Harley owners.. question?

I currently ride a 04 Ultra and I'm looking at a 1979 shovelhead chopper as a second bike.. I've never owned a Harley that old and have no knowledge of the shovelhead.. back then all I could afford was jap bikes.. What can you tell be to be aware of with this motor?

Cornhole, thanks for the attempt at a joke.. you must be one lonely gay guy

Bout time somebody ask a real question
AMF didnt build choppers and they didnt build a 93 incher
the only thing to worry about is condition
Most of what I build is from that time like the one in my avatar the only thing 78 is the right gas cap and the title its a 127 ci
Amf couldnt build them but we can I hope this BS continues so it will hold the price down
But just check it out and see what shape its in
A pic says a lot also some peoples idea of a chopper is no more than a contraption

CORNHOLE WILLIE IS LOOKING FOR YOU

Quality wise, this was a real bad period for HD, BUT Unless it's really low mileage, most of the problems from AMF are probably corrected by now. I would be more concerned with who did and how work was done (you stated it was a stroker)

The early electronic ignitions were garbage and should be replaced with points, a later model unit or an aftermarket unit that will actually work (this is most likely already done) Brakes (esp. rear) could be a problem. I don't recall any motor leaking probs. that year but tranny seals were not very good and are probably upgraded already (many while still under warranty in 79 or 80) When tuning you may or may not have a different timing mark than that in manual.

If this bike is still running after 30 years best bet is that most inherit probs. have been corrected, esp. if motor has been rebuilt.

I have been riding a 1980 FLH Shovel for 8 years, I've owned two other shovels. The most of the shovels were built during The time that AMF owned the company,The engines and tran missions were the same. To make mine reliable(AMFS were not) I Installed a new charging system and wring harness new for a 96 Harley.It's very dependable.One thing you cannot escape or repair is the leaking of oil from the engine and tranny. You can buy aftermarket trannys, 5 Speed in a 4 speed box that don't leak and give you a better span as far as gear ratio, About $1,600 retail plus installation unless you can do it yourself. The old Shovels are in a class of their own classy looking sound better than anything except maybe a panhead. Just expect to re-tighten everything regularly and don't park it on your friends pretty clean cement drive. like a dog it will mark it's spot.A very enjoyable old bike. Ride safe!

If it really a stroker then you can hope that they replaced some of the factory seals that really sucked in that era. I would worry a little about oil consumption and temperature, but other than that the shovel was a really good motor. 93 stroked is not that big a push, so as long as you do regualar service to it like your Ultra, I am sure it will be a great bike.

I don't think you will need a scavenger hunt to find parts either. Maybe in the days before the Internet, but no longer.

Those were AMF era bikes.Some were fine but some were garbage.If you really want a Shovel i'd look for a 60's one.if you decide to go with the 79 i'd check it out real close.Ride it and see how it sounds and how it shifts.Lean down while your riding and listen to the engine to see if you hear anything that sounds bad.I'd run a compression check on it too.After the ride wait a bit then look it over to see if it's bleeding oil.I have a friend with a 79 and his is fine.

Well if it's been built by a good engine builder and not had the hell run out of it, the things that sucked with AMF's should be corrected already.If the price is right i'd go for it.Still do the stuff i mentioned before you lay down the bucks good luck
By the way try to get a look at the receipts for the engine so you can see what was done and what parts were used.Also if the motor was blueprinted there should be a sheet showing the balancing work

other than a lot more vibration & a tendency to weep oil, will be about the same as your ultra. keep in mind it was designed to to handle 65 hp & now its 85+ so all the bolts have more stress & you should check for loose bolts occasionally depending on how hard you ride it. the 4 1/2" stroke will create a lot more vibration than stock which will also loosen bolts.
blue loctite seems to work better than red. I drilled & safety wired my bolts & I still have to take the wires out & tighten them every now & then.
if its got a belt primary you wont have much problem with oil leaks. if its still got the primary that circulates engine oil it will always drip a little (or a lot).
if the pushrod tubes leak, put in the blue silicone seal kit instead of the cork washers. its only around $12 for the set & they are oil tite.
the bottom end & tranny are bullet proof.
try to keep the rev's under 5500 for long engine life. it wont blow up if you shift at 6500 or 7000 but it will wear out quick.
the crankcase venting sysyem was designed for 74 c i
so if it doesnt have an after market crank vent it will blow some oil out at higher rpm.
dont forget to check your bolts twice a month. & have fun with it.

and so when it starts "harley owners... question" what part of that confuses the trolls? should it be worded in japanese so you get it? has reading all the repair manuals for your japanese bikes made you forget engrish?

to answer your question... if it's a 93" stroker, i wouldn't sweat it about any bad amf history, that's all been undone with your mods. i'd say the only thing to be aware of is that it's mounted rigid to your frame, and so is the rear suspension. check fasteners often, cause if it can shake loose, it will. i lost a shift peg once.... that was a pain to get home again. locktite is your friend

I have three letters for you "A..M..F."
Run, run while you still can. Some people believe because it's
an H-D Classic it might be a good investment.

If you enjoy countless hours of painstaking research in the
never ending quest for parts that don't fit, or are defective.
And running around H-D swap meets looking for that one
missing part that will make your scooter run. and in the end
after all you have invested in time and money.
You wont be able to recoup your loses. And yes, you will
say anything to any unsuspecting bargain hunter just to get
rid of the basket case in your garage.

Save yourself the stress, and the grey hairs in the process.
Good Luck.. on your scavenger hunt.
I have been there... trust me I know..never again.

If you're not a Harley mechanic now, you will be. Shovels are like Ducs, Tempermental and require loving care.
I'm a compulsive tinkerer, so they are ideal for me.

A riding partner has a 71 shovel head..... and other than having to kick start it.... it runs OK..... Not a fast bike but, I slow down and wait for him to catch up....... If you look on graigslist, you'll find older bikes in good shape.... seen so, 50's and 60 models......


Oh and for MAGIT..or was that MAGLEY...... maybe you should get under the back tire,,,,, so he'll have alittle traction..... that would be good.

Lot's of them for sale, if you are interested http://hogs4sale.com/Inventory_Shovelhea...

I agree with the posters above (with the exception of corn) - that year was an AMF and they leaked oil like it was going out of style. You may (unless you get a good one) have to top the oil every time you fill it up. Sure it would be a great ongoing project bike.

Personally, I wouldn't buy a Harley that old. You will need to rebuild the engine, while incorporating modern technology to make it worth your time. Have fun, if that's your thing.

Your going to be hard pressed in getting a good answer out of this question . More than likely every thing on it will need rebuilt and it wont be worth what you put into it , But its you decision .

Instead of getting an old HOG , build your own , have you checked out callahan choppers in clermont

And what is wrong with jap bikes? LOL.... Kisses:)

beware your back tire losing traction over the gallons of oil you'll be leaking everywhere