shovel
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 605
Likes: 441
From: BRIGHTON, ENGLAND
yes, it is a very basic motor like most Harleys, and if put together properly with quality parts and regular maintenance is done regulally, there is no reason why it wouldn't be,
the problem is over the past 40+ years, they have mostly been owned and worked on by people who do not know what they are doing, and with the use of cheap sub quality componants.
they are not as fast as later evos or twinkies, so dont thrash them as if they are the same as the modern bikes, ride them as you would have done in the 70's,
maintain them regulaly, change oils, filters and plugs, set tappets and check the timing is set correctly and there is no reason why you wont get thousands of miles of reliabe riding.
the problem is over the past 40+ years, they have mostly been owned and worked on by people who do not know what they are doing, and with the use of cheap sub quality componants.
they are not as fast as later evos or twinkies, so dont thrash them as if they are the same as the modern bikes, ride them as you would have done in the 70's,
maintain them regulaly, change oils, filters and plugs, set tappets and check the timing is set correctly and there is no reason why you wont get thousands of miles of reliabe riding.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
Likes: 1,524
From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
If you get rid of the points, condenser and advance-retard unit and fit a decent electronic ignition and set your valve clearances regularly (if running solid lifters) then it will be as reliable, if not more so, than an Evo.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 435
From: australia
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 695
Likes: 394
From: Western Australia
Yes, if you ride in the metro area and/or in the country doing certain speeds for certain times over certain distances. And also if you ride interstate, again doing certain speeds etc. But will it keep up with an Evo running at higher speeds all day and sometimes for days on end? For example here in Australia would it keep up with an Evo running all day at higher speeds through the top half of WA and into the NT to Darwin? Or across the Nullarbor? Or on the Stuart Highway through SA and further north? And would it keep up with an Evo across the Barkly Highway?
BTW in January on HTT you said youd written to H-D for an explanation about your engine number and frame number. What response did you receive from H-D?
Eric
BTW in January on HTT you said youd written to H-D for an explanation about your engine number and frame number. What response did you receive from H-D?
Eric
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,608
Likes: 3,375
From: Cental, MI
Yes, if you ride in the metro area and/or in the country doing certain speeds for certain times over certain distances. And also if you ride interstate, again doing certain speeds etc. But will it keep up with an Evo running at higher speeds all day and sometimes for days on end? For example here in Australia would it keep up with an Evo running all day at higher speeds through the top half of WA and into the NT to Darwin? Or across the Nullarbor? Or on the Stuart Highway through SA and further north? And would it keep up with an Evo across the Barkly Highway?
Far as I can Deduce, only 1979 had discrepancies. If Bought New, no explanation is generally Required.. I too would Love to Hear of this "discrepancy"
Last edited by Racepres; Jun 1, 2023 at 07:26 AM.
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 874
Likes: 159
From: FLORIDA
wow have to agree after putting 300,000 miles on mine went through a lot of parts and some rebuilds but the four-speed transmission still holding. Have to say I love straight drag pipes but not good for a high milage shovelhead.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2018
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Likes: 435
From: australia
