82 flh questions
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,613
Likes: 1,606
From: Eastern Ohio
I want to clarify that I'm not knockin on Shovelheads or older bikes. I don't know any of the OP's background. I would hate to deter anyone from buying what truly has potential to be an awesome ride. Nor would I want to discourage anyone from entering the world of Harley Davidson Motorcycles on a vintage bike that they put their own blood sweat an beers into. I'm all for getting more bikes back on the road instead of letting them waste away somewhere.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: nashville
Thanks for all the replies so far. It does have a clear title, no bags or fairings though. I'm interested in it basically to have something to work on throughout the remainder of this winter. Not a complete idiot when it comes to working on a bike, but new to harley. it does run, just need to see what was rigged up on it before I can pick it up
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,158
Likes: 11,249
From: San Diego, CA
Thanks for all the replies so far. It does have a clear title, no bags or fairings though. I'm interested in it basically to have something to work on throughout the remainder of this winter. Not a complete idiot when it comes to working on a bike, but new to harley. it does run, just need to see what was rigged up on it before I can pick it up
I had two shovels and loved them. My '78 was stolen after 2 yrs with 30K miles and I sold my '80 after 9 years with 85K miles.
The '78 was stock, went cross-country, and had no work other than maintenance. The '80 was stock for 3 years and then got a cam, carb, and straight pipes (yeah, I know... I was young). It had numerous 1.5K+ road trips, and only had one problem that needed emergency repairs, that was kind of self inflicted....
Set them up right and a shovel will treat you right.... not as refined as the newer bikes... but that is part of their charm.
While I've grown fond of a fairing, windshield, and radio... if I still had either of my old shovels, other than the comfort factor, I'd ride them anywhere I'd ride my new bikes..!
Good luck and enjoy.....
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 184
From: Indiana, USA
Buy It, Clean it up, replace the wiring, and either ride it or sell it in the spring.
Does it still have the AMF/ keihin carb? S&S Super E is easy and trouble free
Does it have a good rear chain? don't sheap out, replace with a good O-Ring
Doe the final drive sprockets seem in good shape? check the teeth on the rear and front sprocket for excessive wear.
Is it leaking at the front sprocket? James used to make a "Super Nut" to stop the leak
Does it still have the AMF/ keihin carb? S&S Super E is easy and trouble free
Does it have a good rear chain? don't sheap out, replace with a good O-Ring
Doe the final drive sprockets seem in good shape? check the teeth on the rear and front sprocket for excessive wear.
Is it leaking at the front sprocket? James used to make a "Super Nut" to stop the leak
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
Thanks for all the replies so far. It does have a clear title, no bags or fairings though. I'm interested in it basically to have something to work on throughout the remainder of this winter. Not a complete idiot when it comes to working on a bike, but new to harley. it does run, just need to see what was rigged up on it before I can pick it up
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 154
Likes: 24
From: Westbrook,Ct.
My first Harley was a 1976 Super Glide, I loved that bike and went everywhere on it. I still have dreams once and a while that I still have it but just can't find it. Also the Shovels have a sound all there own I was at a place last summer when a guy came in on one and I had my back to him and I told my girlfriend" That bike that just pulled in is a shovel head" no mistaking the sound. Just buy and ride the hell out of it! 1200cc and a 4 speed and it sure got out of its own way I think I rode in 3rd gear just about all the time it was good from about 30-90 it seemed.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: nashville
Buy It, Clean it up, replace the wiring, and either ride it or sell it in the spring.
Does it still have the AMF/ keihin carb? S&S Super E is easy and trouble free
Does it have a good rear chain? don't sheap out, replace with a good O-Ring
Doe the final drive sprockets seem in good shape? check the teeth on the rear and front sprocket for excessive wear.
Is it leaking at the front sprocket? James used to make a "Super Nut" to stop the leak
Does it still have the AMF/ keihin carb? S&S Super E is easy and trouble free
Does it have a good rear chain? don't sheap out, replace with a good O-Ring
Doe the final drive sprockets seem in good shape? check the teeth on the rear and front sprocket for excessive wear.
Is it leaking at the front sprocket? James used to make a "Super Nut" to stop the leak
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Supporter
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,714
Likes: 650
From: San Ramon, Ca
1st thing to chk;
Look for any oil btwn the cyl head & barrel.
80" Shovels were known for hd/gskt issues.
Repl the junk Hitachi starter with the earlier Prestolite.
Dyna S Ign and a Mikuni 40 MM and you will be good to go.
Also, an 82 should be a belt drive. Geared tall.
Cruise @ 70 all day
Look for any oil btwn the cyl head & barrel.
80" Shovels were known for hd/gskt issues.
Repl the junk Hitachi starter with the earlier Prestolite.
Dyna S Ign and a Mikuni 40 MM and you will be good to go.
Also, an 82 should be a belt drive. Geared tall.
Cruise @ 70 all day