Harley Davidson 1983 Shovelhead Reviews?

Question

I'm thinking of purchasing a 1983 H.D. Shovelhead through a dealer. Just wondering if there are any known problems with the bike?

Answer 1

Crash hit it right. I just sold an 83 flht. it was a 5 speed. I would stay away from a rubber mount 5-speed shovelhead,because so many of the drive train parts are 'obsolete'. very difficult to get parts for. but a 1983 fourspeed model is a great bike.I Hope to never sell my 1978 fxs.Just remember it is 25 years old and who knows how many mechanics have been into it.if it is mostly stock thats a good thing. a bunch of aftermarket parts ,and you never know your getting into.

Answer 2

I agree with crash good bike, but not as good as the evo motor

so if you're not mechanically inclined i'd get a bike with an evo motor     (less maintenance)

Answer 3

82 & 83 were the best years for shovels.they were the first years after harley management bought the company back from amf & quality control & inspection were their first priorities.   some models had 5 speed transmissions & the rubber isolated engine & drive train (fxr,fxrt & I believe the flt).

they had the same off set rods & improved lower end as the later evos.

on the negative side, they are prone to leak oil around the inner primary as the big engine o ring & many oil hoses & fittings age and wear out. (they still circulated engine oil through the primary).

the hydralic valve lifters are not as good as the evo's & a high milage shovel may need the lifters replaced.

other than that they were pretty dependable if left stock. if you hop one up & increase the horse power more than about 15 or 20% you had better enjoy tinkering with it every week end &  checking for loose or missing bolts after every long trip.

the after market has improved gaskets & seals that are much better than what it had originally 25 years ago. like the blue silicone push rod seals & "james" metal base gaskets.

some of us grey beards still run shovels but most of us will admit the evo was a lot better & a big improvement( at least on the internet where no one knows us)

EDIT- the rubber mounted models all should have an after market torque arm put on the right side, it prevents breakage of the motor to transmission bracket & primary bolts and ears.