HARLEY Davidson SHOVELHEAD Is WAY PRIMITIVE Of A MOTORCYCLE For Today's RIDERS
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- Опубликовано: 10 янв 2022
- The Harley Davidson Shovelhead is way primitive of a motorcycle for today's generation of riders is my thought; That is unless you're willing to get your hands dirty when the intervals come. Here's an update on the Tramp (the 1200 sportster chopper) and on my thoughts plus what I've done and plan to do on the shovelhead.
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Brother, you are in for such an interesting and memorable experience with your shovelhead! I rode one for 30 years in one form or another, and never regretted a single minute, well, maybe a minute... and they DO all have different temperaments and definite personalities. You're going to have a lot of fun!
I just got my first one , a 72 .not started in 2 years. I put a starter cylinoid.battery.
plugs n gas...rode for 3 daze.
Now she wont fire.lol
I rode a 1340 low rider for years the ss e carb help it especially the air adjustment on it I put the biggest jet the carb had it would fall on it face when opened up so I put the next size jet down it came with a jap carb from factory a kumhold or something 😂
I don't think you mentioned what year the shovel is, but it matters. The original design was 74 ci..In the late 70's displacement was increased to 80 ci. While the 80 had better performance, reliability did suffer. The design had been maxed out, and like most American companies h-d started hiring incompetent college kids as engineers. They spent millions fixing problems that didn't exist and creating new ones. I bought a used '71 when I was 17. I still have it (I'm 65 now). I used to do a lot of long trips and I remember a guy in the parking lot after a dirt track race somewhere who said "man, you ride that thing all over the country and don't even carry a wrench do you?" I didn't know him, but I thought that was cool. I often rode at 80 - 90 mph all day. The shovel just ate it up. Enjoyed the video, Tramp. Ride the shit out of your shovel and don't sweat it.
Original Shovelhead on a big V Twin was 1966. 1966 to and including 1969 were produced with Shovelheads on a Pan bottom end. They were all generator Shovels, sometimes referred to Slab side Shovels.
Loved my 71 flh, should of sold the wife, instead of the bike
Shovelheads were high tech when they were new. We used to go fast on them.
If things were different, they wouldn't be the same.
Shovels are a living breathing thing truly with a character the moco hasn’t had since. My 78 Lowrider used to chase Evos around easy enough and would happily cruise at 80mph, having said that you knew you had done a days riding👍
It was exactly like being married, everything in multiples of 100 bucks, required frequent maintenance and when it wasn’t going right you wondered why you bothered……… But when it was good….. nuthin like it👍👍
Yeah, it's certainly like a relationship with a female. Fix one thing, then another. My wife said that's part of the courtship. I told her then I'll name this bike after my exwife. Lol
Amen!
My 81 lowrider will cruise at 75-85 but its happiest at 55 60 the engine vibe is at its wost at 65 75 at 80 it starts to smoth out at 85 90 it was smother than a switchback
I had numerous Shovelheads from '76 HD 74" to my last one, '84 80". Even my '74 could do 110 MPH. They use oil like no tomorrow. HD use to float their heads with oil because the valves use to stick at around 6000 miles. HD finally fixed the problem by releasing the excessive oil from the heads and looked u a line from the heads to the casing. Later ones had the inline built into the heads and cylinders. My 1984 was the very best shovel, the last ones made and the First Evo's made by HD. The top ends are easy to work on, I never had a torque wrench and somehow did everything mostly right.
LOL, the last time I went 100 on my shovel I almost lost a kidney. Even my 97 evo gets angry with ya at 70.
@@curtissloan2486 Very funny, but so true. I remember when I bought my knucklehead, I was about 18 yrs old, I phoned the HD dealer and told him that my motor mounts were shot and I needed a new one. It was quiet at the ether end then he said, there are no motor mounts, they just vibrate a lot. LOL
@@curtissloan2486 Some were better than others. My '76 HD 74 wasn't too bad. The one thing that broke regularly was the muffler supports. I was always getting them welded or replaced. I remember going to a Chiropractor and he told me he never seen a spine so out of wack.
First time I rode a Harley by myself was my dads 81 at the blowout in Gulfport. Wide glide front end, fat bob tanks and fenders. It was brand new Harley tech at the time. I was probably 15 and thought I was the coolest thing around. He actually broke his ankle kick starting it, but told everyone he tripped coming out the house. 😂 great memories.
Lol! I can relate. My first Harley was kick only. Shortly after owning it, I was walking into the Harley shop on crutches to buy parts.
@@SaddleTrampTV so glad I come from a motorcycle family. If you don’t ride, you’re missing out.
