Earliest Evo Frame?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,590
Likes: 3,361
From: Cental, MI
I should have measured rear motor mount to underside of backbone, when I had the '86 Apart!!!!
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,110
Likes: 51,396
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Yup... 1985 and 1986 FXWG and FXSB (I believe was the Letters), were E-Motor 4-speed chassis...modified by MoCo...to accept Evo Mill..
is most Likely where the MoCo used up any surplus 4-speed trannys..
One aside... the Late 1984 4-speed (like the 5-speed) , got the Tapered shaft... but Not the "good" one... like the Shovelhead Clutch
I despise the Late 84 clutch, and would Gladly trade it out for the Good Ole Shovelhead Clutch... I think Only the Mainshaft changed, except there were 2... Chain drive and Belt drive... Complications abound
Back on track...Earliest Evo Motor Frames from the MoCo were 1979 for 5-speeds, and 1985 for the 4-speed... Softails???? IDK I guess I thought they were All Evo's
so 1984???
is most Likely where the MoCo used up any surplus 4-speed trannys..
One aside... the Late 1984 4-speed (like the 5-speed) , got the Tapered shaft... but Not the "good" one... like the Shovelhead Clutch
I despise the Late 84 clutch, and would Gladly trade it out for the Good Ole Shovelhead Clutch... I think Only the Mainshaft changed, except there were 2... Chain drive and Belt drive... Complications abound
Back on track...Earliest Evo Motor Frames from the MoCo were 1979 for 5-speeds, and 1985 for the 4-speed... Softails???? IDK I guess I thought they were All Evo's
so 1984???
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,590
Likes: 3,361
From: Cental, MI
Damn Shame... they seem very desireable!!! I have one in the shop right now... Bad Owner...Bad maintenance schedule... But I may save it!!!
Stage III
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: canada
Yup... 1985 and 1986 FXWG and FXSB (I believe was the Letters), were E-Motor 4-speed chassis...modified by MoCo...to accept Evo Mill..
is most Likely where the MoCo used up any surplus 4-speed trannys..
One aside... the Late 1984 4-speed (like the 5-speed) , got the Tapered shaft... but Not the "good" one... like the Shovelhead Clutch
I despise the Late 84 clutch, and would Gladly trade it out for the Good Ole Shovelhead Clutch... I think Only the Mainshaft changed, except there were 2... Chain drive and Belt drive... Complications abound
Back on track...Earliest Evo Motor Frames from the MoCo were 1979 for 5-speeds, and 1985 for the 4-speed... Softails???? IDK I guess I thought they were All Evo's
so 1984???
is most Likely where the MoCo used up any surplus 4-speed trannys..
One aside... the Late 1984 4-speed (like the 5-speed) , got the Tapered shaft... but Not the "good" one... like the Shovelhead Clutch
I despise the Late 84 clutch, and would Gladly trade it out for the Good Ole Shovelhead Clutch... I think Only the Mainshaft changed, except there were 2... Chain drive and Belt drive... Complications abound
Back on track...Earliest Evo Motor Frames from the MoCo were 1979 for 5-speeds, and 1985 for the 4-speed... Softails???? IDK I guess I thought they were All Evo's
so 1984???
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,590
Likes: 3,361
From: Cental, MI
BTW it is Longer because that Bike was Belt Drive final
Stage III
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: canada
Stage III
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: canada
pipe to clear.And then some bending.Harley added 2 inches to the down tubes.
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 104
Likes: 2
From: Olympia, WA
I have an Evo motor on the bench, I guess Ill just have to try it if nobody knows. Heat, smack, fit, repeat.
I have an early five speed that should go right in, with the good tapered shaft. Ive heard guys call those 5-in-4, but the shop I learned in always called them early five speeds because they didnt have the ratchet or cow pie tops.
4th Gear
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 8
Likes: 6
From: United States
My buddy rides a 84 Softail, 80" Evo with a 5 speed and tapered shaft for the clutch.
Harley-Davidson introduced the 1,340 cc Evolution engine in 1984, and when the Evolution was used in five of the company's big bikes, the five-speed transmission was used along with it. The base model FLH was the only FL bike to retain the four-speed transmission in 1984; and even that changed the next year, when the FLH was modified to use the rubber-mounted Evolution and the five-speed gearbox. The Evolution engine debuted in the Sportster line in 1986, but the five-speed transmission wouldn't be used on a Sportster until 1991, when the four-speed gearbox was replaced by the five-speed on all models.
Copied this but also believe Harley used the remaining Shovel & 4 speed surplus in the 84 Softail until gone.
Harley-Davidson introduced the 1,340 cc Evolution engine in 1984, and when the Evolution was used in five of the company's big bikes, the five-speed transmission was used along with it. The base model FLH was the only FL bike to retain the four-speed transmission in 1984; and even that changed the next year, when the FLH was modified to use the rubber-mounted Evolution and the five-speed gearbox. The Evolution engine debuted in the Sportster line in 1986, but the five-speed transmission wouldn't be used on a Sportster until 1991, when the four-speed gearbox was replaced by the five-speed on all models.
Copied this but also believe Harley used the remaining Shovel & 4 speed surplus in the 84 Softail until gone.
I have an 84 Softail. It is currently a basket case with a rolling chassis. GOD willing, I will begin wrenching her back to life this fall.
Last edited by Puppystomper; May 28, 2023 at 05:48 PM.
