1979 Harley Davidson FXE

[Jalopyshoppe]

Haha. Lower cost.

Evo is the way to build a cheap fullsize these days. Dime a dozen now.

Preach!

Yes, they really are that bad. Odd things like porous castings in rocker boxes and engine cases, shitty designed controls, really awful brakes, not good suspension (even for the era), and a host of assembly and repair procedures that are nuanced and dumb. Factory specification allows for 1 quart of oil consumption/loss every 300-500 miles. They're designed to leak oil, as part of the chain oiling function. They make sure it stays WELL oiled.
They don't balance out very well, and parts always fall off. No amount of loctite can save you. I loctite nylock nuts and they still vibrate loose. The 4 speed transmission is the quintessential agricultural gearbox that has throws longer than the engine's stroke and the shift feel of a mid 50's Mack truck.
The AMF stuff is still cheap to buy as a platform, but individual parts are no cheaper than other Harley stuff.
Evolution engines have much better build quality, better machining tolerances, better metallurgy, better reliability, more power, and will actually keep oil in. They're arguably the strongest bottom end Harley ever made. The valvetrain is limited to 6500rpm, which is the only real weakness I find.


With that rant over, I rode it tonight. Just a two mile run. After a bit of oil pumped out the crankcase vent from the engine wet sumping, everything seemed okay. It ran through all 4 gears as well as can be expected. The brakes are primitive ABS. I could not lock the front with even the heaviest of squeeze. I didn't have high hopes, anyways. The rear brake is fine. Ergos are reasonable, but I don't expect to cover many miles on this thing.
The carb still needs to be cleaned better. The enrichment circuit is stuck closed, and the accelerator pump orifice is clogged. I'll change the rear tire, sort those issues, I have to decide if I want to register it or mothball it.

 

[Jalopyshoppe]

Here's a pic.
The paint is kinda borked on the tank, but it's part for the course with the rest of the condition.

 

[1962siia]

Nicely done! And yeah that timing cover is sweet! :thumbup

 

[auntiebling]

Factory specification allows for 1 quart of oil consumption/loss every 300-500 miles.

i wonder if they learned that from porsche, or taught it to porsche?

 

[Jalopyshoppe]

i wonder if they learned that from porsche, or taught it to porsche?

Well, the Evo was a collaboration with Porsche, and it doesn't have the oil consumption issues. I'm not sure if they both just had some kind of " save the oil" revelation together or something?

 

[OldGuy]

Well, the Evo was a collaboration with Porsche, and it doesn't have the oil consumption issues.

I've never heard this before. I thought the V-Rod was the first (and only) H-D/Porsche collaboration.

Nice resuscitation, BTW. Also never knew Shovelheads were THAT bad :laughing

 

[FLH03RIDER]

... Also never knew Shovelheads were THAT bad :laughing

I wouldn't unequivocally say they are "that" bad. Like all moto's they have their issues. Just look what shows up in the Garage section.

Yeah the Shovelhead's appeared in 1966. That's just about 50 years ago and there's been a big movement forward in technological change in all aspects of motorcycle development every year, regardless of manufacture.

If the Shovel resonate with ya, go for it.

HD's involvement with Porsche actually started under AMF in the late '70's.
The NOVA project was a DOHC, 135HP, 10K RPM, liquid-cooled V4.
A little more info here:
https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/news/harley-davidson-museum-roads-not-taken/

And info pics here: https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news...king-super-cruiser-in-harley-davidsons-attic/

IMHO, if the bean counters hadn't got in the way Harley would be a completely different and better motor company.

 

[Jalopyshoppe]

I wouldn't unequivocally say they are "that" bad. Like all moto's they have their issues. Just look what shows up in the Garage section.

Yeah the Shovelhead's appeared in 1970. That's just about 50 years ago and there's been a big movement forward in technological change in all aspects of motorcycle development every year, regardless of manufacture.

If the Shovel resonate with ya, go for it.

