I have an 1982 FXRS. I was told by a Harley trained mechanic that the last couple of years of shovels had better rod to piston geometry plus better precision lifters that were later used in Evos and a better oil system. Is this true?

 

excluding the CA models I heard they also had better air in their tires

 

Rod to piston geometry is the same on all 80" shovels...no shovels had evo lifters...oil system was the same from 73 up. They did have better valve guides. The last shovels are considered to be the best they made....mostly because the company had been bought back from AMF and the employees had a better attitude, and were doing a better job assembling them. My 83 was the most leak-free used Harley I have ever bought.

 

late shovel oil pumps are like early EVOs... slightly different than previous shovels and AFAIK a litle better

 

the late heads with the .625 guides you couldn't install a bolt in cam -- check any place like Andrews cams -- I rid myself of those heads -- I use nothing but the 77/78 heads -- the late heads the bottom collar sits on the head -- earlier ones the spring collar sits on the guide Vthunder makes excellent cams for people who like hyd cams for quiet operation you can make them work in later heads but it requires special parts and work to do so.. i'll keep my lienweber L3S in my 80" best "BANG" for the buck..

 

HD introduced the evo style connecting rods (24281-83) in mid-83 shovels; the front male rod is slightly offset.

 

and they went to commonized tapers 6* just before they made them ( flywheels ) on the cheap