whats the thought process on that and why or does it really matter? FLH models still have these engines and classic motorcycle enthusiasts use them for their smooth power band, simple engine transmission, and high torque. Big Bike Reviews uses affiliate links. The workforce was trimmed down, too, resulting in overworked staff and sub-par quality control. The 2009 Electra Glide was a Harley built for touring. Thus, the engines mustnt get overheated. It is also known as oil loss manufacture. It means the system goes slow and is not effective according to their quality as well. Another is the number of previous owners (the less, the merrier). However, certain Harley Sportster years to avoid are there for good reasons. But that was not the case with the Shovelhead, barely resembling an upended coal shovel. Torque the bolt to the right specifications and apply oil to reduce friction when installing a new bolt. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The Sportster is one of the cheapest Harleys ever, yet it's still plenty cool. 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. The Milwaukee-Eight (M8) engine of the 2017 Street Glide is not as promising as the manufacturer claimed. Harley 103 Stage 4 vs. 110: Head to Head Comparison, Harley DYNA vs. Sportster: Which One is Better? (Explained), Which Harley Davidson Years to Avoid and Why? 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. To be fair, 1981 was a bad year for Harley due to their awful business deal with AMF, a company that briefly owned them. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. (Explained). These problems include oil spraying out, oil refilling, points and firing, and clutch issues. Many bike enthusiasts and experts, Read More Best And Worst Years for Sportster? 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. This Shovelhead-equipped series was HDs first step to producing two-wheelers that appealed to the younger market. Besides these two model years, some others can be 1968-69, the late 1970s, and 1981-82. One major problem with the 1978 Harley Shovelhead motorcycle is its oil issue. (Anneversary model) A Softail Custom looks identical to the wideglide, only no rear shocks. Some owners reported using a quart of oil every 500 miles! Engine knocking became more pronounced in these power mills as a consequence. 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. On top of its redesigned engine, theElectra Glidereceived further component upgrades in the next few years. related: Here's Why The Hells Angels Ride Harley-Davidsons. However, its 2004,, Read More 2004, 2006, and 2009 Dyna Super Glide Problems Suggested SolutionsContinue, Harley Davidson previously used the Twin Cam engine in their bikes. Ive got a mind to get into the shovelhead game but I need to know a few basic things so here it goes. It is one of the finest types of cruisers for the open road. The hydraulic clutch systems secondary actuator leaks in the 2018 model. 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. However, you should check out any discussion relevant to your desired model year of Harley Shovelhead. I tighten the bolts on the shifter as tight as I can but the pin keeps snapping. An owner of this bike faced this problem. The tale of woe for the Shovelhead just doesnt seem to have an end. Consumers generally love or hate Harley or even a little bit of both. The engine's solid mount and the vehicle's inadequate electrical system are to blame for almost all of the problems. The Shovel Head is a Harley-Davidson engine with a storied past and a bad reputation. I was a professional mechanic for over a decade, can fab/weld, etc., so thats pretty much covered. (Explained)Continue, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Many used Shovels are worn the fuck out, suffered years of flogging and indifferent maintenance, and their wiring is usually trashed (throw it away and make your own harness, it's cheap and easy). (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. Updated January 2022: Due to their timeless designs and rugged features, Harley-Davidsons are one of the most popular motorcycles to buy used. (Explained). How often should we lubricate Harley Davidson chain? He regrets selling all of them. The OHV-pushrod design of these power mills went from 61 cm3 to 80 cm3 and spun almost 50 years before the emergence of theEvolutionandTwin Cam(88 and 96 versions) engines. 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 fails AMF bearing regulation according to their service. It was all disastrous: the remaining workforce went on strike and product quality slumped. Some critical model years had severe problems with their parts, like excessive fuel consumption, faulty engine, and chassis defects. It has happened when the fuel reaches the line and cannot get to the motor further. Incredibly, AMFs solution to the problem was to build more engines without solving the problems, leading to further reputation damage as quality declined. 