Shovel Sturgis - Harley Forum

Buzz Kanter · #1 08-05-2007, 09:19 PM

I am in the middle of negotiating to possibly buy one of the original Sturgis Shovelheads - the black beauty with red rim wheels. Looks about 85-90% correct and original. Could be a cool project to restore and follow in American Iron Magazine, we'll see.

This was the first Harley with dual belts (primary and drive) and even the engineers didn't know how long the belts would hold up. Who know they were good for at least 60,000 miles?

Anyone here have any experience with the old Sturgis?

BaggerDad · #2 08-06-2007, 01:10 PM

Good luck buying it. I've always admired the look of that model - very clean and sexy.

I'd vote for a restoration - not rustoration - of an original Sturgis shovel for the magazine.

47knuck · #3 08-07-2007, 12:28 PM

I'm not sure, but was that the only Harley with a factory belt primary?

#4 08-07-2007, 03:43 PM

Yes, 47knuck, the Shovelhead Sturgis was the only Harley with a factory belt primary.

#5 08-08-2007, 12:13 AM

That will be a damn nice addition to your garage Buzz! That is one of my favorite Harley's of all time. I ride an '80 FXWG and I love the old iron. Nothing sounds better than a shovel.

#6 08-08-2007, 02:10 AM

This sounds like an excellent idea!
One of the first Big Twins I ever worked on was an 80 Sturgis.
As I own and very soon will be riding an 80 FXEF, The whole 1980 thing strikes a chord with me...

#7 09-06-2007, 04:09 AM

When I bought my 83FXWG I had a choice between a regular FXWG and an FXWG with a belt primary and if not mistaken a rear belt. The Fxwg with the belts was blacked out like the Night Train in a dark brown. I considered it but wasn't shure about belts. Bought the stock FXWG and I'm still riding it. I've converted it to a Rivera ProClutch and Primo belt primary. Wish I could have had the forsight to buy the belt driven FXWG. Just my 2 cent.
Jeb

Doug92857 · #8 12-11-2007, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jebhd

When I bought my 83FXWG I had a choice between a regular FXWG and an FXWG with a belt primary and if not mistaken a rear belt. The Fxwg with the belts was blacked out like the Night Train in a dark brown. I considered it but wasn't shure about belts. Bought the stock FXWG and I'm still riding it. I've converted it to a Rivera ProClutch and Primo belt primary. Wish I could have had the forsight to buy the belt driven FXWG. Just my 2 cent.
Jeb

That is correct, I had an 81 FXWG and my buddy bought an 83 FXDWG I believe was the designation. Anyhow it was a "Willie G" special edition Disc Glide with dual belts and a solid rear wheel,color was dark Maroon with Black engine parts. Would be nice to locate one of those in "Original Condition".

Shovlhd83 · #9 12-27-2008, 11:42 AM

i have a 83 FXSB low rider with dual belts. i'ts the same bike as the Stugis with different paint. i've had this bike for 20yrs. and love it. although sometimes it's a love hate relationship.....lol. had problems with the primary belt in the begining. had one snap when starting the bike, the other time the belt melted in Laconia traffic. that was a real bummer.i replaced the stock closed primary cover with an after market vented cover, also i drilled holes in my derby cover. since then i have had no more problems

JayDee · #10 01-18-2009, 02:26 PM

So what are you doing with it Buzz? Sell it, sit on it or magazine article?