Got A HARLEY SHOVELHEAD After YEARS Of Riding An EVO / WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

After a few years of riding an evo, I ended up with bringing home a 1979 Harley Davidson FXS Shovelhead after riding over to Mobile Bay Harley Davidson for a bike reveal for Biker Dad. I think this may turn out be more like Pandora's Box. A really old Harley Davidson... This should be fun.
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[@lawnboyfromhell]

Anybody can mortgage a new Harley but owniing and operating an old one is character building!

[@patslovokia3834]

Nothing sounds like a shovel.. That's what I fell in love with in 1972...

[@laeljon]

Open the thorttle for two kicks, key off, close thorttle, turn on key, one kick....

[@randymarks4011]

you'll love it, keep that idle up like it was when you got home with it, the low slow idle kills piston skirts. none of my shovels leak oil, they don't have to.

[@michaeloneill5961]

Slow idle also chops out the bottom end

[@hillsidebandit8571]

I love Shovel heads. Had a 73, a 74 and am building a 77 now.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Heck yeah, man!

[@hillsidebandit8571]

@@SaddleTrampTV I might buy another one if the price is right. lol

[@danheino7006]

had a few myself love the old lowriders

[@spacetruckin6555]

Shovelhead by choice? God bless you Sir. You are officially an adventure rider, even on the street. The good news is:lots of support.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Yeah I might be a glutton for punishment.

[@spacetruckin6555]

@@SaddleTrampTV Yes, we adventure riders are gluttons for punishment. The EVO engine is fantastic. 83,000 miles on my 2009 Sporty and still in spec.

[@waynef.8158]

Been on a shovel since I was 6 months old and Pop bungee’d me inside his leather and we’d go to the pier. Fast fwd 42 yrs and that same bike is in my garage and that leather is in my closet. It takes a special breed to keep the iron moving.

[@spacetruckin6555]

@@waynef.8158 That is epic man. Two generation Shovel.

[@yoshit9819]

I been riding a 74 for the past 30 years. It's slow, it leaks and handles like crap. But it's the best bike I ever owned. And I cannot explain why.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Totally get it.

[@griffyize]

OMG!!! yer a lucky man..a wife that doesnt give alot of grief over a new toy..btw i love my shovel, regained it after 20 years..it will never leave again

[@garybarker9934]

Nice find Cory, I've had 5 shovelheads and I just picked up a 1967 FLH. I am having a blast bringing this bike back to the way it came off the showroom floor. Grab one now before they get too expensive!

[@hdevo80]

Indianman!!! Hello from Hungary!!

[@professorvoluck9311]

That’s one of the nicest shovels I’ve seen. I like how it has a combo of modern/old school looking parts.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

The blinkers actually work, believe it or not.

[@TheBadgers]

Everyone else is buying new bikes, SaddleTramp is buying older bikes. He is a man after my own heart this is awesome. Congrats

[@SaddleTrampTV]

It's hard to say no to the old machines.

[@swampdwellermichael]

Good to see someone else keeping these old shovels alive. My daily riders are evos but I’ve had a 1981 Flh for 20 years and god willing I’ll have it for another 20 years. The more you get into that bike the more your gonna love it. Enjoy and congratulations.

[@dogpaw775]

yes, yes, yes. way to go. i may also lift your Missis' saying "i've also been partial to a shovel" as a ring tone if that's OK. seriously; get that starter connection sorted, the last thing you want is your wedding band shorting across the terminals by accident. Have a happy and healthy 2022 everybody, keep the rubber side down and the shiny side up. ps how about some low er rise old skool Z bars and Tramp ids dead on point about the billet shifter and pegs.

[@davidhelmuth6654]

That’s a nice Christmas present! Happy for ya brother! There is always something to learn. Makes no difference if it’s a newer bike or something older. Funny how the older you get the more you want the older stuff! Be safe out there…

[@SaddleTrampTV]

The cool stuff ages as we age. So I guess that's no surprise.

[@vidvidbiker]

Welcome to the world of Shovels - one of the best journeys in the world. If you can feel the vibrations you're not going fast enough!!!

[@boscodog4358]

I sometimes think of all the stuff I do to that shovel at 21yr old. My dad just shook his head.

[@ziptie7095]

Congratulations on the shovel. I love the old shovels myself but they truly are not for everyone. Can not wait to see more.

[@ecrusch]

Nice purchase brother. I love your wife. She's my kind of person. My next Harley WILL have an electric start...period...haha Shadetree is right. You'll have some content with that thing. peace amigo.

