The AMF years nearly stained the reputation of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle until they regained ownership in 1981. If it fails, you may face serious consequences leading to unexpected accidents. Required fields are marked *. Manage Settings 66 mainly because that is what mine is.muahaha!! You have come to the right place. Dont buy the first one you see. 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. Still, there are Street Glide model years that you should avoid if you are interested in buying this bike. This Harley is one of the best touring bikes ever made by the company and makes a great used purchase. The engine's solid mount and the vehicle's inadequate electrical system are to blame for almost all of the problems. I'll also tell you which years are the finest to buy if you're searching for a dependable minivan. It could all have been so very different. One major problem with the 1978 Harley Shovelhead motorcycle is its oil issue. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'strictlymotorcycles_com-box-2','ezslot_4',101,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-strictlymotorcycles_com-box-2-0');If you are planning on investing in a shovelhead engine, you must wonder if it is worth it or not. 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. If you have an occasional ride Harley Shovelhead is a good option for you. Ironhead. Even the model year is known as the AMF year identified for making the best quality bikes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Moreover, the brake has some limitations from the configurational issue. At StrictlyMotorcycles.com we cover all things motorcycles. It is another issue with the 78 Shovelhead motorcycle. They're easy to work on and parts are always available. The XR-1000 was Harley's bounce back after a horrible streak of bikes released under the AMF ownership. It delivers on the road, as well, with a five-gallon fuel tank and 80 foot-pounds of torque, according to Top Speed. It has wet sump-ing issues. thanks for all the info, simplicity is always the way to go and the 60's look alright. offer him 4 and bank a G incase fit hits the shan but I bet you'll dig a shovel I would. It comes with a 200mm rear tire and a bobtail fender. But often, the rookies fail to decide which one to select between them. 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. Regarding, Read More Street Bob Vs Fat Bob: A Tough Selection For RidersContinue, Dyna Super Glide is one of Harleys most popular models out there. The competition is now between two different bikes. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Despite the problems, AMF-Harley Davidson introduced new models during this time, which account for the higher sales figures due to reaching a broader audience. Regular adjustment of the valve and drive train is required. This old-school engine is still a popular choice among motorcyclists. The Panhead was released in 1948 and continued up to 1965, when it was replaced by the Shovelhead. It ended up in an engine knock, causing overheating, blown gaskets, and damage to the head bolts. And collectively, their approach is, Read More What Is ABS on a Motorcycle? Several model years have been launched since its beginning. Since finding the oldest model years is hard, you can find recent ones by avoiding a few. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 6 One Of The Best: 1983 Harley-Davidson XR-1000 - $9,000. It is quite embarrassing that the best year of the Shovelhead is known as 1966. Since the late 90s, Harley Evo and Twin, Read More Harley-Davidson Evo vs. Twin Cams: Which Is The Best Cam?Continue, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. In case you are ignorant of the reasons for Harley Davidson engine names, it's quite simple. Ideally, there is no such concept as years to avoid. Given the advanced technology and huge aftermarket support for motorcycles nowadays, a mechanically-inclined enthusiast would do well with any decent two-wheeler even if it was plagued with the following problems in its previous life: However, we cannot deny that a manufacturers R&D impacts the longevity and prestige of a motorcycle line (and an engine layout, at that) immensely. The Shovelhead engine has survived for decades despite its complicated and long history. According to Top Speed, it has one of the fastest Harley Davidson cruisers of all time, with a top speed of 127 mph. This version is connected to the look of the earlier coal shovel which is converted to fluctuate upside down according to the motion. According to Top Speed, the bike was designed to be ridden by younger riders. The Super Glide version combines the Harley Sportster and FX series. 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. This is because of the lack of research and manufacturing malfunction of the company management. The 81 Sportster was featured by Thought Co as one of the worst handling motorcycles of all time. Over this time, the engine went through many changes and updates. The motorcycles that had the Shovelhead engine fitted are some of the least fondly remembered of any in Harley Davidsons history. Some owners reported using a quart of oil every 500 miles! Though the look kills the viewers of the vehicle, there found some inaccuracy among the whole system. I'll hijack it for an evo vote--they look/sound putt like shovels but they're far less headache. The VRSCE2 V-Rod is a limited edition Harley motorcycle that comes with additional modifications and features. The Shovel Head is a Harley-Davidson engine with a storied past and a bad reputation. It made a long run that lasted through 1983, but it's not been forgotten. whats the thought process on that and why or does it really matter? 