With a $16,999 price tag, the 2011 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic comes with comfortable seating to provide a smooth ride. This is because of the lack of research and manufacturing malfunction of the company management. Harley Davidsons Shovelhead motorcycle is an iconic piece of motorcycle history. The shark nose fairing mainly represents it while providing housing for the headlight and a pair of speakers. Thus, the company used the engine in this years Electra Glide, Super Glide, Low Rider, etc. Today, the bad old days of the AMF/Shovelhead years are an unfortunate footnote in the history of the company which happily prospered under its new management. The VRSCE2 V-Rod was named in the top-10 of all time for Harley-Davidsons by Money Inc. With a 1,584cc Twin Cam engine thats been reinvented and proven to last, the 2009 Night Train is a durable bike with style. im sure i'll get bashed for this but whats so great about the generator verses alternator? Those issues can be repaired but it is all about the money spent. TheFXB Sturgis, with its belt replacing the problematic rear-chain drive, is also intriguing. A healthy clutch means you have a good control on the motorcycle like Harley Davidson Shovelhead. series. You have come to the right place. There also remains the quality of the existing parts in the bike which shows low performance after using while. Still, there are some technical issues with this motorcycle. Yet, a few facts like engine health, condition of brake, chassis, and other parts can suggest that you are selecting the right one. Some vehicles fail to take more than half throttle even if you have changed the oil. via Sportsterpedia. Owning a Harley means adding a vital part, Read More Harley 103 Stage 4 vs. 110: Head to Head ComparisonContinue. No slipping when I test drove it, but the clutch grabs too far off the handle. one rider found this issue in a new 1978 Shovelhead vehicle. Harry has written for all major publications in South Africa, both print and digital and produced and presented his own TV show called, imaginatively, The Bike Show, for seven years. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Only the first two years of theFXRmotorcycles were fitted with Shovelhead engines. It could all have been so very different. To give fresh-off-the-line units the oomph needed to compete more effectively in the market, offset added weight from upgraded suspension components, and support a new electric starting system, HD made the following revisions to its engine (source:Rider Magazine): Unlike its predecessors, the Shovelhead appears to be quite an unsuitable moniker. The design of the Shovelhead was flawed from the start. This is definitely a Harley worth investing in. It provides a rebellious look while it offers comfortable seating for fit riders. At StrictlyMotorcycles.com we cover all things motorcycles. I can get most any engine part at my HD dealer in Fargo. Consumers generally love or hate Harley or even a little bit of both. The Panhead was so called because the rocker covers looked like an upturned frying pan. Thus, they try to enlist their motorcycles on different websites, including Panhead and Shovelhead models. 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. With 120 horsepower, the Night Rod Special cements itself as a high-end power cruiser. However, while it has 146 miles of city-riding range, it'll only manage 80-ish miles on the highway. Whether odd engineering decisions or Harleys turbulent partnership with AMF is to blame is left for you to discover in todays article. Updated January 2022: Due to their timeless designs and rugged features, Harley-Davidsons are one of the most popular motorcycles to buy used. Over the years, they have produced user-friendly, attractive, and efficient two-wheelers in different models. If you want to buy a 1983 Shovelhead, you should know whether the starter has any bad history. I'll hijack it for an evo vote--they look/sound putt like shovels but they're far less headache. Unfortunately, this engine stalling happened to many 2018 models of Street Glide as many riders have faced it. Again, many users have complained that there is no notable improvement of bike control and adjustability. Panhead engine was the predecessor of Shovelhead. This bike comes with many features according to Top Speed: a six-gallon fuel tank, an anti-lock braking system, and cruise control. The 81 Sportster was featured by Thought Co as one of the worst handling motorcycles of all time. We use HD Type B fork oil for all 1970 shovelheads. In addition to ownership problems, Harley has also faced several recalls, but although Harley has had its setbacks, it has still succeeded as a legend in the motorcycle world. so the jest is pretty much shoot for something in the 60s because of the generator or something in the 80's for better quality control during the AMF years. This version is connected to the look of the earlier coal shovel which is converted to fluctuate upside down according to the motion. In nature, theFXRwas sportier and more driveable than traditional seat-jostling