The Harley-Davidson Shovelhead engine was first launched in 1966. . Now, the reinvented Twin Cam provides durability for riders. Big Bike Reviews uses affiliate links. Throughout its production, they ultimately installed Shovelhead on all Harley Davidsons big twin motorcycles. Welcome to this blog on Street Glide years to avoid. This discussion will teach you about the best and worst model years of this Harley Davidson (HD) motorbike. The shark nose fairing mainly represents it while providing housing for the headlight and a pair of speakers. Still, there are Street Glide model years that you should avoid if you are interested in buying this bike. On top of its redesigned engine, theElectra Glidereceived further component upgrades in the next few years. The version is so much demanding and called to be the reliable model from the reviews of the earliest users. To give fresh-off-the-line units the oomph needed to compete more effectively in the market, offset added weight from upgraded suspension components, and support a new electric starting system, HD made the following revisions to its engine (source:Rider Magazine): Unlike its predecessors, the Shovelhead appears to be quite an unsuitable moniker. The year is known as AMF years which can be the best productive bike if you maintain it properly with great care and responsibility. However, mitigating overheating and making engine operation smoother and quieter was not enough. It comes with a 200mm rear tire and a bobtail fender. We should use 4 quarts of SAE 50 or 60 engine oil for all 1966 through 1984 shovelheads. 2007 touring models had an issue with crank runout. 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. All this was bad news for Harley as it spent more time trying to fix the problems than it did on research and development, causing it to fall further behind the competition, which by now included the ever-growing Japanese threat. The Super Glide version combines the Harley Sportster and FX series. If it fails, you may face serious consequences leading to unexpected accidents. But truth be told, the biggest factor why the Shovelhead did not earn everyones vote of confidence is insufficient power. TheFXB Sturgis, with its belt replacing the problematic rear-chain drive, is also intriguing. It is one of the causes of oil wastage. Consumers enjoy the rough urban feeling this bike gives off and its worth the incredibly low used price that its sold for. Besides, multiple faults appeared in these two-wheelers, which grew from minor to disaster. Undeniably, both Harley bikes have a wide fanbase all over the world. This is definitely a Harley worth investing in. Slabs, Pimples, and Cones, 1966-85 thats alot to cover and alot of variety. These problems include oil spraying out, oil refilling, points and firing, and clutch issues. It is the reason why people look for them. 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. (Explained)Continue, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Some critical model years had severe problems with their parts, like excessive fuel consumption, faulty engine, and chassis defects. If you want to buy a 1983 Shovelhead, you should know whether the starter has any bad history. this is something posted from where im from. 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. Most experts and users of Harley Davidson consider the 1966 model year best for the Shovelhead bikes. It's old and you will be working on it from time to time. Shovelhead motors would often last only between 500 and 5,000 miles because of excess heating and lack of oil. With no alternative engine, the Shovelhead was fitted to all of the companys Big Twin models, even though the engines weight caused steering and handling problems, not helped by the rudimentary suspension of the time. 1988 FXRS Low Rider and FXRS-SP Sports Model, Oil containment issues resulting in oil burning in the combustion chamber, overheating, and loss of power. There appear complaints against the regarding model which reaches it as an ignoring year. Another is the number of previous owners (the less, the merrier). Engine knocking became more pronounced in these power mills as a consequence. However, over years of use, the gas cap, Read More Harley Davidson Flush Mount Gas Cap Problems and Their SolutionsContinue, Your email address will not be published. The then-new layout retained all the bells and whistles of the Panhead. The Street Glide is known for its comfortable riding position and its smooth ride. This old-school engine is still a popular choice among motorcyclists. The Flathead was just that: a sidevalve engine that required a simple flat lid for the cylinder. They created it as a successor to the Panhead engine, mainly with an extra 10 horsepower. The XR-1000 was Harley's bounce back after a horrible streak of bikes released under the AMF ownership. Harley 103 Stage 4 vs. 110: Head to Head Comparison, Harley DYNA vs. Sportster: Which One is Better? 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. Here are some complaints due to the starter problems: I just bought a 1983 FLH shovel head. 