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

 

Tighten up the stuff that is falling off…😆

 

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.

 

100% agree on all this, back in the day, when Shovels were still being made, 90% of breakdowns were points/condensor/advance unit, the rest were just plain ole neglect.

 

A lot of Shovel owners (and I know one) only fix things when they fail. And in his case, it’s usually on the side of the road.

 

I know Twin Cam owners like that too

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

All the common sense stuff as well as finding out as much as possible about it's previous 40+ year life. Big difference between a well maintained bike and a poorly maintained one. You can usually tell by looking at it.