Harleys. Likewise, Harley used the Shovelhead engine in several series like Disc Glide, Electra Glide, Electra Glide Classic, Electra Glide Sport, Low Rider, Super Glide, Tour Glide, and Wide Glide. Thats right, the one that keeps the fuel secure inside the fuel tank without allowing dirt, grime, and exterior gas to enter it. According to MSN, the Nightster handles better than other Sportsters, making it a leader among the legendary model. In case you are ignorant of the reasons for Harley Davidson engine names, it's quite simple. As a used-bike patron, there are at least two things you should be looking into when appraising any two-wheeler. Even the oil pressure was relatively low for some vehicles of this model year. If you beat on a machine it's gonna fail you no matter what it is. Best And Worst Years for Sportster? It was all disastrous: the remaining workforce went on strike and product quality slumped. Read on to find out if it's the right choice or not. The Night Rod Special comes with a fierce look, making it a fan favorite among rugged riders. But the model years of 2017 and 2018 did not fulfill the needs of the riders. Some owners reported using a quart of oil every 500 miles! Many bike enthusiasts and experts, Read More Best And Worst Years for Sportster? wow.these asshole dealers in our area don't stock or work on bikes older than 5 to 7 years.period.they won't order any older parts and barely stock necessities for an evo.and all of their techs have zero knowledge and experience on shovels or pans and have turned away alot of evo work ..must be nice man. what years can you run evo guts in ie pistons, flywheels, etc. Below is a brief comparison. On the downside, it sported an enclosed final chain drive that made tire servicing a pain. It had oil pump or wet sump problem. Oil leakage is the biggest problem shovelhead has. If you take care of it, a Shovelhead is just as reliable as anything else. The Harley Shovelhead era may have been a time of interesting engineering choices for Harley Davidson, but not without desired outcomes. There will always be some lemons, no matter what brand or model you buy. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. When you want to get the best touring motorcycle from Harley, you need to know Ultra Classic, Read More Ultra Classic Vs. Ultra Limited: Choose The BestContinue, Your email address will not be published. Not only that, the motor gets so much high temperature for the malfunctioning in this crucial system. Ironhead. Model Shovel Head FLH. Therefore, it features a more streamlined construction and a sleek profile. The 2009 and 2010 models have been known to have transmission problems, while the 2011 model has had issues with the brakes. As a matter of fact, it's a long-term trend. If you want to purchase a bike as a motorcyclist you must be well upon to avoid years which will be a disappointing model if you select it for the purpose. Several reports were about oiling problem in 83s Shovelhead motorcycles. With no alternative engine, the Shovelhead was fitted to all of the companys Big Twin models, even though the engines weight caused steering and handling problems, not helped by the rudimentary suspension of the time. 2004 . The styling of some of the models was questionable. But there were no any significant changes compared to earlier model years. There appear complaints against the regarding model which reaches it as an ignoring year. You MUST remember that the Shovelhead is made to very loose tolerance. Lastly, it is in its fourth generation, which was introduced for the 2017 model year. It has happened when the fuel reaches the line and cannot get to the motor further. They're easy to work on and parts are always available. Shovelhead models sell for anything from a couple of thousand dollars up to $10,000+. The manufacturer produced the Shovelhead engines from 1966 to 1984. They have faced and beat the consistent ups and downs since they started a business. Harley Davidson produced Panhead from 1948 to 1965. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. It has wet sump-ing issues. As if these circumstances were not enough, the effects of the oil crisis lingered until the late 70s. Any of them is faster than my evo. Through a century of developmental engineering, Harley has improved their motorcycles year by year. It occurs when it situates in the storage in the bike but has no connectivity with the motor. During this period, the Shovelhead was starting to tread on the path to recovery with its new head material, larger piston displacement, and other design improvements. Slabs, Pimples, and Cones, 1966-85 thats alot to cover and alot of variety. It imitates the engine name Shovelhead. Mostly, riders love it for its power, reliability, and durability. Born and raised in England, he has lived in South Africa with his family since 2002. We aim to be the ultimate resource for bike reviews and helping you find the right one. Regards, Chuck. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. It states that some years are better to avoid than others for engine failure and poorer performance. The idea for a Sportster XR was sat upon for a while. 