[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Harley Davidson Model Question (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 12/20/2015 10:38:19 AM EDT
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I have a line on a 1984 Harley. I have very little information at this point, and the owner is incommunicado right now. I am getting this information via my Wife. I is supposedly a 1984 and it was the last year they made that model. I have been searching the web but cannot find information...so far on what models were discontinued in 1984 Any of you guys have some ideas on that model? |
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Quoted: Most mid 80s HDs aren't old and cool, they're just old junk. Before you buy, ask yourself do you want to ride it or work on it. Both can be fun, but be serious with yourself about the answer. Harley parts are all over the place and I want an older one to customize it the way I want it to look. We'll see when I get more info. |
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Why? You like leaky engines that are short on power? I am guessing there is no picture? Quoted:
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She doesn't think it is a Sportster........but you know womenz and technical info!!......lol! If it's a shovel , I will trade my Son for it!!......lol Why? You like leaky engines that are short on power? I am guessing there is no picture? You're a dumbass who probably has a turn key bike that goes to the shop for all it maintenance. 84 was the last year of the shovelhead and they're good engines if you know how to work on engines and if you rebuild it right they can be very reliable. My uncle has an 81 fx( i think its an s cant remember) and its the funnest bike I have ever rode. No electric start just a kick starter and it fires third kick everytime ( unless its hot then it only takes one) also it doesn't leak oil! Last time she dino'd at 125mph and right around 90 horses. Not bad for an old shovel and not to mention the old school cool factor. Have someone that knows WTF they're looking check it over before you buy it. |
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You're a dumbass who probably has a turn key bike that goes to the shop for all it maintenance. 84 was the last year of the shovelhead and they're good engines if you know how to work on engines and if you rebuild it right they can be very reliable. My uncle has an 81 fx( i think its an s cant remember) and its the funnest bike I have ever rode. No electric start just a kick starter and it fires third kick everytime ( unless its hot then it only takes one) also it doesn't leak oil! Last time she dino'd at 125mph and right around 90 horses. Not bad for an old shovel and not to mention the old school cool factor. Have someone that knows WTF they're looking check it over before you buy it. Way to make it personal. Only in Harley land is a "turn-key" bike a bad thing. If you're stuck on some Guatemalen back-road you sure as fuck want a turn-key bike that starts & runs reliably on the first ignition and doesn't require a lot of fucking around with to work. Misery loves company I guess. |
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Way to make it personal. Only in Harley land is a "turn-key" bike a bad thing. If you're stuck on some Guatemalen back-road you sure as fuck want a turn-key bike that starts & runs reliably on the first ignition and doesn't require a lot of fucking around with to work. Misery loves company I guess. Quoted:
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You're a dumbass who probably has a turn key bike that goes to the shop for all it maintenance. 84 was the last year of the shovelhead and they're good engines if you know how to work on engines and if you rebuild it right they can be very reliable. My uncle has an 81 fx( i think its an s cant remember) and its the funnest bike I have ever rode. No electric start just a kick starter and it fires third kick everytime ( unless its hot then it only takes one) also it doesn't leak oil! Last time she dino'd at 125mph and right around 90 horses. Not bad for an old shovel and not to mention the old school cool factor. Have someone that knows WTF they're looking check it over before you buy it. Way to make it personal. Only in Harley land is a "turn-key" bike a bad thing. If you're stuck on some Guatemalen back-road you sure as fuck want a turn-key bike that starts & runs reliably on the first ignition and doesn't require a lot of fucking around with to work. Misery loves company I guess. Join date + post count ÷ ridiculous Shovel head HP claim = 87×  '15er
