I’d be close to $6000. in running order. Hate the color. This FXE is what I’d inquire about first if I was shovel shopping. Too bad there’s not more detail in the ad. Check out this 1978 Harley Davidson FXE Shovelhead shared from the CycleTrader iOS App.

https://m39t6.app.goo.gl/PKT2N

one more

https://m39t6.app.goo.gl/oSpMB

 

the machine in question is a repaint tanks with a 1984 tank decal (gold & black) 1983 were the same decal in charcoal grey & black , its also has the wrong speedometer & the closer you look the more problems you see in the paint & trim it definitively sold for more than it was worth !

 

There's this shovel here in CO, it's a FXE... looks like it's in great condition.

https://www.motorado.com/inventory/d...5718322/H988H8

 

I have one that I originally purchased in 1983 from Rocky Mountain HD in Denver. It was expensive @ $7500 while a regular Wide Glide was about $6000. Sadly I was dumb and did all kinds of mods over the years (young dumb and full of ***).

I suspect a restore problem is going to be the black chrome exhaust and any badging.

 

It’s my understanding that 78 was kind of a bastard year with a few mid year changes that can make finding the correct parts somewhat challenging.

 

Nice to know.

 

The '78 offered in CO is overpriced (at least by west coast standards and we are usually the ones with the highest prices).

Just off the top....it's a repaint and they used the wrong color of blue, seat is later, "1200" emblem is not for FX models; it would have the matte black background w/ "1200" lettering. They did not use zip ties to securing the wire loom to the handlebars (HD used wire clips). Something is definitely wrong with the kicker assembly. From what I have learned FXE models did not come with the ability to use the forward footpegs. One would need to check the frame and motor to see if it started life as an FXE model (it was FXS models that alloed the use of the forward pegs).

 

I was told at the AMCA meet that base FXE and FXEF bikes did not have that plastic finned grill on the ham can either. Parts manual confirms:

 

A beauty that’s the one I was seeing - my link above. I’d be hot to check that one out if I was buying another.
Edit: just saw panz comments. Yes sharp eye👍. However my current 76 has the mount holes up front for highway pegs. My ‘79 had them too.

Taken Spring 1982. My 1979 mostly all stock. Mid controls & hi-way pegs.

My 1979 after it was heavily modded. Forward controls, I wing do that again. Dual belts

Hi-way pegs on the ‘76. Had the mounting bosses stock.

 

I wouldn't pay more than 7-7.5K. You don't know the real condition of the bike. Based on external conditional it's between fair and good.