keep hearing
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 41
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From: scotland
keep hearing
hi guys i have been thinking about a shovel for over 2 years i have a 92 fxr evo and im wanting to add to the garage ,, my problem is i keep hearing that shovels need more TLC than evos but i never hear what this entails can someone please let me know what exactly the TLC actually is ,,, im looking at the 1200 shovel if that makes any difference,,
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,495
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From: Santa Klaus County, Cali
Just more routine maintenance is all. And you own an EVO so you undertsand the basic maintenenace for them, Same applies to the Shovel. Just need the service manual and parts book and you are ready to go.
Your EVO is the best (IMHO) engine platform HD made (and this from someone who only owns Shovels and Pans). You really will not need that many more tools to do the job of maintaining a Shovel. Most Shovels out there are probably more "custom" rather than stock or in a basically stock configuration. See that you are located across the pond. In the USA prices for stock ones (it can only be original once) are sometimes above ones that have been been restored and ones that have been custominzed (obviously depending on the condition).
1200 cc covered a lot of years. Any particular year and/or model you are looking at/for?
Your EVO is the best (IMHO) engine platform HD made (and this from someone who only owns Shovels and Pans). You really will not need that many more tools to do the job of maintaining a Shovel. Most Shovels out there are probably more "custom" rather than stock or in a basically stock configuration. See that you are located across the pond. In the USA prices for stock ones (it can only be original once) are sometimes above ones that have been been restored and ones that have been custominzed (obviously depending on the condition).
1200 cc covered a lot of years. Any particular year and/or model you are looking at/for?
Last edited by panz4ever; Apr 16, 2020 at 03:07 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 159
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Like most of the guys on this forum, I have had multiple versions of about every Harley ever made. I have had four shovels and two evos. I have had a couple of Twin-Cams. the Evos are probably the most dependable of all the engines and less prone to habitual service issues. That being said, nothing sounds and is more pleasing that a good shovelhead. Like panz4ever said, you just have to follow a pretty rigid service schedule with a shovel. One of my shovels has been in the frame for 15 years. Not a lot of miles, but a lot of starts and runs. After all this time, it is ready to be freshened up. I think you can put 40,000 miles a good, well maintained shovel with little trouble. Probably triple that on an Evo. This is all debatable. I like em all. Ken
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: la la land jerzey
evo is a real good machine reliable - easy to fix anything - and they sort of stay dry - but will need attention
shovel is a labor of love - the winy bitches that complain about everything need not go near a real mans motorcycle - if your handy and don't mind actually learning how to - a shovel could become a garage item - most of the bad rap comes from people selling someone junk knowingly - this adds to the bad rap they eff it up and then you buy it
I known machine that costs more from a real guy will beat a deal from a gutter rat
shovel is a labor of love - the winy bitches that complain about everything need not go near a real mans motorcycle - if your handy and don't mind actually learning how to - a shovel could become a garage item - most of the bad rap comes from people selling someone junk knowingly - this adds to the bad rap they eff it up and then you buy it
I known machine that costs more from a real guy will beat a deal from a gutter rat
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Joined: Jul 2017
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From: Washington
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 8,055
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From: Canada
After riding my 82 wide glide I can tell you with certainty that the Evo FXR (84) is leaps and bounds ahead of the shovel, its my go-to bike - I bet your FXR will be too.
Im happy to have the shovel but glad I have an Evo. A shovel is a good second bike that feels like it came from a different era which is exactly where its from.
Im happy to have the shovel but glad I have an Evo. A shovel is a good second bike that feels like it came from a different era which is exactly where its from.
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Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Niles Canyon Ca.
evo is a real good machine reliable - easy to fix anything - and they sort of stay dry - but will need attention
shovel is a labor of love - the winy bitches that complain about everything need not go near a real mans motorcycle - if your handy and don't mind actually learning how to - a shovel could become a garage item - most of the bad rap comes from people selling someone junk knowingly - this adds to the bad rap they eff it up and then you buy it
I known machine that costs more from a real guy will beat a deal from a gutter rat
shovel is a labor of love - the winy bitches that complain about everything need not go near a real mans motorcycle - if your handy and don't mind actually learning how to - a shovel could become a garage item - most of the bad rap comes from people selling someone junk knowingly - this adds to the bad rap they eff it up and then you buy it
I known machine that costs more from a real guy will beat a deal from a gutter rat
John's summed it about as well as can be said, they will never be hit the button and roll like the Evo. Think of them like a sparky redhead, lots of fun but you will be putting the time & money in if you want to ride regular. What's out there has some age and cherry ones are not common anymore.
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,103
Likes: 7,632
From: Poolville
evo is a real good machine reliable - easy to fix anything - and they sort of stay dry - but will need attention
shovel is a labor of love - the winy bitches that complain about everything need not go near a real mans motorcycle - if your handy and don't mind actually learning how to - a shovel could become a garage item - most of the bad rap comes from people selling someone junk knowingly - this adds to the bad rap they eff it up and then you buy it
I known machine that costs more from a real guy will beat a deal from a gutter rat
shovel is a labor of love - the winy bitches that complain about everything need not go near a real mans motorcycle - if your handy and don't mind actually learning how to - a shovel could become a garage item - most of the bad rap comes from people selling someone junk knowingly - this adds to the bad rap they eff it up and then you buy it
I known machine that costs more from a real guy will beat a deal from a gutter rat
Rings, Valve job, 3rd gear, shift forks, Main and countershaft, Starter and starter housing. Clutch basket and more inportantly a new ignition. And lets not forget about the common trans bushing leak that can leave a grapefruit size puddle under the bike.. I won't leave out the fork rebuild either..
Though I was getting a JEM.. More like COAL....
Actually I'd like to add a little more info. Make sure you understand how to decipher VIN's and that the bike matches the vin... I didn't and thought I was purchasing a 77 FXE but it turns out it was just an FX that was made into an FXE so it was sort of rubed up... Research and know exactly what you want...
Last edited by 98hotrodfatboy; Apr 18, 2020 at 07:02 AM.
