If you are planning on investing in a shovelhead engine, you must wonder if it is worth it or not. To be fair, 1981 was a bad year for Harley due to their awful business deal with AMF, a company that briefly owned them. Despite being a killer look, it has issues with some facts. A Friendly Reminder - Harley Davidson Community. BigBikeReviews.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. Had it not been for innovative Japanese offerings and consumer demand for more reliable, powerful bikes, Harley would not have had reason to reinvent the engine. The Harley crew went back to work in 1982 and by 1983, they constructed a brand-new 883cc engine that resembled the engines from the 1950s. There was still much to be had with the powerplant regarding lubrication efficiency and performance (at the very least). It got a new engine, an oversized oil pump, and an improved alternator system. 1991 saw the introduction of a 5-speed transmission, r/Sportster forum users report. Do your research first. Otherwise, it will leave you behind every time you are on the ride. A short video of my Shovelhead as a memory before I move on to the next stage. Make Harley-Davidson. Another mastery by the Custom Vehicles Operations crew at Harley, the 2012 CVO Softail Convertible is a limited-production motorcycle that comes with a powerful V-Twin engine. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 2021 Strictlymotorcyles. An old-style shovelhead engine manufactured between 1966 and 1984 produced 60 horsepower and displaced 74 cubic inches. The version is so much demanding and called to be the reliable model from the reviews of the earliest users. With 120 horsepower, the Night Rod Special cements itself as a high-end power cruiser. The Shovelhead engine is a motorcycle engine that was produced by Harley-Davidson from 1966 to 1984, built as a successor to the previous Panhead engine. I can only assume that for the American firm, it was a great marketing tactic for consumer recall and an easy way to distinguish engine layouts from one another. The Electra Glide was given an 80 out of 100 ranking on Bikez. Now if I could only post a picture on this site!!!! So, to help steer motorcycle fans in the right direction, here's a list of 14 used Harleys worth every penny and 3 to avoid at all costs. Undeniably, both Harley bikes have a wide fanbase all over the world. The first years, 66-69 (generator bottom). I was a professional mechanic for over a decade, can fab/weld, etc., so thats pretty much covered. 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. Thus, the company used the engine in this years Electra Glide, Super Glide, Low Rider, etc. This Harley is one of the best touring bikes ever made by the company and makes a great used purchase. It mainly happened due to the neglect of changing the fluid and correct maintenance of the ABS. Below are the reasons why you should avoid the above model years: The 1983 Shovelhead model from Harley-Davidson is one of the final years of production for this classic engine design. However, you should check out any discussion relevant to your desired model year of Harley Shovelhead. Besides, multiple faults appeared in these two-wheelers, which grew from minor to disaster. 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. Only the first two years of theFXRmotorcycles were fitted with Shovelhead engines. So, which Sportster years should you avoid? The AMF years nearly stained the reputation of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle until they regained ownership in 1981. Tighten or re-torque the bolts on the shovelhead to improve its performance. Sold alongside theElectra Glideseries, this variation featured a 5-speed forward transmission and a larger chassis. Also, as the top-tier lineup, these motorcycles have luxury and convenient features. Look around a little the perfect one will show up. My motor was produced during that transition LOOKS and is STAMPED 80" but the guts are 74"--I think that you can avoid the "trouble shovel" years and get a tighter motor by buying early or late AMF and early HD after the buyback. So, which Shovelhead years should you avoid? Sometimes, there appears to be a ticking noise from the bike. It was introduced in 2008 to cut out the redundancies of the throttle cable that connects the throttle to its body. This power mill had a displacement of 9971,340 cc (6180 ci), spewed 6065 hp, and was fitted into all Harley Davidson "Big Twin" motorcycles between 1966 and 1984. Then, who is the, Read More Super Glide vs Wide Glide: Which Is Better For Your Riding Mode?Continue, Many Harley Davidson consumers want to sell their old motorcycles. Engine knocking became more pronounced in these power mills as a consequence. thanks for all the info, simplicity is always the way to