1984 flhs?
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Contra Costa County, CA
1984 flhs?
I'm looking at buying/trading for a 1984 FLHS. According to the seller the bike's engine has been replaced with mainly S&S components and currently does not have electric start.
Was 1984 a decent year for these things or does it not really matter anymore based on age and replaced parts?
Also, how hard is it to convert an FLHS to floorboards?
Was 1984 a decent year for these things or does it not really matter anymore based on age and replaced parts?
Also, how hard is it to convert an FLHS to floorboards?
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From: Oxford, Nc
FLHS's came with floorboards.
One of the last of the Shovels, it was a pretty dependable motor. I'd be curious ( and careful,) as to what was done to the motor "with those S&S components" and by whom. Was it to restore or upgrade for more performance? You don't give much info about that here.
I had an '83 and never had a problem with it ( once I replaced that terrible electronic ignition system along with an S&S carb!)
One of the last of the Shovels, it was a pretty dependable motor. I'd be curious ( and careful,) as to what was done to the motor "with those S&S components" and by whom. Was it to restore or upgrade for more performance? You don't give much info about that here.
I had an '83 and never had a problem with it ( once I replaced that terrible electronic ignition system along with an S&S carb!)
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Contra Costa County, CA
I don't have the info to give yet. I've been e-mailing back and forth with the guy. When I get some more info I'll post it.
Seems like most of the FLHS pics I find have forward controls, which is what this one has.
Seems like most of the FLHS pics I find have forward controls, which is what this one has.
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From: Oxford, Nc
Club Member
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From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Ok hold up , explain to me why you think an 82 shovel has an EVO lower end as they still had the heavier flywheels harley didn't go to the lighter evo wheels till either 84 or 85 .
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From: la la land jerzey
an upgrade some shops sell is S&S conecting rods and crank pin - it could also have the pinion shaft and sprocket shafts as S&S replacements - BUT they are the expensive replacements not the cheap stuff ---
it could also have S&S pistons and rings and the S&S oil pump / breather gear lots of stuff maybe
soo having S&S stuff is fine but try to find out who did it and ask if you can speak to the guy so you know what really was done ---just my take -- jz
it could also have S&S pistons and rings and the S&S oil pump / breather gear lots of stuff maybe
soo having S&S stuff is fine but try to find out who did it and ask if you can speak to the guy so you know what really was done ---just my take -- jz
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Stage III
Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Illinois
I have three 1984 FLHS bikes (in original condition) sitting in my garage Kev. If you want to know something about them, just ask. I also have the original shop manual, so I should be able to get most of the info for you. Tough thing is catching me.
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From: Along the shoreline in SW FL
Depends on the year, some years they made more with boards, other years they'd do mostly forward controls. "S" in FLHS was for sport so forward controls were very common outta the factory.
Kev...S&S parts don't matter much really....just means parts were replaced. Some might say lowers original value...but are you gonna be entering this bike in contours shows for ribbons? If not...don't matter much. What counts is how well it was put together by the guy that replaced the parts. I haven't see an '80 or higher without electric start. Can't say for sure if any where ever made from the factory that way, I have a hunch someone just yanked it during some rebuild.
Kev...S&S parts don't matter much really....just means parts were replaced. Some might say lowers original value...but are you gonna be entering this bike in contours shows for ribbons? If not...don't matter much. What counts is how well it was put together by the guy that replaced the parts. I haven't see an '80 or higher without electric start. Can't say for sure if any where ever made from the factory that way, I have a hunch someone just yanked it during some rebuild.
Last edited by YeOldeStonecat; Jul 22, 2013 at 05:15 AM.
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From: Pa.
If you want to use the stock boards and bracket from an '84 FLH, you must have the frame tab on the brake side and the primary tab on the shift side. You may have the frame tab since it's an FL but you probably don't have the Primary tab.
To make it real easy, you can use the entire set-up from an 86-99 FL Softail (Fat Boy or Heritage) Pretty much plug and play. The only issue you'll have to keep in mind is on the brake side and your pipe clearance. On the Shovels that came with Footboards (with the frame tab) you can change out the rear footboard bracket to work with different pipes. The softy bracket has the rear mtg.brkt. welded to it. But, if it's really an issue, it could be cut off and you could fashion a workable brkt. Not a big deal.
The good thing about going the early softy route is that a lot of guys with those bikes replaced the boards with aftermarket forwards and have all the stuff you need laying around in their sheds. Put a "Wanted" thread in several Forums.
To make it real easy, you can use the entire set-up from an 86-99 FL Softail (Fat Boy or Heritage) Pretty much plug and play. The only issue you'll have to keep in mind is on the brake side and your pipe clearance. On the Shovels that came with Footboards (with the frame tab) you can change out the rear footboard bracket to work with different pipes. The softy bracket has the rear mtg.brkt. welded to it. But, if it's really an issue, it could be cut off and you could fashion a workable brkt. Not a big deal.
The good thing about going the early softy route is that a lot of guys with those bikes replaced the boards with aftermarket forwards and have all the stuff you need laying around in their sheds. Put a "Wanted" thread in several Forums.
Last edited by AJSHOVEL; Jul 22, 2013 at 06:50 AM.