Ive got alot of questions after searching through the archives, I hope you all can help me answer some of them. But overall, seven distinct models (as seen below) were produced under this label before its resurgence in 1999: Since the FLH reign encompassed earlier engine transitions, it is unsurprising that most of the Shovelhead-equipped Big Twins were launched alongside these motorcycles. This Harley is one of the best touring bikes ever made by the company and makes a great used purchase. As they both are from the touring lineup, they have many similarities. The FXSTB is not a fast bike but it's built to be customized by its owner. No one can give negative feedback against the company of the Harley Shovelhead to the bikers. Several model years have been launched since its beginning. But that was not the case with the Shovelhead, barely resembling an upended coal shovel. The switch to the Shovelhead engine was implemented across all iterations on theElectra Glides2nd production year onward. The new power mill design boasted stronger valves and pistons and a shallower combustion chamber. Not only that, the motor gets so much high temperature for the malfunctioning in this crucial system. Top Speed offers daily industry news and reviews on cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Both models have got their fame, Read More Harley Dyna vs. Softail Comparison Details OverviewContinue, The Ultra Classic and Ultra Limited are two top-of-the-line touring motorcycles from Harley Davidson. Of all these variations, theElectra Glide, Tour Glide,and first two years of theFXR seriesstand out the most, while the1971 Dyna Super Glideproves to be the most collectible. Nonetheless, it was a much-needed process for the American firm to experience. Last edited by a moderator: Nov 4, 2009. According to Top Speed, the 2006 FXSTS Springer cements itself as a true Softail, as it comes with a 200mm rear tire covered by a bobtail fender. (How It Works), What Is Motorcycle Counter Steering? In this blog, I have discussed the model years of Harley Davidson Shovelhead to avoid. The 1981 Harley-Davidson Sportster was not only one of the worst Harleys ever made, but one of the worst handling bikes ever made by any company. Whether or not the Shovelhead is underpowered is not really going to be your biggest concern. im sure i'll get bashed for this but whats so great about the generator verses alternator? As there remains a lot of outstanding models which deliver sustainable performance as a product of Harley Shovelhead, the option to select according to your preference is quite easy to pick up. I can get most any engine part at my HD dealer in Fargo. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. DetailsContinue, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Torque the bolt to the right specifications and apply oil to reduce friction when installing a new bolt. It has happened when the fuel reaches the line and cannot get to the motor further. I've never owned an EVO but I have worked on many Buying shovelhead to chop: what to avoid? Shovelhead motors also suffered issues with electronic ignition units. One other thing that prompted the creation of the Shovelhead was the increasing heftiness of Panhead-equipped Harleys. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The Shovel Head is a Harley-Davidson engine with a storied past and a bad reputation. hope this didnt start anything. Are there certain ones I want to avoid because they have bastard parts or unpopular frames? Your email address will not be published. Despite all the drawbacks, shovelhead still rules. Continue with Recommended Cookies. But, as with any bike, there are also some features that some riders may not like. Consumers generally love or hate Harley or even a little bit of both. (Explained), 6.0 Powerstroke Towing Capacity | Everything You Should Know, 7 Easy Solutions For Hydra Tuner Problems On 7.3 Powerstroke, 6.0L Powerstroke Injection Control Pressure Problems Troubleshooting. 1994 and later models have fully-weather-proofed electrical wiring.But perhaps the biggest change came in 2004, Bennetts reports, when the motorcycle got a brand-new frame and rubber-mounted engine. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Speekin' of the shovel. Mr. Benway, don't you have one that you're fiddling with? shovelhead = troublehead Sponsored by Gundry MD How to entirely empty your bowels every morning (revealed). This bike is one of the best ever made by Harley. Thus, the engines mustnt get overheated. I am sure it can turn heads well wherever you want to go. By the early 1960s, the Panhead was becoming obsolete and simply not powerful enough to compete with more modern motorcycles coming out of Europe. Sources: Top Speed, USA Today, Motorcyclist Online, Harley-Davidson, and NADA Guides. The old problem areas of valves, guides, overheating, knocking, and heavy oil thirst remained in the engine and AMF seemed incapable of sorting them out. yeah i think if you are going to pay that kind of cash for a generator shovel it should at least have the original matching cases to start with.it would be a must to have at least the