You MUST remember that the Shovelhead is made to very loose tolerance. Few bikes can match the Fat Bob's raw presence and power, which will make you feel like you're sitting on top of a wild hog. The system of lubricant is so sophisticated from another model that it has no single issue with it. 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. You have to just well upon on the models of some specific year which is notorious for their bad records according to their complaints number. The bike was special in that it was years in making. Harry has written for all major publications in South Africa, both print and digital and produced and presented his own TV show called, imaginatively, The Bike Show, for seven years. The Super Glide version combines the Harley Sportster and FX series. Know Details About Sportster, Harley Davidson Road King vs Street Glide: An In-Depth Comparison, Ultra Classic Vs. Ultra Limited: Choose The Best. Oil leakage is the biggest problem shovelhead has. 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The classic look of a high-hand handlebar cruiser, along with its classic features, makes the Softail Custom a favorite among Harley fans. The Harley Shovelhead is a retronym referring to a specific engine design produced by the Milwaukee firm up until the early '80s. 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. According to many motorbike riders, enthusiasts, and connoisseurs, it is better to prevent these model years: 1983, 1978, and 1967. Clutch failure, brake, oil pump issues, and drop in performance are mostly absolute for these two model years. 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. Tons of conspiracy and blame theories surround the Harley Shovelhead era so much so thatTopSpeed Magazinedeemed it The Dark Days of Harley Davidson.. 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. This old-school engine is still a popular choice among motorcyclists. According to Low Brow Customs, Willie G. Davidson then decided to make the Sportster after the Harley buy-back from AMF, and the XR-1000 was then put into construction. 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. How often should we lubricate Harley Davidson chain? Therefore, it is more lightweight and dissipates heat much more effectively. Panhead engine powered the first electric glide bikes. While these older motorbikes were by no means dated, their power-to-weight ratio was below adequate. Come join the discussion about performance, restorations, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! After a specific time, the cylinder loses enough fluid, making it unable to generate energy for disengaging the clutch. If still unsatisfied, augment these changes with bottom reinforcement (to support higher RPMs), higher-ratioroller rockers(view on Amazon), and other relevant shenanigans. Sources: Top Speed, USA Today, Motorcyclist Online, Harley-Davidson, and NADA Guides. But in some cases, there remain some exceptions like not containing the same level and standard of producing service to the users. The original Super Glide is famous for its custom-made design directly from the Harley Davidson factory. (12 Tips)Continue, With consumer demands becoming more stringent, motorcycle OEMs are constantly pushed to improve their mass-produced bikes while outdoing the competition. The shark nose fairing mainly represents it while providing housing for the headlight and a pair of speakers. Yes, its no doubt a big twin. In this article, I have discussed which years of the Harley Shovelhead motorbike are best to avoid getting a better model. But overall, seven distinct models (as seen below) were produced under this label before its resurgence in 1999: Since the FLH reign encompassed earlier engine transitions, it is unsurprising that most of the Shovelhead-equipped Big Twins were launched alongside these motorcycles. The team installed a liquid-cooled, DOHC Revolution engine on the VRSCE2 V-Rod, an engine which has been continually improved throughout the years. 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. The members of the organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), led by Saudi Arabia, proclaimed an oil embargo. These improvements made the Shovelhead significantly more potent than earlier Harley-Davidson models. 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. It is the reason why people look for them. 1991 saw the introduction of a 5-speed transmission, r/Sportster forum users report. 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. Before digging into the details, lets have a look at how shovelhead came into existence and what drawbacks it had: if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'strictlymotorcycles_com-box-4','ezslot_9',106,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-strictlymotorcycles_com-box-4-0');Harley Davidson produced a shovelhead engine from the mid-60s to early 80s. I hope you will love it. Harley Davidson Super Glide and Wide Glide are two distinct motorcycles in the Dyna lineup or family. Another model year is 1984 for faultless Harley Shovelhead bikes. Your email address will not be published. Many riders love to have the bike for its stylish appearance. However, while it has 146 miles of city-riding range, it'll only manage 80-ish miles on the highway. This motorbike model has undergone several updates and overhauls over the years. The Heritage Softail Classic is perfect for cruising as it comes equipped with technology to easily operate hazard lights and cruise control. By the early 1960s, the Panhead was becoming obsolete and simply not powerful enough to compete with more modern motorcycles coming out of Europe. However, if you are considering a used Street Glide, it is vital to be aware of the potential problems. After upgrading the Evo engine in 1999 with the efficient, more powerful Twin Cam 88, a design flaw involving the cam tension follower has the diehard Harley faithful avoiding the years 1999 - 2002 or at least replacing cam components to keep their engines from ultimately failing. Harley struggled to produce effective bikes during those dark years and released the Sportster amongst the turmoil. It is one of the causes of oil wastage. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Now, the reinvented Twin Cam provides durability for riders. Some critical model years had severe problems with their parts, like excessive fuel consumption, faulty engine, and chassis defects. There will always be some lemons, no matter what brand or model you buy. series. 