From Shovel to Softtail
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 400
Likes: 0
From: Beachwood, NJ
From Shovel to Softtail
Any owners of any types of softtails ever done a switch over from a shovelhead? If you have how much of a difference in riding was there and which did you prefer more? I have a '76 Shovelhead and I'm looking to go to a softtail. I have always loved the look of them, but never driven them personally. I like them all, Deuce, Heritiage, Standard...doesn't matter to me. Looking to hear about other's experiences. Main reason I want to do this is because I want a newer bike that I can do less working on and more riding.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 882
Likes: 2
From: gone 4 good
RE: From Shovel to Softtail
I had an 82' shovel and now own an 07'softail deluxe. I love it! Not nearly as much vibration and the clutch is a dream, as I have tendonitis in both wrists. The reliability was a huge factor for me too.
Good luck with your decision.
Good luck with your decision.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 68
Likes: 1
From: Yucca valley
RE: From Shovel to Softtail
I road the same '81 FXS for 20 years before getting my '05 Fat Boy. I thoughtI died and went to heaven! It's much more comfortable andI haven't had to go back and pick up a part off the road yet.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
RE: From Shovel to Softtail
ORIGINAL: cougarmike
I road the same '81 FXS for 20 years before getting my '05 Fat Boy. I thoughtI died and went to heaven! It's much more comfortable andI haven't had to go back and pick up a part off the road yet.
I road the same '81 FXS for 20 years before getting my '05 Fat Boy. I thoughtI died and went to heaven! It's much more comfortable andI haven't had to go back and pick up a part off the road yet.
I have a number of Harley's, including a 1981 Shovelhead, and my 2003 Softail FatBoy is the most comfortable bike I've ever owned...
World of difference (all positive) jumping from an older Shovelhead to a newer Softail...
May our Moderator Rest in Peace
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,386
Likes: 35
From: Rochester, NY
RE: From Shovel to Softtail
ORIGINAL: cougarmike
It's much more comfortable andI haven't had to go back and pick up a part off the road yet.
It's much more comfortable andI haven't had to go back and pick up a part off the road yet.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 3
From: Behind you
RE: From Shovel to Softtail
Went from 48 pan to 71 shovel to 75 shovel to 79 shovel to 06 TC. Across the board better in comfort, performance, and reliability. But, there is nothing on God's green earth that sounds better than a idling shovelhead with drag pipes.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From:
RE: From Shovel to Softtail
I agree. There is nothing like the sound bellowing from a nicely tuned Shovelhead. I had an 85 stripped down FLH (yes, there were shovels in 85, but only 212 of them). I really miss it. I never had any dependability problems with mine. After I bought it at an auction, I rebuilt it to perfection and it never let me down. It took me to Sturgis and back from WV.
The things I like about my Night train more, compared to the Shovel I had:
-Six speeds, better for highway speeds
-With 96ci, it has plenty of power in stock form, don't have to spend money hop'n up the engine and time.
-Better mileage
The things I like about my Night train more, compared to the Shovel I had:
-Six speeds, better for highway speeds
-With 96ci, it has plenty of power in stock form, don't have to spend money hop'n up the engine and time.
-Better mileage
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
RE: From Shovel to Softtail
ORIGINAL: bobros
Went from 48 pan to 71 shovel to 75 shovel to 79 shovel to 06 TC. Across the board better in comfort, performance, and reliability. But, there is nothing on God's green earth that sounds better than a idling shovelhead with drag pipes.
Went from 48 pan to 71 shovel to 75 shovel to 79 shovel to 06 TC. Across the board better in comfort, performance, and reliability. But, there is nothing on God's green earth that sounds better than a idling shovelhead with drag pipes.
My 1981 Shovel has drag pipes, and as you said, the EVO's and TC's can't compare with the tone at idle.
My Shovel is semi-retired and in storage now, but one of these days I'm going to pull it out and make a couple of sound clips..
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Banned
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 0
From: Denver Colorado
RE: From Shovel to Softtail
Went from a '82 FLT shovel to a '06 FXST Standard...the 80" shovel motor was unusually dependable (never stranded me) and I DO miss the chugging "potato" idle andthe FLT's"comfy couch" mustang seat but the softail handling and looks are leaps and bounds better...and the TC88 issmooth as silk at idle...if a part wasn't loc-tited the old shovel would eventually shake it off...and I don't have to mop up any oil stains under the Standard.
Supporter
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,714
Likes: 650
From: San Ramon, Ca
RE: From Shovel to Softtail
I went from a 1974 Shovel (that my dad bought brand new) to an 84 Lowrider Shovel to the 00 Heritage. The 84 was WAAAAAAAAAAY
better than the 74. But the Heritage was 100 timesbetter than that.
I have to admit, the 74 had problems. The 84 however was a very dependable motorcycle. I had two problems with it in 5 yrs. Guess what . . Both times it was a CCI part. Imagine that
Whats next????????
better than the 74. But the Heritage was 100 timesbetter than that.
I have to admit, the 74 had problems. The 84 however was a very dependable motorcycle. I had two problems with it in 5 yrs. Guess what . . Both times it was a CCI part. Imagine that
Whats next????????