I've got a bud that want to sell me a 77 shovel head thats been customized w/chrome and new paint....$5000...It looks sweet however, I've been warned that you better be mechanically inclined to own an older Shovel head...And have some numbers to call when it leaves you stranded
Bah,no offense but that's nit wit talk from who ever told you that,most people ive heard say crap like that have never owned a Harley,the ones that do own HD's that say goofy shit like that have never owned a shovel & are usually recently converted sidewalk bikers riding their 1st HD to the dealership for an oil change,or dealers trying to sell new bikes.
Ive owned a bunch of Shovelheads over the years & i'll own another one if i see one i want badly enough,my main ride (the panhead) predates all shovelheads & it runs strong as hell & very dependable.
Here's the real deal on Shovel's,the Shovelhead engine was the longest running engine design in the history of HD with multi millions of units being sold,they are very simple engines with great durability & longivity.
As with buying any 20 to 30 year old scooter maintanince will be an issue but it's no more or less with Shovelhaeds than it is with any bike of that age,the main problems i had with my Shovel's was replacing primary gaskets(2 hour job) every two years & giving every nut & bolt a re tork at the start of the riding season.
Seeing that shovel's have been discontinued for over 20 years now & so many are still running strong i'd say its a hell of a testamemt as to the durability of that motor design.
Dont be afraid to buy a Shovel head.