Bikes look great as always. I believe you have to get your hands dirty to be a biker. Everyone else is an enthusiast. Haha
I could never afford anything that wasn't clapped-out or broken down. The one time I thought I was actually getting a good ride, was last summer when I bought an old Softail. One hour into the ride and it was suddenly rattling like someone threw $50 worth of quarters into the dryer and turned it on. Rear exhaust tappet was wasted, corresponding cam lobe was wiped, the oil pump had scoring, the pistons and jugs had a couple deep scratches. I learned how to rebuild that motor from RUclips. Still fighting the Super E tuning because of these straight pipes....I must say that I'm glad for the experience nevertheless, but my wallet is about $3K lighter after repairing everything I could find wrong with the bike. One thingi noticed is that I'm much more confident in a machine that I've had to take completely apart. No more hidden surprises and it makes riding it more enjoyable without worrying about how far away from the house I can ride without issues
@@DougFLTRX put some lollipops in or run longer straights for more restrictions that S&S E will like it.
Yeah, wrenching is how you earn the riding! Always good stuff Tramp. If I can't be in my garage, I can be in yours.
I had 1978 1/2 fxe I just sold it to my oldest. I told him if you can ride this and maintain it you've earned your stripes. I do 98% of my own work so I agree with this statement
@@DougFLTRX I could either tune my Super E equipped 74" Shovel to run fairly well at mid rpm or high rpm but not both with open drag pipes until I modified my carburetor. I experimented with baffles and homemade restrictions in the pipes but that just cut out too much of my power and I wasn't gonna live with that. I installed a Thunderjet kit in the S&S Super E and once tuned it rode beautifully and screamed through the entire RPM range at WOT perfectly. I don't think the Thunderjet itself was the most significant part of the modification but the air bleed modification that goes along with it. The S&S carb is designed with the main system air bleed internally in the carburetor and part of the Thunderjet kit installation is to modify the carb for an external, easy to access and adjust main system air bleed. What happens with the drag pipes is that the pulses in the pipes activate the high speed system of the carb too early and the air/fuel mix goes over rich through that part of the rev range. By enlarging the air bleed it delays the transition point between the circuits. The Thunderjet kit contains the parts and instructions to install and the key part of the modification as far as I'm concerned is the externally adjustable air bleed modification. I did have to buy a couple taps and drill bits, though, I think. Forget about restricting your exhaust and focus on tuning your fuel mixture. Needing "backpressure" is a scam. On the other hand, now, before I put 40" long, 1-3/4" drag pipes on the bike I used a factory stock type 2-1 type pipe that I cleaned up the crude entrance of the rear pipe into the main pipe and ran it open with a slash cut. The S&S Super E ran perfectly with no modifications with that pipe on it. As much as I liked how it ran that way it didn't compare with how the motor wound out the rpm and the power it made with the drag pipes and modified carb. Zipper's sells an externally adjustable air bleed kit that is a fraction of the price and easier to install than the whole Thunderjet kit. I didn't try the air bleed tuning modification without the Thunderjet but I think would do well. If you have money to spend, install or have somebody install a Thunderjet kit and make sure to also have the external air bleed modification.
Cory you have to stop listening to these nay sayers about shovelheads.... My 84 wide glide has never fouled a plug never used oil never leaked oil.... Stop it 🛑......Bought mine brand new..... All bikes have their own personality.....
I love the wideglides! Big fan of shovelheads! Have an excellant day, fellas. Phx
I've had 2 shovels since '80. Happy with both. Love the iron head sound vs newer ones.
Hey dude, this Mighty Shovelhead (I'm still jealous) is from the era is which at least 2 golden rules were applied except from regular maintenance of course;
1. Chrome won't take ya home
2. Don't fix it when it aint broke
And some more: Your Shovelhead does not leak oil; the bike is simply dominant and likes to mark its territory!
Why does a Shovelhead marks it's place? Well to let you know there still is oil in the engine to begin with ;-) Oil on the floor is a good sign, so don't worry. You'll have to start worrying when your Shovelhead stops leaking oil... you're probably out of oil ;-)
And just for your information, the Shovelhead motorcycles are very popular in Japan. Since Japanese motorcyclists really want to ride their pride and joy, and they really do not want to break down all the time, they've been filleting and approving the Shovelheads and they seem to have found ways to improve the ride and reliability because they don't want to carry a service-truck loaded with tools and pare parts behind them when they go out with their Shovelheads. So for all that matters, I'd say try to find out what exactly they did to improve their Shovelheads, because men and women can actually Kick their own Shovelheads and go out for a ride !
I'd say go find the knowledge where it is available !
That shovel should do 110 no problem. They’re faster then my two stock evo’s. Been playing with Harley’s for 53 years. You definitely have a keeper.
i am 43 and finally have enough money to get my first bobber. I don't want a knuckle or a pan but would you suggest a post 78 shovelhead or an EVO? thank you for your help.