[@bendaves77]

When I was a kid everyone had shovelheads and I've always wanted one even though most of those guys tell me to stay away from them I cannot quit loving the sound of them

[@brandonmacon3317]

Stay away from the ironhead if you don't want to fiddle. I've got my dad's 81 Fxwg shovel and she's still pounding the asphalt.

[@davidgourdie3691]

Kickstarting a Harley is an art.1st kick fuel/choke on,two twists on the throttle.,2nd,3rd ignition on and kick for all its worth.

[@samwright8879]

77 FXE here. Love the old shovelheads. Good luck with it.

[@BigSmittyRiding]

Love a shovel head! Great stuff Tramp!

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Thanks 👍

[@MotorheadRedo]

That's a cool padlock they gave you with the motorcycle. Master Lock makes two versions of that padlock. One has the Harley Davidson Bar & Shield logo on it and it's sold only through Harley dealerships. The other one is called a Master Lock 220 and it's identical to the Harley lock but without the Harley logo. Bessie Stringfield was inducted into AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame for riding her Harley Davidson motorcycle so many times across country. There was probably other social factors for AMA choosing her., but that's another topic. She rode from around 1930 to the time of her death in 1993. I'm willing to bet Scotty has more time on his motorcycles than Bessie Stringfield. I think its pretty cool Scotty chose to visit you and camp in your garage.

[@JTSouthernfried]

That's a darn clean shovel right there👌🏼 love the gallop of an old shovel

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Me too, man!

[@hd01roadking]

Merry Christmas! I have an old 75 FXE Chopper. It does vibrate at 70 -75 but it runs really strong. If you can work on an EVO and your sportsters, you will have no problem working on the shovel.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

I imagine it's the personal quirks that I have yet to learn the hard way.

[@anthonysmalawipredators8794]

Flat black beauty!!! Congratulations Mr. SaddleTramp! I know you'll give this bike the best retirement it could ever get. She sounds great and looks mean as hell!

[@boscodog4358]

My first bike was a 49 pan. Shortly after I bought a 71. Super Glide "Shovel Head".

[@Junior-fd8ux]

Im loving the crap out of that bike man. Triple disc and all! Iv got my eye out for an early mod FXR shovel myself. Il get the m8 in about 20 years lol..

[@bobberguy1]

"I'm not riding on this (fender)". The boss has spoken. I see a two-up seat in the future. Merry Christmas!

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Done!

[@themissuscostelli497]

In younger years I would have had a different opinion but now, that’s a challenge I’m not good with!

[@ArcticBlues1]

Congrats! You now own a Troublehead! You will be a top mechanic in no time!

[@SaddleTrampTV]

I think you're on to something there.

[@DeluxeChimp]

That Shovel gallop! Congrats on the new addition to the stable!

[@elloco6332]

I'm sure you know about the prime kick and all that jazz. I had an 81 shovel with high compression pistons. If it kicked back, I would nearly go over the handle bars. My 84 evo kicked over much easier. Congrats on the new bike. Thanks for video.

[@Slartibartfast70]

Congrats, very envious. You will learn what the bike likes for starting. Looking forward to what happens.

[@handgunner1911]

ive been riding a 75 shovel for years and its been a great motorcycle i love them after all this is where the evo came from shovels can be very reliable if you keep up with them and you dont purchase one thats been destroyed..

[@johnnyblade9272]

This is a great video Tramp, just what the doctor ordered. Definitely one of my favorites to date. Love your new garage, glad to see you and Scotty together again. Really enjoyed the always improving quality of your videos. Oh and of course you now have a shovel head. I believe you may be in Harley Heaven!! Don't forget to make time for your Iron Head Custom Chopper, which I have affectionately named "The Iron Maiden"...🤩

[@SaddleTrampTV]

IRON Head MAIDEN... I totally forgot about that title. Thanks for reminding me!

[@ronetuley]

Merry Christmas to you and the Missus . Your gonna love riding the shovelhead, working on it is not much different then the earlier Evo motors other then the rocker boxes . Ride safe my Friend.

[@jackieandedp.4688]

1978 1/2 FXS was my first Harley. Bought it used in 1980 with 3000 miles on it. Sold it in 1999 with 100K milers on it for $1100 more than I paid for it! I wish I never sold it....take note, young riders. Keep your first Harley!

[@SaddleTrampTV]

I wish I still had mine.