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. Below is a non-exhaustive rundown of Shovelhead models and their corresponding production years based on my previousHarley FLH articleand further online research. Between 1966 and 1984, at least eight production models of Harley Davidsons Big Twins were produced and fitted with the redesigned Shovelhead engine. Engine 1200. Likewise, Harley used the Shovelhead engine in several series like Disc Glide, Electra Glide, Electra Glide Classic, Electra Glide Sport, Low Rider, Super Glide, Tour Glide, and Wide Glide. I have shovels from 73 to 83. anywhere from 30,000 to 130,000 miles on them and have never had a problem finding parts for any of them. hope this didnt start anything. Regarding the specification of the version, you can pick it also. (How It Works)Continue, Entering corners using a single-track vehicle whether on the track or paved road requires motorcycle counter steering. Otherwise, it will leave you behind every time you are on the ride. The hydraulic clutch systems secondary actuator leaks in the 2018 model. During this period, the Shovelhead was starting to tread on the path to recovery with its new head material, larger piston displacement, and other design improvements. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Upvoted by Thomas Osburn The Panhead was released in 1948 and continued up to 1965, when it was replaced by the Shovelhead. Ive got alot of questions after searching through the archives, I hope you all can help me answer some of them. However, mitigating overheating and making engine operation smoother and quieter was not enough. The Electra Glide was given an 80 out of 100 ranking on Bikez. A Glance of Street Glide Years To Avoid At Big Bike Reviews, we cover motorcycles, electric bikes, scooters, and more. One other thing that prompted the creation of the Shovelhead was the increasing heftiness of Panhead-equipped Harleys. The switch to the Shovelhead engine was implemented across all iterations on theElectra Glides2nd production year onward. You can customize the bike to suit your style. Not only that, the motor gets so much high temperature for the malfunctioning in this crucial system. 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. Just after its release, the 1967 Shovelhead was a modernized version of the classic Harley-Davidson V-twin motorcycle. Both engines share distinct features except the design and 10 percent extra power shovelhead holds. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. (Anneversary model) A Softail Custom looks identical to the wideglide, only no rear shocks. The Road King has always been one of the best Harleys, as it received 4 out of 5-star rating on Motorcycle News. (Note: The veracity of the below information is to the best of my knowledge. The bike proved its durability on the market. But there were no any significant changes compared to earlier model years. chain oilers could prevent oil leakage without harming the motorcycle. Though the bike is built for street cruising, its even more effective with a six-speed transmission. Similar motorcycles: Manage Settings Several complaints were about the heavy vibration in the front end. Overheating can reduce the lifespan of the, Read More Best Way to Cool a Harley Engine Why Cooling Down is Must!Continue, Harley Davidson introduced Sportster in 1957. Read More Harley DYNA vs. Sportster: Which One is Better? 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. (Explained). The new Shovel-like head design came with rocker-arm pivot points engineered into the casting versus bolt-on roller-type aftermarket options augmenting the head material switch to aluminum alloy and making for enhanced durability and power. Not too long ago, I wrote about theHarley FLH historyand briefly described the evolution of the firms Big Twin engines in that piece. Know Details About SportsterContinue, Are you looking to compare the Road King and Street Glide? A short video of my Shovelhead as a memory before I move on to the next stage. The 2017 Harley-Davidson Street Glide is a touring motorcycle. Engine overheating particularly causes valves to stick open and accidentally touch the pistons. Some common issues with the 1983 HD Shovelhead lie in the starter, oiling, and electrical issues. 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. As they both are from the touring lineup, they have many similarities. So, it is so vital to be aware of the ignoring years given below-. related: 10 Rules For Joining The Most Badass Biker Clubs. Thats right, the one that keeps the fuel secure inside the fuel tank without allowing dirt, grime, and exterior gas to enter it. But no worries. 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. Riding a motorcycle in the rain is an inevitable part of a motorheads life, especially for those who use their two-wheeler as a daily driver. 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. I owned a '68 Shovelhead and rode it all over the West and Midwest. But theres one problem, the flush mount gas cap. Every feature on this Harley is what makes the company a fan favorite. You will need to study your ass off for best results. These problems include oil spraying out, oil refilling, points and firing, and clutch issues. Welcome to this blog on Street Glide years to avoid. There appear complaints against the regarding model which reaches it as an ignoring year. They designed Panhead for oil containment but still leak oil from the top end. In this case, you need to avoid those shortlisted bikes and must pay heed to the best years also. This is one of the problematic years which carries a bad reputation for Harley Shovelhead. $17,000. Why Is Tesla Better Than Other Electric Cars? The Twin Cam engine on the Dyna Wide Glide was finally mastered by 2014 after years of failure. The motorcycles that had the Shovelhead engine fitted are some of the least fondly remembered of any in Harley Davidsons history. 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. It comes with a 200mm rear tire and a bobtail fender. I suppose a knowledgable deal would help, but (from my experience) 1999 should be avoided either way. The styling of some of the models was questionable. This is definitely a Harley worth investing in. 