It’s called ..dry sumping Welcome to our world. Photo: Meccum Auctions. The FLT had a brand-new chassis, the 80-inch motor, and a new five-speed gearbox. The head was the only really new piece to this motor, as the company kept the iron barrels and bottom end of the previous Pan, as well as the generator. I know for a fact that if you don’t turn off the gas it will eventually find its way into your primary and crankcase. Discussion on V-Twin Harley Davidson motorcycles including Dyna, Electra Glide, Softail, Sportster, and more. Starter For Harley Davidson FL XLCH XLH XLHA XLSA XLX-61 FLF 1980-1983 31458-66C (Fits: 1975 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1000) don’t fear that day stone. The bagger types (those who liked the King of the Highway touring package, with batwing fairing and saddlebags) still had their FLHs, but now the market was expanding. Cycle World - 1978 FLH-80 Road Test: Cycle World - 1967 FLH Road Test: Keeping Shovels Alive: British Magazine - 1974 FLH 1200: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: Big Bike - 1975 FX & FXE Road Test: Motorcyclist 1977 FLH: Cycle 1975 FLH Road Test: Street Chopper 1980 FLH … They were all good running and dependable machines that I put many trouble free miles on. I do not own a 7/11! The AMF futurists began a program to build a motorcycle that would compete with the Japanese, while the Harley traditionalists wanted to continue developing the pushrod V-twin. See prices, photos and find dealers near you. In fact, if you run an Andrews 3 grind or an S&S 514 on up (for example) you MUST use solid lifters. Plan on doing your own work and lots of it. My first Harley was a custom 77 FX stroker. If you do not ride her at least three times a week, everyone is right oil settles in the bottom of the pan and it will “dump” a quart when you turn her over. pic hide this posting restore restore this posting. Have great spirit. The point is ride with your head up and ride proud and stay in the wind. But getting their. see all. They are relatively easy to work on and forgiving to the do it yourselfer. Roll your scoot out to where your going to start her, (buy a cheap cake pan at the dollar store) remove the clamp from the overflow ..about two to three seconds NO LONGER! Shut it off, drain it all, and repeat the process 3-4 times. And since have started a Shovelhead service, along with my KZ big four service. My ’69 shovel is the best, greatest ever. He is very smart when it comes to our engine on the Pan / Flat / or Shovel!! Buy It Now. I just sold my 57 Pan and the two were a lot alike when it comes to maintenance and mechanical issues. see all. The only visible difference between the 74 and the 80 was in the number of fins on each cylinder—the 74 had 10, the 80, due to a thicker base, only nine. Cindi Indian, You could just put a none return valve in the feed line i have one in my 1947 matchless it takes 5 pounds to open it, 1978 fxe 12000 miles on bike. Motor is brand new and the bike has been totally restored. As for price, I’ve seen some of these old shovels go for well over $10,000, but that’s when they are done right. I own two 81s currently. I’m looking at a 1983 Shovelhead. 79 FXE SG 74″ The company has been around since 1903 when it was founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This keeps ANY fluid from dripping on the floor of the garage. My 1983 wide glide shovel head keeps back firing and the plugs foul after I leave it sitting for awhile. there is not a another Harley like them, so if you own a Harley shovelhead love the bike because always he’ll love you back. Price. What could a rider do if his spark went away? The FLT had a brand-new chassis, the … Everyone tells me to buy a newer one, but this model really strikes me. This Superior Technology Gives the Utmost in Both Performance and Reliability. Yes shut the gas off every time. I had good luck with the two shovelheads I owned. Behind the frame-mounted fairing an interesting steering arrangement was hidden, with the steering head actually behind the fork tubes, which created a relatively agile 750-pound motorcycle. I have basic mechanical knowledge, and expect to turn wrenches on it if I buy it. Only the Best Alloy Steel Billets and Heat-Treating Processes Are Utilized. HotSnotRocket. I can tell you that keeping a Shovel up to speed mechanically is some I own a 64 panhead, 1975 shovel and 2000 springer. It looks like a pan frame, nonetheless rigid it is. First of all, when you look at it.......find a mechanic who works on shovelheads and then have him assess the bike before any papers are signed and money handed over. Designed to provide unrivaled value and maximum reliability Expertly crafted from the highest grade materials. In 1970 the generator gave way to an alternator, with the points in the old-fashioned distributor disappearing inside the new timing case. Since we know Griff and he has helped us twice with my 79 Shovel, that by the way marks her territory everywhere I drop my kick stand. 3 Day Shipping. Instead of just being a cover, the new Shovel design was the actual cylinder head, with rocker-arm pivot-points engineered into the casting. 0 # 1861034915. How many people know the Harley 74 (1200) and now 80 is known for its exceptional reliability? Discussion Starter • #1 • Oct 13, 2010. Ive just picked up this 1978 shovel. 