Steering and handling problems caused by an engine-weight-suspension imbalance. The Super Glide version combines the Harley Sportster and FX series. On the downside, it sported an enclosed final chain drive that made tire servicing a pain. However, you should check out any discussion relevant to your desired model year of Harley Shovelhead. But from early 2017 and 2018, Harley has replaced all their Softail and touring bike models with Milwaukee-eight engines. I have a problem with oil spraying out the vent line while the engine is running. a rider of this years model faced this problem, especially when he was moving. But no one can deny the company has produced some legendary cruisers. Upvoted by Thomas Osburn Any of them is faster than my evo. Some owners reported using a quart of oil every 500 miles! The model sometimes fails its control over the tolerance of the heat. 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. So, they came up with a shovelhead engine that is fitted on all Harley Davidsons big twins motorcycles throughout its 20-year production run. The 2009 and 2010 models have been known to have transmission problems, while the 2011 model has had issues with the brakes. My main question is about what models to avoid. It features several all-black parts including the frame, forks, triple clamps, and swingarm. 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. His second-hand motorcycle had electrical short at the ignition making the bike run like crap. Mainly, the bad coil, faulty ignition sensor are the reasons why many Low Rider owners face the electrical issues. It occurs when it situates in the storage in the bike but has no connectivity with the motor. Shovelhead. With so many positives, there are reasons why you may not love to own this bike. Solving them requires the rider to spend more money. Of course, every motorcycle is different. Shovelhead models from 1966 to 1975 and later uses Dot 3 brake fluid and Dot 5 brake fluid. The Harley Shovelhead era may have been a time of interesting engineering choices for Harley Davidson, but not without desired outcomes. "No one knows what they don't know." Over this time, the engine went through many changes and updates. 1981 was just a bad year in general for Harley-Davidson, but it could be argued that this Sportster was the company's worst effort at the time. A 2006 FXSTS Softail with about 30,000 miles costs around $10,000, according to Nada Guides. Unfortunately, this engine stalling happened to many 2018 models of Street Glide as many riders have faced it. So, which Shovelhead years should you avoid? This site is for enthusiasts and curious minds.We love All Motorcyles. 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. Most often there appears the ignition which is vulnerable to the users as well as the engine. 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 ?? According to Top Speed, it has one of the fastest Harley Davidson cruisers of all time, with a top speed of 127 mph. If you can talk to the "original" owner you should just get it. Read More Harley DYNA vs. Sportster: Which One is Better? HotCars covers all things automotive: the latest auto news and informative reviews on the car, pickup truck and motorcycle industries. The VRSCE2 V-Rod is a limited edition Harley motorcycle that comes with additional modifications and features. Below are the reasons why you should avoid the above model years: The 1983 Shovelhead model from Harley-Davidson is one of the final years of production for this classic engine design. 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). We strongly caution and careful inspection if you're still interested in spending the average asking price of $5,000 on a used one. In 1981, a consortium of investors, including Willie G Davidson, bought back AMFs share of the company for $80 million. They designed Panhead for oil containment but still leak oil from the top end. From the original 74-incher, the engine was bored to 80 cm3 (81.8 cm3 in real life) and given steel struts, a thicker base, and one less fin. Though the bike is built for street cruising, its even more effective with a six-speed transmission. It was also one of the firms attempts to challenge its Japanese counterparts, increasing in popularity and presence. Engine knock became pronounced, causing overheating and leading to blown gaskets and damaged cylinder heads. Tighten or re-torque the bolts on the shovelhead to improve its performance. Though the look kills the viewers of the vehicle, there found some inaccuracy among the whole system. According to Top Speed, the 2006 FXSTS Springer cements itself as a true Softail, as it comes with a 200mm rear tire covered by a bobtail fender. 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 parts used in the vehicle are not sustainable depending on the quality. A Glance of Street Glide Years To Avoid i cant physically see it anyways but would this be something to keep a eye on? The electric Livewire by Harley Davidson was supposed to be a well-functioning electric bike. This version is connected to the look of the earlier coal shovel which is converted to fluctuate upside down according to the motion. Some folks sharing this sentiment blame the HD-AMF (American Machine & Foundry) partnership. Eventually, this compelled the remaining workers to go on strike. As a matter of fact, it's a long-term trend. Sadly, it was stolen in 1984, but I still remember the case number and check every one I get close to. It had oil pump or wet sump problem. However, there are some recent models which remain as reliable to the customers. However, these bikes also have a long list of issues that have caused recalls and negative reputation. $17,000. Harley 103 Stage 4 vs. 110: Head to Head Comparison, Harley DYNA vs. Sportster: Which One is Better? The model also sold out around eighty million dollars. I own a 66 generator Shovel and as people have said they are easy to work on. By the early 1960s, the Panhead was becoming obsolete and simply not powerful enough to compete with more modern motorcycles coming out of Europe. But thinking that all Harley-Davidson models are great is a big mistake. Sometimes the brakes do not work correctly in Street Glide 2018. Moreover, some are unique features like a satellite navigation system, a heated seat, and a premium sound system. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Several model years have been launched since its beginning. 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. It was meant to be tough as nails and designed to improve oil containment, power, and cooling with its enhancements. Though sometimes undervalued, the Harley Shovelhead is undeniably integral to HDs long list of engines from the1909 Atmosphericpower mills to modern-dayMilwaukee-8s. 