Thinking about buying a Harley
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
Likes: 1,477
From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: Thinking about buying a Harley
Welcome to da joint. So ya wanna be a cruiser, huh? Time to perfect the low-down wave then! 
Before diving in to a '75 HD, decide how much you enjoy working on bikes. An older Shovel or Sporty requires a lot more attention than any newer Evo Sporty, Evo or Twinkie Big Twin. On the Sporty you're going to be adjusting the solid lifters frequently, setting the points and timing, and generally doing the ol' HD shaker tightening routine. It ain't overwhelming, but if you ain't into wrenching it can get expensive. The Shovel at least started out with hydraulic lifters, but many have been changed to solids. Again, there is a lot more maintenance associated with a Shovel.
If all this ain't scared you off the birthday bike, by all means go for it. Ain't no Evo or Twinkie that sounds like an ol' Ironhead or Shovel.
Before diving in to a '75 HD, decide how much you enjoy working on bikes. An older Shovel or Sporty requires a lot more attention than any newer Evo Sporty, Evo or Twinkie Big Twin. On the Sporty you're going to be adjusting the solid lifters frequently, setting the points and timing, and generally doing the ol' HD shaker tightening routine. It ain't overwhelming, but if you ain't into wrenching it can get expensive. The Shovel at least started out with hydraulic lifters, but many have been changed to solids. Again, there is a lot more maintenance associated with a Shovel.
If all this ain't scared you off the birthday bike, by all means go for it. Ain't no Evo or Twinkie that sounds like an ol' Ironhead or Shovel.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
Likes: 1,477
From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: Thinking about buying a Harley
ORIGINAL: pilot1996
Glad you found us. When you said "cruiser", I was thinking you meant more along the lines of a Road King or an Eltra Glide.
Mac
Glad you found us. When you said "cruiser", I was thinking you meant more along the lines of a Road King or an Eltra Glide.
Mac
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
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From:
RE: Thinking about buying a Harley
Howdy and welcome. What I would do if I was you would be to go to the dealer and find out whick bike feels the best to you. I realize that you are looking for an older bike, but the possibility of renting a bike might help you decide which one is right for you. Like the man said, how you intend to ride it and what you can afford would have a bearing on the type of bike that would be best for you. Good luck on your choice.
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