Being on disability, I am trying to build a bike from a basket case I have. Well after checking prices I got to thinking that maybe i will just buy a used bike and at least be riding now. Its gonna take years for me to get all these parts and peices together... I found a used 78 SHovelhead for 5K. Its a little rough but has a lot of potential... I asked a friend of mine to call her dad since he has been into riding for decades. He said that shovel heads are garbage becaue you can no longer get parts for them so if anything breaks you are SOL... Is this true?

I have looked at new bikes and newer bikes and the cost is out of sight to get one of these so the only hope i have is to try and find a used one... Is this true about the Shovel parts???

 

Well My friend, Your Friends Dad is so wrong. In J&P cycles you can purchase complete Shovelhead motors, frames etc. They are becoming the flathead's of yesteryear, actually being sought out for their aesthetic appeal. I ride an 82 FLH (check out my photos under my avatar) It's nothing real great to look at now, but that's nothing a little cash can't solve. It gets me where I want to go when I want to go. The engine and tranny are original components and bone stock. I had the engine rebuilt about 5000 MI ago. I installed HD factory parts with the exception of the Timken bearing set installed in the bottom end. So you can still get parts directly from HD.

 

you better watch your mouth. I know people that whip A$$ for less than that.

 

If you dont want your shovelhead Ill give you my address, shipping will be prepaid.

 

Here is A poem I found on line it speaks for it'self

OL’ TIME SHOVELHEAD BLUES

Only one pipe is puffin’,

But the motor keeps huffin’.

I’m sure the noise is bound to amuse.

The pushrods go on tappin’,

And the rockers keep rappin’.

Think she’s trying to leave me more clues?

The drive-chain’s stretched and clackin’,

Don’t help the guard keeps crackin‘,

Probably me just torquin’ the screws.

The seat is still a cushion

'Cause I do mostly pushin’.

My face turnin’ all funny red hues.

Keep on tryin’ and fixin‘.

Tinker and chance and tapin’

Climbin’ on board and prayin’

Lord, Lord, these dues I’m payin‘.

I got dem ol’ time shovelhead blues.

----------------------------------

Think that red dot’s a stop sign

But I just ain’t got the time.

This here child could use some new shoes.

The clutch is badly slippin‘.

Good thing the tars ain’t grippin’

On all that oil she’s tryin’ ta loose.

The night’s still a mystery.

I ain’t got no lights ta see.

Why does she keep on blowin’ the fuse?

But she’s my piece of heaven

When she purrs like a kitten.

Hell, I can go wherever I choose.

Then I will be rid of them,

And be all but done with them.

Smile for a little while.

Maybe make it one whole mile.

Dem rattyass, ol’ time shovelhead blues.
Written By
Tim Hayes 06/10/2004
jsphhy@adelphia.net

 

I had an '81 Sturgis that was a shovelhead and liked it a lot. You'll have a blast with that thing. Shovelhead parts are easy to get.

Enjoy it!!

dirty

 

No you cant buy parts for a shovel head. It would be my reccomendation that you give me your address so I can pick it up and take it to a scrap yard for you. Of course I will need a little gas money so Ill half the 120 bucks that the scrap iron guy will give me for it with ya

 

You can get parts for virtually any HD motor. Shovels have many outlets for those parts. Get the bike and have fun upgradin it.

 

Darn grunt....almost had me a shovel. I was packing up my pick up, and there you go giving valid advice again.

 

Rode a 73 shovel for 18 years, did a top end on it right after i got it and was still running good when i sold it. Made a lot of changes on it over the years, wide glide, springer, raked, unraked, side car....... Go for it and have fun changing it the way ya want it.
In fact i wish i still had it.