1966 Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead
The 1966 1966 Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead is a 1207cc twin-cylinder touring motorcycle that became one of Harley-Davidson's most memorable motorcycles of the 1960s.
Specifications
Engine
- Type
- OHV V-twin Shovelhead
- Displacement
- 1207 cc
- Cylinders
- 2
- Power
- 60 hp @ 5400 rpm
- Torque
- 95.0 Nm
- Compression
- —
- Bore × Stroke
- 87.3 × 100.8 mm
- Cooling
- Air-cooled
- Fuel System
- Linkert carburetor
Chassis & Transmission
- Frame
- Steel double loop
- Front Suspension
- Telescopic fork
- Rear Suspension
- Twin shock
- Front Brake
- Drum
- Rear Brake
- Drum
- Front Tyre
- —
- Rear Tyre
- —
- Transmission
- 4-speed
- Final Drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top Speed
- 155 km/h (96 mph)
- ¼ Mile
- —
Dimensions & Weight
- Dry Weight
- 320 kg (705 lbs)
- Wet Weight
- 345 kg (761 lbs)
- Seat Height
- 690 mm
- Wheelbase
- 1550 mm
- Ground Clearance
- —
- Fuel Capacity
- 19.0 L
History & Story
In 1966, Harley-Davidson launched the 1966 Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead — a touring motorcycle that would come to define an era of motorcycling. Hailing from United States, it combined United States engineering with touring motorcycle appeal.
At the heart of the 1966 Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead sits a 1207cc OHV V-twin Shovelhead engine producing 60 horsepower at 5400 rpm. The twin-cylinder powerplant features a twin-cylinder layout with air-cooled cooling, fed by Linkert carburetor. Power reaches the rear wheel through a 4-speed transmission and chain final drive.
The chassis employs a steel double loop frame with telescopic fork up front and twin shock at the rear. Stopping power comes from drum front and drum rear brakes. Tipping the scales at 320 kg (705 lbs) dry, the 1966 Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead offers a manageable riding experience with a 1550 mm wheelbase.
Performance-wise, the 1966 Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead achieves a claimed top speed of 155 km/h (96 mph). With a generous fuel capacity of 19.0 liters, it offers reasonable range for touring motorcycle duties. The seat height of 690 mm makes it accessible for most riders.
Today, the 1966 Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead is considered a respected classic that attracts serious collector interest and continues to appreciate. Parts availability is rated as good, making ownership relatively straightforward. It remains an icon of Harley-Davidson motorcycling from 1960s.
At the heart of the 1966 Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead sits a 1207cc OHV V-twin Shovelhead engine producing 60 horsepower at 5400 rpm. The twin-cylinder powerplant features a twin-cylinder layout with air-cooled cooling, fed by Linkert carburetor. Power reaches the rear wheel through a 4-speed transmission and chain final drive.
The chassis employs a steel double loop frame with telescopic fork up front and twin shock at the rear. Stopping power comes from drum front and drum rear brakes. Tipping the scales at 320 kg (705 lbs) dry, the 1966 Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead offers a manageable riding experience with a 1550 mm wheelbase.
Performance-wise, the 1966 Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead achieves a claimed top speed of 155 km/h (96 mph). With a generous fuel capacity of 19.0 liters, it offers reasonable range for touring motorcycle duties. The seat height of 690 mm makes it accessible for most riders.
Today, the 1966 Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead is considered a respected classic that attracts serious collector interest and continues to appreciate. Parts availability is rated as good, making ownership relatively straightforward. It remains an icon of Harley-Davidson motorcycling from 1960s.
Known Issues
- Oil leaks considered normal on vintage models
- Generator and voltage regulator issues
- Head gasket seepage
- Rocker box oil leaks
- Primary chain tensioner adjustment
Fun Facts
- The 1966 Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead was one of the largest-displacement motorcycles of its era
- The 1966 Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead was produced in Harley-Davidson's United States facilities
- The 1966 Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead featured a steel double loop frame typical of 1960s design philosophy
Collector Information
- Parts Availability
- Good
- Collector Rating
- 7/10
Resources & Parts
Find 1966 Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead Parts on eBay
Search eBay Motors for parts, accessories and restoration supplies
Haynes Manual for Harley-Davidson
Workshop manuals, service guides and technical references
Insure Your Classic Harley-Davidson
Specialist classic motorcycle insurance from Hagerty
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