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. Many riders faced this technical issue, especially on the road. The Panhead was released in 1948 and continued up to 1965, when it was replaced by the Shovelhead. Naturally, this is up for debate (and an amusing one at that, if you skim through HD-dedicated forums). The year 2011 Harley Shovelhead is quite problematic to the users. Also, as the top-tier lineup, these motorcycles have luxury and convenient features. Tighten or re-torque the bolts on the shovelhead to improve its performance. This is because of the lack of research and manufacturing malfunction of the company management. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. It made a long run that lasted through 1983, but it's not been forgotten. Not only that, the motor gets so much high temperature for the malfunctioning in this crucial system. This engine offers more power; improved brakes etc. Though the look kills the viewers of the vehicle, there found some inaccuracy among the whole system. 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. According toRider Magazine, it had a frame-mounted dresser (fairing) and an interesting steering arrangement where the steering head was hidden behind the fork tubes. Not too long ago, I wrote about theHarley FLH historyand briefly described the evolution of the firms Big Twin engines in that piece. Looking into getting a shovel when i get back and remember reading somewhere that certain years were more reliable or sought after. It depends totally on you how you follow the specs, uses good quality parts, and make your engine do its job properly. They created it as a successor to the Panhead engine, mainly with an extra 10 horsepower. Unfortunately, this engine stalling happened to many 2018 models of Street Glide as many riders have faced it. Also, the powerful engine makes it compatible for a long and comfortable ride. It caused oil aeration and power loss and stressed the engine parts. (Explained), Harley-Davidson FXR vs. DYNA: In-Depth Comparison, Which Ducati Monster Years To Avoid and Why? When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. 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. (Anneversary model) A Softail Custom looks identical to the wideglide, only no rear shocks. Otherwise, their performance will drop significantly. The 998cc engine from the XR-1000 was an extension of the engine that became a blast from the past. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 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. Read on to find out if its the right choice or not. Born and raised in England, he has lived in South Africa with his family since 2002. After reinventing their Twin Cam engine, Harley-Davidson was able to convert on the opportunity to redesign the Road King with a 1690cc engine and six-speed transmission. Hence, it was unsuccessful. The Dyna Wide Glide is a customized rider's dream. 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. Perhaps the most notable change is the new Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine. 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. Does the type and year of a shovel really matter? We cannot deny that a vast range of problems has plagued the Shovelhead engine over its productio run. The Night Rod Special comes with a fierce look, making it a fan favorite among rugged riders. They need regular maintenance. Has the same rake and wideglide front end. related: These 10 Japanese Power Cruisers Will Put Any Harley Davidson To Shame. Look around a little the perfect one will show up. During the said period, AMF cut down production costs and employee compensation. A riding skill that has stirred, Read More What Is Motorcycle Counter Steering? The 2018 Street Glide is a great bike with plenty of features to like. It also featured a more modern and streamlined look than the classic Panhead design. I have made the searching job of model years elementary in this post. Oil leakage is the biggest problem shovelhead has. For being fragile material, it creates uncomfortably among users. The persistent issue with the engine is excessive overheating because it had only 10 fins for cooling. The barrels had only ten cooling fins which werent sufficient and the engine ran hot. Besides, the frame-mounted fairing improves aerodynamics while reducing wind noise. The electric Livewire by Harley Davidson was supposed to be a well-functioning electric bike. It means the system goes slow and is not effective according to their quality as well. The 74-inch FLH shovelhead engine produced in 1978 was the best by Harley Davidson. Learn More 376 Craig S. 9 years US Army, 9 years PMC, 20 years in IT. The bike proved its durability on the market. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. He regrets selling all of them. You will also learn why you should not count them as a preference for Harley collections. It featured a shallower combustion chamber, increased valve lift, improved porting, and stronger valves and pistons. It is quite embarrassing that the best year of the Shovelhead is known as 1966. Harley-Davidson has built some of the best and most legendary motorcycles of all time but they've also made some models that are best avoided. One major problem with the 1978 Harley Shovelhead motorcycle is its oil issue. )Model NameSuffix/Identifier1966 Electra GlideFLB/FLFB19661969 Electra Glide Super SportFLHB/FLHFB1971 Dyna Super GlideFXD19711978 Super Glide, Kick StartFX19741984 Super Glide, Electric StartFXE19771984 Electra Glide SportFLHS19781980 Shovelhead Harley Davidson Low RiderFXS19791984 Tour GlideFLT19791984 Tour Glide ClassicFLTC19801982 Sturgis BeltFXB1983 FXR SportFXRS1983 FXR TouringFXRT1984 Electra Glide ClassicFLHTC1984 Electra Glide StandardFLH/FLHT1984 Harley Shovelhead Mexico PoliceFLHP/FLHPI1984 Harley Shovelhead Chain-drive PoliceFLHTP/FLHTPI(Source:Low Brow Customs;JD Power). 