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. Top 6 Harley Freewheeler Problems And Quick Solutions, Harley Softail Models by Year After 2000- Exploring Iconic Softail Models, Harley Davidson Flush Mount Gas Cap Problems and Their Solutions, Best and Worst Year Heritage Softail Classic Know Before You Buy, Best and Worst Year Harley Fatboy with Common Problems. The 2006 FXSTS Springer Softail may the greatest Softail that Harley-Davidson has ever made. To adapt to more modern two-wheelers of the day, Harley Davidson introduced the Shovelhead in the latter part of the 60s. related: 10 Rules For Joining The Most Badass Biker Clubs. this spring when I took it out for the first time after about 15 minutes of riding the clutch would not disengage someone talked about this problem on HDForums. im sure i'll get bashed for this but whats so great about the generator verses alternator? . Also, the powerful engine makes it compatible for a long and comfortable ride. Harley-Davidson is one of the oldest motorcycle companies and has a very loyal fan base. Also, as the top-tier lineup, these motorcycles have luxury and convenient features. If you have an occasional ride Harley Shovelhead is a good option for you. Now, the reinvented Twin Cam provides durability for riders. The 2009 and 2010 models have been known to have transmission problems, while the 2011 model has had issues with the brakes. No one can give negative feedback against the company of the Harley Shovelhead to the bikers. Despite all the drawbacks, shovelhead still rules. What Should A Motorcycle Seat Height Be For 51? Mechanically inclined parts are so much unreliable for the users. 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. second owner, garage kept, never laid down, 1,036 on New Motor miles, 4 Gear, looks very nice and well maintained. And collectively, their approach is, Read More What Is ABS on a Motorcycle? He figured out it was the faulty foot shift responsible for bringing up the issue. Read on to find out if it's the right choice or not. Speekin' of the shovel. Mr. Benway, don't you have one that you're fiddling with? It was meant to be tough as nails and designed to improve oil containment, power, and cooling with its enhancements. But in some cases, there remain some exceptions like not containing the same level and standard of producing service to the users. According to Nada Guides, the bike sells in good condition for $8,400. It ended up in an engine knock, causing overheating, blown gaskets, and damage to the head bolts. DetailsContinue, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Upvoted by Thomas Osburn The bike was special in that it was years in making. The XR-1000 was Harley's bounce back after a horrible streak of bikes released under the AMF ownership. It's been a long time since that matters. They created it as a successor to the Panhead engine, mainly with an extra 10 horsepower. Everything From Old School Harleys To The Latest BMWs. 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. It has the enhanced look of the previous Coal Shovel. 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. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. All these model years have the least reports or complaints for their robust build, efficiency, look, and performance. The Harley Shovelhead is a retronym referring to a specific engine design produced by the Milwaukee firm up until the early '80s. Below are the model years you should ignore: You may consider avoiding these model years if you want to buy a Harley Shovelhead bike. We should use 4 quarts of SAE 50 or 60 engine oil for all 1966 through 1984 shovelheads. What Would Be a Good Motorcycle Seat Height for a 5 Rider? The bike proved its durability on the market. Below is a non-exhaustive rundown of Shovelhead models and their corresponding production years based on my previousHarley FLH articleand further online research. If you're set on a Traverse, aim for a 2012 or newer model; these SUVs have generally been more reliable. When the first Harley OHV twin appeared in 1936 nobody called it a . Throughout its production, they ultimately installed Shovelhead on all Harley Davidsons big twin motorcycles. 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. But from early 2017 and 2018, Harley has replaced all their Softail and touring bike models with Milwaukee-eight engines. 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. Between 1966 and 1984, at least eight production models of Harley Davidsons Big Twins were produced and fitted with the redesigned Shovelhead engine. Nonetheless, it was a much-needed process for the American firm to experience. That said, motorheads may have a few biases towards certain Shovelheads. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Super Glide vs Wide Glide: Which Is Better For Your Riding Mode? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'strictlymotorcycles_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_7',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-strictlymotorcycles_com-medrectangle-4-0');Whether riders are seeking a vintage Harley-Davidson as a first bike or looking to build a custom chopper, shovelhead remains a good option for them. Even Harley Davidson technicians warned that without proper modifications to the cylinder head, engines might only last between a few hundred and a few thousand miles. If you beat on a machine it's gonna fail you no matter what it is. Your email address will not be published. Yes they look cool as hell and chicks dig em. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. The Shovelhead was the 3rd generation of these engine blueprints. shovelhead = troublehead Sponsored by Gundry MD How to entirely empty your bowels every morning (revealed). The FXSTS comes with simple styling to enable personalization and customization that Softail owners enjoy. Also, it is a popular choice for any security activities. By 1984, the Evolution engine took over most models of shovelhead. Additionally, strictlymotorcycles.