Shovelhead sound
There nothing like comparing my youthful memories of the shovel to my contemporary memories of the new bikes. Like old hot rodders. You go to a hot rod meet today and you see all these 70+ year olds with these amazing hot rod builds. You get to talking and they remember the "good ole days" of going out with girls to the drive in, meeting at the hot dog stand, and driving to school to the cheers of their friends.
Fact is, that modern hot rod with the disc brakes, late model small block chevy, independent air shock suspension, air conditioning, MP4 stereo etc etc is no comparison to that old rust bucket of bolts they drove with bullet proof abandon back in the 60's..
myself included.
Last edited by commander47; May 31, 2023 at 07:26 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 874
Likes: 159
From: FLORIDA
In order of Best Sounding H-D... All Iron Made comes first...so a Knuck is First... then an Ironhead.. then the Shovel... which Can be bested by an Evo with Iron Cylinders (expensive but worth it if Racing) especially with the addition of Compression... Low compression is why a Panhead just cant get on the Map...IMO, add compression...Pans can Compete...Not much difference at all in Iron Cylinder, Aluminum head Harleys... efficiency and compression tell the Tale...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,608
Likes: 3,375
From: Cental, MI
Guaranteed he at least Knows where to get them...as He Still races Nitro Harleys...and if ya ain't runnin Steel (iron) cylinders with Nitro... You have a death wish...
I ran them on my Gas Bikes... cause Easy...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 12,878
Likes: 5,449
From: la la land jerzey
In my time blitz manufacturing was the deal north east coast - they would use the railroad spuds off or railroad trains axles - we were in a fin class at one point so they were a visual only late 70s early 80s - real steel liners some were stepped bored and a cast iron liner installed - dont know why Wally did that but we used them for years
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
Likes: 1,524
From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
That thump-a- tee- thump sound is why the shovel is still so treasured by us old timers. A big part is due to the dual fire plugs. It is the last of the classic Harley sound. It is also the cause of tremendous vibration making the mirrors virtually useless and any speed over about 65 an exercise in holding on for dear life.
Progress, Porsche, and modern design have made Harleys sewing machine smooth. I'm not knocking the modern machines by any means. I am on my second Road King now.
Having said that, I decided to ride my old shovel in the Memorial day Parade yesterday. I figure that at my age riding my old girl might be getting difficult to do.
I was right. I put in about 400 miles yesterday, and she kicked my A-S-S. Part of the reason is that the old shovel requires all your senses all the time. There is no such thing as letting your mind wander on the highway and enjoy the sights. You are constantly attuned to the sound of the motor and for any inconsistencies in the ride. You have to plan to stop. The old banana calipers just don't work like the new brakes. And turns can be wobbly at best.
I was thankful to get home yesterday. I patted the old girls tanks and thanked her for going out one more time. I was exhausted. My back and wrists hurt and the old shovel needs maintenance before the next outing.
Progress, Porsche, and modern design have made Harleys sewing machine smooth. I'm not knocking the modern machines by any means. I am on my second Road King now.
Having said that, I decided to ride my old shovel in the Memorial day Parade yesterday. I figure that at my age riding my old girl might be getting difficult to do.
I was right. I put in about 400 miles yesterday, and she kicked my A-S-S. Part of the reason is that the old shovel requires all your senses all the time. There is no such thing as letting your mind wander on the highway and enjoy the sights. You are constantly attuned to the sound of the motor and for any inconsistencies in the ride. You have to plan to stop. The old banana calipers just don't work like the new brakes. And turns can be wobbly at best.
I was thankful to get home yesterday. I patted the old girls tanks and thanked her for going out one more time. I was exhausted. My back and wrists hurt and the old shovel needs maintenance before the next outing.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 554
Likes: 359
From: Bristol, CT
The sound
its a heck ofa fun ride. Tons of low speed torque, smooth easy handling. The 1976 brakes are underwhelming, stock gearing means I ride it like the speed limit is still 55. Secondary roads are a delight to thump along flattening the hills. The living, breathing connection to the past (my past) adds a high satisfaction quotient.
(I hope this plays well)
its a heck ofa fun ride. Tons of low speed torque, smooth easy handling. The 1976 brakes are underwhelming, stock gearing means I ride it like the speed limit is still 55. Secondary roads are a delight to thump along flattening the hills. The living, breathing connection to the past (my past) adds a high satisfaction quotient.
(I hope this plays well)
Last edited by Ytcoinshooter; Jun 2, 2023 at 01:51 PM.
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The sound
its a heck ofa fun ride. Tons of low speed torque, smooth easy handling. The 1976 brakes are underwhelming, stock gearing means I ride it like the speed limit is still 55. Secondary roads are a delight to thump along flattening the hills. The living, breathing connection to the past (my past) adds a high satisfaction quotient.
(I hope this plays well)
its a heck ofa fun ride. Tons of low speed torque, smooth easy handling. The 1976 brakes are underwhelming, stock gearing means I ride it like the speed limit is still 55. Secondary roads are a delight to thump along flattening the hills. The living, breathing connection to the past (my past) adds a high satisfaction quotient.
(I hope this plays well)
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,608
Likes: 3,375
From: Cental, MI
The sound
its a heck ofa fun ride. Tons of low speed torque, smooth easy handling. The 1976 brakes are underwhelming, stock gearing means I ride it like the speed limit is still 55. Secondary roads are a delight to thump along flattening the hills. The living, breathing connection to the past (my past) adds a high satisfaction quotient.
(I hope this plays well)
its a heck ofa fun ride. Tons of low speed torque, smooth easy handling. The 1976 brakes are underwhelming, stock gearing means I ride it like the speed limit is still 55. Secondary roads are a delight to thump along flattening the hills. The living, breathing connection to the past (my past) adds a high satisfaction quotient.
(I hope this plays well)