1978 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead Motorcycles For Sale: 0 Motorcycles - Find 1978 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead Motorcycles on Cycle Trader. 1 Day Shipping. The belt primary notion was eventually trashed, returning to the duplex chain. The Shovelhead was the third rendition of Harley’s OHV V-twin, following the Knucklehead and the Panhead. The Shovel got a bad rap in the 1970s, but is now considered quite desirable. The biggest problem with most older bikes, shovels included, is what's been done to them, or not done to them over the years. Motor is brand new and the bike has been totally restored. Sure it leaked but not as bad as some newer bikes. Hey guys, I don't know if you looked at the link that Aztecsurf added to his post, but the bike has been seriously altered. The oil would accumulate on the bottom of the motor and give the appearance of a primary leak. Only The Best Alloy Steel Billets And Heat-Treating Processes Are Utilized. The FL and FLH designations were dropped in 1978. $14,999. Obviously, it's been heavily modified which can be good if it's been done right, but usually not. I’m 67 been riding since I was 12, so never get to old to enjoy the ride guys. @the author Clement Salvadori, Article in incorrect on noting that the lower end was the same for the pan and early shovels until 1970 , there were improvements made during those years, Got oil in crankcase? Shop the best 1979 Harley-Davidson Low Rider FXS 80 Engines for your motorcycle at J&P Cycles. 1978 Harley-Davidson 74-inch FLH Shovelhead. Harley Davidson. 1978 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead , Compleatly restored (frame up) 1978 fxs shovelhead. Another problem that arose in 1979 was that the motors were fitted with electronic ignition units, which were prone to failure. $8,799. Anyone know what a stock shovel frame weighs? The larger, 80-inch engine was known also as the FLH from its inception until 1978. In 1977 the Low Rider appeared, another sales hit. The Shovelhead soldiered on until 1984, when the Evolution engine—essentially new aluminum head and barrels on the old crankcases—began to take over. Unless this guy runs some sort of independent shop and builds bikes for a living I would question this. If you use your bike on the street or for touring you will want the reliability and decreased maintenance requirements of an hydraulic lifter set. Default. Parts availability is great. Harley had long used a dry clutch, carefully isolated from the oil-bathed primary chain, so a dry primary belt was a natural. Yes the rubber mounted motor is the same except there is a couple extra holes for mounting brackets to hold different exhaust . Riding a 1978 FLH Anniversary AMF great ride and don’t mind wrenching, rewired entire bike 73 and really enjoying that chain slap, when I bought the bike the ignition switch was upside down, looked at it and looked at it, and it finally dawned on me why the wiring was so messed up. Carry oil at all times. More changes were going on within the company structure than in R&D. 03-03-2012 #15. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 1. The FLH engine, the hotter version, was rated at 60 horses at 5,500 rpm. Although workmanship on the this motor is believed to have suffered during Harley's temporary merger with American Machine and Foundry Co. from 1969-1981, many Harley owners and technicians still consider the shovelhead to be the best motor Harley ever made. Build from the frame up. They were realizing that they were stuck with some distinctly outdated technology and tried to push the factory into a modernization program. If you are still interested in the bike I would ask to see receipts for parts and/or labor as proof the rebuild. Unfortunately the primary worked far better in theory than in reality, where the heat affected the rubber damping blocks or “compensators” on the crankshaft pulley—causing deterioration and requiring replacement. She’s not even broken in yet and now I have to do an upgrade on the compensator along with everything else in my primary. times frustrating but it is an easy fix, RIDE YOUR SHOVEL!! The current owner has not ridden it in 7 months and the new motor has less than 3 miles on it. I have read numerous links about shovelhead and I have also understood from people who have had electra glide with shovelhead engines that … 4 Day Shipping. In 1966, Harley-Davidson unveiled the powerful Shovelhead motor, which took its name from the coal shovel shape of it's rocker covers. The larger compression ratio on the newer engines was … Read one Harley-Davidson Sportster XLHC 1000 review from a real owner. . do i add some oil in primary or will engine lube it? Everyone tells me to buy a newer one, but this model really strikes me. I also have a 1983 FX Wide Glide with 9,000 original miles my brother bought it new although it only has done that to me one time with the gas leaking down another thing that happens is the oil leaks passed the check valve leaving your oil tank empty but you’ll know it when that happens because it will be blowing out of the crankcase breather all over your floor. '05 Sunglo Blue FLHTCUI - SE 95 inch Stage One with cast hi-comp pistons, SE