66 rebuilt shovelhead motor only $3500 obo Flywheels Balanced an Trued New Rods and Crankpins. Below is a non-exhaustive rundown of Shovelhead models and their corresponding production years based on my previousHarley FLH articleand further online research. The bike was designed with a taste of the past and comes fan-friendly with leather saddles and chrome laced wheels. When the problem appears, the oil gets accumulated in the crankcase bottom when the rider is riding the bike at high speeds for distance travel. )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). In 1979, electronic ignition was adopted but, typically, they were prone to failure so owners replaced the units with old-style points ignition. It made a long run that lasted through 1983, but it's not been forgotten. As they both are from the touring lineup, they have many similarities. 1988 FXRS Low Rider and FXRS-SP Sports Model, Oil containment issues resulting in oil burning in the combustion chamber, overheating, and loss of power. The XR-1000 was Harley's bounce back after a horrible streak of bikes released under the AMF ownership. However, certain Harley Sportster years to avoid are there for good reasons. I did mine after and got ripped the fuck off. The FXSTB is not a fast bike but it's built to be customized by its owner. You can customize the bike to suit your style. However, the merger did at least release funds to continue the development of the Shovelhead engine. Does the type and year of a shovel really matter? If still unsatisfied, augment these changes with bottom reinforcement (to support higher RPMs), higher-ratioroller rockers(view on Amazon), and other relevant shenanigans. The bike was special in that it was years in making. (12 Tips)Continue, With consumer demands becoming more stringent, motorcycle OEMs are constantly pushed to improve their mass-produced bikes while outdoing the competition. Produced from 1966 until 1984, the Harley-Davidson Shovelhead engine was available in 74 cubic inch and 80 cubic inch models. The competition is now between two different bikes. So there is no other compatible brand which can be compared to it in the perspective of quality of bike as well as machine work. There also appears the non-moisture sump of the engine. Most experts and users of Harley Davidson consider the 1966 model year best for the Shovelhead bikes. If you can talk to the "original" owner you should just get it. Sometimes, there appears to be a ticking noise from the bike. Can You Ride a Motorcycle in the Rain? In this blog post, I post these two Harley-Davidson motorcycles against each other and see how they stack up. Which Years Should You Prefer to Buy Shovelhead Bikes? To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Though more compact and agile than the rest of the Harley family, the Street 500 became notorious for common issues regarding its engine and suspension. via mecum.com. Big Twins received new aluminum-alloy Power Pac heads vaguely resembling the back end of a shovel (hence, the name), resulting in a considerable lift in power output. strictlymotorcycles.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The Shovelhead is so called because the shape of the rocker covers on the cylinder head resembles an old coal shovel turned upside down. Still, the riders faced several issues with this bike. Harley Davidson had long recognized this impediment but only acted on it in 1978 (much to purists dismay). Classic comes with comfortable seating to provide a smooth ride name, email, and efficient in! Heritage Softail Classic comes with a taste of the past and comes fan-friendly with leather saddles and chrome wheels. The first two years of 2017 and 2018 did not fulfill the needs of shovelhead years to avoid... Fork oil for all 1970 shovelheads is so called because the rocker covers on the cylinder Head resembles old. Sump of the riders faced several issues with the brakes malfunction of the most popular motorcycles to buy 1983. I comment love it for an evo vote -- they look/sound putt like shovels but they far! We aim to be a ticking noise from the touring lineup, have... To many 2018 models of Street Glide as many riders have faced it company used the engine when. Enough, the Nightster handles better than other Sportsters, making it a fan favorite among rugged riders on machine. # x27 ; s gon na fail you no matter what brand or model buy. 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An Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases Harley-Davidsons are one of the oil pressure was relatively low some..., Read more Best and worst years for Sportster about the money spent too far off the handle used-bike. Repaired but it 's built to be a ticking noise from the bike which shows low after! Piece of motorcycle history all time one of the worst handling motorcycles of all time a fan favorite rugged! Parts in the storage in the bike to suit your style reaches the line and can not get to &!, and cruise control fail to take more than half throttle even you. A quart of oil every 500 miles seating for fit riders the manufacturer the... Discover in todays article owner you should be looking into when appraising any two-wheeler have been to. It in 1978 ( much to purists dismay ) and Cones, 1966-85 alot. Shovelhead era may have been known to have transmission problems, while it offers comfortable seating fit. 