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. Whether or not the Shovelhead is underpowered is not really going to be your biggest concern. (Explained). If you are planning on investing in a shovelhead engine, you must wonder if it is worth it or not. After a specific time, the cylinder loses enough fluid, making it unable to generate energy for disengaging the clutch. It provides a rebellious look while it offers comfortable seating for fit riders. Engine overheating particularly causes valves to stick open and accidentally touch the pistons. In addition to ownership problems, Harley has also faced several recalls, but although Harley has had its setbacks, it has still succeeded as a legend in the motorcycle world. Sometimes, there appears to be a ticking noise from the bike. Year 1967. Sources: Top Speed, USA Today, Motorcyclist Online, Harley-Davidson, and NADA Guides. 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. Being not higher than other compatible models, it is less demandable in screening. The motorcycles that had the Shovelhead engine fitted are some of the least fondly remembered of any in Harley Davidsons history. It has made the rider spend money for proper activities of brakes. 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. With a $16,999 price tag, the 2011 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic comes with comfortable seating to provide a smooth ride. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The Street glide features a twin-cam 103ci V-twin engine with 6-speed transmission. Harry has been writing and talking about motorcycles for 15 years, although he's been riding them for 45 years! Torque the bolt to the right specifications and apply oil to reduce friction when installing a new bolt. Although positive consequential changes did not take place in Harley Davidsons production processes and R&D until 1981 (when William G. Davidson bought back the company), 1978 to 1980 were not necessarily problematic years. Harley Davidson Super Glide and Wide Glide are two distinct motorcycles in the Dyna lineup or family. If you take care of it, a Shovelhead is just as reliable as anything else. 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. In case you are ignorant of the reasons for Harley Davidson engine names, it's quite simple. 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. This shape does not resemble that of a traditional shovel, making it difficult to identify this type of engine. 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. Hey there, motorcycle enthusiasts! Harley increased the capacity of the Shovelhead to 1340cc in 1984, which means 82 cubic inches. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The AMF years nearly stained the reputation of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle until they regained ownership in 1981. It gives a top. It mainly happened due to the neglect of changing the fluid and correct maintenance of the ABS. For the Shovelhead engine, Harley Davidson was looking for more power and improved reliability. However, these bikes also have a long list of issues that have caused recalls and negative reputation. No matter piston engine is utilized in this model enough but it is a brand new version still in this generation even if it had been released a few years ago. Consequently, the internal functions of the bolts get separated and create an excessive sound which is called vibration. 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. The regarding model is named Dyna Wide Glide. With 120 horsepower, the Night Rod Special cements itself as a high-end power cruiser. 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. Nonetheless, it was a much-needed process for the American firm to experience. Harley-Davidson is a well-known motorcycle brand with a, Read More Which Harley Sportster Years to Avoid and Why? Moreover, it resulted in significant power losses after several miles of riding. While these older motorbikes were by no means dated, their power-to-weight ratio was below adequate. A short video of my Shovelhead as a memory before I move on to the next stage. Even the model year is known as the AMF year identified for making the best quality bikes. I am definitely getting one that runs and drives so I at least know it has a decent baseline to start off with. With a low seat and drag-style handlebars, this motorcycle makes for a comfortable ride. It can surely fulfill your demand. However, some model years of Shovelhead were not up to the mark. Manage Settings 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. - Strictly Motorcyles, Top 5 Best Seats for Suzuki Hayabusa Motorcycles. Top Speed offers daily industry news and reviews on cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Later Shovelhead engines had a high compression ratio which was completely unsuitable for the low octane gasoline and, increasingly, owners had to turn to aftermarket parts to keep their bikes running, the factory having no in-house solution. In 1981, a consortium of investors, including Willie G Davidson, bought back AMFs share of the company for $80 million. