Photo: Classic & Classy Motorcycles Ltd · Owned by Classic & Classy Motorcycles Ltd
Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead
74/100 Overall
58 On the road90 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead vs Honda SS50
Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead scores 74/100 overall against Honda SS50 on 73/100. On the road: 58–58. As classics: 90–88. Overall result: Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead.
Photo: Michiel1972 at Dutch Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Honda SS50
73/100 Overall
58 On the road88 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Harley-Davidson FLH | Honda SS50 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 5 | 2 | Harley-Davidson FLH |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 4 | 7 | Honda SS50 |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 4 | 4 | Level |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 5 | 9 | Honda SS50 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 9 | 5 | Harley-Davidson FLH |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 9 | Honda SS50 |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 10 | 8 | Harley-Davidson FLH |
Choose the Harley-Davidson FLH if…
you want relaxed long-distance presence, unmistakable American V-twin character and traditional Harley styling.
Choose the Honda SS50 if…
you want smooth four-stroke Honda engineering, classic sports-moped styling and a gentler alternative to the two-stroke crowd.
Background
History
Harley-Davidson FLH
The Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead was produced from 1966–1984 and used a Air-cooled 45-degree Shovelhead V-twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for character, styling, historic importance. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Honda SS50
The Honda SS50 was produced from 1967–1977 and used a 49cc air-cooled four-stroke single. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, reliability, historic importance. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Harley-Davidson FLH
- Its production span in this library runs from 1966 to 1984.
- The recorded engine description is: Air-cooled 45-degree Shovelhead V-twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are character, styling, historic importance.
Honda SS50
- Its production span in this library runs from 1967 to 1977.
- The recorded engine description is: 49cc air-cooled four-stroke single.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, reliability, historic importance.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Harley-Davidson FLH
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead. Its library score for character is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Honda SS50
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda SS50. Its library score for styling is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Harley-Davidson FLH
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check primary drive, charging system, engine mounts and evidence of non-standard modifications.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Honda SS50
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check vibration-related fasteners, primary drive condition and signs of persistent oil leakage.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Harley-Davidson FLH
Rivals to the Honda SS50
Final result
The verdict
On the road the motorcycles finish level. Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.