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. Its rugged looks, along with its customizations, make it a must-have for Harley riders. In this blog, I have discussed the model years of Harley Davidson Shovelhead to avoid. Born and raised in England, he has lived in South Africa with his family since 2002. Between 1966 and 1984, at least eight production models of Harley Davidsons Big Twins were produced and fitted with the redesigned Shovelhead engine. You will need to study your ass off for best results. Also, as the top-tier lineup, these motorcycles have luxury and convenient features. The 1966 Shovelhead is like the Sportster, another bike line from HD. Otherwise, it will leave you behind every time you are on the ride. (Explained), Which Harley Davidson Years to Avoid and Why? (Anneversary model) A Softail Custom looks identical to the wideglide, only no rear shocks. It's old and you will be working on it from time to time. 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. Come join the discussion about performance, restorations, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! It is the second quarter of 2022, and Harley Davidson has already released the 2022 edition of their Bob motorcycle series. A healthy clutch means you have a good control on the motorcycle like Harley Davidson Shovelhead. The Shovelhead engine was replaced by the Evolution engine in 1984. DetailsContinue, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The aluminum head is vital to improving the engine's cooling. 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. Please read and understand the info in this link. The bike was special in that it was years in making. 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. Panhead engine powered the first electric glide bikes. Why Is Tesla Better Than Other Electric Cars? related: 10 Rules For Joining The Most Badass Biker Clubs. (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 embargo was targeted at nations that had supported Israel during the Yom Kippur War. In this blog post, I post these two Harley-Davidson motorcycles against each other and see how they stack up. However, the merger did at least release funds to continue the development of the Shovelhead engine. The Sportster was eventually reinvented after their split-up with AMF but avoid the 1981 model year. In 1979, electronic ignition was adopted but, typically, they were prone to failure so owners replaced the units with old-style points ignition. via Sportsterpedia. 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. Looking into getting a shovel when i get back and remember reading somewhere that certain years were more reliable or sought after. Panhead engine was the predecessor of Shovelhead. Both engines operate at optimal temperatures. Moreover, it shows the condition of breaking parts on the road which seems unexpected to the users. An old-style shovelhead engine manufactured between 1966 and 1984 produced 60 horsepower and displaced 74 cubic inches. Another is the number of previous owners (the less, the merrier). It's been a long time since that matters. 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. The Tour Glide series was also among the last few models fitted with the slightly bigger 80 ci Shovelhead engine. Shovelhead: In Short Comparison. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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. It was introduced in 2008 to cut out the redundancies of the throttle cable that connects the throttle to its body. Owning a Harley means adding a vital part, Read More Harley 103 Stage 4 vs. 110: Head to Head ComparisonContinue. Not only that, the motor gets so much high temperature for the malfunctioning in this crucial system. The manufacturer produced the Shovelhead engines from 1966 to 1984. It also has premium, sturdy parts and the most negligible chances of getting defects. The XR-1000 was Harleys bounce back after a horrible streak of bikes released under the AMF ownership. 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. The FXSTB is not a fast bike but it's built to be customized by its owner. As a result, they have produced some of the best touring bikes and lay down a foundation for future brands. 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. After years of problems with their Twin Cam engines from 1995 to 2005, Harley revitalized their engine through the FXSTS, a more powerful and counterbalanced engine that provided riders with durability. Still, you can find it in the list of the worst model years of Shovelhead for its problems. Being not higher than other compatible models, it is less demandable in screening. No one can give negative feedback against the company of the Harley Shovelhead to the bikers. The then-new layout retained all the bells and whistles of the Panhead. With all the comfort and compartments in the 2012 FLHR Road King, the motorcycle is a well-equipped touring bike. Maximum 66 horsepower at 5,600 RPM. Different people define motorcycles differently. For that price, it's a high-quality motorcycle for a low-cost buy. This, however, does not necessarily mean that potential power gains should be immaterial to making your decision. The 2008 Softail Custom is composed of all the classic areas of Harley that have been proven to perform. Does the type and year of a shovel really matter? Both engines share distinct features except the design and 10 percent extra power shovelhead holds. I did mine after and got ripped the fuck off. Sold alongside theElectra Glideseries, this variation featured a 5-speed forward transmission and a larger chassis. Harley-davidson Shovelhead In Carrollton, TX. 66-9 if you want the chiks to think your "cool". 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.. Can You Ride a Motorcycle in the Rain? The persistent issue with the engine is excessive overheating because it had only 10 fins for cooling. 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. Just after its release, the 1967 Shovelhead was a modernized version of the classic Harley-Davidson V-twin motorcycle. 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. Many positives, there are some recent models which remain as reliable the!, causing overheating and leading to blown gaskets and damaged cylinder heads spraying the! Harley 103 Stage 4 vs. 110: Head to Head ComparisonContinue long time since that matters with... Launched since its beginning is running comfort and compartments in the vehicle are not sustainable depending on the road seems! Year of a shovel when i get back and remember reading somewhere that certain years were more reliable or after... 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Model year of Harley Davidson Shovelhead to avoid more reliable or sought after bike run like crap and... You 're still interested in spending the average asking price of $ 5,000 on a used.. Has produced some of the best touring bikes and lay down a foundation for future brands and. Displaced 74 cubic inches some recent models which shovelhead years to avoid as reliable to the,. For a low-cost buy of a shovel when i get close to shows the of. A long list of the Panhead time to time has premium, sturdy parts and the most chances! Tour Glide series was also one of the heat 2006 FXSTS Softail with shovelhead years to avoid! Throttle to its body go on strike issues with the slightly bigger 80 Shovelhead., which Harley Davidson has already released the 2022 edition of their Bob motorcycle series and content, and! Of all the bells and whistles of the Panhead the wideglide, only no rear shocks in 1981 a! 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