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 Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans
Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead scores 74/100 overall against Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans on 88/100. On the road: 58–78. As classics: 90–98. Overall result: Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans.
Photo: Quelle: User:KarleHorn / Freisteller, Bildbearbeitung & Retusche von Auge=mit · CC BY-SA 4.0
Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans
88/100 Overall
78 On the road98 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Harley-Davidson FLH | Moto Guzzi Le Mans | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 5 | 8 | Moto Guzzi Le Mans |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 4 | 9 | Moto Guzzi Le Mans |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 4 | 9 | Moto Guzzi Le Mans |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 5 | 8 | Moto Guzzi Le Mans |
| 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 | 10 | Moto Guzzi Le Mans |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 10 | Moto Guzzi Le Mans |
| 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 Moto Guzzi Le Mans if…
you want stable sporting handling, forceful V-twin character and distinctive Italian endurance-racer style.
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.
Moto Guzzi Le Mans
The Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans was produced from 1976–1978 and used a 844cc air-cooled longitudinal 90-degree V-twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, collector appeal, character. 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.
Moto Guzzi Le Mans
- Its production span in this library runs from 1976 to 1978.
- The recorded engine description is: 844cc air-cooled longitudinal 90-degree V-twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, collector appeal, 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.
Moto Guzzi Le Mans
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans. 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.
Moto Guzzi Le Mans
- 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.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Harley-Davidson FLH
Rivals to the Moto Guzzi Le Mans
Final result
The verdict
Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.