Shovelhead Years To Avoid
Alright, settle in, grab your coffee (or something stronger, no judgement!), because we’re about to dive into the murky waters of Shovelhead years to maybe avoid. Emphasis on the maybe, okay? We’re talking about classic bikes here, and classic bikes…well, they’re quirky. Like that uncle who wears socks with sandals. Loveable, but…quirky.
Now, before all the die-hard Shovelhead fans come at me with pitchforks, let me preface this: all Shovelheads are cool. Seriously. They’ve got that raw, mechanical, "I might leave you stranded but I'll look good doing it" vibe that modern bikes just can't touch. But some Shovelhead years are...more prone to leaving you stranded. Let's be real.
The Infamous Early Years: '66 - '69
Ah, the '66-'69 Shovelheads. These are the OGs, the pioneers! Think of them like the Model T of Harley's big twins. Raw, simple, and… let's just say mechanically interesting. They've got the generator charging system, which is... charming. In a "needs constant fiddling" kind of way.
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Oil leaks? Oh honey, those are standard equipment. You're not really riding a '60s Shovel if you're not leaving a trail of black gold everywhere you go. Is that an exaggeration? Maybe. But only slightly. Think of it as marking your territory, you magnificent beast of a biker, you!
And let's not forget the early generators, which can be... temperamental. Will it charge? Won't it? It's like a game of Russian roulette, but with electricity. Fun, right?
The AMF Years: '69 - '81 (ish)
Alright, deep breaths. The AMF era. American Machine and Foundry. Remember them? They made bowling equipment. And...uh...motorcycles. How'd that happen? Another story for another time.
Look, AMF-era bikes catch a lot of flak, and some of it is deserved. Quality control wasn’t exactly AMF's strong suit. Imagine trying to focus on building a motorcycle while thinking about a strike.
Think of this period as a rollercoaster. Some years are genuinely decent (the late 70s are often cited as having some improvements), while others... well, let's just say you'll be intimately acquainted with your local mechanic. Remember that oil leak? Now add electrical gremlins and parts that sometimes feel like they were made from recycled beer cans.
Are all AMF Shovels bad? Absolutely not! There are gems to be found. But you'll need to do your homework. Thoroughly. And probably bring a flashlight, a multimeter, and maybe a shaman. Just in case.
The Late Shovels: '81 - '84
Okay, we're nearing the end of the line. These late-model Shovels saw some improvements – electronic ignition (hallelujah!), better charging systems, and… well, slightly better build quality. Slightly.
These are generally considered to be more reliable than their earlier brethren, but they're still Shovelheads. They still demand respect. And regular maintenance. And possibly a good therapist for the owner. Because owning a classic Harley is a commitment. A beautiful, greasy, occasionally frustrating commitment.
Bottom line? Do your research! Talk to experienced Shovelhead owners. Get a pre-purchase inspection. And most importantly, be prepared to wrench. Because even the "good" Shovelhead years will require some tinkering. But hey, isn't that part of the fun? Or at least, that's what we tell ourselves. Now, go forth and conquer...or at least, make it to the end of the block!
