Hello Folks,
I'm thinking of buying a shovelhead and I'm wondering what to look for or watch out for. I have a lead on an 81 flh for $5500CDN. I haven't checked it out yet because I'm still thinking about it. I already have a 79 Ironhead in my garage, waiting for a new kickstart gear, shifter shaft and a few other parts to arrive.
When I bought the Ironhead, I didn't do my homework so I had no idea what I was getting into. It turned out to be a DIY bike with parts from 57 to 79, and a magneto. So I'm used to working on old iron (and i walk with a limp).
Any advice you guys could give me would be great. Besides checking the numbers and title, what else should I look for?
Does a shovelhead have any basic defects or weaknesses?
btw the going rate around here for a shovel is around $7500-$9000 so at first glance, this looks like a good deal. This one's just in my price range:
http://*******.com/kjncyz

Sorry for all the questions at once but I'd like to make a better deal this time around so, I'm doing some research this time.
Thanks very much for any info.

 

Looks good from the pictures. Too small to see any detail. I don't speak French so I haven't a clue what he says about it in his ad. If you are buying it. Don't pay for it until you are face to face. It's happened before when a price is too good to be true it's not. A shovel well maintaned is a reliable motorcycle. I see he has already installed a kicker which is a real plus. I would stay away from modified motors, Big inch convresions, strokers, etc. You have no idea who did the work or their level of compentance. The closer to stock the more it's worth. I don't think you can go wrong at that price if everything checks out.

 

Hell.. I couldn't even find the picture!

 

Thanks for the info. The seller says he converted it to a belt drive and also added parts from a heritage so I bet it's a bitsa bike like my Ironhead. I think I'll check it out anyway, (even though there's no room in the garage).
Sorry that link got screwed up somehow: http://*******.com/l2bkof
Even if I pass on this one I think I'll go for a shovelhead sooner or later so, I'll comb the forum looking at the problems/solutions to get a feel for what's strong and what's a typical problem. And I guess I'll order the factory manual and parts manual so see how these things are put together.
Anyhow, thanks again for your time.

 

Just my 2. If you are looking at many years & models, buy a book.

There is a lot of information out there, even free on line. It might

be easier to decide on a bike that you like, and will be most likely to

appreciate, then start looking for it. I have a book I bought 25years

ago. It answered many of the questions you have today. It also

gave star ratings for the models most likely to grow in value.

(lol all the stars were wrong)

Filthy seems to be 1 of the most knowledgeable people here.

I read all his posts. I would read his replies closely, if I were you.

 

Good advice, I eventually came to the same conclusion. I started sifting through this forum and I'll also keep my eye out for a good reference book. Something that details the years and models. I'll take my time on this purchase, trying to make a better deal then I did for the Ironhead because this will probably be my last bike.
thanks again.