California Special 1983 1/2 Harley Shovelhead Discuss California Special 1983 1/2 in the Classic Harley Motorcycles forums; I bought my Shovelhead brand new back in 1983, never had a problem untill i was a bad boy and got in a DUI accident in 99 well im getting ...

[KiethInCalif]

I bought my Shovelhead brand new back in 1983, never had a problem untill i was a bad boy and got in a DUI accident in 99
well im getting it back running again and HD dealer says according to the VIN that its a 1984 model.
If my now sober brain serves me right it is a 1983 1/2 california special.
Anyone ever hear of this?

[EZE RIDER]

Cant say that I have but welcome to the forum. One or two guys here might be able to help you out.

[rcd]

I heard of a 1978 I/2. No matter if the dealer says the vin is 1984, then it would be a 1984. I'm curious, what model shovel is it?

[KiethInCalif]

Its a 1983/84 Superglide FXEF, I looked up the VIN and in fact it says 1984. All my paperwork says 1983 though, oh well no biggy, i'll have to look around and see if i cant find the pink and orginal manual...thanks keith

[ewhite832ltd]

Wasnt that the year they switched to evo motor and 1st half of year was shovel and 2nd evo?

[unclepsycho]

Welcome to the forum...

Dont put your VIN here, but check the 8th digit

... if th 8th digit is a number "2" then it is a Mid Year Bike or a "3" for a special early 1984 otherwise it would be a "1" for a regular production date


The 10th digit is D for a 1983 or a E for 1984

[tejasandre]

welcome to the forum. dont forget the pictures.

[street bob]

Keith... Welcome to the forum. Keep us posted on the rebuild.
I have a bro who had an 83 FXSB. It was titled 83 but we were aware of the 83 1/2 models. I believe there were some 84 shovels made as well, even though the evo's were introduced!
Keep posting, and maybe some pics as well!!!