Differences between FXS and FXE
Road Captain
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 554
Likes: 359
From: Bristol, CT
1340 Shovel intro was a mid model year offering, 1978 1/2 on the FLH. The FX models got it I think first in 1979, both 1200 & 1340 FX series bikes could be had. The 1200 continued to be offered side by side with the 1340 maybe into 1980, that can be checked. My non-matching 76 has a 1978 1/2 1340 with trans outta an FLH. Its grown larger than that with a mild S&S stroker kit.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,564
Likes: 3,317
From: Cental, MI
1340 Shovel intro was a mid model year offering, 1978 1/2 on the FLH. The FX models got it I think first in 1979, both 1200 & 1340 FX series bikes could be had. The 1200 continued to be offered side by side with the 1340 maybe into 1980, that can be checked. My non-matching 76 has a 1978 1/2 1340 with trans outta an FLH. Its grown larger than that with a mild S&S stroker kit.
Game on... someone gonna pipe up with a 1978 80" FX, and someone else gonna have a 1980 74"
I want to see the VIN, off of the Frame, (the Only Real VIN) before the Story... Thanks
Road Captain
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 554
Likes: 359
From: Bristol, CT
Me thinks No... Believe I recall that 1979 FX models was a mid year change to 80". Hard to Pinpoint, as yes, most dealers actually had 74" and 80" FX's side by side, in 1979... Not in '80 that I can Pinpoint..
Game on... someone gonna pipe up with a 1978 80" FX, and someone else gonna have a 1980 74"
I want to see the VIN, off of the Frame, (the Only Real VIN) before the Story... Thanks
Game on... someone gonna pipe up with a 1978 80" FX, and someone else gonna have a 1980 74"
I want to see the VIN, off of the Frame, (the Only Real VIN) before the Story... Thanks
The original 74ci displacement Shovelhead was offered for the last time in 1980, in the FLH 1200 Police model and the FXS 1200 Low Rider. I hope this link works:
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,564
Likes: 3,317
From: Cental, MI
Hmmm, for sure side by side 74s & 80s in 1979. I was pretty sure about the 74 continuing into 1980. Going by memory isnt so reliable. So I did some looking. I was shopping these bikes when they were new and the slightly used trades. Like you believe, No 1978 80 FXs. Im correct on both counts I first stated above: the first 80 engines in 1978 1/2 FLH - my engine numbers are that. My frame vin is a 76 FXE and I have paperwork from all the owners from 1979 onward when it sold as a rolling frame only before the 80 engine & trans from 78 FLH was put in.
The original 74ci displacement Shovelhead was offered for the last time in 1980, in the FLH 1200 Police model and the FXS 1200 Low Rider. I hope this link works:
The original 74ci displacement Shovelhead was offered for the last time in 1980, in the FLH 1200 Police model and the FXS 1200 Low Rider. I hope this link works:
Sorry... that is as far as I got. No I lie... They also think the only difference from 74" to 80" was bore!!!
Maybe we should start a poll... titled "show us the VIN on your 1980, 74" Shovelhead" !!
Road Captain
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 554
Likes: 359
From: Bristol, CT
@Racepres All in fun - keeps my interest. I certainly dont take all the web has to offer as complete or fact. I have some books on obscure American motorcycles as well some specific to HDs. Information sources are not always complete. My personal recollections are good regarding what Ive owned. No apology or anything necessary. I read many of your posts. I learn much more from the members here than what I have to offer.
Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,161
Likes: 653
From: Potter County, PA
I can very distinctly remember guys having 80 80's and 80 74's back in 1980. I don't recall if they were FX, FL, or both, but I knew guys who had them both.
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