Yep, all day.
@@ThePerpetualStudent shovel is only way to go
@@deplorableredneck4.02 forgive my ignorance but could you explain why? Just trying to learn.
@@ThePerpetualStudent actually I am glad you asked..shovels are really easy to work on..parts are easy to find..old people enjoy the shovel look..
Had an old Harley mechanic tell me every time he took a bike for a test ride he ALWAYS went up the hill in case he had to push it home. I really miss that old fellow. He rode dispatch rider for George Patton in WW2.
Sure comrade. We believe you.
That man must have been some kind of trooper.
Sounds like the voice of experience. Harley, Harley, made of tin. Ride it out and push it in.
When I have ignition troubles I usually replace that stuff with a Dyna S dual fire and a set of advance weights, those early ecms where not very reliable I knew a lot of people that took them out and ran points. If you run anything with advance weights, make sure you take them out about once a year and clean them up and lube them. It's all good for the soul.
Noted!
I ran Dyna S ignition in my last two bikes....the one I ride now has a screaming eagle ignition. if it calves, I will go to a Dyna 2000
Yes, points. Definitely. Also, take the trouble to find a good quality condenser.
@@TheWolfsnack One of my buds is running a 2000i in a 106 Shovel, we had to replace the ignition once as it melted and also replaced the coil once. The coil is a single fire coil for dual plugged heads, other than that he hasn't had any touble since, with the 2000i he also runs a VOES as the bike seems to run a bit better with it.
@@lawnboyfromhell Thanks for this post. I have an 80" EVO, may I ask if the VOES are known to go bad? It's a maintenance schedule task I have avoided and would be interested in others experience. Best from NZ
Back in 1980 my mom played a dirty trick on me, she said if I passed my current grade in school she would buy me a Harley, we went so far as to drive to the dealership in Monroe ,La and I picked out an orange and black sportster, i fell in love with it. I was a rail thin kid..
Then she said I had to be able to pick it up, which I couldn't, i didnt get the bike.
Later my first Harley was a orange and black sportster, I sent her a pic before I rode it home and told her I finally got it lol
I rode Kawai's most of my riding history simply because I couldnt afford a Harley, but thanks to shows like SOA, all the RUB's went out and bought Harleys and let them sit in the garage, when they started selling new old bikes it drove the price down where I could finally own one, Ive had three since then, but even though Ive had different bikes each time the sporty was the most fun, agile, and fastest, I miss it...but I can only afford one at a time haha
I took the 49 tooth rear sprocket off my shovel and I’m now running a 45 tooth. Lots more top end speed and those old shovels have so much torque I still don’t want for power on the bottom either
I had a 1978 1/2 Shovel. (halfway through the year they changed to electronic pick up from points), rode the freeways of Ca. at 75 to 80 without leaking oil. Wish I still had it.
Old bikes are in a class of their own. I still restore 60's era bikes, those are the ones I grew up wishing I had. I restored a BSA 650 Lightning. Fast, with drum brakes. It takes until next Tuesday to stop. After every ride you do a tooth filling count. Good video's.....Thanks!
BSA Lighting was my dream bike when I was a kid. The BSA dealer used to let us kids sit on them and was a super nice man. When I bought my first bike I went to him and got a 250 BSA thumper.
Can't wait for more Shovelhead content. I just bought a '78 FXE and it looks like you and I are going down the same path. As always I following along with all your builds. Keep on makin' videos and I'll keep on watching.
Will do!
For me, initially, it is about being on a machine out on the road...an experience. I have only been on a shovelhead once, and maybe for about a 20 minute ride. It was crazy. The bike shook so much that, at highway speed, my hands actually became translucent. Amazing. I wanted one. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, it did not work out at that time. But, and maybe I am wrong, it seems that there has to be a connection between me, the bike, the environment and the road. Then all is right with the world.
Translucent... Thats funny.
I put 108,000 miles on my 883 sportster that I bought new in 1993. I switched the electronic ignition to points high performance system. Works great! Also switched stock Japanese carb to an S&S super E,switched belt drive to chain and sprockets,and made own long drag pipes,utilizing stock crossover pipe header system. 3 trips to Sturgis from NC on this bike,several to Myrtle and Daytona . Still runs great.
I have an unrestored 69 FLH and it’s happy at 55-60 mph. The guy that rebuilt my motor was against the idea of changing the sprocket for interstate speeds. Stating that these old bikes aren’t designed for that kind of speed. Just a couple of things I’ve learned about a shovel is they take a lot of maintenance, drive them like is the 1960’s & 70’s and they give less trouble. Oh and everyone is your friend at the bar. I’m still running points with no problems. 🥃😎
That's kinda what I was thinking.