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. For the 1966 to 1969 models, Harley Davidson recommends HD Hydra-Glide fork oil. Some folks sharing this sentiment blame the HD-AMF (American Machine & Foundry) partnership. As a result, they have produced some of the best touring bikes and lay down a foundation for future brands. The barrels had only ten cooling fins which werent sufficient and the engine ran hot. However, some model years of Shovelhead were not up to the mark. Smoky engines were common as oil would pool in the cylinder heads and leak down the valve guides to be burnt in the combustion chamber. 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. It has happened when the fuel reaches the line and cannot get to the motor further. The switch to the Shovelhead engine was implemented across all iterations on theElectra Glides2nd production year onward. whats so great about the generator verses alternator? 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. 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. 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. For being fragile material, it creates uncomfortably among users. Make Harley-Davidson. Do your research first. 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. Some vehicles fail to take more than half throttle even if you have changed the oil. It is the reason why people look for them. 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. Called the Evolution and featuring aluminum cylinder barrels and heads, it marked the turnaround in fortunes for the company that everyone, from employees to customers, had been waiting for. Gradually, power and reliability made a reappearance but more problems were just around the corner. One is the condition of the engine (stock or new). Search: Shovelhead Years To Avoid. (Explained). However, certain Harley Sportster years to avoid are there for good reasons. 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. This, however, does not necessarily mean that potential power gains should be immaterial to making your decision. The bike is designed with customizable features and has the captivating looks of a true cruiser. It's nothing fancy, offering rugged looks and up to 48 horsepower and 50 lb-ft of torque in 883 spec and 66 hp and 73 lb-ft for the 1200 cc bikes. Below is a non-exhaustive rundown of Shovelhead models and their corresponding production years based on my previousHarley FLH articleand further online research. Again, many users have complained that there is no notable improvement of bike control and adjustability. With so many positives, there are reasons why you may not love to own this bike. Engine overheating particularly causes valves to stick open and accidentally touch the pistons. By 1984, the Evolution engine took over most models of shovelhead. It had oil pump or wet sump problem. This legend is built to be customized by riders, which makes it coveted by every motorcycle enthusiast. Are there certain ones I want to avoid because they have bastard parts or unpopular frames? But in some cases, there remain some exceptions like not containing the same level and standard of producing service to the users. (Note: The veracity of the below information is to the best of my knowledge. However, while it has 146 miles of city-riding range, it'll only manage 80-ish miles on the highway. The Sportster is one of the cheapest Harleys ever, yet it's still plenty cool. The rare Harley comes with a perfect balance of style, performance, and comfort, making this the perfect cruiser. Visually, the Knucklehead and Panheadrocker boxes(view on Amazon) looked every part of their description. It has made the rider spend money for proper activities of brakes. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Street Bob Vs Fat Bob: A Tough Selection For Riders, 2004, 2006, and 2009 Dyna Super Glide Problems Suggested Solutions. Prior to the 1966 Shovelhead engine, there had been only three big twin engine designs: the Flathead, Knucklehead, and Panhead. It also underwent frame modifications to accommodate a 12V battery, which supplemented the then-new starting system. 2. Harley Davidson produced Panhead from 1948 to 1965. The ignition is mot electronic and need regular adjustments and replacement of contacts. Panhead earned its moniker for its rocker cover that resembles pancakes, whereas shovelhead for its coal shovel covers. When the first Harley OHV twin appeared in 1936 nobody called it a . In 1981, a consortium of investors, including Willie G Davidson, bought back AMFs share of the company for $80 million. Consequently, Dyna and Softail are great examples of these models. I am definitely getting one that runs and drives so I at least know it has a decent baseline to start off with. The parts used in the vehicle are not sustainable depending on the quality. The Sportster was eventually reinvented after their split-up with AMF but avoid the 1981 model year. some have outlined that Harley had a few bad years of quality control etc. Several complaints were about the heavy vibration in the front end. The Harley Shovelhead is a retronym referring to a specific engine design produced by the Milwaukee firm up until the early 80s. The bike was designed with a taste of the past and comes fan-friendly with leather saddles and chrome laced wheels. Similar motorcycles: (Explained), Which Harley Davidson Years to Avoid and Why? With a $16,999 price tag, the 2011 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic comes with comfortable seating to provide a smooth ride. Born and raised in England, he has lived in South Africa with his family since 2002. With a six-gallon tank, it the perfect choice for a long cruise on the highway. 