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 XRV650 Africa Twin
Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead scores 74/100 overall against Honda XRV650 Africa Twin on 88/100. On the road: 58–83. As classics: 90–93. Overall result: Honda XRV650 Africa Twin.
Photo: Motophil · CC BY-SA 2.5
Honda XRV650 Africa Twin
88/100 Overall
83 On the road93 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Harley-Davidson FLH | Honda Africa Twin | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 5 | 7 | Honda Africa Twin |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 4 | 8 | Honda Africa Twin |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 4 | 7 | Honda Africa Twin |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 5 | 10 | Honda Africa Twin |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 8 | 9 | Honda Africa Twin |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 9 | 10 | Honda Africa Twin |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 9 | Honda Africa Twin |
| 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 Honda Africa Twin if…
you want Dakar-inspired long-distance ability, dependable Honda engineering and the original Africa Twin character.
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 Africa Twin
The Honda XRV650 Africa Twin was produced from 1988–1989 and used a 647cc liquid-cooled 52-degree V-twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for historic importance, reliability and character. It is included as an important reference point for comparisons with its closest period rivals.
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 Africa Twin
- Its production span in this library runs from 1988 to 1989.
- The recorded engine description is: 647cc liquid-cooled 52-degree V-twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are historic importance, reliability and character.
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 Africa Twin
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda XRV650 Africa Twin. 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.
Honda Africa Twin
- 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 or final-drive condition, charging output, engine mounts and signs of persistent 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 Africa Twin
Final result
The verdict
Honda XRV650 Africa Twin wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Honda XRV650 Africa Twin wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Honda XRV650 Africa Twin takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.