It's in superb condition, I think its the unknown as I've never owned a Shovel, I'm led to believe the last couple of years were the best Shovel but I have no knowledge of them so I cannot commentI wouldn't care too much about the seat height, if it's in good original condition, snap it up.
I have an old-email from Fred regarding this issue; he sent it to me when I mentioned buying my 1979. According to him the guides were made of steel and he replaced them with close-grain cast iron ones; no mention of changing the whole head. Whether he got them from H-D or had them made, we will never know of course.There is a serious factor to consider - 1980 to early 1981 shovels had a different valve guide, one with a circlip instead of a cast flange. These guides are of different material which pinch seizes when hot however they are fatter than the old guides so the heads had wider holes so you can't go back to the old guides WHICH THE FACTORY DID DURING 1981. If you have them and they misbehave (which they very likely will) then the only cure is new heads.
I am 6ft 2in and I agree Simon, but it's all about how badly you want the bike and yes originality is a factor with me too.My recently departed 82 Sturgis had mid controls and a similar seat height to the fxwg I found mids extremely uncomfortable. At 5-9 forward controls would possibly have improved things but spoilt the originality.
All this forensic valve stuff is hypothetical 43 years later. Almost every Shovelhead motor has been gone into, and the machine shops to trust are on their umpteenth generation of solutions and knowledge for all such issues. These are very agriculturally simple motors. What you are saying is true, no doubt, but it's no issue in the right hands. Every Shovelhead issue has been addressed by the aftermarket since the 1980s.Doubled checked with a long serving member who went through the 1980 guide business - they were shorter and fatter, the shortness being a major issue (alinement) and the head holes were wider but he thinks one of the after market companies made special traditional "fat" guides to save replacing your head..?
I quite agree Dave. I'm always highly amused by those who perpetuate the "AMF is junk" myth; yes there were quality control issues in those days just as there were in pretty much every part of the automotive industry worldwide, not just bikes but cars and trucks as well.All this forensic valve stuff is hypothetical 43 years later. Almost every Shovelhead motor has been gone into, and the machine shops to trust on their umpteenth generation of solutions and knowledge for all such issues. These are very agriculturally simple motors. What you are saying is true, no doubt, but it's no issue in the right hands. Every Shovelhead issue has been addressed by the aftermarket since the 1980s.