors , my vague recollection is they were all white , but that wasn't a detail i was interested in at the time .