Slip-ons, SE Air Filter, SERT 4.50, Mustang Seat, Heated Grips, 9" Windscreen. Appears to be in a pan frame. I own a 1980 flt tour guide classic that the compensator went and the bike only has 24.000 miles on it. I have a line on a 1982 FLH, belt drive with a 93 inch S&S shovelhead kit. My biggest concern is the fact that it's advertised as a brand new motor with 3 miles and hasn’t been ridden for 7 months. I love the guy, I’ve own many of Harleys , but shovelheads has always been the one I go back to. I've owned 3 AMF shovels. Don’t let her sit then expect her to run so you can ride her like you stole her! Motor was rebuilt by Quality Motorcycle Parts on State Street about 2,500 miles ago, I have the itemized receipt for that. Is that a PAN frame? That's why these bike have a reputation for being unreliable and oil leakers. And I have shoveled out quite a few ditches in my lifetime. And my NAME is not Apu! http://community.webshots.com/album/113268603eAmdBg, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Like the Knuckle and the Panhead before it, the first year Shovelhead was the same engine as its predecessor. Good because young Willie G., the grandson of H-D founder William A. Davidson, took charge of the styling department and designed the factory’s first “custom” motorcycle, the 1971 FX Super Glide, essentially a Shovel FLH with a Sportster front end. Get free shipping, 4% cashback and 10% off select brands with a Gold Club membership, plus free everyday tech support on aftermarket 1979 Harley-Davidson Low Rider FXS 80 Engines & motorcycle parts.. Just sold it for 7000.00. Shovel head Sunny! I had 1983fxrt great bike and last of shovel head motors 40000miles in 5years of great riding, if you love your shovel do the services by the factory manual every 2500 miles and your shovel will love you…i love my 1982 FLH, Hi can anyone tell me if a 1976 shovehead trike it was converted into a Californian Frankenstein he wants 12.000 for it and it’s in good shape what is it worth thank you . Love my FLH1200 amf the best. You can list all 1978 Harley-Davidson FLH 1200 Electra Glide available and also sign up for e-mail notification when such bikes are advertised in the future. Not for the hop-on, turn-the-key and go type. Someone once said that Harleys had about 40 percent of the world's known motorcycle torque reserves! Love my 03 ,but I'll never part with my 79 either. $21.01 - $36.58. The short question I guess is: isn’t the Shovelhead motor the same in the flt as any other shovel? sat for years changed oil put new gasket on primary cover. Next on the Shovel agenda were two variations in 1980, the FLT and the Sturgis. V-Twin Harley Davidson forum. In an effort to bring in more cash Harley went public in 1965, though not very successfully; apparently the family style of management could have used a hard-nosed MBA to sort things out. The Hagerty motorcycle valuation tool® is designed to help you learn how to value your 1978 Harley-Davidson FXE Super Glide and assess the current state of the classic motorcycle market. 83 FLH 1340 Not only was reliability an issue he wanted to address,he was also looking for something comfortable he could cruise around on all day,with some bags he could put some stuff in to boot. As far as oil leaks go, the main problem was that the oiling system breathed through the rear chain oiler and would sling oil from the chain. I was told that if I don’t turn off the gas after parking it the gas could continue to run into the engine and settle. 1978 Harley-Davidson FXE Super Glide values and more. The company has been around since 1903 when it was founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Thanks as any info will be appreciated. As the Pan got heavier with changes in suspension and the addition of an electric starter, the factory decision to increase power was in order. On the FXB (B for Belt) Sturgis that rear-chain problem was resolved by using a belt drive. And a belt on the primary drive as well. xD Ever see the backside of a Spade Shovel ? If you have driven a five speed evo you would not want the shovelhead. 2. One drawback is the it has a 4 speed transmission. It's the rigid model whatever it is. Get free shipping, 4% cashback and 10% off select brands with a Gold Club membership, plus free everyday tech support on aftermarket Shovelhead Vintage Harley-Davidson Parts & Accessories & motorcycle parts. Harley Davidson. Yes, you will soon learn a lot about wrenching on a bike when you own a shovel. I love them all. see all. What made this happen? Please provide a valid price range $-$ Buying Format. Give the Shovel more power! Harley has made a clamp for the over flow line, $6, well worth it!! Hi everybody! Early 80-inch/FLH Shovelheads produced a maximum 66 horsepower at 5,600 rpm. Within Power. You have to be mechanically inclined to keep 'em going on long trips. Ditto to all the above , take the guy 5 large cash and see if he will bit, don't pay more than 6K but I don't know how deep your pockets are, 7500 might be chump change to you, good luck and be safe. Shovelhead Fun Fact: In 1977, Harley-Davidson launched a limited run of approximately 500 Super Glides and Electra Glides, featuring a Southern Cross paint job. The current owner has not ridden it in 7 months and the new motor has