I am looking at getting my first Harley and spotted this Shovelhead. I wanted to get some opinions and advice. I have not looked at it in person yet, hopefully this weekend. It is '78, new topend and seat, runs and rides great according to the po. Asking $5500. Any advice is welcome.

 

How good of a mechanic are you? Shovelheads require TLC to keep them running right. I wish I had the money to get one like you pictured! Make certain you get all the info on the bike, and hopefully can test ride before you buy.

 

Didn't mind working on the bike all the time when I was younger,,,, now I just want to ride and thats Y I have a newer one.....

 

CLEAN!. that thing is cherry. If your looking at a shovel you know what your doing. I'd get it. nice find. The thing about those sleds is, the posers don't got one. Ya, keep a tool kit with you, you will be working on it, but "its a shovel man!"

 

That is a very clean looking shovel i have seen worse looking ones go for higher prices. Get all the info and reciepts and find out if he did the engine work and if not who did. As others have mentioned the shovel is not a bike for everyone it requires maintenance above and beond a new bike to keep it up and running good but if you keep on it and watch it and take care of it then it can and will be a dependable bike. And there is nothing nothing at all like a shovel and nothing that sounds like it.

Dads got a 79 man i love that bike but like said you have to tighten things up regularly and keep on it more than a new bike so if your mechanically inclined and like shovels then get it man.

 

dont no if you really want a shovel

 

Nothing like the sound of a shovelhead with a set of drag pipes. Sweet!

As far as working on them, my first HD was an 82 Shovelhead and it ran good. Very little wrenching. The only time it left me sitting on the side of the road was when I ran out of gas!

Phil

 

Looks like a great lookin scoot. My first Harley was a 1980 Sturgis (Shovel) and it was a killer bike. Ran great not quite as reliable as an evolution or twin cam but it never left me on the side of the road. Might be a bit difficult trackin parts down these days though.

 

Buy it you'll learn alot more than any new twin cam owner will. I owned a 83 and would give anything to have it back.

 

My Dad has a killer '78 Shovel. Beautiful bike, but as others have said, carry a wrench.