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 consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The members of the organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), led by Saudi Arabia, proclaimed an oil embargo. The Panhead was so called because the rocker covers looked like an upturned frying pan. So, it is so vital to be aware of the ignoring years given below-. (Explained)Continue, Picture this you are cruising at 50 mph and need to make a turn to get to your destination. However, these bikes also have a long list of issues that have caused recalls and negative reputation. Again, many users have complained that there is no notable improvement of bike control and adjustability. A Glance of Street Glide Years To Avoid I owned a '68 Shovelhead and rode it all over the West and Midwest. It is also known as oil loss manufacture. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. As a matter of fact, it's a long-term trend. 1991 saw the introduction of a 5-speed transmission, r/Sportster forum users report. In 1973, the first oil crisis hit the U.S. 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. Big Bike Reviews uses affiliate links. "No one knows what they don't know." 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. It can surely fulfill your demand. A healthy clutch means you have a good control on the motorcycle like Harley Davidson Shovelhead. The Harley Shovelhead is a retronym referring to a specific engine design produced by the Milwaukee firm up until the early 80s. Nonetheless, it was a much-needed process for the American firm to experience. DetailsContinue, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There is a proven formula to achieving this on a Harley Shovelhead. But that was not the case with the Shovelhead, barely resembling an upended coal shovel. Panhead engine was the predecessor of Shovelhead. Similar motorcycles: The switch to the Shovelhead engine was implemented across all iterations on theElectra Glides2nd production year onward. 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. US, Texas, Dallas County, Carrollton 6 years at cycletrader.com. Even without comparison to its cheaper Japanese counterparts, this fact was undeniable, and a problem Harley Davidson recognized. The sales of this bike were more than 50K units in its first year. This bike is one of the best ever made by Harley. 66 mainly because that is what mine is.muahaha!! Tighten or re-torque the bolts on the shovelhead to improve its performance. The electric Livewire by Harley Davidson was supposed to be a well-functioning electric bike. How could it not be worth it? So, the rider must fill the tank with fuel more frequently. Shovelheads produced at this time had no choice but to be fed low-Octane fuel due to the oil crisis. It has a unique sense of style and therefore, it only comes in three colors. $17,000. Hence, the rider can feel it in the rear brake pedal, and the bars will wobble. 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). If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Got to say 69 was the bestAMF had a foot in the door and was doing some R&D to the Big Twins69 has the good Timken bearing (sprocket shaft) that is still being use today on all single cam motors. Otherwise, their performance will drop significantly. Whether or not the Shovelhead is underpowered is not really going to be your biggest concern. Harley Davidson produced a shovelhead engine from the mid-60s to early 80s. 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Displacement:- 883.0 ccm (53.88 cubic inches) Had 1340cc (82 cubic inches) Power:- 40.0 HP (29.2 kW)) & 5500 RPM. Because of the inferior quality fuel and octane, the large compression ratio became a serious problem for shovelheads. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. The classic look of a high-hand handlebar cruiser, along with its classic features, makes the Softail Custom a favorite among Harley fans. Still, the riders faced several issues with this bike. Though the look kills the viewers of the vehicle, there found some inaccuracy among the whole system. Harley Davidsons Shovelhead engine combined with the AMF years to form the worst period in the companys history. To adapt to more modern two-wheelers of the day, Harley Davidson introduced the Shovelhead in the latter part of the 60s. related: Here's Why The Hells Angels Ride Harley-Davidsons. Tires get uneven which is because the pressure has appeared. Harley-Davidson is one of the oldest motorcycle companies and has a very loyal fan base. Its layout helped shape successful powerplants such as theEvolutionandTwin Camengines and is worth more than the stigma it is associated with. 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, Harley Davidsons Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) is a system designed to control the engine throttle opening and closing. It is obvious to meet an unexpected event. Below is a non-exhaustive rundown of Shovelhead models and their corresponding production years based on my previousHarley FLH articleand further online research. Required fields are marked *. chain oilers could prevent oil leakage without harming the motorcycle. But often, the rookies fail to decide which one to select between them. All registered. Harley Davidson doesnt do things in a hurry. The Harley-Davidson Shovelhead engine was first launched in 1966. . Regarding the specification of the version, you can pick it also. 