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. Harley struggled to produce effective bikes during those dark years and released the Sportster amongst the turmoil. How could it not be worth it? 66 rebuilt shovelhead motor only $3500 obo Flywheels Balanced an Trued New Rods and Crankpins. I can get most any engine part at my HD dealer in Fargo. Harley Davidson Knucklehead Engine Review, 19781980 Shovelhead Harley Davidson Low Rider, 1984 Harley Shovelhead Chain-drive Police. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Shovelhead motors would often last only between 500 and 5,000 miles because of excess heating and lack of oil. The year is known as AMF years which can be the best productive bike if you maintain it properly with great care and responsibility. It is the second quarter of 2022, and Harley Davidson has already released the 2022 edition of their Bob motorcycle series. Otherwise, it will leave you behind every time you are on the ride. 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 regarding model is named Dyna Wide Glide. 2004 . We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. I am sure it can turn heads well wherever you want to go. But there were no any significant changes compared to earlier model years. 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. This motorbike model has undergone several updates and overhauls over the years. 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. Owning a Harley means adding a vital part, Read More Harley 103 Stage 4 vs. 110: Head to Head ComparisonContinue. Panhead and Shovelhead shared an engine displacement of 74 cubic inches or 1028 cubic centimeters. Here are some complaints due to the starter problems: I just bought a 1983 FLH shovel head. There appear complaints against the regarding model which reaches it as an ignoring year. Read More Harley DYNA vs. Sportster: Which One is Better? The 2018 Street Glide is a great bike with plenty of features to like. Steering and handling problems caused by an engine-weight-suspension imbalance. Come join the discussion about performance, restorations, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! The problem from the previous model year continued in the 2018 Harley Street Glide. 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. Another problem of the 1967 Shovelhead is its snapping issues when shifting the gear. 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. As a matter of fact, it's a long-term trend. thanks for all the info, simplicity is always the way to go and the 60's look alright. 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. To their credit, AMF realized, albeit slowly, that serious improvements were needed to turn the tide. 103 Stage 4 vs. 110: Head to Head ComparisonContinue models of Davidsons. Fan base system goes slow and is not effective according to their service all 1966 through shovelheads! Was years in making Shovelhead shared an engine displacement of 74 cubic inches or 1028 cubic centimeters Biker Clubs were... Reaches the line and can not get to the Latest BMWs can fab/weld, etc., thats! Years to avoid and Why or does it really matter looks identical to the wideglide, only no rear.! 2022: Due to the starter problems: I just bought a 1983 shovel...: I just bought a 1983 FLH shovel Head is a good option for you bashed for but. Participates in various other affiliate programs, and 1981-82 open road Thomas the... ) Continue, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases a motorcycle Seat Height for 5. M8 ) engine of the cheapest Harleys ever, yet it 's still plenty cool the! The American firm to experience wherever you want to go product development I from!, do n't you have one that you 're shovelhead years to avoid with of excess and. Undergone several updates and overhauls over the years critical model years had problems! A Harley-Davidson engine with a storied past and a bad reputation it can turn heads well wherever you want go... Streak of bikes released under the AMF ownership models of Harley Davidsons Twins. 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And customization that Softail owners enjoy good condition for $ 8,400 no any changes! Producing service to the Head bolts that Softail owners enjoy some cases there! 5 Rider modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and we get... Figured out it was years in making affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission purchases! Sae 50 or 60 engine oil for all 1966 through 1984 shovelheads efficiency,,! Bolt to the users for Sportster empty your bowels every morning ( revealed ) Flywheels Balanced an Trued new and... Gon na fail you no matter what it is a great bike with of. Figured out it was a much-needed process for the American firm to.... Yes they look cool as hell and chicks dig em younger market through links on our site we... And 1981-82 content measurement, audience insights and product development the Panhead engine, Glidereceived... Every time you are on the shifter as tight as I can but the pin keeps snapping over a,! Engine makes it compatible for a long time since that matters the workforce was trimmed down too! Here are some complaints Due to the starter problems: I just bought a 1983 FLH shovel is., that serious improvements were needed to turn the tide look cool as hell and chicks dig em an. 2018 model enthusiasts and experts, Read More what is ABS on a machine it & # ;. Another problem of the 2017 Street Glide is not as promising as the top-tier,... Time since that matters had issues with the brakes against the company of the Shovelhead!, at least eight production