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Quoted: You're a dumbass who probably has a turn key bike that goes to the shop for all it maintenance. 84 was the last year of the shovelhead and they're good engines if you know how to work on engines and if you rebuild it right they can be very reliable. My uncle has an 81 fx( i think its an s cant remember) and its the funnest bike I have ever rode. No electric start just a kick starter and it fires third kick everytime ( unless its hot then it only takes one) also it doesn't leak oil! Last time she dino'd at 125mph and right around 90 horses. Not bad for an old shovel and not to mention the old school cool factor. Have someone that knows WTF they're looking check it over before you buy it. Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: She doesn't think it is a Sportster........but you know womenz and technical info!!......lol! If it's a shovel , I will trade my Son for it!!......lol Why? You like leaky engines that are short on power? I am guessing there is no picture? You're a dumbass who probably has a turn key bike that goes to the shop for all it maintenance. 84 was the last year of the shovelhead and they're good engines if you know how to work on engines and if you rebuild it right they can be very reliable. My uncle has an 81 fx( i think its an s cant remember) and its the funnest bike I have ever rode. No electric start just a kick starter and it fires third kick everytime ( unless its hot then it only takes one) also it doesn't leak oil! Last time she dino'd at 125mph and right around 90 horses. Not bad for an old shovel and not to mention the old school cool factor. Have someone that knows WTF they're looking check it over before you buy it. |
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Quoted:
You're a dumbass who probably has a turn key bike that goes to the shop for all it maintenance. 84 was the last year of the shovelhead and they're good engines if you know how to work on engines and if you rebuild it right they can be very reliable. My uncle has an 81 fx( i think its an s cant remember) and its the funnest bike I have ever rode. No electric start just a kick starter and it fires third kick everytime ( unless its hot then it only takes one) also it doesn't leak oil! Last time she dino'd at 125mph and right around 90 horses. Not bad for an old shovel and not to mention the old school cool factor. Have someone that knows WTF they're looking check it over before you buy it. Quoted:
Quoted:
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She doesn't think it is a Sportster........but you know womenz and technical info!!......lol! If it's a shovel , I will trade my Son for it!!......lol Why? You like leaky engines that are short on power? I am guessing there is no picture? You're a dumbass who probably has a turn key bike that goes to the shop for all it maintenance. 84 was the last year of the shovelhead and they're good engines if you know how to work on engines and if you rebuild it right they can be very reliable. My uncle has an 81 fx( i think its an s cant remember) and its the funnest bike I have ever rode. No electric start just a kick starter and it fires third kick everytime ( unless its hot then it only takes one) also it doesn't leak oil! Last time she dino'd at 125mph and right around 90 horses. Not bad for an old shovel and not to mention the old school cool factor. Have someone that knows WTF they're looking check it over before you buy it. Calm down junior! I've been called a dumbass lotsa times. But if you want to make the argument that AMF shovelheads are good engines, that don't leak, I think more people would put that title on you. Its true that you can usually take a factory shovel, machine it, rebuild it and finally massage it into a decent engine, but that's a lot of work for something that is not something really special. |
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I'm a maintenance mechanic and not afraid to get my hands dirty, the Vulcan has never been in the shop except one time for tire change and yearly for inspection. I take the rims to the shop for them to swap the rubber but remove and install them on the bike. I've ridden in weather that would make a duck hunker down.....and as far as the "dumb ass" comment.....................get the fuck out of my thread if you can't be civil! ETA: She now thinks it may be a Sporty.....but the particular version may have ended in 84.............lol |
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The Vulcan has been a great bike, no real problems at all But parts are expensive and getting hard to find. Not a whole lot out there for aftermarket parts, but a lot more than their used to be. She is 20 years old now and I have always wanted a Harley, You can get tons of parts and after market add on's are everywhere. Even if this is a Sporty, hopefully a 1200, it would still be a good bike to work on and have fun! |
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A lot of nostalgia with the Shovelhead...but yea, that is the engine that gave Harleys the oil leaking reputation. Because the older Harley's like the VLs with their total loss oil systems didn't leak a drop. Harley had a rep for "marking their spot" long before the first shovel was built. |
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A lot of nostalgia with the Shovelhead...but yea, that is the engine that gave Harleys the oil leaking reputation. A SHOVELHEAD? If you're not a mechanic, you WILL be this time next Christmas. 
