The Shovel Head From Harley-Davidson Really Never Got a Fair Shake

The Shovel Head is a Harley-Davidson engine with a storied past and a bad reputation. The circumstances surrounding the Shovel Head's era were that of economic crisis and corporate mismanagement. While all this gave the Shovel a bad name, it's really a iconic and desirable engine to own today. With better fuel, good tuning and some basic maintenance they can really be reliable engines. The early years of the Shovel Head earned it a reputation for a powerful and reliable work horse. Low quality fuel, corporate greed and no quality control eroded this engines once great reputation.
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[@GixxerFoo]

Would you own a Shovel Head today as a daily rider or go with a Evo, Twin Cam or M8?

[@Prairie_Barbarian]

Evo daily rider already

[@64Goef]

Yep, had a '81 lowrider😍 Used it as a daily rider. After cutting all the old wiring and replaced it with only what was needed no problems anymore. After a couple of years I had it overhauled and added 2 extra sparkplugs and a cv carburetor and a I2000 ignition. Loved it to death but had to sell due to lack of money at a certain time in my life. But with good maintenance, mine was rock solid.

[@dotlaj]

Evo

[@williamwallace7784]

Rode an 80 shovel for many years as a daily runner. I loved that bike. Still have it and an evo and a twin cam. The evo 99 springer is my current favorite.

[@kevinbrown1420]

I grew up with shovelheads so my latest purchase was a 83. I know how and love to work on it on the rare times it needs it.

[@northerniltree]

I've been riding shovels since the mid 1970's when Harley dealerships were small and dirty. Respectable folks never went there or rode the brand. You wrenched on your own bike. Back then, the 74 cu.in. engine was king of the world as far as displacement. Riders were rough and ready, eager to party, fuck, and fight to make it a bonafide day in the life. I took those days for granted, and never expected to live this long. I haven't been in jail for some time now, I rarely drink anymore, and my pecker's social life is limited to the golden ring on my finger. But, I still have my '74 FLH.

[@jimvanbrocklin2060]

Bought my 66 XLCH in one of those kind of dealerships. Drink a Genny and work on your own put. Great times.

[@billgonzales8978]

me to I remember going to Harley dealer to check the new bikes out they had drip pans under them collecting the oil kick start only I loved those Harleys had a 57 Pan and 73 shovel wonderful bikes love and miss them oil leakers.

[@samcope905]

awesome

[@richardashwood5771]

My God, you just described my life!!!!

[@gregoryranlett7868]

Yep, you described my life perfectly! I owned a '71 Shovel and did ALL my own work using the H-D Service and Parts Manuals, only visiting the dealer for parts. I haven't been back to jail since 1976, don't drink, drug, or fuck anymore, and NEVER expected to live this long, either! Today, I ride a 2019 H-D "Freewheeler" with a kick-ass 128 M8 and a DD-7 trans. and love the Beast!

[@ajshovel1]

The newest bike I will ever own is my '83 FXWG. Had several Shovels and loved them all. If you don't know which end of a screw driver to hold, then a Shovelhead is not for you. They do require love and attention, but the feeling they give you back is worth every minute of it.

[@GixxerFoo]

You said it best right there, you gotta be involved with those motors!

[@jamesshepard4743]

The maintenance requirements are half the fun !

[@ForewarnedLongAgo]

Amen!!!

[@louisgovernale598]

I have an 83i ride all the time

[@glennlonghauser5771]

Love my 81 shovel... easier to work on... that's have the fun

[@BrunoBoy3913]

I've had my '72 shovel for 47 years. Has it broke? Yes. Has it leaked? Yes. Has it pissed me off? Yes. But I wouldn't trade it for any new bike of any make or model. It's taken me across the country, coast to coast and back, border to border and back, and even gotten me laid a couple of times with more memories and tales that would never happen with a boring, maintenance-free cookie cutter bike. They'll bury me with it.

[@frederickking1660]

They sound great.

[@fergie8716]

Had my old 82 FXR for going on 35 years, nearly 400,000 ks, never give her up! Shovels forever!

[@chopperchopster]

I am slowly restoring an 82 . I want her factory original as thats the first year FXR. Trying to have a concourse motorcycle . Parts are hard to find.

[@machinistmikethetinkerer4827]

First scoot I ever owned as a kid 81 FLHP Troublehead. I was 15 itching to get my license and MC endorsement a few days later. I'm 56 and I still own that shovel. During that time I've also owned 3 evos at one time or another. They're gone. My Shovel is still here, running loud and strong. Been through it front to back, top to bottom and 4 paint jobs. Her name is Ruby.

[@joecapps6358]

Purchasing an 81 shovelhead soon myself. 11k miles, all original from the looks. Posts like yours give me hope I am not making a terrible decision

[@234dilligaf]

I will say this. I personally love the sound of a shovel more than any other Harley engine.

[@GixxerFoo]

No doubt, you can't beat the sound of those motors!

[@thejackel1844]

@@GixxerFoo "Flatside", (Generator) even more so...

[@leonardwalters154]

I'm damn near 60 and I have have mine for 20 years and still love the old girl! She's a ' 82 fxwg and wouldn't give her up for anything!

[@GixxerFoo]

They are fun to ride and absolutely timeless machines, you just can't beat that sound and feel of the Shovel!

