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Shovelhead differences to look for a bobber project
Hola. What are the differences of 1970-1980 Shovelheads engine and transmission? Is there any changes that I should pay attention to avoid or insanely look for.
Avoid the 79 and later maytag trannies , they had a goofy linkage setup that won't play well with your bobber project you need an earlier ratchet top trans for a hand shift , the gearing ratio's are the same in both so no differences to worry about there . Motor wise the later 80" are preferred but any shovel will do nicely I put a LOT of heavy mile on old 74" motors with no complaints . With shovels there where no weird years to avoid like the all the new bikes .
Last edited by TwiZted Biker; Sep 2, 2012 at 12:25 PM.
Most FX models had mid controls stock , the red one is a mid 70's I'd say a 77 or 78 by the tank and color and it came with mid controls still has the setup if you look at the center inspection cover on the primary where the shifter came through , I think the black thing your asking about is the starter solenoid , the black one doesn't have it so that tells me it's kick only and you want the button if you can get it , takes time to learn the bike and a good tune to be able to kick one regular and each bike is a little different . Can't tell from the pic what tranny is on the red one but if its a 78 or earlier it's a ratchet top .
FLH models where all forward or floorboard front loaded controls . Thing with a shovel is all this stuff is interchangeable and lots to be had at swap meets cheap .
Last edited by TwiZted Biker; Sep 3, 2012 at 10:20 AM.
Thanks for input. Well I aim for kick start, you must earn the startup . Wondering the conversion costs for having this as kickstart. I may not have open belt primary, so I would need new inner primary case (not the cheapest replacement part) and kickstart on top of other parts.....
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