How reliable is a Shovelhead?

How reliable is a Shovelhead? If you follow the specs in the book and use good quality parts and have your machine work done properly, the Shovelhead is as reliable as any other motorcycle, Otherwise,

How reliable is a Shovelhead?

If you follow the specs in the book and use good quality parts and have your machine work done properly, the Shovelhead is as reliable as any other motorcycle, Otherwise, it will leave you by the side of the road every time.

How many miles will a Shovelhead last?

With a lack of oil and excessive heat, the valves were prone to sticking and destroying the top end. Numerous Harley technicians even stated that without necessary top-end modifications, the motors would often last only between 500 and 5,000 miles.

How much is a 1977 Shovelhead worth?

Values

Excellent $16,775
Very Good $10,975
Good $7,700
Fair $5,725
Poor $4,460

Why did old Harleys leak oil?

Early Harleys used an automatic lubrication system that drew oil from the oil pump to lubricate the primary chain. What seems like oil leaking from the motorcycle is actually excess oil dripping off from the primary chaincase.

Is an ironhead a Shovelhead?

Iron head, of course, but it was shaped like a shovel, however; the term “shovelhead” refered to the next incarnation of the “panhead”. It’s OK to refer to an ironhead as “shovelhead”, but it’s not OK to call it a “shovelhead”.

Is an Ironhead a Shovelhead?

How many cc is a 88 cubic inch motor?

1,450 cc
The 88 represents the displacement in cubic inches of the standard engine. The bore is 3.75 in (95 mm) and the stroke is 4.00 in (102 mm), meaning the displacement is 88 cu in (1,450 cc).

What is a 1977 Harley Sportster worth?

Values

Excellent $8,560
Very Good $5,600
Good $4,020
Fair $3,195
Poor $2,330

Do Harleys really leak oil?

Harleys do not leak engine oil. Early Harleys used an automatic lubrication system that drew oil from the oil pump to lubricate the primary chain. The oil would drop off from the primary chain into the primary chaincase, which had a drain hole that allowed oil to drop to the floor.

Why do Harleys sound different?

Why do Harley-Davidson motorcycles sound this way? “The 45° design of the engine thus creates a plug firing sequencing as such: The first cylinder fires, the second (rear) cylinder fires 315° later, then there is a 405° gap until the first cylinder fires again, giving the engine its unique sound.”