Been there, done that. Got the oil stains up the backs of all my shirts to prove it. (Why so you think Harley riders all wore black t-shirts?) |
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if it a old shovel , well like other stated she alittle different kinda rough around all the edges
but it will teach you alot , like a marriage you learn to Love the bitch .. 1983 FXSB this was my last Shovel my back couldnt take it anymore after getting hurt on a jobsite , but i have thousands of miles on a shovels and panheads . these days it's all comfort with a windshield and stereo . TS2 
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Quoted: if it a old shovel , well like other stated she alittle different kinda rough around all the edges but it will teach you alot , like a marriage you learn to Love the bitch .. 1983 FXSB this was my last Shovel my back couldnt take it anymore after getting hurt on a jobsite , but i have thousands of miles on a shovels and panheads . these days it's all comfort with a windshield and stereo . TS2 http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b221/bluevtx/83FXSB/2006_021211-23-Harley0029.jpg I made a list of questions, so that I can do some more research on line. |
Your info on the shovel for sale is pretty sparse, OP. Maybe share some photos. Also how many miles are on the engine and the asking price. Shovels were good for 20K before a rebuild at best. Finding a competent shop to rebuild and balance a lower end is getting pretty hard to find these days. I wait for pics and more info.
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OK, the "extra" information I received today! Late 84 to early 85 Sporty 1000 Not bored but been honed with new rings and gaskets. Ironhead Aluminum Arlen Ness rims Fenders ar Indian look a likes Fat Bob tanks with dual fill I don't have mileage, but he is asking 4K and supposedly his neighbor is also interested. It doesn't sound like that good a deal now that I have more info It may be sitting on the rims and I don't know how long it has been since it was last fired up or taken for a ride. My first instinct is to say, never mind , I'll look around. |
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OK, the "extra" information I received today! Late 84 to early 85 Sporty 1000 Not bored but been honed with new rings and gaskets. Ironhead Aluminum Arlen Ness rims Fenders ar Indian look a likes Fat Bob tanks with dual fill I don't have mileage, but he is asking 4K and supposedly his neighbor is also interested. It doesn't sound like that good a deal now that I have more info It may be sitting on the rims and I don't know how long it has been since it was last fired up or taken for a ride. My first instinct is to say, never mind , I'll look around. Meh, I'd probably pass unless it's in excellent condition. I just sold my '02 1200 last year for $4000. I'd pay that for a near stock XR1000 though. 
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OK, the "extra" information I received today! Late 84 to early 85 Sporty 1000 Not bored but been honed with new rings and gaskets. Ironhead Aluminum Arlen Ness rims Fenders ar Indian look a likes Fat Bob tanks with dual fill I don't have mileage, but he is asking 4K and supposedly his neighbor is also interested. It doesn't sound like that good a deal now that I have more info It may be sitting on the rims and I don't know how long it has been since it was last fired up or taken for a ride. My first instinct is to say, never mind , I'll look around. Ironhead Sportsters are paintshakers. They're still cool, though. |
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Quoted: A lot of nostalgia with the Shovelhead...but yea, that is the engine that gave Harleys the oil leaking reputation. HD got the oil leak reputation from having a total loss primary chain oil system which dripped engine oil through a crankcase breather onto the primary chain and then let it drip out so it wouldn't fill up the chaincase and ruin the dry clutch. That system was in place a long time before the Shovelhead existed. I used to laugh at the looks on people's faces they'd tell me that my Panhead was leaking oil and I'd respond with "It's supposed to". The late electric start Panheads and early Shovelheads were one of the first models designed to solve that problem, and they did so by pumping the primary chaincase oil back into the oil tank, which had the unfortunate side effect of shortening engine life. The solution for that was to prevent it from being pumped back and either let it drip out or to seal it completely and change the oil when it got too dirty. I saw as many of the former fixes as I did the latter. Eventually the solution was a belt instead of a chain. |
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Wasn't 1984 the last year of the 4-speed/kick-starter transmissions? They deleted the kick option and added a 5th gear in '85, if I remember correctly. I had an '80 FXS Low Rider. It was 80 CI with a 5 speed and a kick starter. Beautiful machine, but punishing to ride. It was in constant self destruct mode. I always thought it was funny the metric bikes came with a tool kit they never used. The Harley didn't come with tools, and I needed them every time I got off the damned thing. Something was ALWAYS vibrating loose. Including the plates in the battery. I was left on the side of the road twice because of that... 
