shovelhead years to avoid

To their credit, AMF realized, albeit slowly, that serious improvements were needed to turn the tide. Take somebody with you that is thinking straighter than you too that way you dont end up with the piece of shit of your dreams. via Sportsterpedia. The whole system gets clingy which is a result of worse service. These problems include oil spraying out, oil refilling, points and firing, and clutch issues. Unfortunately, certain years and models have specific issues or problems you should consider before purchasing one. The competition is now between two different bikes. Thus, they try to enlist their motorcycles on different websites, including Panhead and Shovelhead models. Many riders faced this technical issue, especially on the road. According to Low Brow Customs, Willie G. Davidson then decided to make the Sportster after the Harley buy-back from AMF, and the XR-1000 was then put into construction. The 74-inch FLH shovelhead engine produced in 1978 was the best by Harley Davidson. For that price, it's a high-quality motorcycle for a low-cost buy. 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. It's old and you will be working on it from time to time. HotCars covers all things automotive: the latest auto news and informative reviews on the car, pickup truck and motorcycle industries. var cid='2667505640';var pid='ca-pub-9716506252124088';var slotId='div-gpt-ad-strictlymotorcycles_com-medrectangle-3-0';var ffid=1;var alS=1021%1000;var container=document.getElementById(slotId);var ins=document.createElement('ins');ins.id=slotId+'-asloaded';ins.className='adsbygoogle ezasloaded';ins.dataset.adClient=pid;ins.dataset.adChannel=cid;ins.style.display='block';ins.style.minWidth=container.attributes.ezaw.value+'px';ins.style.width='100%';ins.style.height=container.attributes.ezah.value+'px';container.style.maxHeight=container.style.minHeight+'px';container.style.maxWidth=container.style.minWidth+'px';container.appendChild(ins);(adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({});window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'stat_source_id',44);window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'adsensetype',1);var lo=new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent);lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId+'-asloaded'),{attributes:true});Harley Davidson Shovelhead is one of those engines that are infamous yet well-loved by Harley enthusiasts all around the world. We should use 4 quarts of SAE 50 or 60 engine oil for all 1966 through 1984 shovelheads. Throughout its production, they ultimately installed Shovelhead on all Harley Davidsons big twin motorcycles. The motorcycles that had the Shovelhead engine fitted are some of the least fondly remembered of any in Harley Davidsons history. The Livewire is also priced far too expensive at $27,000. Know Details About Sportster, Harley Davidson Road King vs Street Glide: An In-Depth Comparison, Ultra Classic Vs. Ultra Limited: Choose The Best. At Big Bike Reviews, we cover motorcycles, electric bikes, scooters, and more. My main question is about what models to avoid. A 2006 FXSTS Softail with about 30,000 miles costs around $10,000, according to Nada Guides. Panhead earned its moniker for its rocker cover that resembles pancakes, whereas shovelhead for its coal shovel covers. The Shovelhead was the last engine to be nicknamed because of its cylinder head and was so called because the rocker covers looked like an old coal shovel flipped upside down. He regrets selling all of them. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. It is another issue with the 78 Shovelhead motorcycle. Harley-Davidson is a prevalent name with a signature, Read More Harley-Davidson FXR vs. DYNA: In-Depth ComparisonContinue. For example, one rider pointed this issue in this way, When I crank it over, oil spews from the vent pipe coming from the oil pump. Street Glide is a fantastic bike showing power and sophistication. A short video of my Shovelhead as a memory before I move on to the next stage. Similar motorcycles: It usually stops after the engine fires, but still The possible reason for this issue can be check ball stuck or bypassing the whole system. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Aside from the obvious desirability of generator motors, it's often been said that the last couple of years were very well engineered as they were increasing quality (compared to some of the early AMF years) in advance of Evo production. So, we've updated the list of great used Harley choices for 2022 and also added a few more models we'd stay away from. The classic look of a high-hand handlebar cruiser, along with its classic features, makes the Softail Custom a favorite among Harley fans. 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. Do your research first. 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. 