Shovelhead maintenance schedule
Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: georgia
Shovelhead maintenance schedule
im looking at buying a shovelhead but I've read ALOT of shovel hate. And how how often it's gonna break down or need rebuilt. So I'm wondering what the average maintenance schedule is for a shovelhead in good condition? How often do you need to rebuild? And what all is involved in that? I can wrench my own and love to wrench but I don't want to spend weeks wrenching and not riding.
I dont want want to be psyched out of buying this sweet bike but I want one I can ride without dropping 3k on it every year. Thanks in advance for the advice!
I dont want want to be psyched out of buying this sweet bike but I want one I can ride without dropping 3k on it every year. Thanks in advance for the advice!
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 742
Likes: 23
If low miles on rebuild or well maintained, just change your oil often, check for loose bolts and use blue Loctite everywhere and you are good.
If it needs a rebuild do it once, right, and you are good for a long time if you treat it right
If it needs a rebuild do it once, right, and you are good for a long time if you treat it right
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
Ah shovel hate...most of the shovels bad rep comes from the AMF days when the employees that were assembling them were very unhappy. I have seen pics of new shovels on the showroom floor with drip pans under them.
Whether or not the shovel you buy is "sweet" depends on who built it. With modern parts, gaskets, and oil it is very easy to build a shovel that is approaching EVO dependability, and leak free...most of the shovel leaks were from the primary/trans anyway.
Whether or not the shovel you buy is "sweet" depends on who built it. With modern parts, gaskets, and oil it is very easy to build a shovel that is approaching EVO dependability, and leak free...most of the shovel leaks were from the primary/trans anyway.
Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: georgia
Thanks for the responses! I'm going to look at it on Sunday. He said it was professionally rebuilt and has 29900 miles but didn't say if that was since the rebuild or not. What should I look/hear (not taste) for on it to see if it will need rebuilt soon or not?
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 349
Likes: 59
From: Bedford, Nova Scotia
If you have doubts try taking the bike to a reputable indy shop for an inspection. Worth an hour's labor. I have an 81 and an 83. Fun to ride and the novelty never wears off. Don't expect to haul down an interstate for hours on end at 70 mph though. They were never designed for that, particularly if 4speed. Best of luck!
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 349
Likes: 59
From: Bedford, Nova Scotia
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,518
Likes: 57,068
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
Once you've got the bugs worked out, a little TLC after each ride will ensure years of service. Shovels have a big heart!
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