What size tranny sprocket you have on it? Stock is 23 but a 24 is definetly better for cruising. You can also use a 25, but dont let your chain get slack, you"ll eat the bottom of your starter mount out of the inner primary. Pacific Mike is an awesome guy to ask questions about older bikes, If he doesn't know, nobody does!😆
No clue. Haven't been that far into it yet. Yeah, Pacific Mike is a wealth of knowledge.
Bumping up the trans sprocket works great. Try one tooth at a time. Mine has a 24 and will crush @70. The bike will let you know what it wants. you just have to fine the sweet spot then gear it where you ride it the most. Don’t gear it too high With a stock motor. Changing the rear tire diameter also has an effect on gearing
That's great advise .
Good to know
Good call on the mids! 😎
HEY NOW!.....my '79 FLH King of the Highway full dresser is a 70mph+ freeway jammer all day! 🤣
Shovelhead gap with electronic ignition
go 0.040" on Champion RN12YC.
Plug wrench & fresh plugs with a Super E carb is a good idea. 🙃
Don't be afraid to long haul on your Shovel.
Shovelheads work on "flow" not pressure.
Ya...the turn signals take a little getting used to.
I LUV THE MUSIC!!!!
Thanks for that info, man!
I have electronic on my 72 fl spark gap 0.40 have 15 thousand miles on her and i say hard miles no leaks no breakdowns. When i rebuilt it i used the best gaskets sealers and locktight harleys in the early 70s when they sit for a while will spit a nice puttle of oil on your floor then go away. Trans is a rebuilt 4spd that takes a beating hi rpms powershifting and does eighty all day long. Front sprocket 24 rear 28 forgot to mention andrew gears engine has 40 over sas pistons Andrews cam solid lifters sas e carb 2 inch drag pipes mild headwork new guides and valves first 3 gears it goes like hell and loud is not the word hit 4th gear and it still pulls pretty hard. Ha ha at night ripping thru the gear i shoot flames out the pipes not bad for a 74 incher. Ps drive fast or be last
Sorry 48 tooth rear sprocket
Biggest issue I had with my 80 FLT Shovelhead is that it took out a few staters in the 23 years I drove it. Love the shov.
I put a 24 front and a 48 rear sprocket on my shovel and its a lot like riding my evo softail as far as the gearing goes. Now it likes 75 or 80 mph all day. Biggest problem i have is keeping the intake from leaking. looks grate with the wide glide on it. enjoy it they are a lot of fun
there is a great fix for the intake leak, i am not advertising for who sells them but with that said check out lowbrow for a Tite seal kit they work.
I ran points in my older scooter. Also I would keep a set of plugs and point with me.
The older scooters do have a personality all their own. When you learn it it alike a beautiful friendship. Just remember even friends fight though, enjoy!
Some say that bout my 96 Fatboy Evo, but she still shines new, remains reliable, and is out rolling with the rest of em. Looks and sounds better to boot.
On my last shovel I fitted an aftermarket single fire ignition, it smooths the vibes out and they don't sound the same but it would sit at 70mph all day long.
You got a new sub too, got my interest with this bike.
A well sorted Shovelhead can hold down 100+ all day, but even the rest should be happy to cruise around 80, it may take a little work to get there. Good maintenance and electronic ignition really help. P.S. I don't advise cleaning plugs with a wire wheel or brushes as the porcelain insulators are not the hard glazed material the used to be and the wire brush can leave metal deposits in the insulator leading to spark tracking issues (they are also porous so hold contaminants). When they are done they are done, fit new. I buy Champion RN12YC copper cored plugs by the 20x box so always have a new set on hand, they work out relatively inexpensive compared to the potential issues running old plugs.
Been riding my 73 shovel since 1980... Oh the memories!! Broke down twice in all those years, once was a coil oh, the other was a condenser...
I grew up on shovelheads, once you sort them out they are very dependable machines. I never packed tools and I rode it to work everyday, I totally agree, my 93 EVO is high tech compared to my past superglides, but those shovels definitely have more character and a better sound, basically the evo is a refined shovel in my opinion. That wide glide front end was definitely a big improvement in the looks department. I would lose the chrome oil tank and find a stock black painted one. I always thought my old shovels could easily pull a fifth gear and wondered why Harley only had a four speed gear box? Same on my 93 EVO always wondered why Harley only didn’t put a sixth gear on it? Lol
Why didn't Harley put a 5th gear on their shovels? Because Harley's got to be Harley! Why have five when four has done the job for decades? I actually got to ride a shovel that had a 5- speed retrofit gearbox. It was like an answer to a prayer! Harley should have went to the 5-speed when they introduced the shovel. Oh well.....