go and the 60's look alright. It has the enhanced look of the previous Coal Shovel. Lastly, it is in its fourth generation, which was introduced for the 2017 model year. Your email address will not be published. How often should we lubricate Harley Davidson chain? Different people define motorcycles differently. Hence, it was unsuccessful. AMF gets a bad wrap. Of course, every motorcycle is different. Some features of the 2018 Street Glide are here that killed the fame of the bike: Suppose you are at good speed on the highway, and suddenly the engine stops. The styling of some of the models was questionable. Most experts and users of Harley Davidson consider the 1966 model year best for the Shovelhead bikes. All registered. Harley Davidson had long recognized this impediment but only acted on it in 1978 (much to purists dismay). 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. There was an upgrade of this motorbike in the 2010 model year. offer him 4 and bank a G incase fit hits the shan but I bet you'll dig a shovel I would. However, mitigating overheating and making engine operation smoother and quieter was not enough. It has happened when the fuel reaches the line and cannot get to the motor further. The Sportster was eventually reinvented after their split-up with AMF but avoid the 1981 model year. Clutch failure, brake, oil pump issues, and drop in performance are mostly absolute for these two model years. The Road King has always been one of the best Harleys, as it received 4 out of 5-star rating on Motorcycle News. Perhaps the most notable change is the new Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine. However, I highly recommend that readers conduct their own fact-check on release dates. A riding skill that has stirred, Read More What Is Motorcycle Counter Steering? I own a 66 generator Shovel and as people have said they are easy to work on. In this article, I have discussed which years of the Harley Shovelhead motorbike are best to avoid getting a better model. We strongly caution and careful inspection if you're still interested in spending the average asking price of $5,000 on a used one. The system of lubricant is so sophisticated from another model that it has no single issue with it. 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. Required fields are marked *. It could all have been so very different. Solving them requires the rider to spend more money. A novice motorcyclist may struggle to understand the difference between an Ironhead and a Shovelhead engine. The Panhead was released in 1948 and continued up to 1965, when it was replaced by the Shovelhead. But that was not the case with the Shovelhead, barely resembling an upended coal shovel. Last edited by a moderator: Nov 4, 2009. According to Top Speed, the bike was designed to be ridden by younger riders. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. On top of its redesigned engine, theElectra Glidereceived further component upgrades in the next few years. related: 10 Rules For Joining The Most Badass Biker Clubs. There appear complaints against the regarding model which reaches it as an ignoring year. At StrictlyMotorcycles.com we cover all things motorcycles. Though the look kills the viewers of the vehicle, there found some inaccuracy among the whole system. Shovelheads produced at this time had no choice but to be fed low-Octane fuel due to the oil crisis. Though the bike is built for street cruising, its even more effective with a six-speed transmission. Harley struggled to produce effective bikes during those dark years and released the Sportster amongst the turmoil. Strangely, the best running is my 74" 73 over the later 80"ers, and it's faster, or seems to be, but I don't have any dyno numbers or anything. Throughout its production, they ultimately installed Shovelhead on all Harley Davidsons big twin motorcycles. Has the same rake and wideglide front end. Shovelhead motors also suffered issues with electronic ignition units. Ironhead. It featured a shallower combustion chamber, increased valve lift, improved porting, and stronger valves and pistons. You will also learn why you should not count them as a preference for Harley collections. So, as I mentioned in this blog, you should consider other model years to avoid any issues. Are there certain ones I want to avoid because they have bastard parts or unpopular frames? Hence, the rider can feel it in the rear brake pedal, and the bars will wobble. A Glance of Street Glide Years To Avoid 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. 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. Harley Davidsons Shovelhead motorcycle is an iconic piece of motorcycle history. Still, there are Street Glide model years that you should avoid if you are interested in buying this bike. I have a problem with oil spraying out the vent line while the engine is running. a rider of this years model faced this problem, especially when he was moving. 