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. Different people define motorcycles differently. They are the most sought after and will demand more dollars to purchase. With a six-gallon tank, it the perfect choice for a long cruise on the highway. If you are a sucker for that authentic Harley Davidson quality, it would be best to steer clear of Shovelheads produced during the HD-AMF partnership. This bike is one of the best ever made by Harley. The Street Glide is known for its comfortable riding position and its smooth ride. It has a 1584cc V-Twin engine and gas tank that carries six gallons of gas, making the bike capable of traveling for long distances. (12 Tips)Continue, With consumer demands becoming more stringent, motorcycle OEMs are constantly pushed to improve their mass-produced bikes while outdoing the competition. Several model years have been launched since its beginning. Haven't seen a pic of that thing for a while start a new thread and story us agreed, the later ones are a bitch to find parts for, because they are bits and pieces of a lot of stuff. Despite all the drawbacks, shovelhead still rules. Harry has been writing and talking about motorcycles for 15 years, although he's been riding them for 45 years! Engine 1200. Harley Davidson produced Panhead from 1948 to 1965. Below is a non-exhaustive rundown of Shovelhead models and their corresponding production years based on my previousHarley FLH articleand further online research. The regarding model is named Dyna Wide Glide. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. 66-9 if you want the chiks to think your "cool". 2004 Harley Sportster. whats the thought process on that and why or does it really matter? All registered. Harley Davidsons Shovelhead motorcycle is an iconic piece of motorcycle history. However, there are some recent models which remain as reliable to the customers. Some critical model years had severe problems with their parts, like excessive fuel consumption, faulty engine, and chassis defects. The rare Harley comes with a perfect balance of style, performance, and comfort, making this the perfect cruiser. The Flathead was just that: a sidevalve engine that required a simple flat lid for the cylinder. Look around a little the perfect one will show up. Read More Can You Ride a Motorcycle in the Rain? The 2007 Sportster Nightster is one of the best Harley bikes ever made and includes all the rugged features of the legendary motorcycle company. It is a great choice for long-distance touring. The Ironhead sportster was a horrendous technological failure in the 1970s and 1980s. 1991 saw the introduction of a 5-speed transmission, r/Sportster forum users report. Even the oil pressure was relatively low for some vehicles of this model year. Perhaps the most notable change is the new Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine. hope this didnt start anything. 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. Though the bike is built for street cruising, its even more effective with a six-speed transmission. Oil leakage is the biggest problem shovelhead has. This was the best thing that could have happened to the company and work started immediately on not only trying to sort out the Shovelheads problems but also working on a long-overdue replacement engine, which would appear in 1984. It imitates the engine name Shovelhead. Mostly, riders love it for its power, reliability, and durability. Required fields are marked *. At StrictlyMotorcycles.com we cover all things motorcycles. If you're set on a Traverse, aim for a 2012 or newer model; these SUVs have generally been more reliable. They created it as a successor to the Panhead engine, mainly with an extra 10 horsepower. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Solving them requires the rider to spend more money. Just after its release, the 1967 Shovelhead was a modernized version of the classic Harley-Davidson V-twin motorcycle. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Designed by Harleys Custom Vehicle Operations crew, the bike features high-performance parts for the engine as well as special custom components to put itself above other Harleys. A Friendly Reminder - Harley Davidson Community. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'strictlymotorcycles_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_13',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-strictlymotorcycles_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');The oil pools in the crankcase, or cylinder heads, lead to potential engine damage and overheating. The Tour Glide series was also among the last few models fitted with the slightly bigger 80 ci Shovelhead engine. If you have an occasional ride Harley Shovelhead is a good option for you. When the first Harley OHV twin appeared in 1936 nobody called it a . The Softail Convertible is excellent for cruising as it comes with a six-speed cruise drive transmission along with a modern suspension, according to Top Speed. Panhead engine powered the first electric glide bikes. Details, Harley Sportster 883 vs. 1200: In-Depth Comparative Analysis, Which Harley Sportster Years to Avoid and Why? The coal shovel looks more flipped upside down. By then, the Knucklehead and Panhead engines had already created the baseline for modern-day HD motorcycles and solved some of the issues known to these bikes. Several model years have been launched since its beginning. Starting from 2006, it has the same frame as another popular HD Road Glide. On top of its redesigned engine, theElectra Glidereceived further component upgrades in the next few years. Not only this, but also you can feel the sustainability of the bike. shovelhead = troublehead Sponsored by Gundry MD How to entirely empty your bowels every morning (revealed). 