I didn't get too much response when posting this in the 'Classic' section of the Forum, figured I'd try my luck here.

I like old bikes, and am considering a 67 Shovelhead Electra Glide.

However, I've only owned new Harleys, so I have no frame of reference.

People who are experienced with old bikes tell me that if I were to get one, I wouldn't enjoy riding it, as they feel antiquated and uncomfortable when compared to a modern bike.

Are old bikes really that much of a chore to ride (stiff clutch, poor handling, lack of power, etc.)?

Thanks

 

There great bikes and alot of fun, they just require a little more maintenance. Old shovels like running 60-65 mph down the highway, not 80mph like the new bikes. The worst thing about old shovels is they usually have been worked on by everybody, so sometimes it takes awhile to get the bugs out. I have a 72 rigid shovel, kick only jockey shift bike that I love and would never sell!

 

It's like comparing my 60 TBird to a new Mustang, or Crown Vic (Just to use Ford's as an example)

The 60's FL's were slugs in their day (50 HP?)
The springs were soft. Drum brakes.
I never had an FL Shovelhead (rode a few of em)

I had 2 FX's, a 74 and an 84. I still say the clutch's in those were superior to ANY Evo, Twincam, Sportster, whatever. Just don't let oil build in the primary.

Now with some updates you could have a good bike, BUT, it's still a 65 mph motorcycle (cruising speed)

If I could have an "extra" bike as a toy, it would be a Shovel.

I would recommend an 80-84 belt drive FLH.
Or find an 85 or 86 Evo/4sp FXWG and just make it an FLH.

If you just want to ride .. . go newer. Myself,I'm not a big fan of the FI.
I do like throttle cables, not FBW.

 

What year would be the most desirable of the 60's Shovels?

Any year(s) to avoid?

What would you expect to pay for a '67 Shovelhead Electra in excellent, original condition?

Thanks

 

I would LOVE to own a '67 Shovel as that would be my "birthday bike." One day... I ride an "09 Street Glide for my long distance touring, and sometimes around town. However, as you can see in my sig pic, I ride my 1980 74" Shovelhead SuperGlide. I absolutely LOVE this old bike. I am the second owner and with 28K miles on the old girl she runs tight and right. The only engine work that's been done was an Andrews "B" grind cam, along with a .10 over bore. That's it. New gasket all the way around at 19K back in '91. Anytime I want to get out and go for a ride here in my local area, I always take the Shovel. I affectionately refer to her as Elvira and there's just something special about the feeling of rolling down the road on her. It's got the electric start (which works well) but still has the old 4-speed kicker that I use from time to time just to keep the mechanism working. My opinion is that if you get a bike that's in reasonably good condition, you will come to love the feeling you get each and every time you take her out for a spin. There's just no beating this old iron when it comes to the fun factor.

 

The most desirable 60's shovel would be 66, first year of the shovelhead. A mint 67 would probabaly be in the 10,000 range.

 

My shovel isn't that old, it's an '80 80 c.i. fxe-f. It's my around town bike and I love the sound of these old shovels!

 

66-69 shovels are worth the most cause of the generator bottoms....you are trying to compare apples to oranges or night and day

 

If you have a passion for the old bikes, I wouldn't let someone tell you not to get one as long as you are realistic and don't expect it to ride like a new Road King. Personally, I'd love to have something like that. I'd like to get a '65 for the panhead motor and first year of electric start.

 

Having both I have to agree with most of the replys so far. The old rattle traps are great short trip,around town cruisers. Although my street glide is still taking shape,it is becoming more apealing to turn the key and go,even though the shovel is a few clicks quicker .Then again i may be getting old and lazy.Unless you go to a late model rubber mount shovel, mechanically no difference between FL & FX. however in stock form a shovel FL is much more apealing. And yes, the old bikes require more upkeep and attention. Just like the difference between a 67' Impala and a 10' Impala.