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. They created it as a successor to the Panhead engine, mainly with an extra 10 horsepower. Between 1966 and 1984, at least eight production models of Harley Davidsons Big Twins were produced and fitted with the redesigned Shovelhead engine. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. A novice motorcyclist may struggle to understand the difference between an Ironhead and a Shovelhead engine. Tons of conspiracy and blame theories surround the Harley Shovelhead era so much so thatTopSpeed Magazinedeemed it The Dark Days of Harley Davidson.. Despite all the drawbacks, shovelhead still rules. Another model year is 1984 for faultless Harley Shovelhead bikes. Speekin' of the shovel. Mr. Benway, don't you have one that you're fiddling with? I suppose a knowledgable deal would help, but (from my experience) 1999 should be avoided either way. The engine's solid mount and the vehicle's inadequate electrical system are to blame for almost all of the problems. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 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. Those issues can be repaired but it is all about the money spent. 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. I have made the searching job of model years elementary in this post. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It is quite embarrassing that the best year of the Shovelhead is known as 1966. On top of its redesigned engine, theElectra Glidereceived further component upgrades in the next few years. Advertisement. Shovelhead motors would often last only between 500 and 5,000 miles because of excess heating and lack of oil. The parts used in the vehicle are not sustainable depending on the quality. Aggravating the situation was the 1973 Oil Embargo. 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. 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. These bikes lack orthodox quality of level and standard of designated services. Additionally, strictlymotorcycles.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. He figured out it was the faulty foot shift responsible for bringing up the issue. After a long career in music, he turned his hand to writing and television work, concentrating on his passion for all things petrol-powered. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. (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. 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. 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. Moreover, there found the defects of chassis of the vehicle what makes the whole control system of the tire and break so inaccurate position. It has the enhanced look of the previous Coal Shovel. Therefore, it features a more streamlined construction and a sleek profile. They made some updates on the engine of larger displacements in that year. Also, as the top-tier lineup, these motorcycles have luxury and convenient features. More than enough to truly ride in style and have some fun - for many years to come. The bike proved its durability on the market. (12 Tips), What Is ABS on a Motorcycle? Read More Harley DYNA vs. Sportster: Which One is Better? features for a smooth ride on the road. It has a new frame, suspension, and engine management system. Panhead and Shovelhead shared an engine displacement of 74 cubic inches or 1028 cubic centimeters. The excessive heat would cause the valves to stick open, causing untold horrors in both the head and piston as the valves and pistons touched. im sure i'll get bashed for this but whats so great about the generator verses alternator? Harley struggled to produce effective bikes during those dark years and released the Sportster amongst the turmoil. Harley 103 Stage 4 vs. 110: Head to Head Comparison, Harley DYNA vs. Sportster: Which One is Better? series. Another is the number of previous owners (the less, the merrier). The then-new layout retained all the bells and whistles of the Panhead. whats so great about the generator verses alternator? The XR-1000 was Harleys bounce back after a horrible streak of bikes released under the AMF ownership. According to MSN, the Nightster handles better than other Sportsters, making it a leader among the legendary model. Just after its release, the 1967 Shovelhead was a modernized version of the classic Harley-Davidson V-twin motorcycle. Like no other renowned bike company you cannot find all the existing versions so reliable for the consumers. But, if you don't know what you're doing then let somebody else work on it and make sure he does know what he's doing. Engine knocking became more pronounced in these power mills as a consequence. The barrels had only ten cooling fins which werent sufficient and the engine ran hot. Please read and understand the info in this link. Can You Ride a Motorcycle in the Rain? Alternatively, it replaces the wired connection with an electronic connection. This version is connected to the look of the earlier coal shovel which is converted to fluctuate upside down according to the motion. To be fair, 1981 was a bad year for Harley due to their awful business deal with AMF, a company that briefly owned them. 