[@georgewetzel4380]

Also, IMO, NOTHING like the sound and feel of a well tuned shovel.

[@GixxerFoo]

I would have to agree! They have a very nice lope when they are tuned properly.

[@jamieduckworth5946]

74's I think sound better then an 80, but shovelheads sound so good

[@796andy2]

shovel with drag pipes rivals a merlin (p51) in sound

[@lukewarmwater6412]

they say " go back, go back, go back totheshop" when they idle....

[@msteen6407]

I've owned five shovels in my time . All ran great, faster then a evo . One bike had electrical issues. The only thing i didn't like was the one bolt to hold your exhaust pipe.

[@GixxerFoo]

The shovel head made a damn nice race motor!

[@Bob-cd5pp]

Ya Had a 82 FXR the one bolt exhaust screwed me many times..

[@Nathan-pw7do]

They're a labor of love but nothing looks and sounds better than a shovel!!

[@GixxerFoo]

Damn straight, that Shovel has some soul!

[@robertbertrand191]

I totally agree, wouldnt trade my 72 for the world

[@lots3799]

@@robertbertrand191 Had my 72 flh for 16 years!

[@caddydaddy6728]

@@lots3799 my first harley 72 flh still got it🤘🤘

[@yoshit9819]

I have owned a 74 amf shovel for the past 30 years. Shakes, leaks and bolts come loose. But it's never broke down on me. If you ride it like it's the 70s (55 mph) you will be fine.

[@GixxerFoo]

You have to keep up with them for sure, lots of loctite and be proactive!

[@69Busa08Nova]

My buddy has a 84 superglide (he’s had it for over 20 years). rode with us to Laconia (about 180 miles one way) at 80 mph, then went to Vermont, back to Laconia, up to Lincoln back down and all over...thing was singing, in Lincoln, his right tank started to fall off, and he had a charging system problem toward the ride home but never actually left him stranded. I was impressed, for a 36 yo bike getting the shit kicked out of it, she ran like a champ. And yes, loctite is definitely a friend on harleys lol.

[@ykmalachi]

I have a 74 in my 57 frame. runs great, just not really a 80mph bike. As a 2 lane cruiser it is perfect.

[@69Busa08Nova]

Yeah his isn’t really an 80 mph bike either haha, as evidenced by parts coming loose and starting to fall off, but damn, it did it and kept on tickin away. Good running engine. If he ever sells it, I will make him an offer, it’s in pretty rough shape but the drivetrain is solid.

[@scrumthebum2451]

Yep that’s where the 4 speed has it’s limits. I geared mine down to a 3.15 ratio it’s better than stock 3.41 but oh how a 6 speed would be great but 3800.00 from baker 😵🙃

[@njmvcsp2575]

I bought an 82 Electra Glide brand new, put 140,000 miles on it before it needed some attention. It didn't leak oil it just marked its spot.

[@GixxerFoo]

If wasn't leaking you needed to add oil!

[@dionmoore879]

And they just are plain beautiful to look at and hear idle.

[@1motomanic]

I'm 65 and still ride my shovel I bought new in 81, once you dial them in to your type of riding style and don't mind wrenching on them, they can be very reliable. During that time I've had that bike coast to coast 3 times,a few trips to Sturgis and probably at least 35 states or so on various trips solo & also packing my wife pulling a small trailer sometimes. Its had a few rebuilds and kept mostly stock other then having polished heads and a mild cam, 5spd trans, s&s carb & oil pump, solid lifters, open belt with kick only & running points. Not once during that time have I had anything happen out on the road that I couldn't fix myself(no electronics) or get fixed, snapping a belt once has been the only time I've ever had to get towed to a shop. Knowing your ride and preventive maintenance is the key, if you don't love to wrench don't bother with a shovel.

[@GixxerFoo]

Shovel makes a hell of a race motor too! The looser tolerances make rebuilding a breeze and you can run 60w oil with no issue. Just keeping up with one will make it very reliable.

[@michaelmorris4546]

I've had my 78 FXS since 1998. My kid will get it when I take the final ride.

[@GixxerFoo]

That's awesome, those are some iconic bikes and getting harder to find. I was at the flat track races in OKC and saw a Shovel, it looked just as at home next to the modern bikes but I saw that head across the lot lol.

[@slimpkl1809]

Spread that shovel love! I love my shovel heads, mine don't mark their territory and have taken me all over the US and that's some beautiful scenery in the mountains of Colorado down to Arizona. A very strong reliable motor. To bad everyone is realizing this now!

[@davidredd1288]

I had a 1984 1340 Shovelhead best engine I ever had, 1985 I bought a 1340 Evo. And was totally disappointed

[@stevecrawford7814]

Loved seeing some love for the Shovel.

[@GixxerFoo]

It's got such a bad reputation but it's really not a bad motor if you keep up with it. A lot of people just don't understand that motor and go with what they hear about it.

[@josephtizol9695]

@@GixxerFoo very true. I’ve got an 83 FXR and it’s a 5spd rubber mount HUGE difference over a 4spd rigid shovel same with the FLT shovels they’re 5spd rubber mount but people can’t believe it’s my daily ride just because they think all shovels are vibrating down the street with parts falling off daily. For touring I take my 93 FLHTP... I did all the EVO performance upgrades I run an S&S Super E and a Thunderheader great bike and super comfortable on those long rides

[@GixxerFoo]

That's awesome! You've got a nice selection of bikes to pick from. I'd rather have a garage like that than one new Harley l'm up to my eye balls in debt on.

