theres a couple of guys on the net who have a 90 and 99 fatboy and there timing covers are riveted on surely thats not stock ?

 

It most definitely is stock. Timing covers on Evos and I believe Shovelheads were riveted at the factory but when you drill out the rivets and remove the cover you'll find the threaded holes left and right in the lock down studs.

 

They can be riveted back on if you wanted. No idea why you would want to though. Looks?

Griz

 

Yep, my 95 Dyna's cover is riveted on.

 

Early cone Shovels had screws, Evo's have rivets, I do not know when they changed. Likely had something to do with eliminating points and going to electronic ignition. The dealership actual has them if you want to put your back in the way the factory did it.

 

OEM used a "closed rivet". Meaning the back side of the pop rivet was sealed so the internal pin piece that is left behind after popping off the rivet shaft would not fall into the timing cover.

 

My 2003 Sportster's timing cover is riveted, I think all EVO Sportsters had riveted timing covers also.

 

I'm sure it's an emissions thing - same as the plug over the idle mixture screw.

 

Or to keep curious owners out...

 

Yes Late Shovels were also Riveted...with Sealing Rivets..
Note the Cover is Clocked 90 degrees if Not riveted..or inner cover (which is screwed in place) was Eliminated!!