ETA: Spelling... |
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OK, the "extra" information I received today! Late 84 to early 85 Sporty 1000 Not bored but been honed with new rings and gaskets. Ironhead Aluminum Arlen Ness rims Fenders ar Indian look a likes Fat Bob tanks with dual fill I don't have mileage, but he is asking 4K and supposedly his neighbor is also interested. It doesn't sound like that good a deal now that I have more info It may be sitting on the rims and I don't know how long it has been since it was last fired up or taken for a ride. My first instinct is to say, never mind , I'll look around. Bummer, I was hoping for pics of the Shovelhead that has been sitting in a basement for 20+ years that you just bought. Your first instinct is correct. It might be a fun project, but it's not a good deal at $4K. That's about what I sold my last Ironhead for and it was ready to ride anywhere, granted that was 6 or 7 years ago. |
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Whether or not it's a shovel or an ironhead sporty, you need to ask yourself a serious question: Do you enjoy working on motorcycles?
If the answer is anything other than a resounding "Fuck yeah!" then just walk away. This isn't your bike. My first HD was an '84 FL, second was an '81 ironhead Sportster. Both great bikes that I ended up making look great and running well, and neither of which I would've trusted to ride farther away from a phone than I could walk. |
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OK, the "extra" information I received today! Late 84 to early 85 Sporty 1000 Not bored but been honed with new rings and gaskets. Ironhead Aluminum Arlen Ness rims Fenders ar Indian look a likes Fat Bob tanks with dual fill I don't have mileage, but he is asking 4K and supposedly his neighbor is also interested. It doesn't sound like that good a deal now that I have more info It may be sitting on the rims and I don't know how long it has been since it was last fired up or taken for a ride. My first instinct is to say, never mind , I'll look around. I'd walk. You can get Evo 1200 Sportsters in great running condition for that price. |
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OK, the "extra" information I received today! Late 84 to early 85 Sporty 1000 Not bored but been honed with new rings and gaskets. Ironhead Aluminum Arlen Ness rims Fenders ar Indian look a likes Fat Bob tanks with dual fill I don't have mileage, but he is asking 4K and supposedly his neighbor is also interested. It doesn't sound like that good a deal now that I have more info It may be sitting on the rims and I don't know how long it has been since it was last fired up or taken for a ride. My first instinct is to say, never mind , I'll look around. Your instinct is correct. I had a Ironhead Sporty. I spent more time wrenching it than riding it. The newer HD's are so much better. And that is way overpriced unless it is something rare. |
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You're a dumbass who probably has a turn key bike that goes to the shop for all it maintenance. 84 was the last year of the shovelhead and they're good engines if you know how to work on engines and if you rebuild it right they can be very reliable. My uncle has an 81 fx( i think its an s cant remember) and its the funnest bike I have ever rode. No electric start just a kick starter and it fires third kick everytime ( unless its hot then it only takes one) also it doesn't leak oil! Last time she dino'd at 125mph and right around 90 horses. Not bad for an old shovel and not to mention the old school cool factor. Have someone that knows WTF they're looking check it over before you buy it. Quoted:
Quoted:
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She doesn't think it is a Sportster........but you know womenz and technical info!!......lol! If it's a shovel , I will trade my Son for it!!......lol Why? You like leaky engines that are short on power? I am guessing there is no picture? You're a dumbass who probably has a turn key bike that goes to the shop for all it maintenance. 84 was the last year of the shovelhead and they're good engines if you know how to work on engines and if you rebuild it right they can be very reliable. My uncle has an 81 fx( i think its an s cant remember) and its the funnest bike I have ever rode. No electric start just a kick starter and it fires third kick everytime ( unless its hot then it only takes one) also it doesn't leak oil! Last time she dino'd at 125mph and right around 90 horses. Not bad for an old shovel and not to mention the old school cool factor. Have someone that knows WTF they're looking check it over before you buy it. 1200cc to make 90hp? You're right, that's a "dino" alright. My 650cc Vtwin makes 75hp stock using the cheapest of 1990s tech! |
