I am on the market for (another) shovelhead FXR... so 82 and 83 only
The other day I looked at an (I think) early '82.

I completly forgot about that year only shovelheads with the external oil lines between cylinders and tappet blocks!!!

For some reason I thought they were '81s...
anyway... in case I find another one... any info on those motors?
Is is a god/bad thing to have those oil lines? any particular issues?
anything?

Thanks

 

cragslist -- north jersey -- 4234745825 -- 81 looks good

 

Fxr? 81?!??!

 

Those lines were for oil evacuation. It was a short term solution that they addressed later by making a number of changes to the oil seal, rocker arm cover oil line fittings, crankpin, pressure relief valve and oil pump cover. These changes began with crankcase number 1482323012. So unless you are willing to make all those changes keep the fittings and oil lines.

 

thanks.. good info...
Just wondering if it was a bad thing or had any knows issues or reasons to avoid

 

late 82 they had eliminated those fittings and had normal tappet blocks

 

No it was a good thing. The previous year model had problems with over oiling and not evacuating the rocker boxes. The oil fittings did that. The following year they did a redesign and by making the changes I listed previously they did away for the need for those fittings.

 

well, I just bought a late 82 FXRS with no external oil lines
another long term project!

 

your going to get good at this twins hahahhahaah

 

He he he... got a good deal too... $3600 running bike, complete.
Not original are tank, gauges and rear fender, and seat (but still have the hinge)
needs tons of cleanup, but I am planning a total disassembly and paintjob