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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Dave Swanson on July 04, 2020, 09:09:09 PM

Title: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: Dave Swanson on July 04, 2020, 09:09:09 PM
An old buddy of mine is resurrecting a 68 FLH and has been bugging me to get my 69 out of hibernation so he can look it over as a reference.  I had it so packed in with the other bikes he wasn't limber enough to look at it.   :grin:

(https://i.postimg.cc/kGCTvkdS/IMG-3276.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/N9N8gCFG)

It took me half the morning to extricate it but I got it out, checked over a few things, gassed her up, and she fired right up after about 5 years in storage.  This is the sweetest running bike!  100% original, 17K miles.  I am going to have some fun with it again this summer!  This is the best sounding HD that I have.  I think it even sounds better than my 56 Pan which is hard to beat. 

(https://i.postimg.cc/7ZtQrsgv/IMG_7020_(2).jpg) (https://postimg.cc/G4Yjkj7z)

Here is a short video of my buddy riding it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jBnrB5TzvI
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: oldbike54 on July 04, 2020, 09:25:02 PM
 :thumb:

 Dusty
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: moto-uno on July 05, 2020, 01:43:57 AM
  Shovelheads and BSA's are pretty much responsible for my adult life being spent as a motorcycle mechanic  :azn: , Peter
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: cookiemech on July 05, 2020, 04:42:43 AM
Just beautiful! Every day on my 4-mile walk I go by my friend's place, and if he happens to be in his garage, I have the pleasure of seeing his 1976 FLH and his 1958 Pan, both clean stock bikes (he has at least six other antique H-Ds). Nothing like that look, or that sound.
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: kingoffleece on July 05, 2020, 05:06:31 AM
I had one shovel, an AMF, and it was fantastic.  Rode it all over the east.
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: Ncdan on July 05, 2020, 06:56:50 AM
Here’s my first shovel head and the last HD WSPD ever has used on the street.
(https://i.ibb.co/zVgRHhK/C2-A227-FD-4619-4828-B97-E-65730-E504-F07.jpg) (https://ibb.co/zVgRHhK)
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: Sykestone8886 on July 05, 2020, 07:09:13 AM
Great looking bike !!! I have a73 Flh that I've ridden cross country a couple times with little to no problems. Nothing like the sound of a well tuned 74.
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: bsanorton on July 05, 2020, 07:13:29 AM
Beautiful Triumph and K (?) model HD...The shovel was my 1st Harley in 1985', owned a 1978 1/2 FXS, mid year change from 1200 to 1340. Taught my a lot, had been riding Tridents and Norton's before that. Always had a Norton in my garage. My 2nd and much improved was a 83' FLHT, rubber mounted 5 speed.   
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: pressureangle on July 05, 2020, 07:31:03 AM
Best engine I ever built was an '82 FXR 5 speed shovel. 96" S&S kit, stock head and case castings; RHC extreme head mods, Andrews 'M' cam, Super D carb, home made 2-1 exhaust. 60 lbs-ft of torque by 1200 RPM, 113 RWHP @6500RPM.
I used to go out to the Saturday night street races, where the Jap bike guys would negotiate a spot with the H-D guys (because they had money to take and that required a spot) I'd tell them "When you see me go, you go. I don't need a length". (of course, that's at least a half-second) The bike would run 10:50s, so they had to run better than 10 seconds on a dirty street to win. Few with a bike that fast could ride it that well, and my tractor would do it on a dirt road carrying the front wheel through second gear. Good old days.
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: Dave Swanson on July 05, 2020, 07:36:21 AM
Here’s my first shovel head and the last HD WSPD ever has used on the street.
(https://i.ibb.co/zVgRHhK/C2-A227-FD-4619-4828-B97-E-65730-E504-F07.jpg) (https://ibb.co/zVgRHhK)



Very cool picture!  Winston Salem PD?
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: cliffrod on July 05, 2020, 07:38:35 AM
That sure is a great looking bike, Dave. 

I realize this would be cooler with a generator shovel like yours doing the honors, but here's a little entrance music....
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tX6S6gY_njY (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tX6S6gY_njY)
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: Dave Swanson on July 05, 2020, 07:50:46 AM
That sure is a great looking bike, Dave. 