[@stevecrawford7814]

@@josephtizol9695 I have a 1952 Panhead, 1982 FXR, 1984 FLHX. I love them all. Older Iron is fun.

[@rebelrooster7723]

75fxe now a 84" with a Andrew's b grind cam fully built (by me) 60s styled rigid chop...shes my everyday rider, even over my fxr. I got a 58 panhead as well I'm building now. I've rode AMF era bikes cross country multiple times. I'm 26 years young and love the older shit, has way more soul man🤘🤘

[@GixxerFoo]

You can't beat the older machines, it's awesome to see those older motors built up and running crossing country!

[@turbosure7873]

I have a 79 FXEF, very close to dead stock, 25k miles. Nothing sounds like a Shovel with tapered duals, really liked it in the 70’s, even more so now. It always starts, doesn’t leak oil but will try to vibrate itself apart every time you start it. If you are looking for an older V twin with a lot of character a Shovel is definitely worth looking at. And FYI the two most popular Shovel accessories are Loctite and a good torque wrench. Ride safe.

[@hawkdsl]

My dad bought a new 1976 FLH, and the motor was never an issue... everything else was! That bike was snake bit with chains breaking, and brake parts busting, etc. It was a cool Harley though.. loved riding with pop's on the back.. we even wrecked once hitting a sand trap in a turn. Pop's let my sisters husband (just married) ride me around on it.. and holy crap.. I had NO IDEA that bike could roll like that. Pop's rode like he was in a parade.. My 20 something brother in law rode it like he was the get away driver in a bank robbery. Good times. I've always kinda wanted to build a shovel bike just for kicks.

[@GixxerFoo]

That's what a Harley is all about, memories like that last forever! A Vintage bike that has been completely gone through, I trust those more than the new ones.

[@A_Ride_To]

In Japan the Shovel is the most beloved engine of them all. You see crazy amounts of them and their prices go way through the roof.

[@GixxerFoo]

I'd imagine they are expensive over there in Japan, they are even pretty expensive here in states. Especially if it's a really nice one, I'd imagine it's tough to get parts over in Japan.

[@A_Ride_To]

@@GixxerFoo Hard to get parts: not if you can wait for a delivery from the states. Expensive: o hell yeah 💀 (at least when you dont buy the parts directly from the US but from a reseller in JPN)

[@crabyycabbycakes8000]

U uuuuuuu ju huh

[@WardInstruments]

I don't want to be a wand, but the "shovel" components on top of the shovelhead are the rocker boxes, which also serve as valve covers. They mount on top of the cylinder heads, which are very similar to panhead heads. Rebuilt too many of them to let this pass. Great channel.

[@GixxerFoo]

These motors were a gift to anyone doing work on a dirt floor or under a tree. They are easy to work on and really only required some basic hand tools.

[@capttom7772]

THANX for the obvious blunder! I owned a '77 FXE ( Super Glide) and was in Sturgis in '82. From '77 to '81 I rode that motorcycle like I was trying to break it every shift and it never let me down! Every shift I would "slam" the gear and "snap" the clutch using "Barnett" friction disks. After 4 years of my "abuse" I could "feel" she was getting tired so I went to a "Stroker Kit" of 4&5/8 inch which brought her up to 86 CID ! I realized I had more horsepower than gears so I reduced the chain sprocket from 51 to 47 teeth.............. She is the only vehicle I have ever owned that I NEVER rode as fast as she would go .... But I'm sure I did over 150+ mph ! Speeds over 125 mph require a much more detailed type of tuning that most people are not aware of. Things like using Helium in your tires instead of air, balancing your front tire so your hands don't go numb from the vibration and don't forget; drilling the front disk to prevent "brake fade" at 90+ mph ! @GixxerFoo; I hope you can read this and it helps to prevent you from misspeaks like this in the future! Oh! Almost Forgot!!! It's a "CRANK ASSEMBLY" not a crankshaft!

[@chopperchopster]

@@capttom7772 no way any 4 speed shovel ever did anything close to 150 MPH. I have owned and built my share as well. My uncle used to work for Truett & Osborne . No way dude.

[@jaybirdflhss]

@@capttom7772 150 MPH? put down the crack pipe!

[@joecoolvette6107]

@@chopperchopster Kansas boy huh? Me too. I did 136 on a '71 FLM bred .060 over

[@bluebeard6189]

One thing that people often overlooked when they're complaining about the Shovelhead is the terrible gearing. Especially guys who buy a Shovelhead nowadays and complain about popping gaskets. With the stock gear ratio it was not meant for modern highway speeds. If you're pushing that bike cruising at 65 you're really working the motor. Drop a couple of teeth in your rear sprocket or go up a few in your front sprocket she will Cruise nicely at at 75 80 miles an hour no problem

[@GixxerFoo]

You are spot on right there! Those bikes were geared for power around the 55 mph speed limit of the day. I actually talked to a guy at the gas pump the other day with a shovel and we were discussing this very thing.