The fxr shovel came out with a 5 speed.
me too I had my 81 Sturgis for 20 years and in the last few years ran a 40mm Weber and 2 into 1 exhaust . very different sound but great performance
I have a 5 on my Low rider. It's like the overdrive you wished was there years ago!
i ve rode the same gen.shovel dresser for 49 yr never been a problem bike when it don t kick start right i go to the points clean and set it keeps the timing right that keeps the plugs in good shape happy trails
Cory, love it when you end with "I just having too much fun!". It looks like you are all the way into the sunset. Thanks for Sharing!
Man, I left the house today without tools in a rush, and i got a bad feeling. I just finished the restoration so I didnt expect a problem , but sure enough one crimp connector off the main breaker, and I was out of business...
Sucks when that happens
@SaddleTramp. Seeing the title of your video is exactly why I want a shovelhead.
The old Harleys have a character that no other bikes have. Enjoy your videos.
Just picked up an 82 flh, definitely more hands on than the newer stuff....but man does it have soul
Yes they do.
Got a 77 AMF Shovel In a molded 52 Ridged Harley Frame with a Jammer Gas Tank. It's stock never gave me a snivel and after years of Pans so cool to just hit the button to fire it. I'm a Pilot so do use 110 octane from the Airport to keep the valves happy...It warms my heart to see others loving and building Bikes.. Tramp you're like a visit from and old Brother...Yes be good to Yourself...
Right on
Am running a 83 FXRS and a 76 FLH
When riding either, they lift the soul and put a smile on my face.
Speed isn't the be all, enjoying the run between A to B is the main thing, so leave extra time and as you say, smell the roses.
Hey mate if you use your multi meter on OHMS whit the bell on touch one to each end of the wire and you bet the bell noise that mean your wire is not broken a sparky call it belling the cable if you ends of the wires are too far apart just use a scrap peace of wire twist it on at one end and bell through that to make it reach anyway good luck what ever you do.
Shovel looks awesome. Love the new front end. Happy New Years! Hope the holidays were good for y’all
When i have bought my shovel, i have been very happy to found one with the originals mid controls.
I have a 79 FXSR-80, she's a beast and what a glorious, troubled, beast she is! If I had the facilities I would tear it down to the frame and finish/repair all of the things Harley left undone. Just got my heads and rocker boxes done but now it's zero degree's out in the scooter shed. Super E rebuild kit came in, new tires, front end seal kit, brake caliper rebuild kits, the list goes on. Even with it's troubles I LOVE this blasted machine. Enjoy!
There's something about getting to know these things.
Oh, totally agree with you in the aftermarket forward controls. I have a 00 Sporty and bought three sets of factory forward controls (eBay) to come up with one solid setup. They look the business compared to aftermarket stuff, and you can still buy service parts like bushings and stuff.
I just got my first EVO after riding a 76 hardtail chopper, And I had a 68 both Iron Heads last year, And your right brother ! Its a whole new world learning a new motor and how it sounds and acts! My iron heads as you know. Are great when they run right! But a pain when they dont! I like getting on my EVO and NOT worrying about having tools!! Any way it goes have fun finding out what your new women wants! And keep the rubber side down!
I learn something new each and every time I watch your videos
Those forward controls you had were what I like to call "Early Billet Barge"
More like Ugly Billet Barge.
Great video, ST. I've never had a shovelhead, but I hope it works out for you.
Jims makes an Evo oiling system for shovel heads. It's pricey but I did it very remarkable up grade. That little oil line to the heads is gone. Engine sounds a lot better less tear downs.
My Ironhead is from the 55mph era, but I found going from a 51 tooth rear sprocket to a 45 worked far better. It still accelerates fine, but there's quite a gap between 3rd and 4th (top) . I tend to only use 4th for motorways (British freeways) now. It's my only bike, so it has to do it all :-) PS Love the shovel - Marianne Faithful on her Electra Glide was my Sons of Anarchy.
When I was a young chimp in So. Cal, before the yuppies discovered Harleys, it was assumed that if you owned any HD, you knew the drill .... multiple maintenance hours per each riding hour! And you wrenched it yourself except for stuff that required specialized tools or machining. Back then, it seemed there was always a graybeard around to make sure you did the job right. I figure my '70 shovelhead lasted 20 years longer than I thought it would before I let her go because of those older guys. Now a graybeard myself, well, videos like yours really bring back the warmth of those days.