I realize this would be cooler with a generator shovel like yours doing the honors, but here's a little entrance music....
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tX6S6gY_njY (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tX6S6gY_njY)

That was great!
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: JJ on July 05, 2020, 08:11:10 AM
Nice looking ride! :thumb: :cool: I have been told my several of my HD enthusiast riding buddies that, in the future, these old Shovelheads will appreciate in value like the Knucklehead's and Panhead's of today....but probably not in my lifetime... :wink:


(https://i.ibb.co/X8XM9Jn/Screen-Shot-2020-07-05-at-6-08-48-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/X8XM9Jn)
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: Ncdan on July 05, 2020, 08:33:17 AM

Very cool picture!  Winston Salem PD?
👍
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: JJ on July 05, 2020, 11:47:43 AM
This ol' 56 Hydra-Glide Pan listed on BAT (Bring-A-Trailer) now appeals to me... :cool: :boozing: :thumb: :smiley:


(https://i.ibb.co/NZ2R6wF/Screen-Shot-2020-07-05-at-9-45-46-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/NZ2R6wF)
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: Lannis on July 05, 2020, 11:53:48 AM
This ol' 56 Hydra-Glide Pan listed on BAT (Bring-A-Trailer) now appeals to me... :cool: :boozing: :thumb: :smiley:


(https://i.ibb.co/NZ2R6wF/Screen-Shot-2020-07-05-at-9-45-46-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/NZ2R6wF)


I rode a '54 one of those for many years ... If you accept and work with the limitations of drum brakes and a rigid rear, there's not a thing they won't do or a place they won't go, as our parents and grandparents proved over and over again.   Reliable, easy to work on, absolute conversation starters ...

Lannis
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: garbln on July 05, 2020, 02:33:51 PM
What year is the KHK, 55 or 56?  I have a 56 KHK a really fun rider and the best looking street Flathead they ever made!
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: Yeahoo Whoyah on July 05, 2020, 03:09:36 PM
Years ago I bought a low milage 1980 FLH 80" from the original owner.  Actually the widow of the original owner.  I rode it for 6-months and sold it for more than I paid for it, which was common in the mid-1990's.  I think it used about a quart of oil every 250-miles.  I'm not a member of the "Shovelhead Lovers" club.  The replacement Evo was a much better engine IMO.
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: GeorgiaGuzzi on July 05, 2020, 03:25:31 PM
Not a HD anything lover by any means. (Except maybe a 1200xr)

Anyway, that doesn’t mean I shun all things HD. I even have a friend that loves them. Here is a pan/shovel (I think) he picked up yesterday. Traded a HD Hack for it.


(https://i.ibb.co/9q2zRBZ/C6144343-6-EB7-4-DB7-86-F9-470-A41-A6-FDB8.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9q2zRBZ)
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: RHAT on July 05, 2020, 03:33:19 PM
My shovelhead has been covered in a corner since I bought the Norge.
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: Tom on July 05, 2020, 04:10:42 PM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harley-Davidson_Shovelhead_engine
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: Tom on July 05, 2020, 05:06:02 PM
Best engine I ever built was an '82 FXR 5 speed shovel. 96" S&S kit, stock head and case castings; RHC extreme head mods, Andrews 'M' cam, Super D carb, home made 2-1 exhaust. 60 lbs-ft of torque by 1200 RPM, 113 RWHP @6500RPM.
I used to go out to the Saturday night street races, where the Japanese bike guys would negotiate a spot with the H-D guys (because they had money to take and that required a spot) I'd tell them "When you see me go, you go. I don't need a length". (of course, that's at least a half-second) The bike would run 10:50s, so they had to run better than 10 seconds on a dirty street to win. Few with a bike that fast could ride it that well, and my tractor would do it on a dirt road carrying the front wheel through second gear. Good old days.
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: Ncdan on July 05, 2020, 05:16:14 PM
Years ago I bought a low milage 1980 FLH 80" from the original owner.  Actually the widow of the original owner.  I rode it for 6-months and sold it for more than I paid for it, which was common in the mid-1990's.  I think it used about a quart of oil every 250-miles.  I'm not a member of the "Shovelhead Lovers" club.  The replacement Evo was a much better engine IMO.
You are exactly right about the oil consumption. My police bike used a full quart every other day. We didn’t even change the oil on a regular bases as it always had fresh oil in her.
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: Dave Swanson on July 05, 2020, 05:23:15 PM
What year is the KHK, 55 or 56?  I have a 56 KHK a really fun rider and the best looking street Flathead they ever made!