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. 2 1981 Sportster. FLH models still have these engines and classic motorcycle enthusiasts use them for their smooth power band, simple engine transmission, and high torque. Many bike enthusiasts and experts, Read More Best And Worst Years for Sportster? Through a century of developmental engineering, Harley has improved their motorcycles year by year. They designed Panhead for oil containment but still leak oil from the top end. The 2009 Electra Glide was a Harley built for touring. It states that some years are better to avoid than others for engine failure and poorer performance. This, however, does not necessarily mean that potential power gains should be immaterial to making your decision. Though the bike is built for street cruising, its even more effective with a six-speed transmission. AMF retooled upon purchase of HD and in late '77 for the FXS/80" launch. And had it not been for the design flaws and performance shortcomings identified during this period, the powerplant found at the heart of all HD motorcycles would not have morphed into what it is today. Some owners reported using a quart of oil every 500 miles! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The aluminum head is vital to improving the engine's cooling. According to many motorbike riders, enthusiasts, and connoisseurs, it is better to prevent these model years: 1983, 1978, and 1967. Panhead engine powered the first electric glide bikes. In today's post, I'll discuss which Toyota Sienna years to avoid based on the number of complaints received. Harley Davidson Knucklehead Engine Review, 19781980 Shovelhead Harley Davidson Low Rider, 1984 Harley Shovelhead Chain-drive Police. The shark nose fairing mainly represents it while providing housing for the headlight and a pair of speakers. Both engines operate at optimal temperatures. The model of 1966 is almost looking like a Sportster but not even it deals with when firstly the famous Sportster released out. But in some cases, there remain some exceptions like not containing the same level and standard of producing service to the users. Regards, Chuck. Thus, they try to enlist their motorcycles on different websites, including Panhead and Shovelhead models. The motorcycles that had the Shovelhead engine fitted are some of the least fondly remembered of any in Harley Davidsons history. Best And Worst Years for Sportster? I am sure it can turn heads well wherever you want to go. But none of this addressed the real problem, which was the quality of the gasoline, which was getting worse, not better. It also underwent frame modifications to accommodate a 12V battery, which supplemented the then-new starting system. 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. Year 1967. But no one can deny the company has produced some legendary cruisers. The first years, 66-69 (generator bottom). We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Hence, many riders have already discussed these issues in these ways: More Shovelhead problems driving me crazy a rider of 83 FXSB Low Rider discussed some electrical problems by starting this thread. 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. However, there are some recent models which remain as reliable to the customers. Yes they look cool as hell and chicks dig em. But thinking that all Harley-Davidson models are great is a big mistake. What Does TBC Fault Mean On A Ford Truck? Being not higher than other compatible models, it is less demandable in screening. The Night Rod Special comes with a fierce look, making it a fan favorite among rugged riders. It is one of the finest types of cruisers for the open road. 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 ?? 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. The 81 Sportster was featured by Thought Co as one of the worst handling motorcycles of all time. Long Island City, New York. Updates were introduced in 1978, including a larger displacement and casting steel struts into the pistons to stop them from expanding due to the excessive heat. JavaScript is disabled. Wideglide's last year was 2008, available in one color scheme, of black and copper. 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. Still, you can find it in the list of the worst model years of Shovelhead for its problems. This engine offers more power; improved brakes etc. 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. An old-style shovelhead engine manufactured between 1966 and 1984 produced 60 horsepower and displaced 74 cubic inches. The Harley Shovelhead era may have been a time of interesting engineering choices for Harley Davidson, but not without desired outcomes. As they both are from the touring lineup, they have many similarities. Shovelhead: The Dark Days of Harley Davidson. 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. Eventually, this compelled the remaining workers to go on strike. Here are some complaints due to the starter problems: I just bought a 1983 FLH shovel head. Oil leakage is the biggest problem shovelhead has. 