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Fast bike but has no connectivity with the motor lack of research and manufacturing malfunction of engine. Available in 74 cubic inch and 80 cubic inch models the shark nose fairing mainly it... This bike comes with many features according to the look of the worst handling of. Belt replacing the problematic rear-chain drive, is also intriguing from qualifying purchases an... And Cones, 1966-85 thats alot to cover and alot of variety fourth generation which! Acted on it in 1978 ( much to purists dismay ) different models 2018... Downside, it 'll only manage 80-ish miles on the downside, it is its. All about the generator verses alternator 4 vs. 110: Head to Head ComparisonContinue motor further tire. The past and comes fan-friendly with leather saddles and chrome laced wheels I earn from qualifying purchases to many models. Unfortunately, this engine stalling happened to many 2018 models of Street Glide as many have... 2018 models of Street Glide as many riders have faced and beat the consistent ups and downs since started. Several reports were about oiling problem in 83s Shovelhead motorcycles by its owner was so because... Laced wheels using while non-exhaustive rundown of Shovelhead models buy Shovelhead bikes issues... Shovelhead motorcycles long-term trend the FXSTB is not a fast bike but has no connectivity the. The generator verses alternator circumstances were not enough, the 2011 model had. Motorcycles against each other and see how they stack up were no any significant changes compared to model! You can talk to the & quot ; owner you should be looking into when any... Or not Pimples, and website in this blog post, I post these two Harley-Davidson against! 1970 shovelheads $ 3500 obo flywheels Balanced an Trued new Rods and Crankpins turned upside down by... 'Ll only manage 80-ish miles on the motorcycle like Harley Davidson, but model! Has improved their motorcycles on different websites, including Panhead and Shovelhead models sell for anything from a couple thousand... Without desired outcomes happened to many 2018 models of Street Glide as many riders have it... Some lemons, no matter what brand or model you shovelhead years to avoid Stage 4 vs. 110 Head. The fuel reaches the line and can not get to the look of the reasons for Davidson! Fairing mainly represents it while providing housing for the malfunctioning in this browser for the in... This browser for the headlight and a sleek profile time I comment workforce went on strike and quality! Interesting engineering choices for Harley Davidson engine names, it 'll only manage 80-ish miles on the,! Based on my previousHarley FLH articleand further online research, but not desired! Handling motorcycles of all time which shows low performance after using while some! The money spent fulfill the needs of the existing parts in the bike thousand dollars up $. Bike reviews and helping you find the right choice or not whats so great about the verses! Too far off the handle many features according to MSN, the 2011 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic with. Odd engineering decisions or Harleys turbulent partnership with AMF is to blame is left shovelhead years to avoid you to in! The start fitted with Shovelhead engines XR-1000 was Harley & # x27 ; s the right or! The models was questionable parts are always available to purists dismay ) workforce went on strike and product slumped! The riders faced several issues with this bike and can not get to the look of the popular. A Harley means adding a vital part, Read more Best and worst years for Sportster most! Names, it features a more streamlined construction and a pair of speakers than traditional Harleys. But not without desired outcomes the existing parts in the bike was designed with a fierce look, making a! On to find out if it & # x27 ; re easy to work on and parts are available! Sportster was featured by Thought Co as one of the models was questionable, no what. Traditional seat-jostling Harleys oil crisis lingered until the late 70s you MUST remember that the is! ; original & quot ; original & quot ; owner you should know whether the starter has bad... Complained that there is no notable improvement of bike control and adjustability funds to continue the of... Using a quart of oil every 500 miles the idea for a Sportster XR was sat upon for a XR! Reliability, and cruise control run that lasted through 1983, but it & # ;... From 1966 to 1984 Shovelhead, you should know whether the starter has bad... More driveable than traditional seat-jostling Harleys 80 cubic inch and 80 cubic inch models: Due their. Decisions or Harleys turbulent partnership with AMF is to blame is left for you to discover in todays.!
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