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 Yamaha SR500
Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead scores 74/100 overall against Yamaha SR500 on 78/100. On the road: 58–73. As classics: 90–83. Overall result: Yamaha SR500.
Yamaha SR500
78/100 Overall
73 On the road83 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Harley-Davidson FLH | Yamaha SR500 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 5 | 6 | Yamaha SR500 |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 4 | 8 | Yamaha SR500 |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 4 | 7 | Yamaha SR500 |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 5 | 8 | Yamaha SR500 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 8 | 9 | Yamaha SR500 |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 9 | 6 | Harley-Davidson FLH |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 9 | 8 | Harley-Davidson FLH |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 9 | 8 | Harley-Davidson FLH |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 10 | 9 | 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 Yamaha SR500 if…
you want simple engineering, traditional single-cylinder character and an agile motorcycle that is easy to understand.
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.
Yamaha SR500
The Yamaha SR500 was produced from 1978–1989 and used a 499cc air-cooled four-stroke single. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for ownership appeal, 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.
Yamaha SR500
- Its production span in this library runs from 1978 to 1989.
- The recorded engine description is: 499cc air-cooled four-stroke single.
- Its strongest comparison scores are ownership appeal, 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.
Yamaha SR500
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Yamaha SR500. Its library score for ownership appeal 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.
Yamaha SR500
- 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 Yamaha SR500
Final result
The verdict
Yamaha SR500 wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Yamaha SR500 takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.