The True Cost of a Harley Davidson Shovelhead in 2023

[richardbutler]

No matter what you paid for the bike, if you love it and make it your own. It’s worth it! If you are looking to flip bikes, then try and get it cheap!

[kurtfoulke]

I really liked your take on the subject and found it much more accurate than most.
I have had many Shovels through the years - I started at 19 and I'm now 63.
I used to chop & customize everything now I won't even look at them if they have an S&S carb, drag pipes or worm clamps on the oil lines lol.
I spent a shit load of money buying back all of those parts that I used to throw away 😢

[northerniltree]

About 20-25 years ago I bought a number of mostly or all original 1970's Harleys. Low miles, pristine condition, original paint machines. 1977 Low Rider FXS, 1977 Cafe Racer, 1978 75th anniversary Sportster, 1976 Bicentennial Sportster, 1976 Super Glide, and several others. These bikes were hard to find then, much harder now. I grew up with these bikes.
Nothing like the Shovel Head sound at idle. Over time, these can be decent investments. But I own 'em 'cause I like 'em.

[brentonsieverts]

I paid 12, 000 $ for my 76 FXE shovelhead from Florida, and had it shipped to Utah. It is on a rigid frame, with a 4 speed trans, super E carb, open belt, BDL clutch, etc. I bought it directly from a shop called Wisco Speedshop. I paid 12, 000 $ for the bike because of the story, and because it is a true survivor from the era. I have done some upgrades to make it run a little better for me. I updated the brake lines, put a mid shifter kit on it, and I just bought a baker 4 to 6 transmission for it. I love to learn, and I love the bike even more!!

[nbowlingtrio]

I'm perfectly happy with Evo. Most problems were fixed. Ride more, wrench less❤ glad there are guys out there like you that keep these old bikes on the road.

[Robert-xoo]

I know exactly what you are talking about. I wrenched on my old 1981 FL and my 1983 Sportster all the time and learned a hell of a lot more about mechanic work than most people today. And when I was stranded on the side of the road a few times I fixed that bike real quick because my mechanical ability's kicked in from knowing how that motorcycle worked. And that is how you become a good mechanic by survival. I do not own these bikes today but when I run across someone that is down I help them out and that brings me great joy. You have to love the brand and I do love the brand no motorcycle is built with the quality and looks of a Harley Davidson.

[jonboy]

I paid 6500 uk pounds for my 79 flh but it came with ultima 4 speed slick shift trans, s&s barrells and pistons, s&s super e, dyna tech Ignition ( which when set up correct makes it a two kick bike ) electric start with new starter motor uprated, PM forwards and Gma rear caliper, matching numbers and loads of issues which I’ve sorted. I rode it a mile to my house from where I purchased it, bottom line is I love the bike and ride her every day and she makes me smile and when it goes wrong it’s another lesson I learn about it, I love it and that’s what matters. It’s your money and if your happy then power and respect to you .

[jeffysue]

Bought my '81 FXS for 6k (philly area). Pretty respectable condition. But, within the first few months i had the inner primary off replacing the main shaft seal and all new clutch plates etc etc etc. Like you, is a daily rider and commutes regularly to work 20 miles. Constant maintenance.
This is the nature of the beast and I love it.

[andrewjones]

Hi Paul (from the UK).
What you speak is the truth about all old bikes.
Most of the fruit-loops on line haven't owned a fifty minute old bike, never mind a fifty year old one.
I found you on here here because the Shovelhead caught my eye.
I like it.

[Dayton]

I have an 82 FLH and the previous owner had installed a super glide fork on it and I didn’t like that. I couldn’t find a good deal on the FLH front end that I like and I had installed a wide glide on it, but eventually I just went with a springer front end instead. I think it looks great and no worry about leaking tubes. I would never even consider selling my Shovelhead for less than $10, 000. I don’t care what others think it’s worth, the newer bikes do not have that old school cool and can’t even fake it with a custom build. These are the machines that made me fall in love with Harleys as a kid.

[derekchristensen]

I think you are spot on here. I've been searching for a shovelhead for months now in my area and your logic and price analysis holds true here too. Ultimately I've decided to do a full ironhead build before I even consider one, just due to cost.

