Looking at a 1979 Shovelhead

[Axe56]

*note* the thread was moved. If you are reading this that means it's in the right spot. The discussion began in the intro page and got moved to where it belongs. *

Hello from FL.

I wanted to get the opinion of some people. I currently ride a 2002 Honda shadow spirit 1100. I am looking at moving to a Harley. I found a beautiful 79 shovel that would be within my range if I can work out the $. Any tips or thoughts on that. It's mostly stock. Yes. That means a 4 speed tranny. Some of my riding is highway on 95 sometimes holding 80-90. Will this bike suite my riding? Keep in mind that's not my usual riding. It's usually semi-city at about 40. I just want to make sure it will not fall apart.

Any input would be helpful. Also. If there are threads
for this that would help as well.

And for those interrested, even though it's not a Harley, here is a link to pics of the shadow. Pictures by MetalViper85 - Photobucket

[Dave63]

4 speed or 5 speed, the end ratio is 1:1, so that's not an issue. The issue is, how well has a 30 year old bike been taken care of and can you work on it if it needs work?

Old shovels generally leak due to lack of maintenence. Loose bolts, half-assed work over the years....etc. Needing a valve job isn't uncommon every 20-30K, if it has loud pipes. Shovels like backpressure. People honing cylinders over the years with "drills with honing stones" from Pepboys, leave tapered cylinders. Lifters are hydraulic, but end up as solids, when replaced because they're cheaper. They can make for a noisey valvetrain.

Wiring is another story. Some have a rat's nest for a harness, because people take shortcuts.

I believe a better question is: How well do you know Harley Shovelheads, to go and buy one, and know what to look for or even what you're looking at, or listening to?

A bar hopper is one thing.....having a dependable daily rider is another. If you can't wrench on your own bike, then it's the kind of bike that could drain a wallet fast.

Case in point: I bought a 1995 Evo, Dyna from a dealer, wholesale. It had a whining inner cam bearing, no fluid in the trans due to a leaky 5th gear seal and front wheel bearings that wouldn't have gotten me the 2 hour trip home. I knew all this by looking at it and listening to it. I bought it and trailered it home, only to spend the next year and a half, rebuilding it.

Would I do it again? Yep.... I paid less then Sportster money for a big twin, and now have a reliable bike.... but no labor costs.

[Axe56]

Thank you so much Dave. That does help.

I am going to try to answer as best I can.

As far as wrenching goes, I am not a mechanic, but I can learn fast. If it has to do with taking the engine apart that would not be up my alley, but as far as adjustments that can be done, fluid changes and the such, that I can do.

I have a friend that knows what to listen for and he will be coming with me when the bike is off the lift. I also have a pretty good idea of pinging and other such things to listen for. It was last owned by a guy who kept it in an air conditioned room for six years. Why I have no idea, but whatever. Before him it was owned by an army mechanic. Currently it is owned by one of the guys that works at the local Indian store. And they are the ones working on it, and yes, it runs.

It has 30,000 miles on the speedo, if its the origional speedo or not, I don't know, but the engine and the rest of it that's stock does not look like its been farther than that.

It's currently being made into a bobber. And they are willing to let it go for $5,000.

[Dave63]

Well.....if you have friends who know HD's, that's half the battle. For $5000, that's certainly fair value, if not UNDER value. Sounds like someone may need cash. (seller)

Here's a tip I use when I go buy bikes: Karma.

Sit on it. Turn it on, and if it feels right, and your friend gives it the blessing, then so be it.

If nothing else, it'll be a learning experience for you.

[Axe56]

Thats what I am hoping.

Now it comes down to selling my current bike, getting the $ situated, and making sure the insurance doesnt get jacked up. But I am willing to take my time to get something nice, its all about time.

[XDixiecratX]

Hey AXE if you can afford to keep the 1100 spirit, keep it, they dont make em anymore. Far as im concerned there the best bike ever built, A TANK ! Cant tear em up. And Welcome to the Forum!

[JBONE]

Welcome

[Axe56]

Never thought I would hear that on a Harley Forum.

I would like to be able to keep the Shadow as a reliable bike to have in addition to something else, but I just would not be able to afford it.

It's wierd cause I am not even sure why I want a Harley....I just do.

[ruby4me]

Welcome from Colorado

[Axe56]

Thanks. Also, the 1:1 in the speed? I'm still new at a lot of the tech talk. I know its something to do with gears and ratio, but if someone can explain or point me in the right direction I would appreciate it.

My main concern is if it will be able to make about a 4 hour trip rolling at 80 mph. That will be done at most 2-3 times a year.

Other than that I would like to use it for daily commuting, only around 25 miles per day.

Oh, and here is the info that I could obtain, still not sure on the valve adjustments.

Stock Engine and Transmission #'s match, S&S Carb, 60 weight oil, Exhause gaskets are brand new, no oil between block and heads, no blow by (whatever that means, info would be nice), B&D clutch new with new drybelt, stock frame, 2002 spriner front end, 21" wheel, apes.