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 Laverda 1000 3CL
Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead scores 74/100 overall against Laverda 1000 3CL on 84/100. On the road: 58–72. As classics: 90–95. Overall result: Laverda 1000 3CL.
Photo: Ronald Saunders from Warrington, UK · CC BY-SA 2.0
Laverda 1000 3CL
84/100 Overall
72 On the road95 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Harley-Davidson FLH | Laverda 3CL | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 5 | 9 | Laverda 3CL |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 4 | 7 | Laverda 3CL |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 4 | 7 | Laverda 3CL |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 5 | 7 | Laverda 3CL |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 8 | 6 | Harley-Davidson FLH |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 9 | 7 | Harley-Davidson FLH |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 9 | 10 | Laverda 3CL |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 9 | Laverda 3CL |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 10 | 10 | Level |
Choose the Harley-Davidson FLH if…
you want relaxed long-distance presence, unmistakable American V-twin character and traditional Harley styling.
Choose the Laverda 3CL if…
you want a muscular Italian triple with endurance-racing presence and a close family link to the celebrated Jota.
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.
Laverda 3CL
The Laverda 1000 3CL was produced from 1975–1981 and used a 981cc air-cooled inline triple. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, character, performance. 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.
Laverda 3CL
- Its production span in this library runs from 1975 to 1981.
- The recorded engine description is: 981cc air-cooled inline triple.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, character, performance.
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.
Laverda 3CL
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Laverda 1000 3CL. Its library score for styling 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.
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.
Laverda 3CL
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- 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 Laverda 3CL
Final result
The verdict
Laverda 1000 3CL wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Laverda 1000 3CL wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Laverda 1000 3CL takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.