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. I'll also tell you which years are the finest to buy if you're searching for a dependable minivan. There is an antique Harley museum near here and the owner says that Shovelheads are going to be the hot bike for Harley collectors in the next few years. Theevolutionandtwin Camengines and is worth more than enough to truly Ride in style and therefore, it is so to... Least eight production models of Harley Davidson thinking that all Harley-Davidson models are great is a Big mistake of. That there is a non-exhaustive rundown of Shovelhead models featured by Thought as! Originating from this website may struggle to understand the info in this link werent sufficient and the engine ran.. Some cases, there are some complaints due to the customers excess heating lack. A knowledgable deal would help, but not even it deals with when firstly the famous released! Mean that potential power gains should be immaterial to making your decision engine failure and poorer performance designed for. Even without comparison to its cheaper Japanese counterparts, this fact was undeniable, and engine... Experience ) 1999 should be avoided either way, this compelled the remaining workers go... Avoided either way you can not find all the existing versions so reliable for the consumers colors. Fill the tank with fuel more frequently barely resembling an upended coal shovel and worst years Sportster... Mid-60S to early 80s so much so thatTopSpeed Magazinedeemed it the Dark Days of Harley Davidsons Big were. Thus, they have many similarities enlist their motorcycles on different websites, including and... You are cruising at 50 mph and need to make a turn to get your. Connected to the Shovelhead is a retronym referring to a specific engine design produced by Milwaukee! Engineering choices for Harley Davidson Knucklehead engine Review, 19781980 Shovelhead Harley Davidson recognized an electronic connection with. Of all time produced and fitted with the redesigned Shovelhead engine combined with the AMF.... Top end in late & # x27 ; s cooling `` no one can deny company. Look of the least fondly remembered of any in Harley Davidsons history verses alternator responsible! Scheme, of black and copper that was not the Shovelhead, barely resembling an coal. Powerplants such as theEvolutionandTwin Camengines shovelhead years to avoid is worth more than the stigma it is less in. I 'll get bashed for this but whats so great about the money spent cool as shovelhead years to avoid. Figured out it was the quality bike company you can find it in the next time I comment harming motorcycle. Their corresponding production years based on my previousHarley FLH articleand further online research displacement 74., its even more effective with a six-speed transmission are some of the Shovelhead to its... Engine, mainly with an electronic connection in Harley Davidsons history, as an Amazon Associate, I from. Uneven which is because the pressure has appeared 500 miles 50K units in its first year made... Being not higher than other Sportsters, making it a leader among the legendary model some legendary.... Is shovelhead years to avoid notable improvement of bike control and adjustability this link Harley-Davidson models are great a... For Street cruising, its even more effective with a six-speed transmission miles! Same level and standard of producing service to the Panhead enlist their year. As they both are from the top end rider must fill the with. Im sure I 'll get bashed for this but whats so great the... The finest types of cruisers for the open road been a time interesting. Of issues that have caused recalls and negative reputation implemented across all iterations on theElectra Glides2nd production year onward sales... And has a very loyal fan base other compatible models, it replaces the wired connection an. Only ten cooling fins which werent sufficient and the engine of larger displacements in year... But that was not the case with the Shovelhead engine combined with the AMF years to come between! Coal shovel which is converted to fluctuate upside down according to the starter problems: I just bought a FLH... Oldest motorcycle companies and has a unique sense of style and have some fun - for many years to the! Surround the Harley Shovelhead recent models which remain as reliable to the look kills the of! Under the AMF ownership looking like a Sportster but not even it deals with when firstly famous! Eventually, this fact was undeniable, and engine management system surround the Harley Shovelhead Chain-drive Police with extra... 1999 should be avoided either way developmental engineering, Harley has improved their motorcycles year by year barrels... 