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. The engine had big problems right from the outset, some terminal, although eventually, Harley enjoyed a 26-percent sales increase thanks to the new engine. The Night Rod Special comes with a fierce look, making it a fan favorite among rugged riders. Eventually, this compelled the remaining workers to go on strike. (Explained), Which Harley Road King Years to Avoid and Why? Harley-davidson Shovelhead In Carrollton, TX. If you want to purchase for trial you must read this object for your purpose. i cant physically see it anyways but would this be something to keep a eye on? Born and raised in England, he has lived in South Africa with his family since 2002. Harley Davidson made continuous improvements in the shovelhead until the end of its production to keep it usable for production. The Harley-Davidson Shovelhead engine was first launched in 1966. . To be fair, 1981 was a bad year for Harley due to their awful business deal with AMF, a company that briefly owned them. The whole system gets clingy which is a result of worse service. This bike is one of the best ever made by Harley. This was also a product of the AMF-era, which was . Speekin' of the shovel. Mr. Benway, don't you have one that you're fiddling with? Besides, multiple faults appeared in these two-wheelers, which grew from minor to disaster. No slipping when I test drove it, but the clutch grabs too far off the handle. one rider found this issue in a new 1978 Shovelhead vehicle. So, the rider must fill the tank with fuel more frequently. Continue with Recommended Cookies. 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. It has a 1584cc V-Twin engine and gas tank that carries six gallons of gas, making the bike capable of traveling for long distances. 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. As there remains a lot of outstanding models which deliver sustainable performance as a product of Harley Shovelhead, the option to select according to your preference is quite easy to pick up. Another mastery by the Custom Vehicles Operations crew at Harley, the 2012 CVO Softail Convertible is a limited-production motorcycle that comes with a powerful V-Twin engine. Over the years, they have produced user-friendly, attractive, and efficient two-wheelers in different models. Strangely, the best running is my 74" 73 over the later 80"ers, and it's faster, or seems to be, but I don't have any dyno numbers or anything. Expect to be turning some wrenches. We should use 4 quarts of SAE 50 or 60 engine oil for all 1966 through 1984 shovelheads. This site is for enthusiasts and curious minds.We love All Motorcyles. Prior to the 1966 Shovelhead engine, there had been only three big twin engine designs: the Flathead, Knucklehead, and Panhead. The Tour Glide series was also among the last few models fitted with the slightly bigger 80 ci Shovelhead engine. It enjoyed a 5-year run before being replaced by the same-displacement, rubber-mountedEvolutionpower mill. 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Be avoided either way at least eight production models of Harley Davidsons Big Twins produced... Keep it usable for production along with its classic features, makes the Custom! Usable for production touring lineup, they have many similarities more effective with a transmission! Engine is still a popular choice among motorcyclists the Most Badass Biker Clubs to keep it for! More effective with a 200mm rear tire and a bobtail fender read this object for your purpose I you. You behind every time you are considering a used Street Glide improved throughout the years, have! With its classic features, makes the company a fan favorite six-speed.! Durability for riders motorcycle counter steering slightly bigger 80 ci Shovelhead engine, had! Produce effective bikes during those dark years and released the Sportster amongst the turmoil Big engine... I wrote about theHarley FLH historyand briefly described the evolution of the Harley Sportster and FX series to. Any in Harley Davidsons history with a 200mm rear tire and a fender... Consumption, faulty engine, there had been only three Big Twin engines in that piece until the end its. Knucklehead, and electrical issues starter, oiling, and website in this link information is to the Shovelhead. The headlight and a bobtail fender Shovelhead is made to very loose.. Members of the least fondly remembered of any in Harley Davidsons history common with... Of any in Harley Davidsons history aware of the best of my Shovelhead as memory. Its classic features, makes the Softail Custom looks identical to the best of knowledge. And curious minds.We love all Motorcyles control the vehicle which also wastes the users.! Upvoted by Thomas Osburn the shovelhead years to avoid was released in 1948 and continued to! Heat much more effectively represents it while providing housing for the 2017 Harley-Davidson Street Glide a... Version combines the Harley Sportster and FX series you will need to study your ass off for results!, faulty engine, and electrical issues Today, Motorcyclist Online, Harley-Davidson, and drop in performance mostly. The best Harleys, as it received 4 out of 100 ranking on.. Of the best of my knowledge made continuous improvements in the front end you will need to avoid those bikes! Of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent engines share distinct features the... Some of the best ever made by Harley this crucial system this is! Is to the next stage the reinvented Twin Cam engine on the ride the! Is more lightweight and dissipates heat much more effectively however, mitigating overheating and making operation... ( OAPEC ), led by Saudi Arabia, proclaimed an oil embargo this was also a product of version. Hydraulic clutch systems secondary actuator leaks in the Shovelhead was a modernized version of the Shovelhead is to. Significant changes compared to earlier model years elementary in this case, you need to your! Have discussed which years of the Harley Shovelhead motorbike are best to avoid those shortlisted bikes and must pay to. Its production to keep it usable for production too long ago, I have discussed which years failure. The track or paved Road requires motorcycle counter steering Sportster amongst the turmoil replaced by the was... Features, makes the Softail Custom looks identical to the users Arabia proclaimed. The handle join the discussion about performance, restorations, modifications,,...