[@michaelsarver6617]

Very nice. I recently got my hands on a 58 Harley shovelpan. Can't wait to start working on it. Please keep the vids coming. I really enjoy

[@priceamp]

Nice score. I have a '65 Ironhead. When folks ask me how does it ride, I always joke and say it like riding a jack hammer, which is pretty close to the truth. I have an '06 Softail, but nothing puts a smile on my face like the Ironhead. Now when I go to buy more blue Loctite, I buy the big bottle. :-)

[@SaddleTrampTV]

I hear ya, man

[@marcmcdermott9878]

Shovelheads are easy to work on. I have a 78 FXE. You need to use the choke to start it, also it has an accelerator pump so give it a couple of squirts of gas. Also use the kicker to move the cylinders to a compression stroke to kick start. You would be a lot happier with the bars if you moved them back towards you😎

[@SaddleTrampTV]

I've already replaced the 4 inch risers with 1 inch. It looks and feels a lot better now.

[@HarleyDayRider]

Congratulations that is an amazing bike. My buddy still rides a pan head and he said if he ever sells it would be a lot of money. I think you made a great buy but you know that already. Nice that your wife is behind you not knowing you were going to buy it. Happy New Year and Ride Safe.

[@aquahombre]

Congrats on your Shovel, they have the best sound period. Pretty smooth buying a bike the Mrs. is partial to the motor. Happy New Year!

[@br549american5]

My 83 FXWG, looked brand new when I got it in 87. The guy who bought it new hated it. He said the damn thing would vibrate the mirrors off. On my test ride I thought the front end was loose or something before I made it out of his drive. Couldn't see nothing so I went ahead. Made it one block away and said hell no, something is bad wrong. Jumped off to investigate and found the top motor mount bolt was gone. Best thing I did was put a stronger top mount and upgraded compensator on it. There are Lots of things I had to learn the hard way . one thing that comes to mind is that I took off the sharks teeth clamps that helped hold on the exhaust. Damn thing would run hot after that. Took me a while to realize they helped keep the engine cool. My advice for what it's worth, is to go as stock as you can. The exception to that would be the brakes. Upgrade those calipers and stay alive as the stock ones SUCK! CHEERS!

[@jamessaylor7727]

Merry Christmas to you both. Congrats on the new to you purchase. Thanks for including your Mrs. Appears you have no fear wrenching so the shovel is cool. God bless you both.

[@everettcalhoun8197]

Having started out with Knuckleheads then panheads to shovelheads to evos to twincams. I fell in love with my first evo rubberglide. I would go see two of my children on my bike which was 1100 miles round trip on a weekend . With my shovelhead after 8 hours on that bike I didn't want to see it for the rest of the weekend. With that rubberglide we would go out riding later that night, just no comparison for putting miles on. Did buy a 76 fx stroker in 90 that I rode to the Sturgis 50th. Was running through La Crosse WI and my mirror came loose popped up almost caught it with my right hand flew across and my buddy almost caught it. Blew a head gasket in Minnesota. Learned that unless it blows up completely you can fix anything that goes wrong on the road. I would suggest getting in the habit of checking the tightness of bolts and checking the torque of the heads and cylinder base nuts. Just sayin'

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Lol. Sounds like the videos are gonna make themselves.

[@ccpresson2000]

Can’t wait to meet this one now

[@themissuscostelli497]

We missed you at the Florida campout!

[@ccpresson2000]

Was all set to go. Vacation approved, hotel booked, all good. Was doing a once-over on the bike before I set out & found some bad teeth on my drive belt. Couldn’t get it fixed in time & didn’t want to ride the bone-shaker that far. It would actually have made for good video content. Better luck next time…

[@chopperjohn9977]

Some aftermarket electronic ignition have to be set for kickstart or electric start. Shovels are great just lot of up keep. Sweet ride you got.

[@carmenandthedevil2804]

I'm an Aussie. Damn! I was doing the van trip with a mate round Europe when you were born. Sooo easy to forget how time flies. The handle bar's look great. I'm using a LaPera Bare Bones seat on my 84 FXST. Looks good and feels fine. Bike's So early, it still has the Cowpie gear box.

[@orinknowles5662]

Looks like a nice old bike. Shovel is on my someday list too. Working on a sportster trike with Cass County choppers rear differential, 1996 sportster frame, and 2003 Buell Cyclone engine right now. Maybe the shovel will come next. Thanks for keeping the content coming.