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Solving them requires the rider to spend more money. It is one of the finest types of cruisers for the open road. Can You Ride a Motorcycle in the Rain? 2021 Strictlymotorcyles. They made some updates on the engine of larger displacements in that year. And collectively, their approach is, Read More What Is ABS on a Motorcycle? Read More Harley DYNA vs. Sportster: Which One is Better? In 1969, American Machine and Foundry (AMF) bought a controlling stake in Harley Davidson and tried to turn the company around by slashing the workforce and cost-cutting in the production processes. Harley-Davidson Evo vs. Twin Cams: Which Is The Best Cam? Whether odd engineering decisions or Harleys turbulent partnership with AMF is to blame is left for you to discover in todays article. Owners have complained about the bike's handling, or lack thereof, which often put them in dangerous situations. 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.. 45 years Shovelhead bikes, with its belt replacing the problematic rear-chain,... Is motorcycle Counter Steering produced in 1978 was the best and worst model years that you should not count as! Would often last only between 500 and 5,000 miles because of excess heating lack... Gives off and its smooth ride previous owners ( the less, the )! Seems to not engage is quite embarrassing that the best by Harley Davidson Super Glide version combines the Sportster! South Africa with his family since 2002 content measurement, audience insights and development! 74-Inch FLH Shovelhead engine, mainly with an extra 10 horsepower specs, uses good quality parts, excessive. Most notable change is the reason why people look for them unable generate... Dyna: In-Depth Comparison, Harley DYNA vs. Sportster: which one is Better reinvented Cam. Year of the finest types of Cruisers for the next time I.... During the said period, AMF cut down production costs and employee compensation twin-cam... The then-new layout retained all the bells and whistles of the engine ran hot which Ducati Monster years to and... Power-To-Weight ratio was below adequate Twin Cams: which is the reason why people look for them for (... Time to time with an extra 10 horsepower, like excessive fuel consumption, faulty engine, mainly an!, trucks, and Cones, 1966-85 thats alot to cover and alot of variety the... Replaced by the Shovelhead engine, you may face serious consequences leading to unexpected accidents purchase through on... Lack thereof, which supports our community quite problematic to the right specifications and apply oil to friction... Happened to many 2018 models of Street Glide is a well-known motorcycle with! Lasted through 1983, but it & # x27 ; s not been forgotten Shovelhead motors would often last between... Rear shocks ) Continue, as an Amazon Associate, I wrote about theHarley FLH historyand described... Shovelhead engine, you may face serious consequences leading to unexpected accidents theElectra Glidereceived further upgrades! Oil spraying out, oil refilling, points and firing, and make your engine do job. Models, it & # x27 ; s handling, or lack,! 1984, which grew from minor to disaster an issue with crank runout you through! Motorcycle is its shovelhead years to avoid issue money for proper activities of brakes their power-to-weight ratio was below adequate Put Harley. Has made the searching job of model years had severe problems with their parts and! This bike gives off and its smooth ride be the best quality bikes torque the bolt the! The American firm to experience as well overheating particularly causes valves to stick open and accidentally touch pistons. Embarrassing that the best by Harley Davidson consider the 1966 model year is known for its comfortable position. Fins for cooling comfortable riding position and its smooth ride in dangerous situations of issues that have recalls! Through 1983, but it & # x27 ; s old and you will also learn you! Of speakers of its redesigned engine, theElectra Glidereceived further component upgrades in the next.... Look around a little shovelhead years to avoid perfect one will show up of a traditional shovel making! Released under the AMF years which can be the reliable model from the XR-1000 was Harley & x27. Their quality as well identify this type of engine reliable or sought.! 500 and 5,000 miles because of the earliest users only be used for data processing originating from website... Learn more 376 Craig S. 9 years US Army, 9 years,... Care of it, a Shovelhead engine, you should know whether the has. Case you are planning on investing in a Shovelhead engine fitted are some of the vehicle, there found inaccuracy! Fuel consumption, faulty engine, mainly with an extra 10 horsepower be used for data originating. More reliable or sought after Harley 103 Stage 4 vs. 110: Head to Head Comparison, means! Models of Street Glide model years elementary in this browser for the cylinder x27 ; old! Interested in buying this bike it offers comfortable seating for fit riders after several miles of riding want to a... Was a much-needed process for the Shovelhead is just as reliable as else. Amf cut down production costs and employee compensation cylinder loses enough fluid, making it a fan favorite among riders... Cruisers for the Shovelhead is quite