How is the Harley-Davidson Panhead different from the Shovelhead? – Jalopnik

Harley-Davidson introduced the Panhead V-Twin in the fall of 1947 as a replacement for the Knucklehead engine for the upcoming 1948 model year. It would power a number of iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycles made famous in movies until 1965, but Harley-Davidson replaced it with the Shovelhead for the 1966-1984 model years. The name of the Panhead engine is descriptive of the pie-shaped valve covers, and beneath those iconic valves are Harley-Davidson’s second-generation V-Twin engines that use overhead valves. The Knucklehead, produced from 1936 to 1947, was the first.

The Panhead’s new design was intended to combat a common oil leak problem, albeit without success. It had cast aluminum cylinder heads and hydraulic valve lifters, making the engine weigh eight pounds less than its predecessor. The Panhead debuted with V-Twin displacements of 61 and 74 cubic inches. By the end of Panhead production, horsepower figures had increased from 55 to over 60 on some models.

The Shovelhead engine gets its name from valve covers that resemble old-fashioned coal shovels. It featured numerous improvements to the cylinder heads, valves and pistons, as well as Harley-Davidson’s first 12-volt electrical system. They were available in 74 and 80 cubic inch displacements, and early 74 cubic inch Shovelheads had a claimed power of 65 horsepower.

Both Panhead and Shovelhead V-Twins are highly prized among collectors. The main differences between the two engines are the design of the cylinder head and valve cover. The fact that they use older but well-tested technology adds to the reliability. However, authentic Harley-Davidson replacement parts can be difficult to obtain, and the bikes are notoriously finicky without proper maintenance. Panhead V-Twins are an older design that was improved upon with the Shovelheads, so they are slightly less refined than their successor. However, both engine types share the Knucklehead V-Twin design as a common ancestor, making them relatively reliable and easy to maintain and repair with simple tools.

Given its place in history, some believe the Shovelhead has damaged Harley-Davidson’s reputation among its loyal followers. Others point out that changes instituted by AMF mainly caused this damage. Many Harley-Davidson models of the AMF years were powered by the Shovelhead V-Twin, but AMF control of Harley-Davidson lasted from 1969 to 1981. Considering this fact, it is clear that the Shovelhead predated and outlived any AMF influence.

TwiZted Biker from the Harley-Davidson Forums claims he has “put half a million miles on the shovels” in the thirty years he has been riding it. They also say that most repairs and updates needed to correct the Shovelhead’s common problems are relatively inexpensive. Despite this, owners agree that any older Harley-Davidson V-Twin – whether Panhead or Shovelhead – can be temperamental. This isn’t helped by the fact that few people have owned a Panhead or Shovelhead since it was new. As a result, modern motorcyclists usually rely on information from experienced owners to perform proper maintenance.

The Captain America helicopter is one of the most memorable Harley-Davidsons from movies and television shows. Not the Softail ridden by Steve Rogers in “Captain America: The First Avenger,” but the red, white and blue Panhead-powered bicycle adorned with stars, stripes and chrome, ridden by Peter Fonda in the 1969 cult classic, “Easy Rider.” The film also featured another Panhead, known as the Billy Bike, ridden by Dennis Hopper as the pair headed from Los Angeles to Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Duplicates of both bikes were built for the film’s promotional tour.

There are a number of conflicting stories surrounding these motorcycles today. Ultimately, it appears that the whereabouts of the original motorcycles used during the filming of “Easy Rider” are unknown. One Captain America bike was destroyed during filming and the original Billy Bike was stolen as filming was wrapping up. Some say copies of both bikes were used for the film, while others say the duplicates came later to support the film’s promotional tour. Either way, it’s hard to say what really happened to the original Panheads that hit the big screen.

The Shovelhead was also seen on the big screen, with films such as ‘Elecra Glide in blue”And”Hell rideWhile both films featured major stars of the era such as Michael Madsen, Dennis Hopper and Robert Blake, neither were as iconic as ‘Easy Rider’.

While most Harley-Davidson enthusiasts are happy to welcome well-maintained examples of any Shovelhead into their garage, the most desirable Shovels are from the years before AMF took the reins in 1969. That leaves models from the Shovelhead’s debut in 1966 to 1969 models like the FL and FLH Electra Glide.

Avoiding AMF model years may be unnecessary as it does not mean your Shovelhead will be free from defects. Just as the Panhead design failed to cure the Knucklehead’s tendency to oil leak, the Shovelhead fared no better. However, one of the Shovelhead’s most significant upgrades came during the AMF years with the addition of Harley-Davidson’s first rubber engine mounts on the 1980 FLT Tour Glide.

If you want to ride a Harley-Davidson without worrying about untimely repairs or finicky behavior, models with Panhead or Shovelhead engines may not be the best choice. Instead, look for a newer Harley that suits your style and has a newer V-Twin engine. But if you don’t mind tinkering with an old bike and can stick to a dedicated maintenance routine, firing up one of the old bikes is sure to put a smile on your face.