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 Triumph Trident T150
Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead scores 74/100 overall against Triumph Trident T150 on 81/100. On the road: 58–67. As classics: 90–95. Overall result: Triumph Trident T150.
Photo: Yesterdays Antique Motorcycles · CC BY-SA 4.0
Triumph Trident T150
81/100 Overall
67 On the road95 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Harley-Davidson FLH | Triumph Trident | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 5 | 8 | Triumph Trident |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 4 | 7 | Triumph Trident |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 4 | 6 | Triumph Trident |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 5 | 6 | Triumph Trident |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 8 | 7 | Harley-Davidson FLH |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 9 | 6 | Harley-Davidson FLH |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 9 | 10 | Triumph Trident |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 9 | Triumph Trident |
| 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 Triumph Trident if…
you want distinctive three-cylinder performance and one of the last great sporting designs of the British motorcycle industry.
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.
Triumph Trident
The Triumph Trident T150 was produced from 1968–1975 and used a 740cc air-cooled OHV inline triple. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for historic importance, character, styling. 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.
Triumph Trident
- Its production span in this library runs from 1968 to 1975.
- The recorded engine description is: 740cc air-cooled OHV inline triple.
- Its strongest comparison scores are historic importance, character, styling.
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.
Triumph Trident
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Triumph Trident T150. Its library score for historic importance 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.
Triumph Trident
- 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 Triumph Trident
Final result
The verdict
Triumph Trident T150 wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Triumph Trident T150 wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Triumph Trident T150 takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.