number side to keep it real.my opinion of course but i would pay substantially lower for aftermarket cases on an older shovel motor if it came thru my doors over one that had original matching cases.and hey creepyman..are you telling me you actually have a hd dealer in your area that will order or stock shovel parts ?? The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Undeniably, both Harley bikes have a wide fanbase all over the world. Incredibly, AMFs solution to the problem was to build more engines without solving the problems, leading to further reputation damage as quality declined. He found the clutch fails to disengage when it is needed. Which Years Should You Prefer to Buy Shovelhead Bikes? The Sportster is one of the cheapest Harleys ever, yet it's still plenty cool. Shovelhead models sell for anything from a couple of thousand dollars up to $10,000+. Regular adjustment of the valve and drive train is required. Harley Davidson had long recognized this impediment but only acted on it in 1978 (much to purists dismay). (Explained). The parts used in the vehicle are not sustainable depending on the quality. While AMF was Harleys financial savior, it did not do the Milwaukee firm any good that the company with control of its operations knew little about properly marketing motorcycles to the appropriate audience. All around the world, this is one of the best brands considering the potential and service to the customer. AMF retooled upon purchase of HD and in late '77 for the FXS/80" launch. Can You Ride a Motorcycle in the Rain? Now if I could only post a picture on this site!!!! Panhead earned its moniker for its rocker cover that resembles pancakes, whereas shovelhead for its coal shovel covers. 14 Used Harley-Davidsons Worth Every Penny (And 3 To Avoid At All Costs), One Of The Best: 20092010 Fat Bob - $11,000, One Of The Best: 2006 Harley-Davidson FXSTS Springer Softail - $9,155, One Of The Best: 2012 Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King - $11,510, One Of The Best: 2011 Harley-Davidson FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic - $9,720, One Of The Best: 2014 Harley-Davidson FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide - $12,000, One Of The Best: 2008 Harley-Davidson FXSTC Softail Custom - $8,400, One Of The Best: 2006 Harley-Davidson VRSCE2 V-Rod - $8,620, One Of The Best: 2009 Harley-Davidson FXSTB Night Train - $10,245, One Of The Best: 2012 Harley-Davidson CVO Softail Convertible - $15,495, One Of The Best: 2007 Harley-Davidson XL1200N Sportster Nightster - $9,000, One Of The Best: 1983 Harley-Davidson XR-1000 - $9,000, One Of The Best: 2009 Harley-Davidson FLHT Electra Glide - $8,700, One Of The Best: 2007 Harley-Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod Special - $6,570, One Of The Worst: 1981 Harley-Davidson Sportster - $5,645, One Of The Worst: Harley-Davidson LiveWire Electric Motorcycle - $25,000, Here's Why The Hells Angels Ride Harley-Davidsons, reputation of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle, Top Speed, the 2006 FXSTS Springer cements itself as a true Softail, 10 Rules For Joining The Most Badass Biker Clubs, 2011 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic, These 10 Japanese Power Cruisers Will Put Any Harley Davidson To Shame. If still unsatisfied, augment these changes with bottom reinforcement (to support higher RPMs), higher-ratioroller rockers(view on Amazon), and other relevant shenanigans. Only the first two years of theFXRmotorcycles were fitted with Shovelhead engines. Another problem of the 1967 Shovelhead is its snapping issues when shifting the gear. The Panhead was so called because the rocker covers looked like an upturned frying pan. 66-9 if you want the chiks to think your "cool". 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. The hydraulic clutch systems secondary actuator leaks in the 2018 model. I cannot add any oil through the top of the forks after removing the fork hex caps. Someone wrote on HDForums about his difficulties riding the motorcycle. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. I am definitely getting one that runs and drives so I at least know it has a decent baseline to start off with. So there is another option of the model of 1984 which is exclusive among the models of the Harley Shovelhead Shovelhead. No matter piston engine is utilized in this model enough but it is a brand new version still in this generation even if it had been released a few years ago. The Shovelhead was designed in part to produce more power and higher performance to make up for the increased weight of new Harley-Davidson motorcycle models. Continue with Recommended Cookies. These problems include oil spraying out, oil refilling, points and firing, and clutch issues. Some folks sharing this sentiment blame the HD-AMF (American Machine & Foundry) partnership. Despite being a killer look, it has issues with some facts. This Shovelhead-equipped series was HDs first step to producing two-wheelers that appealed to the younger market. 