advice for newcomer

[jzk]

hi, i'd like abit of advice/pointers on old(ish) harley ownership. i'm at present abroad, but returning to the u.k in may, when i want to get an early machine. i'm new to harleys, but not classic bikes/mechanics. my pre-ownership research is favouring a late sixties/early seventies stripped flh. something usable, but untidy is ideal, allowing an on road resto. from what i've seen this criteria is abit thin on the ground. basically whats the best route to start looking for a machine; classic fairs, importing?

cheers in advance for any advice.

[Noddy]

Hi Jzk.

You could start by looking at the site classified ads at the top of the page, and take it from there.
There are a multitude of places to look for a used FL. E-bay is another good place to look, but always contact the seller and ask questions, there are bargains to be had.
The 'Harley-Quin' also carries ads for bikes. By and large its a look and find process, various mags and papers (BSH. MCN. etc) carry a good quantity of ads. Personally, I would not really go do the 'import' road due to the extra costs involved, shipping, import, agents fee's etc. There seems to be quite a few older H-D's for sale here already and I'm sure you will find some thing you like, but you will have to look, and ask questions.
If you find something you like, but need some more questions answered, put them here, there is a huge amount of knowledge built up over 57 years in this club and one way or another 'we' should be able to answer your question or if we can't then we should be able to point you towards someone that can.
Good luck, and don't forget to let us all know the outcome of your search.

[kiwidave]

Noddy is right ... that sort of bike will come up here. Importing is a costly pain in the A. And you save nothing.

A minor point to note is that the first FLH Electra Glides, 1966-69, were generator powered. Basically they had the new Shovelhead motor with the old Panhead bottom end.

If you choose a 1970-up model (''cone shovel'' i.e. with alternator instead of the old generator), parts and expertise especially ''on the road'' will be just that little more widely available.

If you come to our national rally, or to one of the vintage do's you will see quite a few old stripped Glides.

Good luck - this is the club for you.

[Chiefy]

My advice is "Go for it".

Stick with the Generator style Shovelhead, simple to work on, parts are relatively easy to get, and there's a wealth on info on this site where help is at hand.

How do I know, well I'm building a Shovel engined chop, started with an engine off of Ebay and slowly got the rest of it together. With the help and advice from the members of this site the engine and gearbox rebuild has been simplified and the many tips I've received have come in real handy.

There is a place over in Norfolk that specialise in older HD's, I'll try and remember the name and drop you a PM.

[jzk]

cheers guys.

yeah i checked out the classifieds on here, and am continuing to do so. it'll be a few months before i'm in a position to actually purchase. but it gives me time to do my homework and wise up abit on harleys; models/mechanicals etc. so i'll keep researching and asking for advice and no doubght well catch up sometime at a show/meet or something.

thanks again.

[Chiefy]

Sorry for the delay,

Try http://www.pm-motorcycles.com

I have no connection with these guys, but spoke to them before committing to building my Shovel.