e of the inverted scoop-shaped valve covers, the engine could now breathe deeper, resulting in a 10 percent increase in horsepower. The Shovelheads valve covers do resemble that of a Sportster, the quickest way for a non-rider to tell them apart is the lifter covers on a Sportster are parallel, but on a Shovel theyre crossed. Also the motor and tranny is a unit in a Sportster. On a Shovel the motor and tranny are separate, connected only by a primary drive chain and inner and outer primary covers. One of the worst changes to occur during the Shovel head years was when Harley-Davidson was forced to merge with American Machine and Foundry for financial reasons. AMF was best known as a bowling ball and sports equipment maker. They should have stuck to it! Prior to the merger the Shovelhead was an awesome machine. Once the corporate giant got control of Research, Development and Production, Harley-Davidson and the Shovelhead were doomed, as well as all the other bikes being produced. Harleys reputation suffered greatly under AMF leadership, American made parts were replaced with cheaper Japanese parts, the oil stains returned under AMF Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The one bright spot was the FX Super Glide which was born under AMF. I cant bear to remember any more; suffice to say it was an ugly time to be a biker! But hark, there is hope! Willie G Davidson leads a revolt in the company and along with 13 other executives worried about the company, a buy out ensues. Happy days again, Harley is once again owned by business men not only out to make a profit, but also show pride and quality in the longest continuously operating American motorcycle company to date. William Willie G.Davidson is vice president of styling for Harley-Davidson, Inc., Motorcycle division. He is responsible for the successful, traditional designs of Harley motorcycles. Willie G is the son of William H Davidson former president and grandson...