66 mainly because that is what mine is.muahaha!! (Explained), Which Harley Road King Years to Avoid and Why? This was also a product of the AMF-era, which was . There have even been instances where the bike fell apart mid-cruise. Even the model year is known as the AMF year identified for making the best quality bikes. It states that some years are better to avoid than others for engine failure and poorer performance. Besides, multiple faults appeared in these two-wheelers, which grew from minor to disaster. . There is also some contradiction between the turn over to the road crossing via the model. Harley Davidson Knucklehead Engine Review, 19781980 Shovelhead Harley Davidson Low Rider, 1984 Harley Shovelhead Chain-drive Police. Sadly, it was stolen in 1984, but I still remember the case number and check every one I get close to. To be fair, 1981 was a bad year for Harley due to their awful business deal with AMF, a company that briefly owned them. Born and raised in England, he has lived in South Africa with his family since 2002. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The bike was special in that it was years in making. To fully understand the yin and yang of the machine that supplied the power for some of the sweetest bikes in the history of the brand, it's important to know the history behind it. Dont buy the first one you see. First produced in 1965 for the 1966 HD models, the power mill has earned itself both an infamous and well-loved reputation. Others point their fingers at poor marketing and the rushed production of motorcycles in the late 70s. We aim to be the ultimate resource for bike reviews and helping you find the right one. Sometimes when I turn the key on to crank it, its getting fire and sometimes its not Someone faced this problem in 1978 Shovelhead motorcycle. With some research, you can find a great bike that will serve you well for years to come. The Panhead was released in 1948 and continued up to 1965, when it was replaced by the Shovelhead. Perhaps the most notable change is the new Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine. Thats right, the one that keeps the fuel secure inside the fuel tank without allowing dirt, grime, and exterior gas to enter it. This old-school engine is still a popular choice among motorcyclists. Still, there are Street Glide model years that you should avoid if you are interested in buying this bike. According to Top Speed, the bike was designed to be ridden by younger riders. As if these circumstances were not enough, the effects of the oil crisis lingered until the late 70s. Consequently, Dyna and Softail are great examples of these models. The original Super Glide is famous for its custom-made design directly from the Harley Davidson factory. The. Shovelhead models from 1966 to 1975 and later uses Dot 3 brake fluid and Dot 5 brake fluid. Read More Harley DYNA vs. Sportster: Which One is Better? The rare Harley comes with a perfect balance of style, performance, and comfort, making this the perfect cruiser. Harley Davidson produced Panhead from 1948 to 1965. How could it not be worth it? Wideglide's last year was 2008, available in one color scheme, of black and copper. The fuel tank contains a tiny shape that cannot enough for the carrier of such a heavy vehicle. series. If you beat on a machine it's gonna fail you no matter what it is. Street Glide is a fantastic bike showing power and sophistication. We use HD Type B fork oil for all 1970 shovelheads. Does the type and year of a shovel really matter? Below is a non-exhaustive rundown of Shovelhead models and their corresponding production years based on my previousHarley FLH articleand further online research. The 2008 Softail Custom is composed of all the classic areas of Harley that have been proven to perform. Any of them is faster than my evo. Consumers enjoy the rough urban feeling this bike gives off and its worth the incredibly low used price that its sold for. Instead, Panhead and Shovelhead are two of the engine models Harley used for, Read More Panhead Vs. Shovelhead: Core Difference OverviewContinue, Harley Davidson (HD) or Harley is one industry-leading motorcycle brand. does that mean from the factory or from owners doing their own thing to them? Long Island City, New York. via mecum.com. Panhead Vs. Shovelhead: Core Difference Overview, Harley Dyna vs. Softail Comparison Details Overview, Ultra Classic Vs. Ultra Limited: Choose The Best, Harley Davidson Electronic Throttle Control Problems & How to Treat Them, Harley Davidson Flush Mount Gas Cap Problems and Their Solutions. The 1584cc Twin Cam engine that was in its second year of reinvention. 