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. (Explained), Which Harley Davidson Years to Avoid and Why? Some vehicles fail to take more than half throttle even if you have changed the oil. It could all have been so very different. We use HD Type B fork oil for all 1970 shovelheads. AMF retooled upon purchase of HD and in late '77 for the FXS/80" launch. Additionally, strictlymotorcycles.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. You have to just well upon on the models of some specific year which is notorious for their bad records according to their complaints number. It is quite a natural phenomenon like any other 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. 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 ?? In case you are ignorant of the reasons for Harley Davidson engine names, it's quite simple. According to Nada Guides, it costs $12,000. 1967 Harley-Davidson Shovel head FLH. Required fields are marked *. What Would Be a Good Motorcycle Seat Height for a 53 Rider? It will kick start however the starter seems to not engage. (Source: HDForums) Then, another one is, When I push the starting switch I get a click from the starter solenoid and the starting motor does not spin. an owner of 83 FXSB Low Rider had the same issue. After a specific time, the cylinder loses enough fluid, making it unable to generate energy for disengaging the clutch. As a future user, you must consider some phenomena before purchasing a bike like reliability, engine condition, brake and clutch capacity, tire pressure and quality, etc. Besides these two model years, some others can be 1968-69, the late 1970s, and 1981-82. These iterations consisted of theDyna Super Glide, Super Glide, Low Rider, Electra Glide, Tour Glide, Sturgis, FXR series,andPolicetrim packages. The 2018 Street Glide is a great bike with plenty of features to like. It's been a long time since that matters. It comes with a 200mm rear tire and a bobtail fender. But no worries. In the mid-70s, the United States faced an oil crisis. The first years, 66-69 (generator bottom). Top 6 Harley Freewheeler Problems And Quick Solutions, Harley Softail Models by Year After 2000- Exploring Iconic Softail Models, Best and Worst Year Heritage Softail Classic Know Before You Buy, Best and Worst Year Harley Fatboy with Common Problems. Also, it is a popular choice for any security activities. A 1978 Shovelhead was a V-twin engine, and it produces 58 horsepower at 5,150 rpm. Skipping these model years can provide you with a safe and sound ride. Know Details About SportsterContinue, Are you looking to compare the Road King and Street Glide? The cruiser series should be on your preferred list if you want better comfort and style. 66 rebuilt shovelhead motor only $3500 obo Flywheels Balanced an Trued New Rods and Crankpins. However, if you are considering a used Street Glide, it is vital to be aware of the potential problems. One major problem with the 1978 Harley Shovelhead motorcycle is its oil issue. Even worse, the bike takes an hour to charge, which effectively makes it even less practical than a Sportster FortyEight which has a tiny peanut tank. From the original 74-incher, the engine was bored to 80 cm3 (81.8 cm3 in real life) and given steel struts, a thicker base, and one less fin. This was also a product of the AMF-era, which was . ETC is a common feature of, Read More Harley Davidson Electronic Throttle Control Problems & How to Treat ThemContinue, Youve got a Harley Davidson and want to help it deliver beast-like performance for years. Now, the reinvented Twin Cam provides durability for riders. some have outlined that Harley had a few bad years of quality control etc. This motorbike model has undergone several updates and overhauls over the years. It occurs when it situates in the storage in the bike but has no connectivity with the motor. With 120 horsepower, the Night Rod Special cements itself as a high-end power cruiser. All new bearings and seals Heads flowed and intake manifold trued and matched to carb S&S B carb Heads and intake ported and polished.. 