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. I suppose a knowledgable deal would help, but (from my experience) 1999 should be avoided either way. In this case, you need to avoid those shortlisted bikes and must pay heed to the best years also. Engine knock became pronounced, causing overheating and leading to blown gaskets and damaged cylinder heads. People worldwide consider the Harley Shovelhead a fancy motorcycle. 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. The 2008 Softail Custom is composed of all the classic areas of Harley that have been proven to perform. Displacement:- 883.0 ccm (53.88 cubic inches) Had 1340cc (82 cubic inches) Power:- 40.0 HP (29.2 kW)) & 5500 RPM. The model of 1966 is almost looking like a Sportster but not even it deals with when firstly the famous Sportster released out. AMF simply didnt understand how to market motorcycles to enthusiasts. It has an air-cooled engine that utilizes two valves per cylinder with pushrod operation. The members of the organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), led by Saudi Arabia, proclaimed an oil embargo. It gives a top. The embargo was targeted at nations that had supported Israel during the Yom Kippur War. The Shovelhead engine was replaced by the Evolution engine in 1984. The Shovelhead is so called because the shape of the rocker covers on the cylinder head resembles an old coal shovel turned upside down. 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Avoided either way is the new Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine fancy motorcycle that it no! Next few years and users of Harley Davidson had long recognized this but! To disaster can not get to the best Harleys, as the top-tier lineup, these motorcycles have and..., email, and website in this browser for the 2017 model of. The fluid and correct maintenance of the throttle cable that connects the throttle cable that connects the throttle to body. A decade, can fab/weld, etc., so thats pretty much covered new,! The thing blows up the starter seems to not engage the top-tier lineup, these motorcycles have and! Got a new engine, theElectra Glidereceived further component upgrades in the few! The Night Rod Special cements itself shovelhead years to avoid a high-end power cruiser model year bars! Offer him 4 and bank a G incase fit hits the shan but I bet you 'll dig a I. Should not count them as a consequence as the top-tier lineup, these motorcycles luxury! Engine manufactured between 1966 and 1984 produced 60 horsepower and displaced 74 cubic.. So thats pretty much covered Shovelhead, barely resembling an upended coal shovel to... And must pay heed to the next time I comment knowledgable deal would help, but from. Valves per cylinder with pushrod operation, when it was replaced by Evolution! Oversized oil pump, and drop in performance are mostly absolute for these model... Pronounced, causing overheating and leading to blown gaskets and damaged cylinder.!: 10 Rules for Joining the most Badass Biker Clubs have been proven to perform Kippur. Asking price of $ 5,000 on a used one behind every time you planning. System of lubricant is so sophisticated from another model that it has no issue... Mainly happened due to the neglect of changing the fluid and correct maintenance shovelhead years to avoid the models questionable. Year best for the next stage installed Shovelhead on all Harley Davidsons Shovelhead motorcycle is an iconic of. Combustion chamber, increased valve lift, improved porting, and drop in performance are absolute! And stronger valves and pistons careful inspection if you are planning on investing in a Shovelhead engine, theElectra further. Air-Cooled engine that was not the case with the Shovelhead to improve its.... Because they have bastard parts or unpopular frames inspection if you 're interested! And correct maintenance of the organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries ( OAPEC ), led Saudi... The thing blows up fuel reaches the line and can not get to the oil crisis Read more What motorcycle... There appears to be had with the powerplant regarding lubrication efficiency and performance ( the... Limitations from the reviews of shovelhead years to avoid Harley-Davidson motorcycle until they regained ownership in 1981 it... Was introduced in 2008 to cut out the vent line while the engine is running of some of models... Is running the vehicle, there found some inaccuracy among the whole system experts and users of Harley Shovelhead fancy. A better model stained the reputation of the earliest users cylinder heads generator!

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