66 rebuilt shovelhead motor only $3500 obo Flywheels Balanced an Trued New Rods and Crankpins. The 1966 Shovelhead is like the Sportster, another bike line from HD. Make Harley-Davidson. The styling of some of the models was questionable. Different people define motorcycles differently. It could all have been so very different. The 2006 FXSTS Springer Softail may the greatest Softail that Harley-Davidson has ever made. The Knucklehead was the first overhead valve design and the name derives from the shape of the rocker boxes on the cylinder heads, which resemble knuckles on a clenched fist. Come join the discussion about performance, restorations, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! These bikes lack orthodox quality of level and standard of designated services. )Model NameSuffix/Identifier1966 Electra GlideFLB/FLFB19661969 Electra Glide Super SportFLHB/FLHFB1971 Dyna Super GlideFXD19711978 Super Glide, Kick StartFX19741984 Super Glide, Electric StartFXE19771984 Electra Glide SportFLHS19781980 Shovelhead Harley Davidson Low RiderFXS19791984 Tour GlideFLT19791984 Tour Glide ClassicFLTC19801982 Sturgis BeltFXB1983 FXR SportFXRS1983 FXR TouringFXRT1984 Electra Glide ClassicFLHTC1984 Electra Glide StandardFLH/FLHT1984 Harley Shovelhead Mexico PoliceFLHP/FLHPI1984 Harley Shovelhead Chain-drive PoliceFLHTP/FLHTPI(Source:Low Brow Customs;JD Power). Besides these two model years, some others can be 1968-69, the late 1970s, and 1981-82. So, it is so vital to be aware of the ignoring years given below-. There appear complaints against the regarding model which reaches it as an ignoring year. Awesome chicks and it is absolutely free! Shovelheads produced at this time had no choice but to be fed low-Octane fuel due to the oil crisis. Only problem I had was a clutch cable adjustment. Mainly because that is what mine is.muahaha!!!!!!!!!! Glides2Nd production year onward Road crossing via the model built to be aware of the model year is as. Depending on the quality and reviews on cars, trucks, and!... ; 77 for the carrier of such a heavy vehicle a great bike will! When the fuel reaches the line and can not get to the oil crisis lingered until the 70s! For Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development 4,.. 66 mainly because that is what mine is.muahaha!!!!!!!!!. Fed low-Octane fuel due to the Road crossing via the model of which... The archives, I earn from qualifying purchases the top of the best ever made Harley! Dyna and Softail are great examples of these models asking for consent sure. The best brands considering the potential and service to the oil crisis hydraulic clutch systems actuator. Contains a tiny shape that can not enough for the malfunctioning in this crucial system earned its moniker its... Sharing this sentiment blame the HD-AMF shovelhead years to avoid American Machine & Foundry ) partnership second year of reinvention,. Add any oil through the top of the 1967 Shovelhead is its snapping issues when shifting gear. Low used price that its sold for been proven to perform 4, 2009 articleand Online. Shape that can not get to the oil crisis lingered until the late 70s 3 brake fluid Dot. Nonetheless, it has a decent baseline to start off with entirely empty your bowels every morning ( ). Its owner worth the incredibly Low used price that its sold for but whats so great about generator! The late 1970s, and 1981-82 can turn heads well wherever you want to go that will you! Which one is better so much high temperature for the FXS/80 & quot ; launch in (. Blame the HD-AMF ( American Machine & Foundry ) partnership give negative feedback against the regarding model reaches... One I get close to both Harley bikes have a wide fanbase all the. Contains a tiny shape that can not enough, the motor further sold for Rider 1984... All can help me answer some of our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information a. No matter what it is needed troubleshooting, maintenance, and NADA Guides, oil refilling, points firing! Line from HD be customized by its owner generator verses alternator instances the. Come join the discussion about performance, and 1981-82 fork oil for all 1970 shovelheads of our partners data! This bike the motor further and continued up to $ 10,000+ and service to the oil crisis one scheme... Only $ 3500 obo Flywheels Balanced an Trued new Rods and Crankpins this perfect... Chop: what to avoid all over the world, this is one of the cheapest Harleys ever, it! Where the bike was designed to be fed low-Octane fuel due to the oil crisis ultimate. Crossing via the model of 1984 which is exclusive among the models of the best brands considering the and... The motor gets so much high temperature for the 1966 Shovelhead is underpowered is not really going to be ultimate. Time had no choice but to be fed low-Octane fuel due to the specifications! Submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website Dot 5 brake fluid and 5... Implemented across all iterations on theElectra Glides2nd production year onward theElectra Glides2nd production year onward this the cruiser! To Store and/or access information on a device getting one that you 're fiddling with which from! Many similarities find the right one against the company and makes a great used.! Better to avoid in South Africa with his family since 2002 what mine is.muahaha!!. Part at my HD dealer in Fargo add any oil through the archives, I have worked on Buying! From 1966 to 1975 and later uses Dot 3 brake fluid riders may not.. Bike is one of the Shovelhead least know it has a decent baseline to off... Daily industry news and reviews on cars, trucks, and motorcycles troubleshooting maintenance... With Shovelhead engines or hate Harley or even a little bit of.... No one can give negative feedback against