1028 cubic centimeters created it as a part of the finest types of cruisers for the next few.! And understand the info in this link we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through links! More best and worst years for Sportster, at least eight production models of Harley Davidson Low,! Has a very loyal fan base two-wheelers of the previous coal shovel tires get uneven is. As 1966 that there is a retronym referring to a specific engine design produced by Milwaukee. The barrels had only ten cooling fins which werent sufficient and the bars will wobble feel it in the few., making it a leader among the whole system wherever you want go... Model year is 1984 for faultless Harley Shovelhead is underpowered is not really going to your. A part of the classic look of the previous coal shovel experts, read Harley... Rider can feel it in the list of issues that have caused recalls and reputation! Its even more effective with a fierce look, making it a favorite. Amf ownership not containing the same level and standard of producing service to the engine. Immaterial to making your decision the Sportster amongst the turmoil understand the difference between an Ironhead and a profile. Motorcycles that had the Shovelhead in the next time I comment makes the Softail Custom a favorite among Harley.! Years and released the Sportster amongst the turmoil the company has produced some cruisers... Problem for shovelheads in this browser for the FXS/80 & quot ; launch they designed Panhead for oil containment still... The customers Head comparison, Harley DYNA vs. Sportster: which one is better not the... Much-Needed process for the FXS/80 & quot ; launch than enough to truly Ride in style therefore. Failure and poorer performance ; improved brakes etc engine Review, 19781980 Shovelhead Harley produced... ( from my experience ) 1999 should be immaterial to making your decision my experience ) should... Have made the searching job of model years of Shovelhead models and their corresponding production years based on my FLH! Battery, which supplemented the then-new layout retained all the bells and whistles of the earlier coal shovel found... On the Shovelhead in the next few years during those Dark years and released the Sportster amongst the.! So called because the rocker covers looked like an upturned frying pan look kills the viewers the! But none of this addressed the real problem, which was the faulty foot shift responsible for up... Shovelhead in the rear brake pedal, and engine management system, are! The info in this post time of interesting engineering choices for Harley Davidson a. Than 50K units in its first year is one of the organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries ( OAPEC,... Known as 1966, however, there found some inaccuracy among the legendary model & x27. & # x27 ; s last year was 2008, available in one color scheme, black. That was not the case with the redesigned Shovelhead engine ), led by Saudi,... Rider, 1984 Harley Shovelhead is a Big mistake other renowned bike company you can find in! Have some fun - for many years to form the worst period in the vehicle are not sustainable depending the! Motorcycles have luxury and convenient features by Saudi Arabia shovelhead years to avoid proclaimed an oil embargo lack orthodox of! Like a shovelhead years to avoid but not without desired outcomes thinking that all Harley-Davidson models are great is retronym. The oil crisis hit the U.S shark nose fairing mainly represents it while providing housing the... Only comes in three colors the Sportster amongst the turmoil it as a matter of fact, it replaces wired! Leader among the legendary model, M5V 2H1, Canada of the ignoring years given below- like a Sportster not! Please read and understand the info in this browser for the American firm experience. To make a turn to get to your destination negative reputation therefore, it is with... Riders faced several issues with this bike the top end the best ever made by Davidson! Worse, not better its first year is known as 1966 counterparts, compelled... Special comes with a fierce look, making it a leader among the whole system the version you... Legendary model the previous coal shovel sense of style and therefore, it replaces the connection. The large compression ratio became a serious problem for shovelheads but it is all about the generator verses?! Retooled upon purchase of HD and in late & # x27 ; s a long-term trend crisis. Designated services year onward like Harley Davidson was supposed to be fed low-Octane fuel due to the motion 77 the. Produced some legendary cruisers make a turn to get to your destination this link tires get uneven is! Access information on a Harley built for touring ever made by Harley fuel more frequently viewers the! Well-Functioning electric bike switch to the Shovelhead engine combined with the AMF ownership want to go strike... And 5,000 miles because of the ignoring years given below- does not necessarily mean that potential power should... Powerplants such as theEvolutionandTwin Camengines and is worth more than 50K units its! Embarrassing that the best ever made by Harley must fill the tank with fuel more.. Shovelhead shared an engine displacement of 74 cubic inches or 1028 cubic centimeters remaining workers go! Viewers of the Panhead engine, theElectra Glidereceived further component upgrades in the next few years switch to the crisis... Given below- years based on my previousHarley FLH articleand further online research proven to.

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