[@AutoBikeTruck]

Yeap Your Right Joe !!

[@chopperchopster]

the ONLY reason HD went to 5 speed and finally 6 speed is the 65 MPH speed limit

[@bluebeard6189]

@@chopperchopster 5 speed transmission final drive gear Is still a one to one just like the 4 Speed. It's a common misconception that 5th gear is in overdrive, But in a 6-speed Is an overdrive gear. So it doesn't matter if you're running a 5-speed or 4-speed You will still have to mess with the gear ratio to get a good cruising speed

[@chopperchopster]

@@bluebeard6189 I know its one to one ratio.HD is the only bike that ever did that. my 83 FLHT is a 5 speed. My dyna obviously is a 6 speed. My pans and ironheads and my 71 FLH are of course 4 speed.I use andrews gears im old school . Screw baker to much money!

[@JJosephS1]

Many of us Harley Riders are into the sound of the motor. Nothing sounds better than a shovel. I also heard that in the 1970s the tooling in the factory was getting really old (from the pan-head days) and the tolerances began to get really large and cause problems. What Gixer says is true. Those who know how to work on them, get them running very well and very reliably.

[@GixxerFoo]

You hit the nail, the tooling led to "broader tolerances 😄". But this was really a gift to anyone working on these motors on a dirt floor or the shoulder of the road. Heavy weight oil took care of the tolerances, it's a motor for the ages. Really an era gone by where people where self sufficient.

[@knucklehead564]

I feel like you’re missing the deliberate sabotage of employees not happy with amf. But I’m from Milwaukee soooo I don’t know shit

[@bbax069]

Love my E84 FXWG. I've had it for 15+ years. Been in the family since new. 16k on the do. Been offered as high as $25k at bike week. No way I would sell it. Friends told me I was crazy. I could buy a new Harley. They just don't get it!!!! 🤔🤔🤔

[@keithlim6749]

I have a ‘79 80” Shovel built by Tatro.Rigid,kick only,43T rear sprocket. Sweet spot for cruising is 70.No oil leaks,Ultima ignition programmed for kick start. Starts 1st kick 95% of the time.Almost 5k on rebuild,still breaking in !.Runs like a violated ape ! You need to rebuild them properly with modern upgrades ( Mine has VOES switch, Ultima IGN.) I’m a happy camper. This is my local bike although I wouldn’t hesitate to take the Shovel coast to coast

[@GixxerFoo]

Shovels done up like you have are frickin awesome! Lol as you are aware of it ain't cheap!

[@ckelley63]

Tatro knows his old iron!

[@vince4005]

Thanks for the info! My seasonal daily ride is a '76 FXE Shovelhead, kick only. I totally rebuilt it from the ground up. Gave it a FLH stripped down bobber look. Bored it out to 83 inches. Then after I worked out the bugs and dialed in the SU carb, it runs and performs like a dream. I still fall in love with it every time I ride it!

[@GixxerFoo]

That's awesome, you can't beat a machine that does that for you! They always say if you don't look back at it walking away you got the wrong one.

[@martinwall7297]

in my 50+ years of riding, I've owned 5 shovelheads sometimes 2 at a time. still have a 1977- 74ci FLH all original. when set up correctly they run forever. maintenance is the key to longevity and reliability. frequent oil changes especially. l have traveled all over on my 77 never stuck or broke down, 47,000 miles on it, top end rebuilt once. it leaks a little from the primary but doesn't burn oil, smoke, knock, shake, or sound like a rock in a hubcap. The biggest drawback they needed an oil cooler & a 5-speed gearbox. drop 1 or 2 teeth on the rear sprocket, and you can run 70-75 all day. good review, tks

[@GixxerFoo]

Thank you! Yeah just few little modifications and good maintenance and they will run just as long and well as anything.

[@clintdenman3037]

My shovel is great but I always run good fuel and not even a little bit of smoke key is use valve stem seals use 98 or better fuel with a bit of octane boost I have only rebuilt my 81 wide glide or flwg one time cheers to old. School riders who appreciate what they mean to us but sorry I am not big on the evo personaly

[@martinwall7297]

@@clintdenman3037 use marvel mystery oil in gas tank and oil, it lubes and cleans.

[@pastorbobncc365]

Had a 70 FLH never left me setting, loved it.

[@blues3824]

My first Harley was a Shovelhead (Troublehead) a real money pit. I'de always pay the big work orders, then give the bike just one more chance to hold up. Finally I gave up after a slow slow ride back to Northern California from Sturgis. I've been on an FXR Evo ever since.

[@jamesorth1521]

If you can fix a lawn mower you can maintain a Shovel. I ride an Evo for now until I find my next ride, a Shovelhead!!!

[@minbannister3625]

I have had a 73 for nearly 30 years.

[@arthurleino]

I bought my 1983 FXWG new thru military Sales while on USS Midway. Do mostly my own maintenance on it. Still running good.

[@GixxerFoo]

That's awesome! Really cool you still have the bike too!

[@jeffhawkins711]

Strange enough, I bought a brand new Super Glide in 77.Of course it was AMF that bike was so dependable it was incredible ! Just lucky I guess changed the oil every thousand miles.

[@acr21957]

This guy knows how to do a video. He speaks clearly and at a reasonable pace. No uh, well, you know, it’s like this and he knows the subject he’s talking about 👍

[@GixxerFoo]

Thank you, l appreciate that!