Shovels can be pretty reliable once you go thru them a bit and make sure things are in proper order. As far as gearing, I run 24/51 on my 1976 super glide (74ci). It'll do 65-70 all day. A popular gearing for them is 24/49 which I had tried, but due to mine being a 74ci and me being around 240lbs, it didn't have enough engine for that gear ratio on the highway. My dad runs that gearing (24/49) on his 86ci panhead and it is perfect for that bike. The extra cubic inches really help it out
I’ve been riding Shovels since they were brand new state of the art machines. Most of my 74’s would hold 85 on the highway. My 80’s would do 90. I have an 82 FXR it s quick for a Shovel, beat 103 twin cams sometimes, depends on the other rider. My 84 FLHX is my favorite Shovelhead it has a Baker 6 speed handshift rocker clutch. The exhaust sounds so good, you can tell a shovel from blocks away.If you stay on top of the maintenance they are pretty reliable. Old school too Kool. Hope you get yours sorted out and enjoy it.
It's not just a Harley, it's an adventure. Glad you enjoy tinkering with these bikes, cause you've got plenty on your plate right now. I'd be pleased to have the Heritage Softail, it's always been a favorite of mine since I got a chance to ride one year ago. Just couldn't afford it at the time, maybe next time.
Looks great Cory. I love watching your older vids and make my way through. Absolutely inspiring and AWESOME content. We have the spring FLOOD RUN this wknd, 34 for the high....I run a pretty naked IRON SPORTSTER, lots of mods, FP3, but no fairings or next to nothing windshield, i got some coffin hand guards, but I'm wide open to the wind my friend, gonna be a cold one, not the kind you like lol, but it's for the GILETTES CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, so mycrew of 6 Harley's WILL BE GOING. PRAYING no moisture or bad weather. See u on the next one Cory. God bless you
Right on. I have a 72 FLH that is now a 88" stroker built by GMS racing and I own a 81 Wideglide. I absolutely love my Shovels. The 85 FXRC is the best riding and handling Harley I've owned but there is just something about Shovelheads that I'm drawn to. Good to see ya on a Shovel now..🤣 later dude and good luck
3 years ago I was ran off the road on my Sportster Custom. My bike was totaled by the insurance company and I purchased it back. I started slowing piecing it together and during that time my dad had a stroke. It made it impossible for him to ride again. He gave me his 1967 FLH that he purchased when he returned home from Vietnam. I remember riding on this bike in front of my dad because I was so little. Him being in a MC this bike has been everywhere. Sturgis, Daytona, Laconia, ect. I've ridden nothing but EVOS my whole life but this bike has taken away some of my urgency to get my Sportster together. Yes I have a small oil leak and it surprises me now and then with a roadside repair but I love it and wouldn't trade that shovelhead for nothing. I believe the Evo is the best engine that Harley ever made but the shovelhead has a soul
When i lose spark on stuff i check for a dirty kill switch. Has been the problem a few times. Your videos are great, keep up the good work.
Yeah I wish that was the issue.
I would keep the forward control setup, just change the hardware, but that's just me. New subscriber, love your videos and testimony. Godspeed.
Thanks, David!
Most people love the forward controls. And hate the mid controls.
The set you have are pretty expensive.
Hey Saddle tramp. I always enjoy your videos. I may not need the information now but it’s always there for reference. Thank you for sharing.
Well one thing I do know is the two biggest enemies of Harley shovels is vibration and heat thats what kills every shovel and most Harley Davidsons I used to have a iron head. What I noticed about mine what electrical issuse would happen. And one time I was in the process of starting my bike and it only ran on one cylinder one day. At first I though that the rear spark plug went out. I replaced both plugs. Kicked it over and same thing. So I pulled out the rear spark plug and kicked it over using the front cylinder to clear out the rear so it literally was running on the front cylinder with the rear cylinder without the sparkplug. It turned out that the rear cylinder was flooded it shot out alot of gas. I ran it for 5 seconds. Turned the bike off put the rear plug back in then kicked it over and it was running on both cylinders again. The old bikes are great just keep in mind they are extremely temperamental.
You just keep on rockin man I love all those bikes you’re doing . Have fun and be safe😎👍
Thanks, will do!
Welcome to the Shovel world, dude. Really enjoyed your video when you got this bike. Yes. Super simple machine. And all vibration and character.... That huge smile on your face when you got it home after the first ride?! THAT is why you build and ride simple old machines. Welcome to the wind, Brother!
FYI, when I was riding a 81 FXWG (for 21 yrs.) I used a spark plug socket and a wratheting boxend for socket to have the clearance for front plug.
👍
My 77 XLCH chopper hasn't had a speedometer on it for over twenty five years. Tachometer only.
I had to get "Re-learnt" on the RPMs=MPHs after a complete rebuild....
• Stock "P" cam
• Ported/Polished and Flow tuned
• S&S E
• Dyna S ignition
I also swapped out the front sprocket to one tooth larger. (Rear, not stock, original Gaffney mag wheel for a shovel, drum brake) ... sorry, forget the exact ratio...
