Author Topic: Last of the Shovelheads (Read 8173 times)

Dave Swanson · « **on:** May 25, 2019, 11:16:56 AM »

I posted some pictures of this bike a couple of years ago, but for those new to WG or those that might have missed it... Hey it's a rainy day here :)

The Shovelhead was the flagship engine for HD from 1966 until 1983. In 1984 the baton was being passed to the Evolution engine, but there were still a few models in which the Shovelhead was making it's last stand. One of the models hanging onto the Shovel was the 1984 FLH. The FLH for 84 also retained the archaic 4 speed frame and therefore was the last of the FLH's with the classic lines dating back to the 1958 Duo Glide. The Evolution engine was used in the much more modern FLHT 5 speed frame (and other models) and was rubber mounted. An unusual feature of the old 4 speed frame with the Shovel in 1984 was rear belt drive. The Evolution FLHT still retained the rear drive chain for a few more years.

About 10 years ago I decided to find an 84 FLH to restore. I found a sad but un-butchered example about 50 miles north. I decided to give it the full on treatment. The restoration took 7 years. Most of the 7 years were spent hunting down NOS HD parts. I had decided that this bike would be restored with no aftermarket parts, NOS HD only, unless it made sense to deviate. The complete NOS exhaust with heat shields and mufflers was quite the journey itself! I overhauled the engine down to the crankpin. It needed it. All NOS HD engine parts were used with the exception of S&S roller rockers. All work was performed by me except plating and paint.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4U5a3SVfAM

Tkelly · « **Reply #1 on:** May 25, 2019, 11:23:51 AM »

cool!

John A · « **Reply #2 on:** May 25, 2019, 11:27:26 AM »

Beauty!

Sasquatch Jim · « **Reply #3 on:** May 25, 2019, 12:04:58 PM »

I've owned two shovel heads, both chain drive 4 speed models. I liked my old panhead better.

Shorty · « **Reply #4 on:** May 25, 2019, 12:21:11 PM »

Very nice!!

Tusayan · « **Reply #5 on:** May 25, 2019, 12:37:33 PM »

The chances of me ever owning a Harley like that are slim to none but for exactly that reason I'm very glad that others have the passion and depth of understanding to restore a bike like this. It allows me to look inside a different mechanical and company culture and get a glimpse of all the factors in play at a certain time and place, and in a certain bike that resulted. You can see it by looking at the mixture of parts, even if you don't understand the exact derivation of those parts. I know a fair bit about certain Italian bikes, their details and history, but you can't know everything and it's really neat to see and appreciate areas outside your own knowledge. It's also neat to know that should I ever go in that direction, for some now unforeseen reason, there's a lot out there to be learned

vstevens · « **Reply #6 on:** May 25, 2019, 12:54:26 PM »

My second bike was a 73 sportster, shovelhead engine I think. Wish I had known someone with mechanical ability to learn from. I could never get the bike to run on both cylinders at the same time. As a young sailor in the late 70's and early 80's, I just didn't have the money to sink into it. Too bad, it was a pretty bike... I have to admire your dedication and skill. You have a gorgeous bike.

BillinPA · « **Reply #7 on:** May 25, 2019, 01:01:19 PM »

I remembered you posting previous. I'm glad you reposted so.e pics, it is a beauty.

Gusable · « **Reply #8 on:** May 25, 2019, 01:10:02 PM »

Pleasure to look at this thread. Thank you

oldbike54 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 25, 2019, 01:14:29 PM »

Dusty

cookiemech · « **Reply #10 on:** May 25, 2019, 03:15:42 PM »

Very nice! I do not believe I've ever seen a late Shovel stock . . .

diablo45 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 25, 2019, 03:17:22 PM »

Excellent bike!

Chuck in Indiana · « **Reply #12 on:** May 25, 2019, 03:42:18 PM »

I'll pile on, too. That's a beauty, Dave.. nice work.

cliffrod · « **Reply #13 on:** May 25, 2019, 04:00:17 PM »

Your pan and shovel both look great, Dave. Thanks for posting.

My wife and I bought a nice 74 FLH in 2001 in VT for two-up instead of trying to both fit on the V7 Sport. It was bought new by two brothers up on the Canadian Border. Need to go through the bottom end now, but it's a great old bike. Always wanted a panhead, but happy to have a good shovelhead and an even nicer 84 iron Sportster (also last of the engine series before Evo, with alternator in the primary instead of generator on front of engine.)

Harleys aren't Guzzis, but Guzzis aren't Harleys.