HD's involvement with Porsche actually started under AMF in the late '70's.
The NOVA project was a DOHC, 135HP, 10K RPM, liquid-cooled V4.
A little more info here:
https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/news/harley-davidson-museum-roads-not-taken/

And info pics here: https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news...king-super-cruiser-in-harley-davidsons-attic/

IMHO, if the bean counters hadn't got in the way Harley would be a completely different and better motor company.

I think 66 was the first year of the Shovel, using generator cases. In 1970, the cone Shovel came out, with a much better charging and timing system.

For me, it's hard to reconcile the quality, power, and reliability difference between a 1970 Honda CB750 vs a 1970 Shovelhead. The Honda is orders of magnitude better. Honda managed crankcase ventilation much better, which has also been managed by cars of the same era. Road draft tubes went away in the early 60's, and Harley carried them into 1981. Honda's engines last longer, make more power, and run smoother. The transmission shifts better, needs less adjustment, and does a better job.

The Nova was such a cool concept, and it did give us the FXR, so the project wasn't a waste...

I don't see bean counters as the issue as much as the Davidson family. Throughout the 60's, the family was sucking all the profits it could out of the company. Motorcycles had to make 3 trips on an elevator before assembly was completed. Parts were bought in quantities to build ten years of bikes, not allowing for updates to many vital components despite them being outdated at the time of purchase. The company was using cutting edge 1930's assembly techniques in the 60's. When AMF bought in and injected the cash they did, it was a miracle. The company should have gone under. They basically flailed around and hemmoraged money for those years. When AMF decided to amputate, the people who bought the company just stepped in and soaked up the glory.

Think of Shovelheads as a highly tuned 1930's race engine, and you'll be impressed. Think of it as a 1970's motorcycle, and it's kind of a joke.

This engine has 40k miles on it, and has had the heads off it twice that I know of. The bottom end doesn't have much life left in it, and I expect to do rings and a complete head service soon.

While a 40k mile CB750 won't be perfect, I doubt it will be on its third set of rings

 

[Jalopyshoppe]

Here it is. New tires, re-packed and sealed wheel bearings, properly tuned and cleaned carb, fresh fluids, ready to ride.
Cheers, Metz. Glad to get to know you.

 

[FLH03RIDER]

Correct --> "I think 66 was the first year of the Shovel, using generator cases. In 1970, the cone Shovel came out, with a much better charging and timing system."

I was thinking the later alternator engines - 1970. Here's the cover I made for my '72 back in 1972.

 

[cheez]

Here it is. New tires, re-packed and sealed wheel bearings, properly tuned and cleaned carb, fresh fluids, ready to ride.
Cheers, Metz. Glad to get to know you.

Kudos, brother. Well done.

 

[295566]

Here it is. New tires, re-packed and sealed wheel bearings, properly tuned and cleaned carb, fresh fluids, ready to ride.
Cheers, Metz. Glad to get to know you.

Is that Nikka from the barrel?

American bikes so bad they drove you to Japanese whiskey? :laughing

 

[FLH03RIDER]

Come on now... With the history behind that Shovel and all the time and effort (aka Love) you put into it you know deep down it holds a warm spot in yer heart! And if/when you sell it you'll be thinking: "Damn, that 'ol Shovel was actually a cool old bike"!

Here's mine, 1980 Sturgis, bought it new and yes it actually has been ridden to Sturgis several times. Got moved to a warm comfy spot while I'm working on another project.
I need a bigger garage!!! :laughing

 

[Jalopyshoppe]

Correct --> "I think 66 was the first year of the Shovel, using generator cases. In 1970, the cone Shovel came out, with a much better charging and timing system."

I was thinking the later alternator engines - 1970. Here's the cover I made for my '72 back in 1972.

When they tried to switch to cc's instead of ci's! That's really cool that you still have that.

 

[Jalopyshoppe]

Kudos, brother. Well done.

Thanks man. You'll have to ride it sometime.

 

[Jalopyshoppe]

Is that Nikka from the barrel?

American bikes so bad they drove you to Japanese whiskey? :laughing

It is Nikka from the Barrel. I may have been a fan of Japanese whiskey before working on the bike, but this experience certainly bolstered my enthusiasm. Metz was a Jack Daniels guy, but I don't keep that around.