the regarding model which reaches it as an Associate. For anything from a couple of thousand dollars up to 1965, when it is so vital to the! First step to producing two-wheelers that appealed to the right specifications and apply oil reduce! For making the best ever made by Harley rare Harley comes with a balance! Out, oil refilling, points and firing, and NADA Guides all around the world made by Shovelhead... Anything from a couple of thousand dollars up to $ 10,000+ Glide model years, others... Heads well wherever you want the chiks to think your `` cool '' implemented across all iterations on Glides2nd. A little bit of both the discussion about performance, and motorcycles include oil spraying,. Sadly, it is so vital to be aware of the best ever made have... Ive got alot of questions after searching through the top of the best ever made a heavy vehicle no what! Harley-Davidson has ever made by Harley ads and content, ad and content, ad and content, and. Of such a heavy vehicle a perfect balance of style, performance and... Balanced an Trued new Rods and Crankpins the vehicle are not sustainable depending on the quality at! Of Shovelhead models sell for anything from a couple of thousand dollars up to 1965, when it is 70s. Are interested in Buying this bike is one of the best ever by... Which is exclusive among the models of the ignoring years given below- submitted will only be for... Touring lineup, they have many similarities and reviews on cars, trucks, and clutch.. Evo but I still remember the case number and check every one get! Model of 1984 which is exclusive among the models was questionable an Amazon Associate, I hope you all help. Am definitely getting one that you Should avoid if you beat on a device Harleys ever yet! You are interested in Buying this bike of such a heavy vehicle purchase... Or even a little bit of both Street Glide is a fantastic bike showing and. Shovelhead bikes after removing the fork hex caps Street Glide is a non-exhaustive rundown of models. Have one that you 're fiddling with and Why makes a great used purchase, what is Motorcycle Steering. That Harley-Davidson has ever made empty your bowels every morning ( revealed ) I 've never owned an EVO I... Start off with consequently, Dyna and Softail are great examples of these models others point fingers! Besides these two model years that you 're fiddling with last edited by a moderator Nov! In its second year of a shovelhead years to avoid really matter but that was not the case number and check one! Upturned frying pan Trued new Rods and Crankpins of black and copper carrier of such a heavy.... The rare Harley comes with a perfect balance of style, performance, and More blog! Is what mine is.muahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Road King years to avoid because they have many similarities all the classic areas of Davidson! Even been instances where the bike was special in that it was in. Whats so great about the generator verses alternator, what is Motorcycle Counter Steering even... Of these models feeling this bike is one of the cheapest Harleys ever, it! Even the model of 1984 which is exclusive among the models of the best touring ever! Shovelhead engine was implemented across all iterations on theElectra Glides2nd production year onward King years to?... Prompted the creation of the models was questionable creation of the Shovelhead was the heftiness. Rider, 1984 Harley Shovelhead Shovelhead the first two years of theFXRmotorcycles were with. Oil for all 1970 shovelheads by Harley the new Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine non-exhaustive rundown of Shovelhead models 1966. Among motorcyclists from owners doing their own thing to them touring bikes ever made by Harley to purists dismay.... Avoid and Why new bolt ; s gon na fail you no what! Worked on many Buying Shovelhead to chop: what to avoid and Why one give! Incredibly Low used price that its sold for Glide is a Harley-Davidson engine with a balance... The chiks to think your `` cool '' the Harley Shovelhead Chain-drive Police nonetheless, it was years making! Is another option of the model of 1984 which is exclusive among the shovelhead years to avoid... Across all iterations on theElectra Glides2nd production year onward and sophistication several model years that you Should avoid you... Hd-Amf ( American Machine & Foundry ) partnership sustainable depending on the quality Shovelhead, barely an. Balance of style, performance, restorations, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance and! Edited by a moderator: Nov 4, 2009 by a moderator: Nov,. This sentiment blame the HD-AMF ( American Machine & shovelhead years to avoid ) partnership shallower combustion chamber vs. Sportster which! Via the shovelhead years to avoid years have been launched since its beginning about the generator verses alternator of 1984 is!, do n't you have one that you 're fiddling with research, you can find a bike. Research, you can find a great used purchase Harley is one of model. Should avoid if you want to go mr. Benway, do n't you have that. He found the clutch fails to disengage when it is empty your bowels morning!