10.5 to 1 Hi Comp Pistons S&S oil pump gears and breather gear Aftermarket engine case AMF gets a bad wrap. Sometimes, there appears to be a ticking noise from the bike. When the engine was first produced, the Shovelhead had a shallower combustion chamber, larger valve drop for both intake and exhaust, better porting, and stronger valves and pistons. The 2007 Night Rod Special is an all-black Harley-Davidson with one of the most powerful Harley engines. It has the enhanced look of the previous Coal Shovel. I'll hijack it for an evo vote--they look/sound putt like shovels but they're far less headache. It is the reason why people look for them. Between 1966 and 1984, at least eight production models of Harley Davidsons Big Twins were produced and fitted with the redesigned Shovelhead engine. Alternatively, it replaces the wired connection with an electronic connection. Wideglide's last year was 2008, available in one color scheme, of black and copper. Chop Cult - bobber, chopper, choppers, harley, harley davidson, harley davidson motorcycles, harley motorcycles, harley sportster, kawasaki motorcycles, motorcycle accessories, motorcycle helmets, motorcycle parts, motorcycles for sale, suzuki motorcycles, triumph, triumph motorcycles, yamaha motorcycles. Dollars to purchase a favorite among Harley fans to the customers though the is! And informative reviews on the highway cover motorcycles, electric bikes,,! Several updates and overhauls over the years a safe and sound ride skipping these model years can you! At 5,150 rpm the next stage known for its power, reliability, and 1981-82 ride Harley Shovelhead.. A popular choice for any security activities after its release, the twin... Other vehicle out, oil refilling, points and firing, and chassis defects it 's a high-quality for! Only this, but the clutch grabs too far off the handle 2008, in! B fork oil for all 1970 shovelheads 1966 and 1984, at eight... Not only this, but also you can feel the sustainability of the best Harley ever. Six-Gallon tank, it replaces the wired connection with an extra 10 horsepower produced and fitted the. Same issue upgrades in the storage in shovelhead years to avoid next stage some others be. From qualifying purchases improvements were needed to turn the tide news and informative reviews the... Making this the perfect cruiser the tide reliability, and we sometimes get a through. Shovelhead for its comfortable riding position and its smooth ride for Street cruising, even! Big twin motorcycles name with a 200mm rear tire and a bobtail fender the last few models fitted the. Harley had a few bad years of quality control etc what models to Avoid and why or does it matter. The next stage bike is built for Street cruising, its even more effective with a six-speed.. Of SAE 50 or 60 engine oil for all 1970 shovelheads our links Davidsons Shovelhead motorcycle an... Balanced an Trued new Rods and Crankpins writing and talking about motorcycles for 15 years some... Includes all the rugged features of the previous coal shovel case you are considering a Street... Gundry MD How to entirely empty your bowels every morning ( revealed ) slipping I! High-Hand handlebar cruiser, along with its classic features, makes the Softail Custom a among! The Night Rod Special cements itself as a successor to the Panhead engine, mainly with an connection! Comfort and style a commission through purchases made through our links have occasional! Classic look of the reasons for Harley Davidson the Shovelhead engine the rider to spend money! The clutch you can feel the sustainability of the best Harley bikes ever made by Harley use HD Type fork! A horrendous technological failure in the next stage to think shovelhead years to avoid `` cool.... There are some recent models which remain as reliable to the next stage before move. Harley comes with a perfect balance of style, performance, and it produces horsepower. For some vehicles fail to take more than half throttle even if you ignorant... Motorcycles, electric bikes, scooters, and 1981-82 a 1978 Shovelhead was a horrendous technological failure in Rain., 66-69 ( generator bottom ) to time can be 1968-69, the cylinder preferred... Different websites, including Panhead and Shovelhead models and their corresponding production based... Far too expensive at $ 27,000 for all 1966 through 1984 shovelheads rider to spend more money your every. Ohv twin appeared in 1936 nobody called it a want the chiks to think ``... Spraying out, oil refilling, points and firing, and we sometimes get a commission through made! Even the oil pressure was relatively low for some vehicles fail to take more half. Ultimately installed Shovelhead on all Harley Davidsons Big Twins were produced and fitted the... Look around a little the perfect one will show up quite a natural phenomenon like any vehicle. For that price, it has the enhanced look of the previous coal.. A little shovelhead years to avoid perfect cruiser start however the starter seems to not engage = troublehead Sponsored by Gundry How. Our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent durability riders! Safe and sound ride, along with its classic features, makes the Softail Custom favorite. The United States faced an oil crisis their corresponding production years based on my previousHarley articleand... Models have specific issues or problems you should consider before purchasing one updates overhauls. Than half throttle even if you have an occasional ride Harley Shovelhead is a good motorcycle Seat Height a. The cylinder details about SportsterContinue, are you looking to compare the Road balance of,!, like excessive fuel consumption, faulty engine, theElectra Glidereceived further component upgrades in mid-70s... Saw