Vince in Milwaukee · « **Reply #14 on:** May 25, 2019, 04:05:47 PM »

Beautiful restoration. Like I said in your other posting, you would be a rock star in Milwaukee.

Sykestone8886 · « **Reply #15 on:** May 25, 2019, 04:29:45 PM »

That is one beautiful shovel. I'm also very passionate about shovels, I have a 73 FLH that I have rode cross country many times. It's been a very reliable bike.if you take care of them and don't beat the snot out of them they will last forever. I'm going to start tearing mine down this winter she's do for an overhaul. Great Job. Once Again she's a beauty. Enjoy !!!

Tom · « **Reply #16 on:** May 25, 2019, 04:42:50 PM »

Quote from: vstevens on May 25, 2019, 12:54:26 PM

My second bike was a 73 sportster, shovelhead engine I think. Wish I had known someone with mechanical ability to learn from. I could never get the bike to run on both cylinders at the same time. As a young sailor in the late 70's and early 80's, I just didn't have the money to sink into it. Too bad, it was a pretty bike... I have to admire your dedication and skill. You have a gorgeous bike.

XL or XLCH? Could be the points were closing up. They were notorious from closing the gap because of the vibration.

Dave.....good looking restoration.

Dave Swanson · « **Reply #17 on:** May 25, 2019, 04:48:22 PM »

Thanks for all the nice comments guys on both bikes!

Sykestone, good going on the cross country trips! A buddy of mine with a 72 that I overhauled for him have always talked about doing that (or at least a multi day ride) on our old Shovels. I hope it happens before too long.

guzzi4me · « **Reply #18 on:** May 25, 2019, 04:54:45 PM »

Very nice.....

Even though the engine is still in the wrong way...

Congratulations!!

Jeff

Dave Swanson · « **Reply #19 on:** May 25, 2019, 05:04:56 PM »

I made a little walk around video of the Shovel a couple weeks ago.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4U5a3SVfAM&t=3s

leafman60 · « **Reply #20 on:** May 25, 2019, 05:08:15 PM »

Harley is my Main Brand.

That's a nice job, Dave. There's nothing like a Shovelhead.

I can't quite figure it out but they have a different sound to them compared to the later Evo's, Twin Cams and now M8's.

My current Shovel, seen on here more times than most of your probably think necessary, has served me well for 41 years. It's still going strong too. Did an 80-mile breakfast run this morning and stretched its legs to 90 for about 10 miles of Interstate that I ran.

Kudos to you, Dave, for snatching another one from a languishing fate and putting it back on the road in the condition it deserves. I hope you ride a lot of enjoyment out of it.

.

Tom · « **Reply #21 on:** May 25, 2019, 05:14:48 PM »

My solid mounted Shovel engine Recon could never do high speeds. I knew when I hit 60mph because I could barely see because of the vibration.

Fun ride, suicide clutch with tank shift.

Ncdan · « **Reply #22 on:** May 25, 2019, 05:42:19 PM »

Really nice rebuild. If you were tempted to price her where would the bidding start? Just curious:)

LowRyter · « **Reply #23 on:** May 25, 2019, 05:59:25 PM »

That is so nice that I can't bear to do a Harley joke.

Gorgeous.

MarkMk · « **Reply #24 on:** May 25, 2019, 06:19:19 PM »

Good stuff Dave,
My Guzzi ('74) shares shed space with my '67 HD custom, there's been some hanky panky going' on at night I think, the HD gearbox oil leak has mysteriously moved over to the Guzzi ,,,I wonder what will happen when they both turn their attention to my blown 250/4 LSR bike ?
Tiny
https://youtu.be/1dhTPLMw76A

80CX100 · « **Reply #25 on:** May 25, 2019, 06:25:46 PM »

Very nice looking bike!

Kev m · « **Reply #26 on:** May 25, 2019, 06:52:33 PM »

Wow ...

kingoffleece · « **Reply #27 on:** May 25, 2019, 07:50:31 PM »

Fantastic work.
I fondly remember my favorite harley's were 4 speed chain drive. We'd add on to the primary and take the rear sprocket down two teeth (51 to 49 if memory serves) and 3rd gear was all you needed from 20 to 55mph.

twowheeladdict · « **Reply #28 on:** May 25, 2019, 08:56:43 PM »

Not a batwing fan, but wow! Beautiful machine!

leafman60 · « **Reply #29 on:** May 25, 2019, 09:22:24 PM »

Dave, just curious. If you used all H-D internal parts, why did you use the S&S roller rockers???

.

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Author Topic: Last of the Shovelheads (Read 8173 times)

oldbike54