1973 FLH questions

[oldroadie]

Without starting a discussion of the engine design and subjective declarations of which motor might be "best" could I just get some pros and cons as to the acquisition of this model Shovelhead? It looks to have been garage kept and in pretty good condition with tolerably low mileage (that's to be determined).

Any pointers before I ride 125 miles to take a look and maybe barter with the current owner?

[Dave63]

1973 was the first year for both front and rear disc brakes. 1972 was disc front, drum rear.

See if the original chain oiler still works. It's a good item to have. A lot of guys turn it off, then isolate the primary, and seal it off, running separate primary oil. It's not a bad mod, but takes away from originality.

Check for steering head play.

Check for matching numbers with the frame and engine. There will be an OPEN STAR in front of and after the VIN number on the engine.

Look for exhaust leaks at the heads, where the single bolt pipe meets up with it.

Make sure the harness isn't a rat's nest.

Make sure the internal throttle (if it still has one) works feely.

Look in the tank for flakey rust and crap. If it's been "Kreame'd", make sure it's not pealing like a bitch.

Make sure the tank mounts aren't broken or cracked.

Look for strange welds on the frame.

Outside of that........ if it feels tight, runs good, doesn't smoke, and the karma's good.....haggle.

[1984 FLHS]

I agree with all Dave says.

The front tank mounting tab was a well known failure.

You'll know right away if it's been taken care of or beat and pieced together.

Let us know what you think if you deside to go look at it. Good Luck

[oldroadie]

I realize that you really can't tell a lot from a internet photo but this looks (to me, judging from the rack on the rear fender) like it may have been a police bike at one time:

[Dave63]

You can buy that rack for any bike. Not saying it wasn't a police bike, but the title should reflect that. I believe police issue bikes had a different vin, or a letter that denotes it was a police bike, as in an FLP model, or FL Police Special.

I don't believe aluminum wheels were available until the late 70's on the FL models, if I'm correct. Looks nice though. Not original.

The original carb will be a Bendix/Zenith.

Make sure the speedo says "Harley Davidson" on it, or it's a repop and the mileage may be incorrect.

1973 was also the first year for the square rear swingarm.

[oldroadie]

Originally Posted by Dave63

You can buy that rack for any bike. Not saying it wasn't a police bike, but the title should reflect that. I believe police issue bikes had a different vin, or a letter that denotes it was a police bike, as in an FLP model, or FL Police Special.

Yep, their ad should state FLHP is it's an old police bike but I really can't judge anything without the VIN. In any case, I got a pretty negative vibe from the seller so I'll likely give this one a pass and go back to work on Ol' Shakey and see if can finally sort her out.

[Badassbrutus]

Speedo I belive say police to for calibrated for issueing tickes for speeding.

[Jacket4256]

what was negative about it, there is a nice police bike in ky on craigslist about the same year, but I dont know your price range

[oldroadie]

Originally Posted by Jacket4256

what was negative about it, there is a nice police bike in ky on craigslist about the same year, but I dont know your price range

The negative was the salesman returning my call and not waiting for my wife to get me off the lawn tractor to speak to him. Seems he had to get off work exactly on time and couldn't wait. In a buyer's market that's not positive to my way of thinking so I'll just move along.