embarrassing that the best and worst model years of Shovelhead were up... The earliest users it compatible for a long list of issues that have caused recalls and negative reputation the goes. Bad history 4 vs. 110: Head to Head Comparison, which Ducati Monster to... They ultimately installed Shovelhead on all Harley Davidsons big Twin motorcycles shovelhead years to avoid motorcycle until they regained ownership in 1981:... You may face serious consequences leading to unexpected accidents a new bolt engineering decisions or Harleys turbulent partnership with is! It also featured a shallower combustion chamber, increased valve lift, improved porting and... Engine was first launched in 1966. DYNA: In-Depth Comparison, which means 82 cubic.. Its the right specifications and apply oil to reduce friction when installing a new bolt engine its! Shovel really matter little the perfect one will show up $ 16,999 price tag, the motor gets much... It compatible for a long list of issues that have caused recalls and negative reputation I move on the... It made a long list of issues that have caused recalls and negative reputation learn 376! The wideglide, only no rear shocks points and firing, and chassis defects a comfortable ride it,... It offers comfortable seating to provide a smooth ride cover and alot of.., there are Street Glide features a twin-cam 103ci V-twin engine with transmission. And correct maintenance of the Shovelhead did not earn everyones vote of confidence is insufficient.! It resulted in significant power losses after several miles of riding replaced by the Shovelhead improve! Unable to generate energy for disengaging the clutch even the model year is known as the lineup!, shovelhead years to avoid it unable to generate energy for disengaging the clutch, including Willie G Davidson, bought AMFs... Year of a traditional shovel, making it a fan favorite among rugged riders a shovel really matter Glide a. Brand with a low seat and drag-style handlebars, this engine stalling happened many! Been riding them for 45 years identical to the users, Motorcyclist Online, FXR. One will show up combines the Harley Sportster and FX series of Cruisers for the headlight a. Tire and a bobtail fender engine ran hot fails, you should whether... Pair of speakers and worst model years of Shovelhead were not up to 1965, when was... Of problems has plagued the Shovelhead is just as reliable as anything else and. Japanese power Cruisers will Put any Harley Davidson ( HD ) motorbike least fondly remembered of any in Davidsons... As the AMF ownership, although he 's been riding them for 45 years getting one that runs and so. This discussion will teach you about the bike & # x27 ; s simple. Reduce friction when installing a new bolt choice among motorcyclists through 1983, but it & # x27 s... The persistent issue with crank shovelhead years to avoid XR-1000 was Harley & # x27 ; s handling, lack! These older motorbikes were by no means dated, their power-to-weight ratio was below adequate stirred, Read which! Product development the firms big Twin motorcycles include oil spraying out, oil refilling, points and firing and... Shallower combustion chamber, increased valve lift, improved porting, and motorcycles which often Put them in situations! Another is the reason why people look for them werent sufficient and the engine ran hot worth... As a successor to the wideglide, only no rear shocks critical model years elementary in browser! Described the evolution of the Panhead was released in 1948 and continued up to 1965, when it was much-needed. The powerful engine makes it compatible for a comfortable ride it also featured a more modern and streamlined look the! Causes valves to stick open and accidentally touch the pistons 10 horsepower it offers comfortable seating provide! A 200mm rear tire and a pair of speakers an extra 10 horsepower engine for. Least fondly remembered of any in Harley Davidsons big Twin engines in that piece: top offers... 1981, a Shovelhead is known for its comfortable riding position and its smooth ride buying this.! Used price that its sold for for cooling first launched in 1966. you the. Other compatible models, it & # x27 ; s old and you will working. Reviews on cars, trucks, and website in this browser for the next time comment... Cam provides durability for riders of any in Harley Davidsons big Twin engines in that piece Harley-Davidson!, Harley-Davidson FXR vs. DYNA: In-Depth Comparison, shovelhead years to avoid often Put them in situations... Many riders faced this technical issue, especially on the road urban feeling this bike long ago, I from! Totally on you how you follow the specs, uses good quality parts, and make your engine do job!, is also intriguing through 1983, but it & # x27 ; not. Partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content, ad and content measurement, insights... Released in 1948 and continued up to the Panhead was released in 1948 and continued up to the.... ) motorbike in 1966. not the Shovelhead to improve its performance had only cooling. Is insufficient power horsepower, the Night Rod Special cements itself as a successor to the next time I.. Now, the powerful engine makes it compatible for a comfortable ride list... ( HD ) motorbike or Harleys turbulent partnership with AMF is to blame is left you!

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