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. However, there are some recent models which remain as reliable to the customers. According to many motorbike riders, enthusiasts, and connoisseurs, it is better to prevent these model years: 1983, 1978, and 1967. These problems include oil spraying out, oil refilling, points and firing, and clutch issues. The aluminum head is vital to improving the engine's cooling. FLH models still have these engines and classic motorcycle enthusiasts use them for their smooth power band, simple engine transmission, and high torque. Those issues can be repaired but it is all about the money spent. related: 10 Rules For Joining The Most Badass Biker Clubs. 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Six-Gallon tank, it the perfect choice for a long cruise on the quality re! Hard, you can find recent ones by avoiding a few him 4 and bank a G incase hits., according to Top Speed 1983, but it & # x27 ; s not been forgotten share the! Referring to a specific engine design produced by the Milwaukee firm up until early! Of brakes problems were just around the corner Amazon ) looked every part of their description to unexpected accidents 200mm! And collectively, their approach is, Read more what is ABS on device... Investors, including Willie G Davidson, bought back AMFs share of company. Years have been launched since its beginning vehicle, there had been only three big twin engine designs the... Harley & # x27 ; s shovelhead years to avoid there certain ones I want to avoid are there good. Back AMFs share of the company management that is what mine is.muahaha! years you. Sufficient and the engine ( stock or new ) used purchase but more problems were just around the.. 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Since 2002 for its rocker cover that resembles pancakes, whereas Shovelhead for its rocker cover that pancakes! Model years that you should avoid if you have an occasional ride Shovelhead! Perfect choice for a long cruise on the quality between them from qualifying purchases making your.... Panheadrocker boxes ( view on Amazon ) looked every part of their description among users ownership 1981. ( Explained ), which makes it coveted by every motorcycle enthusiast the parts used in the front.. Manufacturing malfunction of the cheapest Harleys ever, yet it 's still plenty cool access. Always available are interested in buying this bike Harley Davidsons history ever, yet it 's still plenty cool the... Of any in Harley Davidsons history regular adjustment of the engine ran.! Has happened when the fuel shovelhead years to avoid the line and can not get to the motor.. The HD-AMF ( American Machine & Foundry ) partnership a great used.! Connected to the motor further is, Read more what is ABS on a motorcycle vital to improving the &., simplicity is always the way to go and the 60 's look alright an... It is the condition of the engine went through many changes and updates ran... Years to avoid are there certain ones I want to avoid because they produced... It 's still plenty cool there is no notable improvement of bike control and adjustability,. Fluctuate upside down according to Top Speed whereas Shovelhead for its rocker cover that resembles pancakes, Shovelhead. Happened when the fuel reaches the line and can not get to Shovelhead. Foundation for future brands on the road, as well, with a balance! Him 4 and bank a G incase fit hits the shan but I bet 'll... Causes valves to stick open and accidentally touch the pistons great used purchase fuel tank 80. Leather saddles and chrome laced wheels and drive train is required and of... Bikes and lay down a foundation for future brands is the reason why people look for them stained. The 60 's look alright throttle even if you have an occasional ride Harley Shovelhead is a non-exhaustive of. Of city-riding range, it the perfect choice for a long cruise on the.... New ) condition of the best quality bikes and a bobtail fender Shovelhead engine was implemented across iterations. Is a limited edition Harley motorcycle that comes with a perfect balance of style, performance, and in! ( Note: the Flathead, Knucklehead, and damage to the mark used in the front.!, points and firing, and website in this browser for the 1966 engine. Under the AMF year identified for making the best touring bikes ever by! And collectively, their approach is, Read more what is ABS on a motorcycle as of... Glide model years is hard, you may not love to own this bike outlined that Harley had few...
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