Bless you man, and please keep your hands on the bars! 👊
I enjoy ur content you really are a mechanic,I just saw your videos you are a descent wrench as well I hope you will realize that we never know all but constantly learning hope the new year brings you success prosperity and joy in your life for you and your old lady of course boombox 1%er East Coast
The wide glide front end looks great. It fits nicely with those bars.
I'm about to learn all about shovelheads right along with ya. I have inherited my Dad's 79 Lowrider.
Goodmorning!
Allways nice to start of the day with acup of coffee and a Saddletramp video :)
Morning!
Corie they make plug cleaners ,they are air powered use ground up walnut hulls for the medium. & work extremely well. Love you both.
Coils only gonna have power on one side when the keys on. The other one is triggered by the box. Usually the coil goes bad first because the housing gets old and cracked and let's moisture get in and shorts it out
I think the are phone apps that will tell you your speed until you get that fixed. Im excited for you my friend. Always nice to see the older bikes come back to life. my buddy still rides his 1959 Pan head. Ride Safe
Sure is a lot of guys saying they use Champion resistor spark plugs in their shovels. I used non-resistor AC plugs because I could get 23,000 miles on them and still not need to replace them. Ressistor plugs of any type tend to break down internally and misfire at cruising speed. It is getting hard to find non-resistor plugs though. I had a set of Harley resistor plugs that didn't even make to 5000 miles before problems. Had to replace them by the side of the road. Champion made those plugs for Harley. Never again! We would not install Champion plugs even in cars in the shops I worked in because of all the come backs and complaints.
Thanks for the info. I will try non-resistor plugs
@Dirk G. I found that non-ressistor plugs worked in my Chevy Luv pickup longer too. I have had that truck for 42 years too along with the same 79 Harley Superglide. I log everything in small spiral note books, one for each vehicle, so I don't have to remember the results of my repairs. Thanks for your kind reply. Lots of people think they know the best way so they won't listen to me even with my 52 years as a mechanic.
My first thought is kill switch making it not start. Man that shovel is sweet. I love it the way it is
Although my everyday rider is a evo. I do have a 1981 Flh which is a shovel. I’ve put a lot of miles on that old bike and found that a oil cooler and a 47 tooth sprocket keep her happy. If your chain is wore out as much as you say then your sprockets are probably wore out to. I’d change them out and run a 23 tooth front and 47 tooth rear.
I'll consider that.
Most riders love to look at old bikes but won't get their clothes dirty riding them . I've had 4 shovels and I ride an 1988 heritage Softail . My machine is too old for most riders. I run 18" ape hangers 6 inch ext forward controls. No windshield , no radio. A cigarette lighter and a gun fighter! I'm 57 and getting giggy with it! Lol. No giggy left in me but I have fun. You need to hit Roscoes chilli challenge in Lakeland next November . 1st week. A great time tramp. God speed. bam bam
Thrill seeker leaving on a shovel without the obligatory tools, silastic, tape and some wire.
.. it was a huge step-up moving to an Evo in the day - especially if you wanted to do interstate runs (in Oz) ;-)
Thanks for the ride on the shovelhead. I like the wide glide front end too. Looks nice.
Thanks, Itchy! Anytime!
Love that sound...glad you got one!
Changes look great, big fan of wide glide. Had a 79 lowrider for 7 yrs, was backup to my soft tail. Only failed me once, the cheaper electronic ignition I put in failed. Lesson learned, put in a Dyna single fire and S&S carb. Previous owner had changed out rear sprocket. Smoothest it ran was at 65-75. Looking forward to how it will turn out for you.
Thanks for sharing
Yes the old blinkers work like that. Plugs do fowl out on them. Somethings to help that I did to stop that. I use a spyke electric ignition instead of points (huge upgrade), and made sure my jets were right ( I do have a S&S carb)in the carb. Mine seems to idle the same everytime. The gearing: My Dad years ago ( late 70's) changed the gear on the engine (most forward one on the engine) to a larger one (23 teeth he thinks), and also got rid of the compensator (cone shaped thing behind the gear). People also did change the sprocket, but it is riveted on (I think that's why it's still the original one). You can do both and it would work really good. Shovels will smooth out at certain speeds. I ride mine like 72, 83 or faster for long distances. Little bit of oil weeping on long rides. Mine doesn't have that much valve train noise. I have hydraulic lifters. Solid lifters make more noise until warm. I know 71 through maybe 75 have the speedo cable in the tranny if that helps. Use blue loctite on everything, or you'll be constantly tightening up things. Everyone sets the idle way to low. It sounds really cool, but it's hard on the bottom end I've been told. My idle is low, and it sounds good. Mine is a 72 superglide (electric start too, but I still kick it. Just nice to have) with a wideglide frontend, mechanical drum break (both chromed plus rocker boxes too), and a 21 inch tire. A real nice upgrade too is the newer style stator (like my 99 heritage Springer classic). On your block head sporty usually the ecu works or they don't. Usually you find that out when you go to restart it, and it doesn't happen. Hope this helps some. Mine is lowered to, but I kept the original split buckhorn handle bars grips, and everything.
