Any older Softails here?
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Jaffrey, NH
Any older Softails here?
I have an 84 and from doing a little research these are a bit rare as some things changed for the 84 and then changed again for the 85. (correct me if I'm wrong). I believe mine is titled as an 84 but shows on my insurance as an 85 wtf? just confuse me a little more. I was hoping maybe someone here had an older Softail that maybe I could chat with about there experiences. If I could ever figure out how to post a friggen picture I'll show you guys what I'm riding. Anyhow it needs oil lines and a battery, battery no biggie, but never changed the oil lines before. Also needs a flasher relay, again no biggie but I can't find out which is the OEM model# so I can order one. The bike is stored at the inlaws right now and that is why I can't just lift the seat and get the part #. I know I am lazy but what the heck, I will get it on Saturday if no one here knows. Hope to talk to some of you guys in the future.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 161
Likes: 1
From: Berkeley, California
Your vehicle registration may also give the year of your bike. I ride an 87 FXSTC and have replaced batteries, tires, rocker arms, regulators, final belt and pulleys. Haven't replaced oil or fuel lines yet.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 3
From: Peoria, AZ
First model year of EVO was '86; buddies Dad has an old '85 XLH iron head. Oil lines no biggie if you replace one at a time so you don't lose track of what-goes-where. There is a "Shovelhead" and "Evo" section in the Forum to follow along with fellow owners that don't have DTC's lol. I have a '97 FLSTC and wouldn't trade it for the world (well, maybe a V-Rod Muscle)!
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 33
From: Illinois
No Softail ever had a Shovel in it.
Softail came out in '84 with an Evo. There were some rare police bikes still running Shovels through 1985, though (but not a Softail).
The Iron Head Sportster (not to be confused with a Shovel) ran through 1985. 1986 brought on the new design was sometimes referred to as an Evo, but an Evo is a Big Twin (80"). "Evo-style" Sportster is what most people call the '86 and up Sportster.
The Evolution came out on the '84 models. I had an '85 FXDWG Wide Glide with the Evo, 4-speed (kick AND electric) and it was one of the best bikes I ever had. Got rid of a perfectly good '81 Sturgis to get it, though. Wish I had that back as well.
Softail came out in '84 with an Evo. There were some rare police bikes still running Shovels through 1985, though (but not a Softail).
The Iron Head Sportster (not to be confused with a Shovel) ran through 1985. 1986 brought on the new design was sometimes referred to as an Evo, but an Evo is a Big Twin (80"). "Evo-style" Sportster is what most people call the '86 and up Sportster.
The Evolution came out on the '84 models. I had an '85 FXDWG Wide Glide with the Evo, 4-speed (kick AND electric) and it was one of the best bikes I ever had. Got rid of a perfectly good '81 Sturgis to get it, though. Wish I had that back as well.
Last edited by TW; Dec 5, 2008 at 03:56 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Nuevo México, Los Estados Unidos de América
Just wondering why you'd make that statement.
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 750
Likes: 8
From: South Florida
Any older Softails here?
I have an 84 and from doing a little research these are a bit rare as some things changed for the 84 and then changed again for the 85. (correct me if I'm wrong). I believe mine is titled as an 84 but shows on my insurance as an 85 wtf? just confuse me a little more. I was hoping maybe someone here had an older Softail that maybe I could chat with about there experiences. If I could ever figure out how to post a friggen picture I'll show you guys what I'm riding. Anyhow it needs oil lines and a battery, battery no biggie, but never changed the oil lines before. Also needs a flasher relay, again no biggie but I can't find out which is the OEM model# so I can order one. The bike is stored at the inlaws right now and that is why I can't just lift the seat and get the part #. I know I am lazy but what the heck, I will get it on Saturday if no one here knows. Hope to talk to some of you guys in the future.
Here Are Pictures Of An 85 FXST
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Motor...1%7C240%3A1318
http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/har...ftail_1984.php
http://motoprofi.com/motospecspictur...tail-1985.html
Last edited by Harley03joe; Dec 5, 2008 at 07:25 PM.
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 534
Likes: 0
From: Good Old "New England"
From personal experience I have found out that an 84 is really an 84 & ˝
It “is” part shovel & part evo in a lot of ways.
Having rebuilt an 84 Softail I can tell you need to bring whatever part you are replacing with you to the stealer or you will be going back and forth.
There part #s and the ones in your book do not match, and I cant tell you how many times the parts guy has said to me on my many return trips “what the f*^# that is not the part listed”.
We rebuilt a stock 84 it was torture
Then we did an 86 883 it was a lot easier.
They put “screaming chicken” heads on the 1st half of the year stock.
I to will post pics when I figure out how.
You got a 4 speed with a kick?
That is an 83 tranny in an 84 case.
Also the piston rings could be 1 of 3 different ones, it is almost like a hodge podge bike don’t sell it I wish my bud still had his or at least I wish I bought it from him
It “is” part shovel & part evo in a lot of ways.
Having rebuilt an 84 Softail I can tell you need to bring whatever part you are replacing with you to the stealer or you will be going back and forth.
There part #s and the ones in your book do not match, and I cant tell you how many times the parts guy has said to me on my many return trips “what the f*^# that is not the part listed”.
We rebuilt a stock 84 it was torture
Then we did an 86 883 it was a lot easier.
They put “screaming chicken” heads on the 1st half of the year stock.
I to will post pics when I figure out how.
You got a 4 speed with a kick?
That is an 83 tranny in an 84 case.
Also the piston rings could be 1 of 3 different ones, it is almost like a hodge podge bike don’t sell it I wish my bud still had his or at least I wish I bought it from him