Shovel Head Softtail
Thread Starter
|
Stage I
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Shovel Head Softtail
I have got a line on a 1990 softtail complete bike, but the motor is shot, as well as a rebuilt cone nose shovel. Besides shovel reliability and power, compared to an evo. If i wear to go threw with this swap how hard would it be and would it turn in to a money pit? I would like to keep the 5 speed and the stock primary, and later change to an BDL open belt kit. I have always wanted a shovel in a softtail frame. The shovel is a complete motor less a carb. Will the evo ignition and stock evo carb work on the shovel.
Thank You
Thank You
May our Moderator Rest in Peace
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,386
Likes: 35
From: Rochester, NY
Sounds like a really fun project. But I'm not sure how easy its going to be to fit a Shovel engine to an EVO primary/tranny setup.
You might try sending an e-mail to somebody like Baker transmissions.
They make transmissions for just about every Harley ever made and might be able to tell you for sure if they are compatible.
As for the ignition and carb it shouldn't be much of a problem to find off the shelf aftermarket parts that are not only better, but more reliable than original factory parts.
Even if they do come from an EVO.
You might try sending an e-mail to somebody like Baker transmissions.
They make transmissions for just about every Harley ever made and might be able to tell you for sure if they are compatible.
As for the ignition and carb it shouldn't be much of a problem to find off the shelf aftermarket parts that are not only better, but more reliable than original factory parts.
Even if they do come from an EVO.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 5
From: Bellville, Tx
Bdl
Call Belt Drives Limited. I have their belt on my EVO chopper and I'm sure they have a setup for the 5 spd/Cone. Belts are also light and easy on bearings as well as being much simpler. The clutch has been trouble free and predictable. I've run on the drag strip and it performed flawlessly. I've got a kick only 4spd.
May our Moderator Rest in Peace
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,386
Likes: 35
From: Rochester, NY
So it would have to be retrofitted with a kicker door to get a kicker on it.
Would be very cool though, even if you never used it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 5
From: Bellville, Tx
My buddy has an EVO softail and added the kicker for backup. He tours all over and hoped he never needed it. His trick was to stand on the kicker and pop the starter at the same time. It looked like he had Supermans leg!LOL!
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
I have got a line on a 1990 softtail complete bike, but the motor is shot, as well as a rebuilt cone nose shovel. Besides shovel reliability and power, compared to an evo. If i wear to go threw with this swap how hard would it be and would it turn in to a money pit? I would like to keep the 5 speed and the stock primary, and later change to an BDL open belt kit. I have always wanted a shovel in a softtail frame. The shovel is a complete motor less a carb. Will the evo ignition and stock evo carb work on the shovel.
Thank You
Thank You
Pretty much a bolt in...5 speed and primary will bolt right up...ignition will work...carb will work but require re-jetting
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
and yes we do have a kicker kit should you choose to go that route.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 10,284
Likes: 7,766
From: West Central FL
A Shovelhead will drop right into an Evo frame but an Evo would require cutting and welding on a 4 speed Shovelhead frame. The Evo motor is taller.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post