Shovelhead maintenance
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 770
Likes: 170
From: USA
Shovelhead maintenance
I really like shovelheads, but don't have one yet.
I keep reading they need regular maintenance to keep them reliable.
What kind of things do they need done to them on a regular basis, that other bikes do not?
Thanks guys
I keep reading they need regular maintenance to keep them reliable.
What kind of things do they need done to them on a regular basis, that other bikes do not?
Thanks guys
Last edited by bulldog1776; May 9, 2024 at 11:35 AM.
Popular Reply
May 9, 2024, 12:16 PM
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,128
Likes: 51,461
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Thing with a shovel when you get one is taking the time and going over it and correcting all the little stuff age and previous owners have done or neglected. Do a few time proven and inexpensive upgrades on some things and a shovel can be a very reliable machine. You also get to know the bike intimately. Far as regular upkeep, just a good look over weekly, check fluids, cables, adjust the chain, check any hardware or chase down a new noise or vibration while it's still a small issue. These machines will take an ungodly amount of abuse and neglect before things get serious, which is why most owners have problems, they let it go so long.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,128
Likes: 51,461
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Thing with a shovel when you get one is taking the time and going over it and correcting all the little stuff age and previous owners have done or neglected. Do a few time proven and inexpensive upgrades on some things and a shovel can be a very reliable machine. You also get to know the bike intimately. Far as regular upkeep, just a good look over weekly, check fluids, cables, adjust the chain, check any hardware or chase down a new noise or vibration while it's still a small issue. These machines will take an ungodly amount of abuse and neglect before things get serious, which is why most owners have problems, they let it go so long.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
Likes: 1,524
From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
Thing with a shovel when you get one is taking the time and going over it and correcting all the little stuff age and previous owners have done or neglected. Do a few time proven and inexpensive upgrades on some things and a shovel can be a very reliable machine. You also get to know the bike intimately. Far as regular upkeep, just a good look over weekly, check fluids, cables, adjust the chain, check any hardware or chase down a new noise or vibration while it's still a small issue. These machines will take an ungodly amount of abuse and neglect before things get serious, which is why most owners have problems, they let it go so long.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
Likes: 1,524
From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,852
Likes: 2,494
From: Decatur, Alabama
A shovel has a lot more "serviceable" components than later model Harleys. There are more grease fittings, the rear chain needs maintenance compared to todays belts, points need attention, probably a couple more things I'm missing. Most stuff needs servicing just like any other bike.
carl
carl
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,576
Likes: 7,953
From: Long Island, New York
FSM tells you what to do for maintenance and intervals, none of it is hard to do. Every Spring go through all the steps, change the oil, air in the tires and go for a ride. More intuitive to work on then modern bikes.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,575
Likes: 3,171
From: Lake Geneva WI
Glad I found this thread. I am in the same boat as the OP. My parent's neighbor has a black 83 FXSB dual belt he's looking to sell. Hes had it forever and says its all original minus a few things like SE pipes. He had the tins repainted due to a minor spill, might have a throttle lock, has bags and a shield from what my dad told me. Ive been lurking in the shovel section trying to learn more for the last few days.
Last edited by FLASH1970; May 10, 2024 at 01:20 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 9,511
Likes: 13,828
From: Pa.