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 YB100
Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead scores 74/100 overall against Yamaha YB100 on 66/100. On the road: 58–63. As classics: 90–68. Overall result: Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead.
Photo: cbr250.com · Public domain
Yamaha YB100
66/100 Overall
63 On the road68 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Harley-Davidson FLH | Yamaha YB100 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 5 | 3 | Harley-Davidson FLH |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 4 | 7 | Yamaha YB100 |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 4 | 5 | Yamaha YB100 |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 5 | 8 | Yamaha YB100 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 8 | 9 | Yamaha YB100 |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 9 | 6 | Harley-Davidson FLH |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 9 | 7 | Harley-Davidson FLH |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 9 | 7 | Harley-Davidson FLH |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 6 | Harley-Davidson FLH |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 10 | 7 | 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 YB100 if…
you want a simple, dependable lightweight with classic commuter charm and easy ownership.
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 YB100
The Yamaha YB100 was produced from 1973–1989 and used a 97cc air-cooled two-stroke single. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for ownership appeal, reliability, 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 YB100
- Its production span in this library runs from 1973 to 1989.
- The recorded engine description is: 97cc air-cooled two-stroke single.
- Its strongest comparison scores are ownership appeal, reliability, 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 YB100
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Yamaha YB100. 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 YB100
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check the oil-injection or premix arrangement, crank seals and exhaust condition carefully.
- 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 YB100
Final result
The verdict
Yamaha YB100 wins the direct on-the-road comparison. 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.