[@garyhopkins6337]

He is reading this, he has no idea, he calls the rocker box the head. He doesn't know jack about them.

[@maddog3080]

Shovelhead=wrench, ride, repeat!!! Owned and ride a 77 fxe for the last 30 years. It helps if you are mechanically inclined to own one

[@maddog3080]

A SHOVELHEAD is not just a motor; it is a teacher! It will teach you love, hate, tolerance, commitment, loyalty, freedom, joy, anger, hope, and much much more!

[@lonesometinman3147]

Almost 40 years of riding I' still putt around on a shovel I call number 4 " old reliable " Of course i have to do my part and throw some Love at her ✌

[@GixxerFoo]

As long as you treat those Shovels good they will be good to you.

[@arthurleino]

I have 1983 FXWG that I owned since new. It was my daily rider for many years. Now since I retired it is my only motorcycle. So basically it is my daily rider.

[@fagen2222]

I ride a 1981 and I love it with pride

[@GixxerFoo]

Those later year Shovel heads are awesome! They got quite a few of the issues worked out those years!

[@royboy3597]

I got back into riding, have a twin cam Springer now. I went out and bought a shovel. Nuthin like a shovel

[@rolfwittwer5871]

When I bought an 83 FXSB in 86 it idled on only one cylinder. Short story version: To cut emissions the factory made the valve stem clearance tight and put seals on all four valve guides. That caused the rear exhaust valve to seize in the guide on my bike. The cam punched it open and split the guide. I fitted a new guide, reamed the guides for a bit more clearance, gave it a valve grind, and assembled it with seals on the inlets only. I had that bike 11 years and gave it a hiding. It didn't let me down. It was stock except for air filter, exhaust and Koni rear shocks. Every poker run turned into a race. I could take Evos on the inside in corners but they got me on the straights, with their 10km/hr extra top end. At full throttle I had to ride with one hand while the other was holding the left tank cap loose, to cure fuel starvation. Good times on a great bike! I wish I hadn't sold it.

[@DesertRat332]

I owned a 1976 FX Superglide. It was more reliable and easier kick starting than my 1973 XLCH Sportster. I put a Lockhart Oil Cooler on it and it ran great. God bless those old shovel heads. 🙂

[@GixxerFoo]

Thanks for sharing! Those are some awesome motors, you go through the engine and they are very solid reliable bikes!

[@perryhart3172]

Had 2 shovelheads, great bikes, wish I still had.

[@GixxerFoo]

They are getting hard to come by these days! Shovel Head will make you look twice on the clean ones, they still look like the new ones. Lol or maybe the new ones still look like the old ones.

[@fireball1322]

Sportster heads were cast iron. Shovel heads are aluminum. Shovel heads are not a modded Sportster head. They were a new big twin head. They just look a little similar.

[@chiphungerford]

I have an 82 FXB and it runs, a little warm on those hot summer days but love the bike

[@GixxerFoo]

Doesn't take much to cool it down with a good oil cooler, I am huge fan of the older Harleys. Those bikes have a story and a soul the modern bikes can't touch.

[@jerryhubbard4461]

I owned two of them. Great engine and easy to keep running. The old 4 gear tranny was a little rough but still a good bike. Carried my wife and me a long way.

[@readtheinstructions1407]

I've owned 2 shovels, a 79 Super Glide and an 84 FLHP. Loved the 84, very reliable. My current bike is an 07 Super Glide twinky, its an OK bike. I would like to try an evo, and wished I purchased one when they were new.

[@GixxerFoo]

Very nice! I have been keeping an eye out for a clean Evo, they are pricey though for a nice one. The late model Shovels were good motors, quality was a lot better in the later years.

[@jaykatcher1769]

Shovels forever...real harleys teach ya and respect is earned🤝😎

[@AutoBikeTruck]

Your are so Right i Have a 79 Flh Love it Had it From 91 till Now ~ im With on That jay katcher !!!

[@larryfromwisconsin9970]

I had a 1973 Shovelhead and the motor was not the problem, it was the electronics. The starter and the rectifier kept going out.

[@GixxerFoo]

I work with a guy that has shovel in his chopper, he has the same issues with his bike! He can't keep a starter or rectifier in his either, kick starts it most of the time.

[@scrumthebum2451]

You must use a cycle electric stater & rectifier. Made in USA all others are junk from China

[@WardInstruments]

I wound up installing an alternator and solid state voltage regulator on my 1973 FLH (that was 40 years ago). It charged pretty well after that. The only fix for the crappy starter was to install a kickstart retrofit. And that worked every single time. You looked cool doing it, too. I was looking over a bone-stock 1973 FLH at the Antique Motorcycle Association meet a couple of years ago. Told the owner that I had had the same bike, and that it taught me a lot about being a mechanic and a machinist. He said, "I bet it taught you a lot about patience, too!"

[@gregoryranlett7868]

As we used to say in the bar back when 74 inch Shovels were King, "Harley Fucking Davidson!"

[@GixxerFoo]

Hell yeah! They are still some sweet motors today if you get one gone through and cleaned up.