[coolsville]

Great Video - don't listen to haters. Shovels have always been a "ride it - maintain it" kind of bike. More modern models are not like that at all. You're right in that there is a certain amount of satisfaction in wrenching on your own ride, researching, networking with knowledgeable people, finding parts, and riding it. I've had my Fat Bob for almost 40 yrs. and I can testify that when riding long distances, I have to stop and check it closely (some things need looking after to avoid a breakdown). My solid lifters need adjusting after 1000 miles (the intake shortens and the exhaust lengthens!) These bikes are not for everyone. For those of us that like them, there's nothing like it. Keep the videos coming.

[ericwilliams]

Dude i bought a 1973 shovel head in 1985 and absolutely loved it. Like you i absolutely knew every nut and bolt on it. I lived and breathed harleys for several years. Rode every day rain sleet or snow. I wont say how i lost it. Lets just say i was very stupid. Been wanting another one ever since and had given up on it ever happening. But god was listening. My old friend who i hadnt seen in a long time called me and asked if i wanted his 1977 Flh. He wasnt able to ride anymore and was going to give it to me. I gave him two thousand so i wouldnt feel guilty. Clean title runs great but like you said it will always need something. I am on cloud nine. I loved your video because you love these old bikes like me.

[markmeadows]

Paul, you keep on doing what you're doing. I had a '76 superglide. Do my own work. Know what the old scoots are worth. Agree with your thinking.

[shovelhead]

Just happened to find your channel and enjoyed the narrative as well as the content. Have owned my 1980 FXB Sturgis since 2001. It is a beauty, all stock and All there. Just had it out at the Born Free Event this past weekend Irvine, CA. Not a daily rider now, I'm 67 and picked up a 2014 FLHTK couple years back for long rides. Love that Shovel🤙

[veefour]

I live in the U.K. and ride a 2007 Dyna Street Bob. I bought it 6 months ago after the bike had laid abandoned in a shed under a blanket. I got the workshop manual, bought the tools I needed (all I had was metric so needed standard), stripped it down, sourced the parts (not easy, I'm in England), rebuilt it. The local HD dealer, 35 miles away, keeps nothing for any bike over 10 years old, the HOG group here look down their nose at me as I'm not riding a bagger, CVO, or some other $45, 000 HD. I wouldn't want to join HOG anyway! My bike gets ridden, does more miles in a month than their 'garage queens' do in a year! You do you buddy, buy and ride what you like, stuff the haters, at least we have the satisfaction of doing our own wrenching and not relying on the dealerships to do an oil change! lol

[ArmeroPR]

Very good video. Many people don't understand some of the issues and logistics when purchasing a project vehicle. I agree with your reasoning.

[michaelhaddan]

Thanks again for another helpful and enjoyable video brotherman. I get stuck on one thing after another in the 'complete' rebuilding of my 1970 Ironhead: didn't know it had a busted rear engine mount; can't get this nut off or that wire clip out or avoid smashing my most important guitar playing finger while loosening a cylinder bolt. Drove from Santa Barbara to San Bernadino and back in my truck to get it. But I'm loving every minute, got it for a great price under 3k 3 years ago, matching numbers, supposedly only needed new rings. With help and guidance from three manuals and people like you, it's even more righteous. Finding a decent Shovelhead is next, so thanks again~~

[BillyJack]

By the way Paul, even though it needs some work, i like it .. I’m huge on old Harleys, they’re the OG’s of Harleys after all!! As long as you’re happy with it, that’s all that counts.

[ROZIEROSE-bofj]

I have worked on several Pan heads and Shovel Heads but when they came out with the EVO I was happy as hell, because working on a motorcycle as a hobby is fine especially old harleys but if you want to ride and have something more dependable go with 1984 EVOs on up, I rode a Ironhead sportster for several years from 1990 - 2005 one of the best Harleys I have ever owned I would buy another one over a Shovel Head any day of the week, The EVO sportster is probably the best Harleys ever made that is why they made them from 1986 on up, very reliable bike plenty big enough unless you are some kind of monster of a man then maybe a dresser would be a better fit, You can do a lot with old sportsters make a flat track racer or even a on road off road sport bike, way cheaper than buying a Pan American just my opinion.