 

[Jalopyshoppe]

Come on now... With the history behind that Shovel and all the time and effort (aka Love) you put into it you know deep down it holds a warm spot in yer heart! And if/when you sell it you'll be thinking: "Damn, that 'ol Shovel was actually a cool old bike"!

Here's mine, 1980 Sturgis, bought it new and yes it actually has been ridden to Sturgis several times. Got moved to a warm comfy spot while I'm working on another project.
I need a bigger garage!!! :laughing

I'm a bit torn about the bike. I appreciate the sentimental value of it, and I definitely feel attached to getting to know someone who meant so much to my dad. The rear head gasket is sleeping a little oil, and I mentioned that to my dad on the phone. He referenced doing the heads and valve guides on this bike when he and Metz got back from Sturgis. In 1983. I was also having issues with the accelerator pump (the spring was installed incorrectly), and my dad remembered how happy Metz was when he put that S&S carb on. Getting insight into my father's life outside of me and the things I know of him has been really eye opening. I see his relationship with Metz has parallels with my hellraising friends of my 20's. We're much more alike than I thought.

The bike itself is one of 9 Shovels that I've owned or been part of over my life. I have a tattoo of the tank emblem from my dad's 76 FLH. That bike has a lot of stories attached. But none of them are bikes I want to ride anymore. This sounds cynical, but I don't want more breakdown stories or memories of overcoming adversity roadside. I love riding motorcycles, but I'm really enjoying the experiences of my destinations and the conversations and emotions that come with the travel. Having one saddlebag dedicated to tools seems like a terrible idea to me anymore. Eric Buell changed my life when I rode my S3T to Milwaukee in 2013. That bike was flawless for the whole trip, while that 76 FLH required everything from constant timing adjustments to rethreading of the exhaust ports. The frame flexed bad enough over a pothole to pull the coil wire apart. I'm too old for that shit.

Your Sturgis is downright beautiful. Congratulations. Those bikes are so cool for so many reasons. That dual belt drive is so neat, and that look is timeless. You may need a bigger garage, but that looks like a fine storage place to me.

 

[OldGuy]

HD's involvement with Porsche actually started under AMF in the late '70's.
The NOVA project was a DOHC, 135HP, 10K RPM, liquid-cooled V4.
A little more info here:
https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/news/harley-davidson-museum-roads-not-taken/

Great link, with great pics! What could've been. I'm especially intrigued by the mid-'70s OHC Sportster... that could've been a game changer, while not competing directly with the Japanese.

I don't want more breakdown stories or memories of overcoming adversity roadside. I love riding motorcycles, but I'm really enjoying the experiences of my destinations and the conversations and emotions that come with the travel. Having one saddlebag dedicated to tools seems like a terrible idea to me anymore. Eric Buell changed my life when I rode my S3T to Milwaukee in 2013. That bike was flawless for the whole trip, while that 76 FLH required everything from constant timing adjustments to rethreading of the exhaust ports. The frame flexed bad enough over a pothole to pull the coil wire apart. I'm too old for that shit.

I totally get this. I've always had vintage bikes, 'cause, well, you know, the good old days. And the styling, but that's subjective. Was looking to buy/build a street tracker, and then Triumph came out with the Street Twin. Oh, man... SO much better than any vintage twin I've owned. It handles, it stops, it doesn't vibrate, and it never stalls after sitting at a long light. Had to dial in the ergos, since I'm considerably over 5'6", but I've finally realized that advancement in technology is good :laughing

 

[auntiebling]

This thread is awesome. Had no idea Porsche and HD had a relationship prior to the Vrod, and thanks to the link I know that HD was an aerospace company as well even if the majority of their products ended up as smoldering debris (just like their bikes!hahahaha)

 

[Jalopyshoppe]

Gratuitous posed photo, anyone?
It starts on the first kick when cold now, and smokes for about 3 minutes straight. The valve guides are definitely shot. Between that and the sleeping rear head gasket, I'll need to pull the heads eventually.
I'm planning a revamp of my FXR (it's too new to post here), and was thinking of swapping the insurance onto this bike while the FXR is down.