[@stanfischer6175]

A long time ago I grafted a 1975 Shovel top end onto a 1958 Pan bottom. My bike was a swing arm "bobber" with a Duo Glide frame. It was the unstoppable motorcycle of my youth, I rode it all across America at 65 mph for two decades. Sold it to a friend, still wished I hadn't.

[@GixxerFoo]

That is awesome, 65mph doesn't sound like a lot but on a Pan bottom?! That's cool as hell, and the fact you did for two decades too! I hate selling bikes like that, I have a couple myself I regret selling. But it was one of those have to things at the time.

[@jeffhuggins5483]

Had a 79 low rider and a 80 81 fat bob, great bic.

[@GixxerFoo]

I really have a soft spot for the Low Rider, the later models are nice bikes but you can't beat the original.

[@brianmcintee7303]

my 77 flh starts one or two kicks and dosent stop running until i shut it off

[@GixxerFoo]

That's awesome, sounds like you really keep that bike up!

[@brianmcintee7303]

The best upgrade I did was get a dyna electric ignition and scrap the points

[@ronaldbasinger4166]

THANKS FOR THE GREAT VIDEO! MAKES ME LOVE MY 70 ELECTRA GLIDE EVEN MORE. HAD HER SINCE 83, 51,350 ORIGINAL MILES. MUSIC TO MY EARS😎 KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

[@scootinflh]

been riding mine for 39 years, 1 complete motor rebuild and 1 head job , 2 rear belts. leaks oil, sometimes hard to start but rides like a dream.

[@kennethanderson1685]

The sound of the shovelhead is absolutely amazing. Twin cam is my daily riders.

[@ivancounsell4077]

Here in the UK Shovels are popular, I have a 1975 1200 , a friend of mine has two, and they are a common site at weekly bike meets.

[@SlyMcToeTaggin]

My 96 evo is a daily. Now I want a shovelhead!

[@GixxerFoo]

They are awesome motors, cheap to work on if you do it all yourself too!

[@strattuner]

if you buy one,buy a 1981-thru mid 1983 and life will be grand,in 1981 my year, they put cast iron valve guides in them,my bike is the shit,the idle is wonderful,i took out the junk electronic ignition in it, bought two extra sets of points and condensors,and it changed the idle to panhead sounds,no amount of money will buy mine,parts are cheap and put a 24 sprocket on the front,take the 51 tooth off the back,go 48 tooth on the rear and run with the evo's ,it'll cruise 70-75 all day,see no evo ride no evo,same as today,the best has already been built ,and timing chain bikes,no way,gears forever

[@flfbsphatboyblue8970]

My first Harley was an AMF 1975 FXE. Never gave me any trouble for the five years I owned it and I rode it hard!

[@exexpat11]

You must have bought a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday build model. LOL!

[@flfbsphatboyblue8970]

@@exexpat11 LOL must have been. Just got lucky. My friend had all sorts of issues with his 77 Low Rider.

[@barrybarnes96]

Would love to hear how the S&S Shovel compares to the original.

[@shaneconrad7816]

Had a new 77 FXE. Thing was reliable, always started and ran fine, leaked a little oil. Sold it after I got married… I’m retired now and picked up a 75 FXE that has a 84 FXWG front end. Totally rebuilt engine and trans and rewired it along with all the extra goodies I wanted so it looks and sounds the way I like. This cost more than I payed for the bike but was well worth it. It runs great and ride almost every day. Wife is not real happy about the bike, well she will just have to get over this one. On many occasions at stop lights and gas stops I have had older folks comment that they had a shovelhead in the past and nothing looks or sounds like one. These folks are right too. Still have a little oil leak, mostly from case vent. Just like old times!

[@ChefPelle]

A couple of years ago I bought a 20K mile from new, one owner, 100% original 1982 Low rider. I ran it as a daily driver for two years with zero issues. They do leak a little bit if you run them on fully synthetic but that's not the shovelheads fault as it wasn't designed for that. Even old BMW's leak on fully synthetic. The shovelhead is a very charismatic and likable engine and a well sorted one will last for decades. A lot of the shovelheads we see today probably have half a million miles on them.

[@GixxerFoo]

Shovels are great motors, just keeping up on the maintenance goes a long way. You get one that's been gone through really well and they are very reliable, especially the later years.

[@jasonbowers4388]

74ci to 80ci was done with longer rods and shorter pistons. Both are 3.498 bore. The jugs also got taller but can use the 74ci jugs with a stroker plate. Great video.

[@GixxerFoo]

Thank you! Shovel makes one hell of race motor, they are a damn good motor. It's amazing what can be done with them in the right hands.

[@ranchodeluxe1]

Every word of this is wrong. The 74 used a 3 7/16 bore and 3 31/32 stroke. The 80 uses 3 1/2 inch bore and 4 1/4 stroke. Their are two rod lengths, 72 and earlier and 73 and up are 7.440. Neither rod length figures into engine size. This stuff isn't ancient history. The Technical publications are available.

[@gregoryh9442]

Many, many times have I ran for parts for my stranded Twin Cam buddies. On my Shovel.

[@GixxerFoo]

The shovel just doesn't get the credit it deserves, I still them every now and again. They have an unmistakable sound and sometimes you have to look twice since they still model the new bikes after the older ones.

