I am getting ready to begin a restoration on an '81 FXB Sturgis, and I have a question about removing the motor from the frame. Can you remove the motor from the frame without first removing the heads and/or cylinders? I have checked the Clymer manual and the excellent factory manual, but, between the two, and along with my lack of Shovelhead experience, the answer is still not clear to me. The motor is low miles and tight and running very well, and I would prefer not to dismantle if I do not have to. Thank you in advance for your help and tips.

Pat
Highlands, NC

 

 

I am not the expert, but 99% sure pretty much any HD v twin came come out in one piece. Of course this means you have removed the entire primary and probably the transmission. Good luck.

 

yes it can come out and go back in all together from the right side

you can leave the primary on BUT its tricky to do it that way the first time and not suggested

the front foot brake pedal assemble needs to be removed

you slide it to the right and then tip it - yea one guy can but I would find a strong friend

 

As previously mentioned, yes the motor can be removed without taking the heads off.
When removing the motor, letting out a good fart and grunt is suggested.


After removing your exhaust, do not reinstall the exhaust allen screws back in the heads, they could prevent you from removing or reinstalling the motor in the frame.

 

Pics attached, as requested. The previous owner installed the pull back bars, like the '82 FXB had, and he installed floorboards and forward controls. But he saved and included all of the original parts. I am going to put it back to stock with the drag bars and mid controls and the original sissy bar, etc.

Thanks again to everybody for the help.

Pat
Highlands, NC

 

 

I started this thread in March of 2018 with a question about Shovelhead motor removal. Just finished the restoration of my '81 FXB . Thanks to all for the help.





Pat
Highlands, NC

 

its a work of art to see what you see

you have the eye for the detail necessary to preform at that level -- bravo

 

the Sturgis is a beauty and yes it's easy to remove the engine 1. undo oil lines 2. undo gas tanks take them off 3. undo motor mounts 4. take exhaust pipes off 5. take loose four bolts holding it to the frame 5. grab the head rock it back and fourth then pull it out the right side

FORGOT SOME
UN HOOK THE Battery CABLE FIRST
AND REMOVE THE INNER PRIMARY