motor identification
Donnys Unauthorized Technical Guide to Harley-Davidson, 1936-to-Present, Volume IV, The Shovelhead: 1966 to 1985.
To many, the four-speed, rigid-mounted Shovelhead began in 1966 and ended in 1983. However, the 1984 FXWG Wide Glide (approximately 2,225 units), single-tank FXE Super Glide (approximately 665 units), dual-tank FXEF Fat Bob (approximately 1,440 units), and FXSB Low Rider (approx- imately 2,875 units) all used Shovelhead engines to a greater or lesser extent. Evolution engines began dominating in these models soon after. However, figuring out how many Shovel engines actually made it into each model is a daunting task. I also have seen Shovel engines in some 1985 FXWG Wide Glides. Certainly, the first Evolution models appeared in 1984 but may not have exclusivity until 1987 since even some 1986 FXWGs reportedly had Shovelhead engines although I have never personally seen one. The four- speed, rigid-mount Shovelhead FLH ended, for the most part, in 1983 also, except for the 1984 FLH-80 (approxi- mately 1,980 units), FLH (approxi- mately 1,055 units), FLHX Last Edition (approximately 1,255 units), and the FLHS Sport (approximately 500 units). The 1985 FLH line-up included about 40 FLH-80s, almost 300 FLH rear belt drive models, and 80 FLHXs.
As for the five-speed Shovelhead FLT/FXR rubber-mount models, these supposedly ended in 1983, but I have personally seen early-1984 versions and the odd late-1984 model outfitted with a Shovelhead engine.
I have actively searched for an '84 Shovelhead FXR or FLHT, or even a T...
As for what may be out there.... I would check the numbers on the Engine...Hell, I have an '83 with a head breather Evo!!!
Best for me to simply include the Disclaimer... "regular production" I guess.... Remembering the Touring models are a different breed from the FX
While the FXR is fairly closely defined as '82 and '83 being Shovels, and '84+ Evos...Pretty much like the Touring Models...
Last edited by Racepres; Nov 2, 2018 at 10:46 AM.
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I have actively searched for an '84 Shovelhead FXR or FLHT, or even a T...
As for what may be out there.... I would check the numbers on the Engine...Hell, I have an '83 with a head breather Evo!!!
Best for me to simply include the Disclaimer... "regular production" I guess.... Remembering the Touring models are a different breed from the FX
While the FXR is fairly closely defined as '82 and '83 being Shovels, and '84+ Evos...Pretty much like the Touring Models...
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
To many, the four-speed, rigid-mounted Shovelhead began in 1966 and ended in 1983. However, the 1984 FXWG Wide Glide (approximately 2,225 units), single-tank FXE Super Glide (approximately 665 units), dual-tank FXEF Fat Bob (approximately 1,440 units), and FXSB Low Rider (approx- imately 2,875 units) all used Shovelhead engines to a greater or lesser extent. Evolution engines began dominating in these models soon after. However, figuring out how many Shovel engines actually made it into each model is a daunting task. I also have seen Shovel engines in some 1985 FXWG Wide Glides. Certainly, the first Evolution models appeared in 1984 but may not have exclusivity until 1987 since even some 1986 FXWGs reportedly had Shovelhead engines although I have never personally seen one. The four- speed, rigid-mount Shovelhead FLH ended, for the most part, in 1983 also, except for the 1984 FLH-80 (approxi- mately 1,980 units), FLH (approxi- mately 1,055 units), FLHX Last Edition (approximately 1,255 units), and the FLHS Sport (approximately 500 units). The 1985 FLH line-up included about 40 FLH-80s, almost 300 FLH rear belt drive models, and 80 FLHXs.
As for the five-speed Shovelhead FLT/FXR rubber-mount models, these supposedly ended in 1983, but I have personally seen early-1984 versions and the odd late-1984 model outfitted with a Shovelhead engine.
Psst .. you forgot to mention the rare 1983 FXSB's, which approx. 61 built w/ candy rootbeer paint, w/brass accessories. :-)
seen a 85 police and more then a few 84 / 85 FXWG shovels











