As another definition states, the shovelhead engine is a type of V-twin engine that was manufactured by the Harley Davidson Motorcycle Company between 1966
and 1984. As with all Harley-Davidson motors, the Shovelhead has a distinct sound, and is still quite desirable as a power plant. The motorcycle parts company known as S&S has come out with a "retro" Shovelhead style of motor, thus allowing people who don't want to mess with the motor's notorious headaches can own one that doesn't cause nearly as much problems. The original Shovelhead motors can be cantankerous, but if taken care and properly maintained, they can also last for years. UNLIKE some other definitions here, Shovelheads are not necessarily for people who "can't afford a new Evo". There are quite a few folks who enjoy the older bikes, as they were from a time when it wasn't a passing fad to own a Harley. This is like saying someone who owns a 69' Camaro only does so because he can't afford a Cadillac Escalade. Just because you can afford to buy something new, that doesn't necessarily make it better. Evo engines that came out in 1985 and later on Twin Cam engines are nice, durable and reliable motors that don't need constant maintenance. This makes it nice for the crowd that bought a bike to fit in with the neighbors. But if you want to learn about history, and learn the inner workings of your bike, get a Shovel. You will get a history lesson as well as learn how to work on your bike, but the end result is a ...

Slang for someone who is oriental, because they have that flat spot in the back of their heads perfect for hitting with a shovel.

Someone who's head looks just like a shovel. Or at least would look just like a shovel if you had your way.

see shovel-head

A type of motorcycle engine made by Harley-Davidson from 1966 to 1985. The engine is called a Shovelhead because to the "shovel" look of its rocker covers. Though it was manufactured for two decades, shovelheads are prone to leaking oil, over heating, hard starting, vibration, blown head gaskets and other major problems that require constant maintenance. The Shovelhead engine is a pain to take care of, but it has a beautiful sound to Harley fans.

In 1984 Harley-Davidson introduced the "Evolution" motor which required less maintenance, was easier to manufacture and is credited for saving the company from bankruptcy.

Some older bikers who ride shovels hate the Evolution and the later Twin-Cam motors for bringing large amounts of "instant bikers" who would never have ridden a motorcycle or Harley before. But they are just too poor or cheap to buy a new Harley or admit that the Evo is a much better motor.