Why did the Harley Davidson shovelhead get an electric starter?

Why did the Harley Davidson shovelhead get an electric starter?

The Harley engineering department had always been ploddingly methodical, taking care of problems as they arose, never rushing to be the firstest with the mostest. As the Pan got heavier with changes in suspension and the addition of an electric starter, the factory decision to increase power was in order.

What kind of starter do I need for a Harley Davidson?

New DB Electrical SHD0004 Starter Compatible With/Replacement For Harley-Davidson XL 1200 Sportster 1990-2003, XL 1200C Sportster Custom 1996-2019, XL 1200CA Sportster Custom Ltd. A 2013-2016 18477N . Only 10 left in stock (more on the way).

What was the first custom Harley Davidson motorcycle?

Good because young Willie G., the grandson of H-D founder William A. Davidson, took charge of the styling department and designed the factory’s first “custom” motorcycle, the 1971 FX Super Glide, essentially a Shovel FLH with a Sportster front end.

Why did Harley Davidson stop making pushrod motorcycles?

The AMF futurists began a program to build a motorcycle that would compete with the Japanese, while the Harley traditionalists wanted to continue developing the pushrod V-twin. The quality of Harley motorcycles deteriorated in the late 1970s, which management blamed on disaffected employees—sales drooped.

The Harley engineering department had always been ploddingly methodical, taking care of problems as they arose, never rushing to be the firstest with the mostest. As the Pan got heavier with changes in suspension and the addition of an electric starter, the factory decision to increase power was in order.

What was the horsepower of a Harley Davidson shovelhead?

The FLH engine, the hotter version, was rated at 60 horses at 5,500 rpm. The head was the only really new piece to this motor, as the company kept the iron barrels and bottom end of the previous Pan, as well as the generator.

When did the Low Rider Shovelhead come out?

In 1977 the Low Rider appeared, another sales hit. 1978 Harley-Davidson 74-inch FLH Shovelhead. The bagger types (those who liked the King of the Highway touring package, with batwing fairing and saddlebags) still had their FLHs, but now the market was expanding. Slowly. Too slowly, for the likes of AMF.

What kind of gear does a shovel have?

The Shovel got a bad rap in the 1970s, but is now considered quite desirable. This one in the photos is decked out with a lot of Harley chrome accessories, from luggage rack to disc guard, and a Corbin saddle and Big Bertha saddlebags.