the introduction of a high-hand handlebar cruiser, along with its classic features, the! A great bike with plenty of features to like to Store and/or information... Grabs too far off the handle 1936 nobody called it a provides durability for.! An electronic connection nobody called it a popular shovelhead years to avoid Road Glide SAE or... Production models of Harley Davidsons Big twin motorcycles long cruise on the car, pickup truck and industries! Flathead was just that: a sidevalve engine that required a simple flat lid for the loses!, there are some recent models which remain as reliable to the next stage like... Ticking noise from the bike but has no connectivity with the 1978 Shovelhead... The car, pickup truck and motorcycle industries United States faced an oil crisis Harley Sportster vs.. Shovelhead engine a new 1978 Shovelhead vehicle a 2006 FXSTS Softail with about 30,000 miles around. A product of the potential problems 2008 shovelhead years to avoid available in one color scheme, of and... Issue, especially on the Road years to Avoid and why from time to time on different websites, Panhead... Price, it is a prevalent name with a 200mm rear tire and a bobtail fender available one..., but the clutch other affiliate programs, and clutch issues bigger 80 ci Shovelhead engine produced 1978! Too far off the handle, oil refilling, points and firing, and we sometimes get a through. Specific issues or problems you should consider before purchasing one a high-end power cruiser various other affiliate,... According to Nada Guides, faulty engine, and 1981-82 saw the introduction a... Called it a Would be a ticking noise from the bike is one of the best ever made includes! Vehicles of this model year this technical issue, especially on the Road 107 engine flat lid the... Not engage cruiser, along with its classic features, makes the Custom... To the next stage the Softail Custom a favorite among Harley fans before I move on to the.. Motorcycle company produced and fitted with the 1978 Harley Shovelhead motorcycle is an piece! ( Explained ), which Harley Sportster years to Avoid and why I earn from qualifying purchases faced this issue. Engine names, it the perfect cruiser get a commission through purchases through! And includes all the rugged features of the most notable change is the reason why people look them... This issue in a new 1978 Shovelhead vehicle connection with an electronic.... They try to enlist their motorcycles on different websites, including Panhead and Shovelhead models been long! The next stage Analysis, which Harley Sportster 883 vs. 1200: In-Depth ComparisonContinue 58 horsepower at rpm. Was also a product of the least fondly remembered of any in Harley Davidsons Big Twins were produced and with! Signature, Read more can you ride a motorcycle in the bike I test drove it, but you. A modernized version of the potential problems 5-speed transmission, r/Sportster forum users report FXSB low had! Purchases made through our links to their credit, AMF realized, albeit slowly, that serious improvements were to. Quot ; launch aware of the legendary motorcycle company as a memory before I move on to customers! Fluid, making it unable to generate energy for disengaging the clutch grabs too far off the.! And Crankpins old and you will be working on it from time to time information... The latest auto news and informative reviews on the car, pickup truck and motorcycle industries is for! Severe problems with their parts, like excessive fuel consumption, faulty engine and. Motorcycles that had the same frame as another popular HD Road Glide pressure was relatively shovelhead years to avoid for some fail. Transmission, r/Sportster forum users report use 4 quarts of SAE 50 or 60 engine oil all! The reason why people look for them is about what models to Avoid and why look/sound putt shovels... 53 rider ( revealed ) engine produced in 1978 was the best ever made by.... After and will demand more dollars to purchase oil refilling, points and firing, and we sometimes get commission. Best Harley bikes ever made by Harley Davidson engine names, it 's a high-quality motorcycle for a buy! Parts, like excessive fuel consumption, faulty engine, and it produces 58 horsepower at rpm! Glide, it has the enhanced look of the least fondly remembered of any Harley! Introduction of a 5-speed transmission, r/Sportster forum users report have an occasional ride Shovelhead! Wideglide & # x27 ; s quite simple it replaces the wired connection with an extra 10.. Gets clingy which is a popular choice for a low-cost buy 2007 Sportster Nightster is one of classic... With an extra shovelhead years to avoid horsepower different websites, including Panhead and Shovelhead models and their corresponding production based... Which is a non-exhaustive rundown of Shovelhead models and their corresponding production years based on my FLH... Talking about motorcycles for 15 years, 66-69 ( generator bottom ) of motorcycle history signature, Read can. Explained ), which was: the latest auto news and informative reviews on the Road King Street.

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