[@gregoryh9442]

100%! And by definition, cylinders are ROUND😂 The last of the HD engines that look like a sculpture. And this 1980 FLH that leaks oil and has a kick start out draws any line up of tricked out Road Kings.

[@smolville]

Replaced both the alternator and the camshaft on my 3 year old shovel back in the 80's. Carried 4 qts of Valvoline racing oil in the saddle bag and the octane booster would foul out the spark plugs.

[@bradwilliams4921]

Proper maintenance and operation is the key to keeping any engine running smoothly.

[@paulrichards7979]

I ride a 95 inch S&S stroker, 4 plugs solid state single fire ignition . Crane cam 510 lift, also crane rockers. 2 in. Pipes. Rivera clutch, andrews gears and so on and on. Been riding this machine since 1999 have an ace mechanic. Let me just say it rocks. Merry Christmas to u all.

[@mitchisaak969]

Shovelhead oil leaks... engine oil was used to lubricate the drive chain which slung all over the place!

[@GixxerFoo]

😄😂 you know, that's pretty accurate! You owe me a drink now, I spit it on my computer.

[@mitchisaak969]

@@GixxerFoo, 😆 We love your videos buddy, thanks!

[@chopperchopster]

you can turn off that chain oiler. then just oil the chain manually when needed.

[@mitchisaak969]

@@chopperchopster, Mine would never shut off completely... I finally tapped a screw into the chain oiler supply at the pump, and used the chain shmuck I also used on my dirt bike. Glad you’ve had better luck! Happy trails 😎

[@leojetdance]

I have had five, present one has been to San Fran to Key West, DC to Mexico. Really I’ve not had to do anything major at all to it. To me the main thing is to eliminate primary oil line and get rid of the vapor line to the rear chain.

[@tanman7879]

I saw one today is why I'm watching this video. I saw the guy kick-starting his bike and had to ask him about it. I wish there was a way to convert my Sportster to kickstart.

[@GixxerFoo]

I believe Baker Transmission was making some kick start conversion kits for Twin Cams and big twin Evos, not sure if they made one for the Sportster or not.

[@dennyringgenberg5288]

I ride my 77 flh which is of course powered by a fairly stock shovelhead. People can have the newer bikes pans and shovels rule. Great video brother

[@donalddennehy3957]

Been riding my 1983 FLHS for 40 years, it is the only bike I have owned, in all this time, I do all my own wrenching, and it's name is Baby.

[@paddingtonbear5172]

Ive owned 3 shovelheads . Basic maintenance , oil change every 2500 . Keep a spanner on things . I consider them reliable and dependable . Great video

[@GixxerFoo]

Thank you, l like shovels myself. If you don't want to deal with maintenance it's not the bike for you.

[@paddingtonbear5172]

@@GixxerFoo My 2 harleys i now own are an 87 fxr and an 03 roadking with sidecar . I love the strength of the touring frame n rubber mounting . Stupidly , i do miss having a kickstarter though . Cheers from Queensland Australia .

[@GixxerFoo]

Sidecars are really cool! You don't see many around here but they are a real treat to see when one shows up!

[@randymarks4011]

I currently own 3 shovelheads and 5 ironhead sportsters, ride them shovels coast to coast, balance the flywheels, bump the compression, swap out the front drive sprocket to 24 tooth, 85-90 mph all day

[@jamesorth1521]

I would never leave oil in any Harley that long. Ever.

[@davidortiz173]

To me, old shovelheads have a soul and history that is beyond compare! I think that's why prices are going up on them, supply an demand!

[@spikewsspe]

BTW, The Harley 'oil leak' was because the primary chain oiler is mis-adjusted and it runs out of the steel primary cover. I never did get it to stop leaking. But, it did 'mark it's spot' in the garage. BTW, again. I had two Pans and a Knuckle.

[@GixxerFoo]

Knuckles bring some big bucks these days, pans ain't cheap either.

[@exexpat11]

This video... I just saw a pristine 1953 K Model for $6500. If I only had some extra cash.

[@jeffblackmon288]

There are still many shovels and iron heads around here showing up at poker runs, and many more show up at the local rally on their wheels instead of trailers.

[@westonmalone3205]

Just bought one from an old gentleman who can't ride anymore. He really made a good bike with tasteful mods. I love my ironhead but the shovel is growing on me.

[@trekbsg]

Another great informative video. One thing that could be added about the shovelhead marking its spot would be the routing of the crankcase vent hose, as the hose was mostly was pointed to the ground and whatever excess suspended oil couldn't find its way back to its proper place it would drip onto the ground, since the epa now mandates all crankcase gasses be vented back into the intake track, which is why a lot of people find oil in their air filters nowadays.

[@EricleNormand]

I had an Early Shovel (1968) for about 7 years. When it ran, it was great and I took some long trips on it in Europe. But in the end I got tired from all the issues and bought a TC88 , which I still have today with 120000 on the clock. I also owned an Evo Electra Glide and a Sportster. The TC is my favorite and will stay with me, although it's also not without issues 😉

[@donwaltman4276]

Very informative, I appreciate the time you put in to research shovel head history. It's hard to find it in a format that doesn't put me to sleep. Well done lad!

[@EVILFRANCHISE3]

I really enjoy these types of videos. Maybe a series on all the big twin harley engines?