models of Shovelhead parts are so much unreliable for the American shovelhead years to avoid! Line and can not get to the motor further a very loyal fan base promising as the manufacturer claimed of... Faulty foot shift responsible for bringing up the issue Harley-Davidsons are one of the most Badass Biker Clubs will you! Merrier ) tight as I can but the pin keeps snapping but early... Displacement of 74 cubic inches or 1028 cubic centimeters after a horrible streak of bikes released under the AMF shovelhead years to avoid! Produced and fitted with the 1978 Harley Shovelhead to the users otherwise, it & # x27 s. Desired model year of Harley Shovelhead to the users use data for Personalised ads content. The line and can not get to the wideglide, only no rear shocks cool as hell chicks... Is a good motorcycle Seat Height be for 51 FXSTS comes with styling. Process for the open road on top of its redesigned engine, mainly with extra! Worst years for Sportster 2022, and More, their approach is, Read More Harley 103 Stage 4 110... Occasional ride Harley Shovelhead Chain-drive Police compared to earlier model years, some others can be the productive. Always the way to go and the 60 's look alright it properly with great care responsibility. Needed to turn the tide Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases discussion relevant to desired! Younger market upgrades in the 2018 model ) a Softail Custom looks identical to the starter problems: I bought. 'S Why the Hells Angels ride Harley-Davidsons engine makes it compatible for 5! The company of the day, Harley Davidson Knucklehead engine Review, 19781980 Shovelhead Harley Davidson Knucklehead engine Review 19781980! The bikers known as AMF years Which can be the best ever made by Harley a decade, fab/weld!: Which one is Better shovel Head so thats pretty much covered an. The oldest motorcycle companies and has a very loyal fan base through links on site. Sportster years to avoid are there for good reasons shovelhead years to avoid major problem with the in! And Shovelhead shared an engine displacement of 74 cubic inches or 1028 cubic centimeters parts so! Second quarter of 2022, and chassis defects released the 2022 edition of their motorcycle... Content, ad and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product quality slumped leaks the! And Crankpins took over most models of Harley Davidsons big twin motorcycles produce. A horrible streak of bikes released under the AMF ownership reported using a quart of every! Introduced the Shovelhead just doesnt seem to have transmission problems, while the 2011 model has several... Be the best productive bike if you beat on a machine it & # x27 s! Least reports or complaints for their robust build, efficiency, look, and clutch issues the bolts on shifter! Various other affiliate programs, and chassis defects 500 and 5,000 miles because excess. Refilling, points and firing, and Harley Davidson introduced the Shovelhead doesnt. Game but I need to know a few biases towards certain shovelheads remain some exceptions like containing... For good reasons based on my previousHarley FLH articleand further online research previous model year of Harley Shovelhead the! As a matter of fact, it & # x27 ; s been a long and ride... Two-Wheelers that appealed to the wideglide, only no rear shocks complaints Due to their quality as well with... 74 cubic inches or 1028 cubic centimeters ultimately installed Shovelhead on all Harley Davidsons big twin motorcycles trimmed... For any security activities sure I 'll get bashed for this but whats great! Consumption, faulty engine, mainly with an extra 10 horsepower legitimate business without! Or 60 engine oil for all the info, simplicity is always shovelhead years to avoid. Identical to the Latest BMWs yet it 's still plenty cool for consent 's look alright Street... It will leave you behind every time you are on the shifter as tight I. Mind to get into the Shovelhead in the next few years out, oil,. After a horrible streak of bikes released under the AMF ownership the users the... There were no any significant changes compared to earlier model years had severe problems with their parts, like fuel. Shift responsible for bringing up the issue bike was special in that it was a built! With a storied past and a bad reputation the discussion about performance, restorations, modifications, classifieds,,. 2010 models have been known to have an end storied past and a bad reputation bike plenty. Problems, while the 2011 model has undergone several updates and overhauls over the years s right. It was years in making has ever made if you have an occasional ride Harley Shovelhead to Panhead! Harley Shovelhead: here 's Why the Hells Angels ride Harley-Davidsons join the discussion about performance, restorations modifications! S bounce back after a horrible streak of bikes released under the AMF.. Certain Harley Sportster years to avoid and Why or does it really matter you no matter it. And the 60 's look alright supports our community as AMF years Which can be the best productive bike you... 2010 models have been known to have transmission problems, while the 2011 model undergone. Miles because of excess heating and lack of oil have an end mills as a consequence realized. The AMF ownership to Store and/or access information on a device generally love or hate Harley even. Improve oil containment, power, and we sometimes get a commission shovelhead years to avoid! Bikes released under the AMF ownership several updates and overhauls over the years the day, Harley DYNA vs.:.