Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.harley
From: Bruce Bryner <BBry...@iusb.edu>
Date: 1999/02/20
Subject: HD tidbits from '66
HD tidbits from '66
Enter the Shovelhead!
The Electra Glide had grown in weight with the addition of more and more accessories. Electric start would mean bigger battery. Meanwhile, an unforeseen boost in motorcycle sales of the sixties, required HD to act quickly and work fast to increase the horses of the Panhead. HD took the same basic top end that was already in use on the sportster, (redesigned slightly to a larger aluminum head w/same combustion chamber and valve angle). This would add an additional 5 hp. Bore and stroke would remain unchanged, just as it had since '41. Five different oil pump designs will follow with the shovelhead, which like the Knuckle, is a rocker 'box' rather than 'cover'. Gone would be the tombstone tail light, and soon, the DC generator to an AC alternator. Also enter the "Ham-can" air filter to help meet emission regulations.
HD would produce a record peacetime production of 36,320, (16,200 of which was the 50cc "nopeds" from Aermacchi, with sportsters at a new high).
[Displacement: 73.73ci = 1208.19cc]
FB - signifies Foot shifter 4 speed.
Main models, (production #'s/retail)
BTH - 175cc, (1,150/ $515) 'Bobcat' 2 stroke, 3 speed.
XLH - 883cc, (900/ $1,415) 'Sportster Super H' 4 speed.
XLCH - 883cc, (3,900/ $1,411) 'Sportster Super Ch'
FLHFB - 74ci, ($1,610) Electra Glide Super Sport.
FLHB - 74ci, (5,625/ $1,610) Electra Glide Super Sport.
FLFB - 74ci, ($1,545) Electra Glide.
FLB - 74ci, (2,175/ $1,545) Electra Glide.
Specialty models:
KR - 45ci flathead, flat track racer, (10)
KRTT - 45ci flathead, Tourist Trophy Racer, (10)
XLRTT - 55ci sportster TT Racer, (25)
Sidecars:
LE - Sport sidecar
LEC - sidecar, chassis w/wheel and fender.
Options:
Chrome Finish Group #F-1 for Electra Glide.
King of the Highway Group #F-5 for Electra Glide
Group #F-6 for Electra Glide.
Group #F-7 for Electra Glide.
Deluxe Group #SPH-1 or group #SPH-2, or #SPH-3, or #SPH-4, for XLH.
Deluxe Group #SPCH-1, or Group #SPCH-2, or #SPCH-3, or #SPCH-3 for XLCH.
Paint: black w/white panel, indigo metallic w/white panel, Birch white ( police only), hi-fi blue w/white panels, sparkling burgundy w/white panel.
Servicar- birch white, holiday red, black.
Bobcat- holiday red, indigo metallic, sparkling burgundy.
*^* new model BTH, based on BT Pacer, (discontinue in same year):
One piece molded Cycolac resin body as seat base covering gas tank and rear wheel, tank=1.87 gallon, hexagonal tank decal.
XLH/XLCH changes:
" P" cams, Tillotson diaphram carb, "Ham-can" air cleaner, carb heat
insulator, hexagonal tank badge.
FL changes:
New shovelhead engine, redesigned aluminum heads, pushrods and right
crankcase. New cylinders, new "Ham-can" aircleaner, revised ignition,
Linkert DC carb, finless gear covers without overhead oil line bolt
hole, 2 keys, (ignition & steering head lock), 7 tooth speedo drive
gear, transmission shifter fork width of 13/32" & 9/32" diameter, 2
spacers between backing plate and the swingarm, shift gear notched at
neutral, rectangular floorboards, fuel petcock below tank, new tank w/o
old style fuel valve on top, rubber fuel line, hexagonal tank badge.
GE servicars:
Air cleaner backing plate w/3 bolt mounting and fitted for Tillotson
carb, Delco alternator, Alternator drive gear.
Racing Notes:
Bart Markel wins Grand National on a KR, 434 points.
Renzo Pasolini takes 3rd on a Sprint in 350cc World Class Championship.
Ken Ridder wins Daytona Motorcycle Classic 100-mile Junior w/record
91.35 mph.
*** tidbits taken from various sources.
Bruce
The Journey IS the Reward.
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