| Run, don't walk away! You can find like new 07 and up rubber mounted/ fuel injected Sportys for not much more that will be way more comfortable, faster, and dead reliable for years to come. One example of thousands! https://jacksontn.craigslist.org/mcd/5368174008.html |
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1200cc to make 90hp? You're right, that's a "dino" alright. My 650cc Vtwin makes 75hp stock using the cheapest of 1990s tech! Quoted:
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She doesn't think it is a Sportster........but you know womenz and technical info!!......lol! If it's a shovel , I will trade my Son for it!!......lol Why? You like leaky engines that are short on power? I am guessing there is no picture? You're a dumbass who probably has a turn key bike that goes to the shop for all it maintenance. 84 was the last year of the shovelhead and they're good engines if you know how to work on engines and if you rebuild it right they can be very reliable. My uncle has an 81 fx( i think its an s cant remember) and its the funnest bike I have ever rode. No electric start just a kick starter and it fires third kick everytime ( unless its hot then it only takes one) also it doesn't leak oil! Last time she dino'd at 125mph and right around 90 horses. Not bad for an old shovel and not to mention the old school cool factor. Have someone that knows WTF they're looking check it over before you buy it. 1200cc to make 90hp? You're right, that's a "dino" alright. My 650cc Vtwin makes 75hp stock using the cheapest of 1990s tech! 90's tech is a little bit more advanced than 60's tech, but cc per HP is still one of the most useless things to measure on a street bike. I'll take my FXEF over an old metric bike any day. I still haven't found a 30+ year old bike that didn't need work from time to time, and it's a lot cheaper and easier for me to find parts for the Harley. You'll be working on it regardless of what you buy at that age. |
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OK, the "extra" information I received today! Late 84 to early 85 Sporty 1000 Not bored but been honed with new rings and gaskets. Ironhead Aluminum Arlen Ness rims Fenders ar Indian look a likes Fat Bob tanks with dual fill I don't have mileage, but he is asking 4K and supposedly his neighbor is also interested. It doesn't sound like that good a deal now that I have more info It may be sitting on the rims and I don't know how long it has been since it was last fired up or taken for a ride. My first instinct is to say, never mind , I'll look around. Trust your instincts. That thing aint even worth $4K in Canuck bucks. |
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You're a dumbass who probably has a turn key bike that goes to the shop for all it maintenance. 84 was the last year of the shovelhead and they're good engines if you know how to work on engines and if you rebuild it right they can be very reliable. My uncle has an 81 fx( i think its an s cant remember) and its the funnest bike I have ever rode. No electric start just a kick starter and it fires third kick everytime ( unless its hot then it only takes one) also it doesn't leak oil! Last time she dino'd at 125mph and right around 90 horses. Not bad for an old shovel and not to mention the old school cool factor. Have someone that knows WTF they're looking check it over before you buy it. Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
She doesn't think it is a Sportster........but you know womenz and technical info!!......lol! If it's a shovel , I will trade my Son for it!!......lol Why? You like leaky engines that are short on power? I am guessing there is no picture? You're a dumbass who probably has a turn key bike that goes to the shop for all it maintenance. 84 was the last year of the shovelhead and they're good engines if you know how to work on engines and if you rebuild it right they can be very reliable. My uncle has an 81 fx( i think its an s cant remember) and its the funnest bike I have ever rode. No electric start just a kick starter and it fires third kick everytime ( unless its hot then it only takes one) also it doesn't leak oil! Last time she dino'd at 125mph and right around 90 horses. Not bad for an old shovel and not to mention the old school cool factor. Have someone that knows WTF they're looking check it over before you buy it. Dang, dyno's on treadmills .... What next? |
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Quoted: OK, the "extra" information I received today! Late 84 to early 85 Sporty 1000 Not bored but been honed with new rings and gaskets. Ironhead Aluminum Arlen Ness rims Fenders ar Indian look a likes Fat Bob tanks with dual fill I don't have mileage, but he is asking 4K and supposedly his neighbor is also interested. It doesn't sound like that good a deal now that I have more info It may be sitting on the rims and I don't know how long it has been since it was last fired up or taken for a ride. My first instinct is to say, never mind , I'll look around. |