It's a 56.  I restored it from the worst looking pile of rubble you ever saw.  The pile had a few things going for it.  It had a completely worn out, but not busted engine, the correct 1 year only frame, and a title.

It took 6 years of searching diligently for parts, but this is what it looks like today.  And now has made it to  AMCA Winner's Circle.

(https://i.postimg.cc/1zKQBcHt/khk-014.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/HJjRsMFD)
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: Sykestone8886 on July 05, 2020, 05:30:51 PM
She's a beauty !!!!
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: pressureangle on July 05, 2020, 06:06:27 PM


Seriously?
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: Gappy on July 05, 2020, 06:55:12 PM
Smoothest bike I got, will take it anywhere  83 flht
(https://i.ibb.co/9pZGWLY/65-B89-D7-E-2-FD2-4774-81-B5-DB903-BE1-A89-C.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9pZGWLY)
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: JJ on July 06, 2020, 07:50:29 AM
It's a 56.  I restored it from the worst looking pile of rubble you ever saw.  The pile had a few things going for it.  It had a completely worn out, but not busted engine, the correct 1 year only frame, and a title.

It took 6 years of searching diligently for parts, but this is what it looks like today.  And now has made it to  AMCA Winner's Circle.

(https://i.postimg.cc/1zKQBcHt/khk-014.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/HJjRsMFD)

That is one stunning vintage Harley!!! :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :cool: :cool: :cool:
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: Ncdan on July 06, 2020, 08:20:18 AM
If any of you guys ever get to NC there is a Harley museum in the little town of Ashboro near where I live. It’s just a little dive of a building where one can go to get a burger or dog and the entire upper floor of the large building is full of old harleys, pans, knuckles, EVOs, parts and pictures. The cost, a bucket at the bottom of the steps for donations.
Contact me and I’ll be glad to ride with you to visit.
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: cliffrod on July 06, 2020, 09:40:27 AM
If any of you guys ever get to NC there is a Harley museum in the little town of Ashboro near where I live. It’s just a little dive of a building where one can go to get a burger or dog and the entire upper floor of the large building is full of old harleys, pans, knuckles, EVOs, parts and pictures. The cost, a bucket at the bottom of the steps for donations.
Contact me and I’ll be glad to ride with you to visit.

That's good news. I didn't know they were still operating.  when I went to Seagrove last fall, I saw their old service station location looked like it had been demolished & rebuilt into something else.   2-3 yrs ago, I thought one of the local amca members bought a nice 75 FLH that they had on display at their museum.  That plus seeing the location gone/rebuilt led me to think they had just gone away.  That was a bummer.

I had met them around 09 and invited them to our rally.  Good folks.  They came at least 1-2 times with their logo trailer and a few bikes. 
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: Ncdan on July 06, 2020, 10:47:17 AM
That's good news. I didn't know they were still operating.  when I went to Seagrove last fall, I saw their old service station location looked like it had been demolished & rebuilt into something else.   2-3 yrs ago, I thought one of the local amca members bought a nice 75 FLH that they had on display at their museum.  That plus seeing the location gone/rebuilt led me to think they had just gone away.  That was a bummer.

I had met them around 09 and invited them to our rally.  Good folks.  They came at least 1-2 times with their logo trailer and a few bikes.
Cliff, I was there back in the spring and they were open. I think the service station has been gone a few years now, that was beside the museum/restaurant. Give me a holler the next time you are in the neighborhood and we’ll go get a burger and look at some US history.
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: cliffrod on July 06, 2020, 11:45:48 AM
Cliff, I was there back in the spring and they were open. I think the service station has been gone a few years now, that was beside the museum/restaurant. Give me a holler the next time you are in the neighborhood and we’ll go get a burger and look at some US history.

I would really like to do that, Dan.  The bronze foundry I use is in Seagrove. I only do occasional sculpture work in bronze.  But whenever I do go, it's far enough away that I like to find worthwhile things to do.   It would be much better to connect with you than to spend more time and $$ at that big Army Surplus store down the road from the museum. 

