Harley Davidson Shovelhead Engine
The Harley Davidson Shovelhead V-Twin was an air-cooled, 45 degree,
74 cubic inch engine with 60 horsepower that was at first designed to
be used as an outboard motor, but it didn’t work well in water and
didn’t run well in moist air. Named for its distinctive “shovel-shaped”
rocker box covers, the Shovelhead was created to have greater
acceleration and power than its predecessors. Unfortunately, the
greater weight of this engine and steering problems with the bike at
top speed offset the added benefits of its enhanced power and
performance. In addition, the Shovelhead was prone to oil leakage,
hard starting, excessive vibration, and required constant maintenance.
This engine supplanted the Harley Davidson Panhead power plant in 1965
and was still being manufactured and used on Harley motorcycles in
1985, when it was replaced by the Harley Davidson Evolution engine.
Photograph courtesy of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives.
Copyright Harley-Davidson
Harley Davidson Models
The Shovelhead engine has been used on the following Harley Davidson models.
- FLHFB – Electra Glide Super Sport
- FLHB – Electra Glide Super Sport
- FLFB – Electra Glide Super Sport
- FLB – Electra Glide Super Sport
- FLHF – Super Sport
- FLH – Super Sport
- FLPF – Super Sport
- FLP – Super Sport
- FLPH – Super Sport Police
- FLP – Super Sport Police
- FX – Super Glide
- FL – Electra Glide
- FL – Electra Glide Police
- FXE – Super Glide
- FLHS – Electra Glide Sport
- FXS – Low Rider