[@Watchugoton]

Not seen you in a year to 18 months I think and boy have you got a following and put the work in for it, congratulations and keep grinding because it’s only a matter of time you hit 100,000 💯 Watching from south wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Uk 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Thank you, Andrew.

[@Harley.Davidson]

Merry Christmas Cory & Mrs. Tramp! 😎 BUSTED with the helmet thing! 🤣 ITS a SHOVELHEAD! A little dangerous. 🙄 Listen to her purr.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Merry Christmas!

[@richardsokolis7314]

Been riding the same 72 flh for 37 years nothing like it been all over some simple maintenance keeps her happy never been left broken down at the side of the road.

[@robertwells6454]

Cool, I like this kind of live. Just sitting there talking gets a little bit old to Me. This is the way to go. 🤟😎 Merry Christmas to You and Mrs. Tramp. And Happy New Year. 🎄🎉👏

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Thanks, man. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you as well!

[@petetownsend7142]

Congrats on your new shovel Brother. That’s been my dream platform for about 5 years. Looking forward to more material from this one.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

You me both, Pete.

[@ABud12921]

I’m so happy for y’all!! I knew you would have you one one day! Congratulations! Happy New Year to both of you, God Bless🧷✌️

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Thank you so much, CD. You too!

[@s.gossett5966]

Definitely a deal you couldn't walk away from. It's a fine start to something you can truly make your own.

[@jimmyturbeville8753]

hey guys bike looks good i love the way those old shovels sound thanks for sharing

[@johnwood551]

I’m so old that I remember sitting around with my other biker buddies and talking how we’d never buy one of the “new Harleys” with electric starters . Kick starting was the ONLY way to start your bike.

[@chuckwilliams5332]

Great looking shovel, glad you finally got one! Looking fwd to the progress on it. Agree with the billet needing to go, first thing I got rid of on my 89…

[@brandonmacon3317]

Still rocking my dad's 81 Fxwg shovel. Best potato sound maker to date mate! Nice🤘

[@richardashwood5771]

You got yourself one beautiful Shovel. I hope you have many happy miles with her. Ride safe.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Thanks 👍

[@craiggoodwin9704]

Cory, you look HAPPY! Thanks for Sharing!

[@peterboerema7260]

I used to have a shovelhead (FXE 1983) for more than 10 years and approximately 100.000 miles. Have driven all over Europe with it. Needs some more maintenance but easy to work on. Those original ignitions are not for kick starting. The engine turns a few times before ignition starts working. It prevents kicking back and destroying your starter motor. As long as the big-end remains intact, there is nothing to worry about.

[@gastramp]

Awesome bike. Congratulations.... good to see Scotty too. Merry Christmas to you and yours. 😎

[@SaddleTrampTV]

You too, Gas Tramp.

[@jerielyork4399]

I like the new shop it is more room and lot brighter and it's awesome congratulations keep up the KZbin you've helped me out a lot JW from Texas

[@proud56]

Congrats on the latest addition. Darn near anything you wish to do/change can be had at the swap meets. Everyone who ever owned a shovel will tell you what to do etc. I will only suggest the big bottle of blue loctite, shovels best friend. Enjoy the hell out of it.

[@gazzhunter]

One of my dream bikes right there!!! Right on

[@johnhawkins6391]

Congratulations!!! Cant wait to see whats coming!

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Me too!

[@jimhayes4000]

Glad You got a dream Tramp . Definitely the Guy that earned it . Great job cant wait to see your touch on it . Thanks For Your Content. PEACE

[@JerseyNickMoto]

I like that bike a lot ! You can't beat that sound.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

No you can't! Looks like the videos are really gonna make themselves now. Lol

[@antruder]

A very nice addition to your collection. I"m sure some videos will follow shortly showing you tinkering with it. 👍🏻

[@SaddleTrampTV]

I bet!

[@philbobaggins8603]

I commented on your video of your first ride on a shovel that I thought you would love a shovel and I'm sure you will. Just the rawness of them is like riding a steam locomotive down the road so cool I'm glad you ended up getting one to see for yourself.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Like a steam locomotive... I like that. That about sums it up.

[@shadetreesurgeon]

YUP! The content makes itself… gorgeous buy. Lemme get my fxr running and then maybe it’s time to go shovel hunting 🧐

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Content out the WAZOO!

[@maryspeight2840]

Now you got a Big Twin Harley !! Enjoy the ride !! Guy Speight

[@tommontague5721]

Sweet bike.....Looks like good times ahead.