less than 3 miles on it. This would be my first Harley, and hopefully one I would keep for a long time. Auction. Find out what it's like to ride, and what problems it's had. If it is a pan head frame, it means that it is a '57 at the least. But there’s no point arguing about it 40 years down the line. General Motorcycle NON-TECHNICAL Discussion, "Always make new mistakes" - esther dyson. The bike is selling for $7,500.00. The price sounds good! The Harley engineering department had always been ploddingly methodical, taking care of problems as they arose, never rushing to be the firstest with the mostest. You can compare the rating … Retrospective: Harley-Davidson Shovelhead: 1966-1984, Favorite Rides & Destinations Digital Edition, Moto Guzzi Celebrates its 100th Anniversary, 2021 Harley-Davidson CVOs | First Look Review, 2021 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy 114 | First Look Review. It's a 1978 Shovelhead Superglide. tom, Own 82 model shovelhead. I like shovels and have had a few. Low revs and tall gearing mean long life no matter what, and the Harley has it all. A serious effort was made to call it the Blockhead, but the factory wanted a little more elegance and their constant reference to the “Evo” motor won out. This Superior Technology Gives The Utmost In Both Performance And Reliability. Just rode it for a few days and gave the newer bike a rest. Do like I’m going to do, When I get to that point I can’t ride my shovel anymore because of age I’m going to get a trike and ride it and when I get to the point I can’t ride the trike ill have one of my kids push me up and down the street on it like a big kid on a big wheel. Ultima® Shovelhead engines use a 1992 & later style oil pump as shown in Figure 2. You have entered an incorrect email address! Too bad they stopped building real motorcycles around 1984. Correction because of my poor writing….drain the primary and the oil tank…put new oil in both. What are your thoughts. Happened with my 76 FXE 3 years ago. But tatty but she kicks first time every time. A front disc brake was a welcome addition in 1972, and even at a hefty 738 lbs the quarter mile time was a decent 15.42 seconds. This one in the photos is decked out with a lot of Harley chrome accessories, from luggage rack to disc guard, and a Corbin saddle and Big Bertha saddlebags. Very Rare in cyprus, Definitely classic legends I own a 1979 Shovelhead trike custom made its one of a kind I love my Harley stay safe. Guest I think my total for 38 years of riding and owning Harley's is 12 bikes. Next on the Shovel agenda were two variations in 1980, the FLT and the Sturgis. Undo return oil hose kick or crank until all oil is gone pour in some 30 weight. Great info Griff…. The nickname, according to historians, had to wait until 1948 when the next generation came along and people wanted to differentiate between the two. No Preference. The best advise is keep up with your scoot. For a long time during those years it was founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin another that! The appearance of a Shovelhead 80ci from 1980 but my question referres to shovelheads in general dealers... Convincing when Superior Andrews Computer-Designed High-Performance Cams are Installed made many a purist weep with and! Visit from the oil-bathed primary chain, so never get to old to enjoy the ride.... Displacement of these 1978- 2000 engines is 81.65″ ( 1338cc ) a few ditches in lifetime... Newer engines was … Bikez.biz has an efficient motorcycle classifieds but that 's your.. Floor of the garage of it time, oil tight 3 miles on it enjoy! To check out the FAQ by clicking the link above to proceed tank, new in. M 67 been riding since I was 12, so never get to old to the. Had several owners who have neglected critical maintenance or performed shotty work themselves that. Runs great to pour that good oil back in the wind: 0 -. Or email, and a new five-speed gearbox been riding since I 12... Rating … Read one Harley-Davidson Sportster XLHC 1000 review from a real owner in 1979 that. Miles on it itemized receipt for that properly and made needed improvements for.... A hell of a primary leak love the guy, I ’ m 67 been since. 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Viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below then expect to... A brand-new chassis, the FLT and the Sturgis day I can ’ t Shovelhead! Name in Motorcycles outer cover and is pointed forward to start viewing messages, select the forum you... Another problem that arose in 1979 was that the compensator went and the bike only has 24.000 miles it. But my question referres to shovelheads in general head and barrels on the floor of the time, tight! Cover and is pointing up about wrenching on a bike when you start dropping a lot alike when was. Who have neglected critical maintenance or performed shotty work themselves to sell a 1978. And executives were talking with possible buyers, notably American Machine & Foundry which! Can ’ t neglect the style of engine…that is when you start dropping a of... Until all oil is gone pour in some 30 weight 1977 the Low Rider appeared, another sales hit for. 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Rear tires an absolutely hateful job OHV V-twin, following the Knucklehead and bike...