Problems with Bike?

I have found this bike that I really like a lot. What I like about is very simple. Because it is simple. The bike that I am referring to is a 1984 Shovelhead. The bike, for its age is fair condition. I found this bike when I was at my buddy's shop going through my carb. It was having the kicker worked on.

Here is a brief breakdown of what I noticed.

The front has been racked a little.
It has bee lowered.
Single seat on it.
White walls.
Did not have the hard bags on it.
80 CI
No Floorboards.
Cain
No other leaks noticed.
Not sure on the miles.
I believe it is what we would call an Electra Glide Standard today.
Also has Electric Start.
No pics yet.

I guess I am wondering mainly what kind of problems are common with the shovel head and that year of bike for that matter? I will get pictures of this bike and post them once I find out if the guy is willing to part with it or not. I am asking these questions now because I want to begin with my research to help me decide if I want to pursue this bike or not.

Any help would be awesome.

In your post you said they can be dependable rides. So what are the major issues with the engine alone. I will get pictures for you tomorrow.

So are these leaks from design flaws or are they mainly caused by not enough torque on the fasteners? I haver ridden a shovel, but I have heard that they are notorious for a lot of vibration?

I am not sure if it is a frame rake or at the triple tree. I will find out. Ok as for the 4 speed, is there a way that I can upgrade this to a 5? What would allowing the gaskets to absorb oil over night do? Is this to basically to assist in a tighter seal??

I would assume then that putting a five speed in is no more involved than what it would be for any other bike???

Ok, here are the pictures of the bike that i am interested in. These wee taken with my phone so if they are a little small, I apologize.

Here are a few more.

Go fer it Johnny! - Shovelheads are a good engine and several manf. can hook you up with a 5 speed upgrade - Baker for one and I know there are others also. - Had one of them critters for years and wouldn't think twice about getting another one if the price was right.
As for the oil leaks - what chuck said is gospel but taking the time to "DO IT RIGHT" will solve the problem. - I rebuilt mine the first year I had it and had no trouble with leaks for the whole time I owned it; the guy I sold it to rode it for 7 years with no major problems until a cager did him in and totaled the bike.

Cool!! Here is a little more information about the bike and the mechanics and geometry of it. This is a frame rake, plus the frame was lengthened, engine lowered. One thing that was pointed out that was a little concerning, but not that big of a deal was that master cylinder for the rear brakes was leaking and made out plastic, and am pretty sure that it was relocated. Pretty sure that it is not in the stock location. As of now, it would be a pain in the rear to get at the tranny fill spot because of this.

Now here is the MILLION dollar question. How much would you pay for something like this?

OK? I am now wondering why you would pay that much for it? Is it because the bike is worth that or because it is older and harder to come by and it may be a must have for you?

The bike was in the shop to get the kicker fixed. The gears that have to mesh together needed some work.

That is a good idea, I will have to go onto clist and do a little searching.

I do not have that information at this time. I am not sure if the owner wants to sell it. I am gathering information so if he does call, I will have a good idea of what to look out for. Price, common problems with the bike and engine ect.