I have a soft spot for both the Flat head 45 and the Pan. Andthe Indian 80cu in Flat head!

 

I have a Shovel that I ride a good bit. Most people that see it all think it is priceless...however it really is not. In fact most old HD bikes still sell for a good bit less then the brand new bikes. The selection on the old girls tends to be slim, however if you look for a while you can find a great old bike. I am not a fan of the garage/trailer queens.

 

I might be looking for a shovel as my primary bike. I have seen them for sale for a lot less than an evo or newer twin cam. I do everything on a budget and take pride in learning all about things. I will learn to do most repairs myself and find someone who can do the specialized stuff for me. I like my vehicles paid for.

 

I'd have to go with a pan. here is a pretty cool link with some good photos of older Harleys
http://harley-davidson.oldcarandtruckpictures.com/

 

I'm a big shovel fan. Panheads are extremely noisy.

 

69 shovel with generator bottom, my FAV

 

well my shovel is my primary bike but I still have my Indian and my Honda chopper and will have another cruiser after this winter
some day I may break down and buy a twinkie bike like a street glide or something of that nature

 

flatheads are relatively weak. The panhead is most cool, but for a regular rider, the shovelhead is probably more practical, and more affordable, both initially, and to maintain.

 

That link was great. I spent a good 30-45 minutes there.

 

I'd go with an '81 shovel-rubber mount. Best of both worlds-the distinctive sound without the teeth-rattling vibration.