Will definitely keep in touch.
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: john fish on July 06, 2020, 09:07:39 PM
Interesting Shovel on BAT.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1984-harley-davidson-xlh-1000/

(https://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/1984_harley_davidson_xlh_1000_1592943923acc551d4c7ed257e67078356-8AB5-45DD-9A8F-1F3A38FD6DEA.jpeg?w=940)

Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: JJ on July 06, 2020, 09:28:59 PM
Interesting Shovel on BAT.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1984-harley-davidson-xlh-1000/

(https://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/1984_harley_davidson_xlh_1000_1592943923acc551d4c7ed257e67078356-8AB5-45DD-9A8F-1F3A38FD6DEA.jpeg?w=940)

I saw this as well...and I LIKE it!  "The CLASSIFIED" - - there is one in the Buddy Stubbs Museum in Cave Creek, AZ. :thumb: :cool: :smiley: :wink:
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: Lannis on July 06, 2020, 09:39:42 PM
Interesting Shovel on BAT.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1984-harley-davidson-xlh-1000/

(https://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/1984_harley_davidson_xlh_1000_1592943923acc551d4c7ed257e67078356-8AB5-45DD-9A8F-1F3A38FD6DEA.jpeg?w=940)

Not really a "shovelhead", being an xlh an' all, but it's a pretty bike.   I'd love to know how it runs and handles; it has that classic look to it ...

Lannis
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: cliffrod on July 06, 2020, 10:02:28 PM
Interesting Shovel on BAT.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1984-harley-davidson-xlh-1000/

(https://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/1984_harley_davidson_xlh_1000_1592943923acc551d4c7ed257e67078356-8AB5-45DD-9A8F-1F3A38FD6DEA.jpeg?w=940)

That's a purchased kit/package to dress a sportster like a Vincent. Some discussion here- http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1867035 (http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1867035)


Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: john fish on July 06, 2020, 10:24:07 PM
An Ironhead and not a Shovelhead?  Sorry, I'm no Harley expert.
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on July 07, 2020, 06:58:57 AM
Nice hawg, Dave.  :smiley: I'll give you a dollar for that lathe.. :cool:
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: Dave Swanson on July 07, 2020, 05:14:53 PM
This 69 FLH is my favorite non Guzzi classic bike.  Not only does it run like a top, it is a sentimental favorite also. 

My wife, Gayle went with me to pickup the bike on Long Island, NY in March of 2003.  She was wheelchair bound, but was doing pretty well.  She could still talk back then.  She enjoyed getting out, seeing some of the country, and having a chance to have a long talk.  We didn't know it at the time, but this was to be her last road trip.   

The trip started out easy with beautiful weather, but the return trip greeted us with a white out blizzard in Ohio and steadily dropping temperatures.   There were challenges other than the weather, but perhaps I will share another time.   

You can see Gayle's (and my) memorial in this picture.  If you were to draw a vertical line from the end of the right saddle bag, it is the new looking light granite stone.  This bike is a keeper.
(https://i.postimg.cc/4yK9VXBw/IMG-7043-1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/PvjJknG8)

(https://i.postimg.cc/8cdjCrsQ/thumbnail-IMG-6963.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7J6xshgm)
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: cliffrod on July 07, 2020, 05:49:24 PM
This 69 FLH is my favorite non Guzzi classic bike.  Not only does it run like a top, it is a sentimental favorite also. 

My wife, Gayle went with me to pickup the bike on Long Island, NY in March of 2003.  She was wheelchair bound, but was doing pretty well.  She could still talk back then.  She enjoyed getting out, seeing some of the country, and having a chance to have a long talk.  We didn't know it at the time, but this was to be her last road trip.   

The trip started out easy with beautiful weather, but the return trip greeted us with a white out blizzard in Ohio and steadily dropping temperatures.   There were challenges other than the weather, but perhaps I will share another time.   

