Alright, old-timers, for those of you scratching your heads over that sweet piece of Milwaukee iron you saw making the rounds on Facebook, here’s your answer: You’re looking at a 1979 Harley Davidson FXS Blackline Shovelhead. And boy, what a beauty she is.
Taking a Trip Down Memory Lane
The late ’70s were interesting times for Harley. While the Japanese manufacturers were flooding the market with their UJMs (Universal Japanese Motorcycles), H-D was still proudly pumping out these American-made beauties. The ’79 FXS Blackline was part of the legendary Low Rider family, though this particular variant sometimes gets overlooked by its more famous siblings.
Remember when AMF still had their mitts on Harley? Yeah, those were some questionable years, but the Shovelhead motors still had that raw, unrefined character we all grew to love (or love to hate, depending on your experience with oil leaks!).
The Nuts and Bolts
Let’s talk about what makes this scoot special. At its heart is that 80-cubic-inch (1340cc) Shovelhead V-twin – a powerplant that’ll make music to any true biker’s ears. Sure, it might not have the refinement of today’s Milwaukee-Eight, but that’s exactly what gives it character.
The bike came with:
- Factory drag bars (though many swapped them for apes)
- That classic 2-into-2 exhaust system
- A 4-speed transmission (none of that 6-speed luxury here, folks)
- Single disc front brake (pray if you need to stop quick!)
- That iconic black paint scheme that gave it the “Blackline” name
Throwing a Leg Over
You haven’t lived until you’ve kicked over a Shovelhead on a cold morning. It’s like trying to wake up your old lady after a long night at the bar – sometimes sweet-talking works, sometimes you need persistence! Once she fires up though, that’s when the magic happens.
The riding position is pure classic cruiser – feet forward, arms relaxed, and enough vibration through the bars to make your hands tingle after a few hours. It’s not one of those modern “gentleman’s cruisers” – this is a raw, mechanical beast that demands respect and attention.
Keeping Her Running
Here’s where the old-timers are gonna nod knowingly – maintaining a ’79 Shovel is like having a part-time job. You’ll need to:
- Check for oil leaks (who are we kidding, you’ll be finding them)
- Keep that timing chain adjusted
- Remember to exercise those pushrods
- Keep a close eye on those points
But here’s the thing – unlike modern bikes with their computers and sensors, you can fix most issues with basic tools and some know-how. Try doing that with a 2023 model!
The Bottom Line
Look, if you’re expecting Japanese reliability or modern amenities, you’re barking up the wrong tree. But if you want a piece of American iron that:
- Commands respect at bike nights
- Teaches you the true meaning of mechanical sympathy
- Makes the right kind of noise
- Has more character than a prison yard
Then this might be your hog.
It’s not as refined as its Evolution-powered successors, not as collectible as a Panhead, and certainly not as maintenance-free as a Twin Cam. But that’s not the point. The ’79 FXS Blackline is a motorcycle that represents a pivotal time in Harley’s history, when they were still figuring out how to transition from the raw, mechanical nature of their early bikes to the more modern machines we ride today.
For you younger riders wondering if this is a good first bike – stick to something more forgiving. But for you old souls who remember when bikes came with kickstarters and required actual mechanical skill to maintain, this iron horse might just be your cup of motor oil.
Just remember to keep some tools handy, don’t plan any tight schedules around long trips, and always wave to your fellow riders – especially those still keeping these classic shovels on the road.
As we say in the old school: Keep the shiny side up, the rubber side down, and don’t forget to check that oil!