This company makes Shovelhead clones, using modern technology. Can we expect this engine to have the same quirks of the original Shovelheads? (ie will it sound the same, lope etc).

http://www.ultimaproducts.com/shovelhead.html

or this S&S shovelhead clone

According to the description, this engine has a 5 inch stroke!

http://www.jpcycles.com/product/433-036

Can we buy new shovelhead engines from Harley?

 

You can't even buy a new Evolution engine from Harley anymore, let alone a Shovelhead.

 

I'd imagine they'd sound like a shovelhead. You should buy one and let us know how it sounds.

 

What quirks?

 

All I can figure by 'quirks' he means a lot lower idle speed than the twin cam.

 

After market engines look like a shovel but the guts are mostly Evo tech today, meaning all the critical stuff has been upgraded. Still sounds like a shovel.

 

i dont think the knockoff would leak as much oil as the HD shovel

 

Funny only time mine leaked was after about 50K and me beating the **** out of her, bike's bleeding it's the owners fault for not taking care of business when needed.

 

You can't even buy parts for Shovelheads any more for the dealer... I've found very rarely can you find anyone who's even worked on one at a dealer.

Ultima and S&S have been selling shovel motors for a number of years. S&S has a better reputation.

If I had the money and time and wherewithal to build a custom bike, I doubt I would hesitate to buy an S&S engine to build around. I loved my two shovels. But, at the same time, I do enjoy my new (to me) TC103 and it's modern technology.

 

Installing a Shovel clone into a modern bike would no doubt would play havoc with emissions.
Not that anyone is checking or doing smog checks on bikes yet, it could be an issue as time goes on. As MOCO said in the past, modifications like an unapproved engine change is for off road use only.