AMF Yrs. 1978 Shovel Harley Shovelhead Discuss AMF Yrs. 1978 Shovel in the Classic Harley Motorcycles forums; What were the years of AMF? 70-77 ?? Is the 75th anniversary, or 1978 a Harley or an AMF. Thanks....

What were the years of AMF? 70-77 ?? Is the 75th anniversary, or 1978 a Harley or an AMF. Thanks.

[shovelmike]

AMF bought H-D in '69 I believe. Management bought it back in early 80's about '81 if I remember correctly. The '78 is definitely an AMF bike. It has been on the road long enough that any deficiencies have long since been made right by one owner or another. I ride a '73 and it's a fine machine.

[jmk713]

I had a 1981 Sportster XLS that had AMF right on the side of the tank.
Rode that bike 47,000 miles and aside from a small oil drip; never had a problem with it and it had never had any work done on it aside from routine maintainance.
One of the best I've had!!

shovelmike nailed it.

[94flhtcu]

Kind of sad, used to hear this question answered in a matter of seconds. HD riders were always in touch with the history of their machines. Not so much, anymore. Good job, shovelmike!

From what I've read AMF owned them from Jan 1969 to June 14 1981. If memory serves me correct 1971 was the first years AMF appeared on the tank badges. I like AMF Harleys. Years ago when the Evo was all the rage, I like Evo's, I would hear people laugh about AMF Harleys. I would then ask them what years AMF owned the MoCo, no one knew. Then I would ask them....Do you know when the Evo was started? Of course no one knew. I would then tell them that it was started in the late 70's (1978) under AMF and that the Evo was technically an AMF. That would most times keep them silent.

Originally Posted by haugster1340

From what I've read AMF owned them from Jan 1969 to June 14 1981. If memory serves me correct 1971 was the first years AMF appeared on the tank badges. I like AMF Harleys. Years ago when the Evo was all the rage, I like Evo's, I would hear people laugh about AMF Harleys. I would then ask them what years AMF owned the MoCo, no one knew. Then I would ask them....Do you know when the Evo was started? Of course no one knew. I would then tell them that it was started in the late 70's (1978) under AMF and that the Evo was technically an AMF. That would most times keep them silent.

Yes, AMF did start the initial research and development into the exsisting new heads, they never finished, Willie and Porsche completed the job after the buyback.
I have a 1973 Iron head - one owner - had AMF on the side bigger than S**T - we used to say it stood for "Adious Mother F***ers", even though the Kaw's were eating us alive. It was and is a very dependable bike. Funny how things change - back then it was a bastard bike, it had 2 strikes against it, not only an AMF but a Sportster as well!!!

[solo]

I bought my 79 shovel in 1981.It has been a good ride and never left me broke down on the side of the road.Nothing stock is still on it but the head lite.I put 5 gallon fat bob tanks with bob fenders years ago. I here the same talk about AMF but I have owned a 72 sportster and this fx and always had a good ride.

[shovelmike]

Welcome to the forum, Solo. When I bought my 73 Shovel back in '87 it had the 3.6 gal. single tank on it with a mural painted on top. I purchased a set of 5 gal. fatbobs and dash unit and test fitted them. Although the increased range would have been welcome, I didn't like the look. I traded that setup for a NOS 3.6 gal. tank for a 77 model..old style H-D script in red and the AMF logo. The old girl looks better than ever.

[HarleyCruiser]

Originally Posted by shovelmike

Welcome to the forum, Solo. When I bought my 73 Shovel back in '87 it had the 3.6 gal. single tank on it with a mural painted on top. I purchased a set of 5 gal. fatbobs and dash unit and test fitted them. Although the increased range would have been welcome, I didn't like the look. I traded that setup for a NOS 3.6 gal. tank for a 77 model..old style H-D script in red and the AMF logo. The old girl looks better than ever.

Hey Mike, I had a 74 Superglide, with that small tank, Said AMF, do you know what they called that tank?
Also how about some photos of your bike? I would love to see the old girl.