You can see Gayle's (and my) memorial in this picture.  If you were to draw a vertical line from the end of the right saddle bag, it is the new looking light granite stone.  This bike is a keeper.
(https://i.postimg.cc/4yK9VXBw/IMG-7043-1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/PvjJknG8)

(https://i.postimg.cc/8cdjCrsQ/thumbnail-IMG-6963.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7J6xshgm)

That's a great picture and a very nice memorial, Dave.  I am thrilled to see your and Gayle's stone.  Thank you very much for posting it.
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: bigbikerrick on July 07, 2020, 05:58:33 PM
It's a 56.  I restored it from the worst looking pile of rubble you ever saw.  The pile had a few things going for it.  It had a completely worn out, but not busted engine, the correct 1 year only frame, and a title.

It took 6 years of searching diligently for parts, but this is what it looks like today.  And now has made it to  AMCA Winner's Circle.

(https://i.postimg.cc/1zKQBcHt/khk-014.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/HJjRsMFD)

Thats alot of oid Dan! , Man I bet it kept your boots nicely oiled!
Rick
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: Tom on July 07, 2020, 08:33:46 PM
Seriously?

Seriously.
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: JJ on July 08, 2020, 09:38:05 AM
The ol' Hydra-Glide went for $15,000 (+ 5% Buyers Premium!!) :rolleyes: :shocked:


(https://i.ibb.co/XLvkSBZ/Screen-Shot-2020-07-08-at-7-35-10-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/XLvkSBZ)
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: Lannis on July 08, 2020, 01:25:43 PM
The ol' Hydra-Glide went for $15,000 (+ 5% Buyers Premium!!) :rolleyes: :shocked:


(https://i.ibb.co/XLvkSBZ/Screen-Shot-2020-07-08-at-7-35-10-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/XLvkSBZ)


That's down in the territory where I might buy another one!   I've not seen one for that money in a while.

Lannis
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: JJ on July 08, 2020, 04:17:39 PM
That's down in the territory where I might buy another one!   I've not seen one for that money in a while.

Lannis

Agreed...and if you look at all the photos on BAT (Bring-A-Trailer), it appears to be a nice example indeed!! :thumb: :cool: :smiley: :wink:
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: Dave Swanson on July 08, 2020, 05:14:49 PM
That's down in the territory where I might buy another one!   I've not seen one for that money in a while.

Lannis

The reason you haven't seen one trade for this money is because this one is a 56 FLH is sheep's clothing.   The engine cases are S & S, putting it into the Special Construction category which makes it no more than a glorified custom bike.  The original engine cases are included but are in a severe state of disrepair with many cobbled up repairs attempted in the past that  have most likely rendered them useless.   There is also more incorrect repop hardware on this bike than can be counted.    I would say 15K is a VERY sporty price for this collection of reproduction and aftermarket parts. 
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: john fish on July 08, 2020, 07:50:46 PM
The reason you haven't seen one trade for this money is because this one is a 56 FLH is sheep's clothing.   The engine cases are S & S, putting it into the Special Construction category which makes it no more than a glorified custom bike.  The original engine cases are included but are in a severe state of disrepair with many cobbled up repairs attempted in the past that  have most likely rendered them useless.   There is also more incorrect repop hardware on this bike than can be counted.    I would say 15K is a VERY sporty price for this collection of reproduction and aftermarket parts.

Man, I love me some experts.  Worth their weight in gold.
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: Lannis on July 09, 2020, 10:26:58 AM
The reason you haven't seen one trade for this money is because this one is a 56 FLH is sheep's clothing.   The engine cases are S & S, putting it into the Special Construction category which makes it no more than a glorified custom bike.  The original engine cases are included but are in a severe state of disrepair with many cobbled up repairs attempted in the past that  have most likely rendered them useless.   There is also more incorrect repop hardware on this bike than can be counted.    I would say 15K is a VERY sporty price for this collection of reproduction and aftermarket parts.

Thanks!   I needed that, I was getting overly excited.   I've had a '54 and a '65 Pan, so if I were running my hands over it I probably would seen the issues, but (like the seller hopes), I might have been so far in with travel and blinded with shiny chrome that I'd have done it anyway.

I'm sometimes silly that way, and it always costs me in the long run.

Lannis
Title: Re: For Shovelhead Lovers
Post by: JJ on July 09, 2020, 10:38:51 AM
A recent Shovelhead AND an Elvis sighting on YouTube!! :laugh: :grin: :wink:


(https://i.ibb.co/VgsWrQx/Screen-Shot-2020-07-09-at-8-37-38-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/VgsWrQx)