I totalled my shovelhead a year ago. I loved mine. Turned it into a bobber
I'm one of those shovelheaders who gather at the Kickstand Lodge in Stecoah North Carolina. Hope to see you there!
When do you guys do that?
Hey brother, you have the ole shovel comin around, just keep fooling with it.
I agree with the sprocket changes, on my 79 I went 1 tooth up on transmission and down to a 48 on rear wheel. Made a big difference on top end.
Fixin to do the same on my 77. Hope you’re feeling better! Blessings!
Doing a lot better, thanks.
I NOTICED DOWN SOUTH YOU GUYS LOVE these PIZZA CUTTER FRONT 21 WHEELS. UP HERE IN the NORTH , it's ALL 500X16 TIRES on the FRONT.
Agree pegs needed replaced, my 78 sportster has same turn signal set up, the different idle an how it runs I found out is due to winter/summer fuel mix, hot an cold weather an humidity, those affect my two 78s.
Great video. .Just have fun with it. My 87 FLHS I have to hold down the turn signal switch.
That shovel looks awesome 👌 Good find. God 🙌
The 1980-84 shovelheads haves five speed transmissions you can run them 80 miles an hour all day! I’ve owned My 83 FLT over 20 years ! It has been a practical bike and mostly trouble free at least as much as any other bike. It just has more personality than a modern bike!
Seriously love that bike and want one...need to do a little more work to my EVO first though. New seat coming tomorrow...Saddleman, heated!
Hey Tramp ,I had a 67 shovel that I drove 80 every where I could &it did not blow oil(Kendal nitro 70 weight ),88in.S&S flywheel & Franklin, highcompression pistons with Teflon buttons on the skirts ,solid lifters transformed from hydraulics with three more cuts on them just like the factory cut for the former hydraulics, ( light but still ride round in tappet blocks ) 1936 knucklehead "lightening" generator drive gear, pinion gear & Andrews cam cut back to match ,custom valves,springs & titanium spring collars ,polished rods & A S&S Side bowl G.A.L.Carb ,22 tooth engine sprocket, 24 tooth trans sprocket ,this Bike would Roll ,No Speedo Trooper stopped me for doing over 112 MPH could not clock me as he was on a car I had just passed ,end up with 80 in a 55...Missouri Paul 👍🇺🇸👍🌞😎
It’s still fun mine tinkles oil on me at first I didn’t know what that was air cooled sweating man
Very good idea to change our the number of teeth on both trans and final sprockets it will definitely help you out on the long rides ...them ol shovels have plenty of bottom end power..unless you ride two up very much..good luck brother..
They are special (in a special kind of way). Riding a 74 for the past 30 years.
Another great video man, love your work. Congrats on shovel too, youll have much fun with it, old bikes have the soul. 😎 Currently saving for shovel too, here in Czech republic the only way to get it is from US, but then the hard part comes, you must register it and thats impossible here so you must go through Poland or Germany and man they will take a lot of from your pocket...so for a stud like me, long road ahead. But i still have my 95 Intruder that i rebuilt to chopper as it could be, peanut tank, fishtail, king and queen seat..it comes together by the time, but i realise a still make harley from it, but ill keep it with shovel. When you said the thing about being non electrician I remember the time when i was learning to wrench, youll learn it brother and I must say enjoy the wiring on harley, the japanese are pain in the a** to do harness on 😂
keep on keeping on!
Great video. Also, love the intro/outro
Thank you, Tony.
The ol shovel looks great! But ya gotta keep a FEW tools on it JUST in case. I
sure do love mine.. She's not primitive, she's a 50 y.o. antique! Keep up the great work on yours,and those two wheels planted on the ground, sir! Peace.
I.rode.shovelhead.for.40.years I.know.harley.made.big.inpovment.the.newer.bike.are.real.nice.i.think.i.going.to.put.a.baker.6.speed.in.my.old.shovel.a.little.new.school.for.my.old.school.shovel..?
@@jlance6898,I have a Sputhe 5 spd in mine
The wide glide front end was a nice improvement. Looks a lot better. Enjoy the shovel. Primitive yes but, always an adventure to ride.
Seems like more stuff collects on the garage walls with each episode. Love it!
It does!