[@GixxerFoo]

I have quite a few in my playlists covering the 88, 96, and 103 Twin Cams. I also have the Evo engine and the history of the Twin Cam.

[@jerryjones2818]

I bought a 77FLH in "81, rode it everywhere into the mid 90's with no problems. I was the second owner and we both maintained it well. I always ran Premium gas and occasionally would add a few drops of Marvel Mystery Oil to the gas.

[@keithroot907]

I get it. bought a 76 fxe new.I have it today with my friends 79 lowrider he donated. built last by Eagle Engineering of Stillwater mn . perfection is the story here.

[@flagstamp]

Shovelhead till I'm dead

[@TexasLeverGunner]

Great video, but you're wrong, they're still just rocker boxes like on a pan, not the actual head itself.

[@thaitram7616]

i own twin cam dyna fxd and 75 shovel flh love them both . i enjoy the sound of the flh

[@GixxerFoo]

The sound of a shovel is unmistakable, I love that sound!

[@lpd1snipe]

I have owned and ridden five Shovelheads in my 50 years of riding Harleys on the street. My first one, back in the day was a 1966, VIN 66 FL 8791. The last one I owned was a 1979 FLH. VIN 2A 22018 H9. They were all great bikes. Currently riding in 1949 EL Panhead and a 1996 Road King.

[@GixxerFoo]

That is awesome to have owned a bike with a Harley vin that low! I bet your bikes draw some serious attention when you get them out, you don't see those every day!

[@lpd1snipe]

@@GixxerFoo I stumbled on your channel a while back in the algorithm feed and I have been enjoying it every since.

[@jackfielding6194]

Bought an 81 new and still ride it today.take it apart put it back together with love and it will treat you right, mine does.

[@GixxerFoo]

They really aren't that bad to go through either, just keep up with it and they will run forever.

[@davidson2004fatboy]

I REMEMBER MY NEW 1980 SHOVEL SMOKING and HAVING VALVE GUIDE ISSUES. REPLACED WITH BRONZE I BELIEVE, UNDER WARRANTY. EVERYTHING WAS AWESOME AFTER THAT FIX..

[@lisar3006]

For my money the Shovelhead is the beat motor Harley ever made. It is simple and very easy to work on I have a 1972 FLH I did a frame up restoration on. It was an old Tampa PD bike and had regular maintenance. I rebuilt the motor top and bottom end since it is a big lawn mower engine but I did have Fletcher Harley Davidson in clear water Florida. (Now out of business) do the bottom end. My Shovel leaks like all S Pan/Shovels do while sitting in the garage. I put a oil catch pan under my twin cams and my Evo at first and was surprised they didn't leak oil. I recall a sign at a Harley shop that said" If your Harley isn't leaking oil contact a deanship for repair" My shovel is my most dependable bike I sold both my twin cams I have my 72 FLH and my 98 FLSTF now. Good video

[@jamesfoley238]

I have a 1980 Shovelhead, had to rebuild the whole motor and many other things. I got over $ 20,000.00 into it but it’s finally right. This year going bigger cam.

[@Greenjeans2020]

Sportster heads, back then, were cast iron. Shovelheads are aluminum. Nothing alike. The part that gives the shovel head it's name is the rocker box, not the head. I had a 1981 shovelhead for 11 years. I dual plugged the heads, as I did other modifications, to prevent pinging. Ran beautiful. Wished I still had it.

[@jeffhuggins5483]

And loved the kick start, miss it alot.

[@GixxerFoo]

Yes! I remember there was a company making a kick start setup for Evo and Twin Cam motors. I don't think I would want to try and kick over a high compression twin cam though, it's gonna need some serious compression releases.

[@shanecoker8566]

I ride a 1969 FLH still stock 74 inch with Tillitson carb. She don’t take off fast or stop fast and takes a turn like a dump truck but she has class. My road bike is a Ultra Limited, the old bike has class but comfort is nice traveling.

[@GixxerFoo]

Harley went through a slew of carbs back in the early years of the Shovel. Where did you find a classic Harley like that?

[@shanecoker8566]

@@GixxerFoo I got from an older man that had to go to a trike. This was the last of his bikes and it took 3 years to get him to sell it to me.

[@GixxerFoo]

Damn l am surprised he finally sold it! They are getting hard to find, at least not in boxes.

[@DeepSixCycles]

I'm sure this is one of 100 comments saying this. But the shovel shape is NOT the cylinder head. It is a rocker box. Which holds the rocker arms. It is different than the previous Panhead valve cover arrangement however. Thanks for the video 🤘🙏🍻

[@jeffrygoddard144]

Finally!!!!! Love my 82

[@glenmclendon9209]

I was a teenager in the 70's . Remember gasohol and folks working for AMF purposely screwing things up in manufacturing . Bad times . Would still love to own a shovelhead . Hell I remember panheads with knucklehead lower ends were still common .

[@GixxerFoo]

There were some very unhappy people at Harley during the AMF years.

[@christosvasilantonak]

just finished a cross canada ride on my old cone shovel 425000 km/ 260 000 miles still going strong have another shovel i use for daily riding just as many miles, take care of em and they last

[@GixxerFoo]

That is awesome to hear there are still some Shovels out there eating up serious miles! They aren't bad motors just most people don't take the time to keep them up to par.