Engine Comparisons (Shovel vs Evo)
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Stage II
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 2
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From: Ohio
Engine Comparisons (Shovel vs Evo)
I'm looking around for my first motorcycle and found a '79 shovelhead that looked right up my alley. I talked with a friend who owns a harley and he said the shovelheads will require a lot more work to keep running and suggested I go for an early model evo. However, I had read elsewhere on this forum that the evos are harder to work on. I am somewhat mechanically inclined (have restored a couple cars), but am no mechanic so don't want to get in over my head.
How does the shovelhead compare to the evo in both reliability and ease of maintenance? What would do you guys think would be the best option for me?
Thanks in advance
How does the shovelhead compare to the evo in both reliability and ease of maintenance? What would do you guys think would be the best option for me?
Thanks in advance
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,479
Likes: 638
From: Up North
I remember when Shovelheads were almost all you saw on the road. The guys who knew how to work on them never had any complaints. I think you have to know the bike. What are you after? Kick start? I think the early Evos had a kick start option too. I don't have any trouble working on my EVO, but then again nothing ever goes wrong with it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,543
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From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
I remember when Shovelheads were almost all you saw on the road. The guys who knew how to work on them never had any complaints. I think you have to know the bike. What are you after? Kick start? I think the early Evos had a kick start option too. I don't have any trouble working on my EVO, but then again nothing ever goes wrong with it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,887
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From: SE Washington
The shovel I owned, which I loved, needed the top end rebuilt 3 times in about 75k miles and was in need of another rebuild when i sold it. Been a long time since I worked on either a shovel or EVO, but didnt think one was any more difficult than the other. The reliabilitiy of EVOs is uquestionably better. Many will last for well 100k miles before any major work is needed. Shovels are cool and I would love to have another, but I'd recommend an EVO over a shovel everyday.
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Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Doghouse... mostly
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Stage II
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
From a mechanical point of view they are pretty much the same, a single-cam two valve per head with hydraulic followers. Construction is slightly different, but not by enough to matter. Having owned a shovel and Evo, both from new, I can confirm that in my experience the Evo is more reliable and better made. After all these years that is pretty well irrelevant however, as either could be fit for the knacker's yard by now! The shovel has ignition points and a mediocre carb whereas the Evo has a much more reliable electronic ignition system and later Evos have the c/v carb, which is better and less fussy.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 69
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From: Lebanon, IN
Having owned two shovelheads, (79 electra glide/ 84 wide glide), I never had any complaints. That being said, it's understood that the shovelhead usually requires a top end rebuild around every 25,000 miles.
The evolution engine was developed on AMF's dime; it's really an extremely reliable design, especially the later motors, (90's evos). This motor came out about the time the HD execs purchased the motor company from AMF and helped get the company from the brink of bankruptcy to the successful giant it is today. They were designed to run reliably up to 100K before needing major rebuilds.
Personally, I'd find a nice 90's evo, they're out there and reasonably priced too.
Good luck to you! YMMV.
The evolution engine was developed on AMF's dime; it's really an extremely reliable design, especially the later motors, (90's evos). This motor came out about the time the HD execs purchased the motor company from AMF and helped get the company from the brink of bankruptcy to the successful giant it is today. They were designed to run reliably up to 100K before needing major rebuilds.
Personally, I'd find a nice 90's evo, they're out there and reasonably priced too.
Good luck to you! YMMV.