[@garyconstant4234]

Lovely bike fella. A lovely new edition to ya bike family 👍 stay safe and greetings from England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@harleyfrank547]

Omg I’m looking for the same bike ! I’m glad you got it I have an 1982 fxr shovel and love it , good luck with her and I’m sure you will love here! Ride free brother in America 🇺🇸!

[@cyberpunk4622]

Really nice find Tramp, I look forward to seeing what you'll do to it to make it your own.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

You and me both!

[@Brandn43]

Congratulations! That’s sweet.

[@terrywalsh2349]

Happy New Yr Tramp , have fun with the old Shovelhead , good that it has the oil cooler , they tend to run a little on the hot side .

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Thanks, Terry. Yeah I was thinking the same when I first saw that.

[@shrederyoungblood69]

Stoked you finally got another shovel…..some times i wish I bought a complete bike to start my chopper build…. Hopefully it all pans out

[@KennyQuestShow]

Congrats on your new scoot! She looks awesome

[@SaddleTrampTV]

I think so too!

[@evil_musclemuscled3814]

I have a flat black 82 super glide . No tank bib . Drag bars ,drag pipes , tractor seat ,mid glide front end . It's a bike my dad gave me as a gift for my birthday. I love the machine and it's unique compared to what's going on these days . I can take it to the Harley stealer ship and be damn proud to be on it

[@justin.s9783]

nice looking bike. what i like about the shovelhead is that you can put the panhead covers on them and you can make it a bigger bore lol. these and panheads look awesome when they have a lot of engraving work, so beautiful. when you get a vintage bike $$$. When the Mrs says you have to buy parts for the vintage bike so you both will like it.....Priceless !! 🤣. the bars look good but if they was too high i would change them too. the controls do look modern day, and that seat...looks like its off a tractor.....an uncomfortable tractor lol. if that drip from the oil cooler is the only drip , you scored big time lol. having a kicker is cool and good as a backup but i couldn't use it lol. it would kill my knees and feet lol. awesome vid man . perfect Christmas vid 👍👍.

[@victorauletta7699]

Very cool shovel. Set it up the way you like and you’ll have a fun ride. I own two and love them both. Enjoy.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

That's the plan!

[@robertbedson3207]

Awsome man, I really want an old shovel head 🤘

[@GixxerFoo]

I knew there was a Shovel Head in the future after you rode that blue one at the shop! Congratulations! Can't beat that sound!

[@SaddleTrampTV]

You got that right! It's got a chicken soup sound rather than the potato like the evo.

[@harleyduoglideman]

I’d say you made a great choice on the Shovelhead. No kiddin bout the prices for Knuckles and Pans! Merry XMAS and a Happy New Year!

[@SaddleTrampTV]

You too, man!

[@jeffmorris739]

Dude that is a rad bike man. I love it and yes I would leave the kick starter because it looks to right but start it with the battery. I am too old to get winded before I started my ride.

[@georgewetzel4380]

Congratulations; nothing sounds like a well tuned shovel.

[@firebearva]

I have to agree the handlebars and seat should go. My first Harley was a 1973 FX no electric starter and the first accessory I bought was a service manual. Good luck and have fun wrenching on it.

[@Azonche]

I've got a 78 fxs . Was my dream bike and a unreal find just out of the blue. Enjoy!!!

[@rmuckluck]

Congrats on the new bike. Merry Christmas🌲

[@newbornlog2789]

I had an awesome conversation with ole Scotty this summer super smart dude

[@TexasRider]

Wow that Shovel Head looks like it's in great condition. Great find !

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Thanks 👍

[@wingerm1]

Looking forward to following this one

[@BillTheHarleyGuy]

man that's a nice bike .. glad that you got a good deal for it 👍

[@revbikerbigd8664]

Congratulations on the 79 Shovelhead! I got a78 FLH Shovel and 99 FLSTC EVO. Love them both, been riding shovels since 1977. First was a 1974 FLH ! Hate Twinkies!

[@paulgrogan8032]

Congrats to you and the Misses brother. God bless Kenny, what a great man❤️

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Thanks, Paul.

[@user-if8nz2yo5n]

Yaaaaayyyyy you got a shovel!!!!! I was hoping you made the right decision. I love apes, but there ain't no shield from the wind at 65! I had 16" santes on my tc lowrider. Badass but... Solution was a tomb stone shield mounted between the bars. Like it was made for them. Beautiful bike.