1966 History
Main Models
66-BTH Bobcat: 175cc two-stroke single with three-speed transmission
66-XLH Sportster Super H: 55ci ( 883cc ) Sportster OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission
66-XLCH Sportster Super CH: 55ci ( 883cc ) Sportster OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission
66-FLHFB Electra Glide Super Spore: 74ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with foot-shifted four-speed transmission
66-FLHB Electra Glide Super Sport: 74ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with hand-shifted four-speed transmission
66-FLFB Electra Glide: 74ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with foot-shifted four-speed transmission
66-FLB Electra Glide: 74ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with hand-shifted four-speed transmission
Specialty Models
66-KR Track Racer: 45ci flathead V-twin flat-track racer
66-KRTT Tourist Trophy Racer: 45ci flathead V-twin TT racer
66-XLRTT Tourist Trophy Racer: 55ci Sportster OHV TT
Sidecars and Chassis
LE: Sport Sidecar
LEC: sidecar chassis with wheel and fender
Retail Prices
Model FLHB: $1,610
Model FLHFB: $1,610
Model FLB: $1,545
Model FLFB: $1,545
Model XLCH Sportster: $1,411
Model XLH Sportster: $1,415
Model BM Bobcat: $515
Production Totals
Model BTH: 1,150
Model XLH.900
Model XLCH: 3,900
Model FLB: 2,175
Model FLHB: 5,625
Model CIE: 625
Model I<R: 10
Model KRTT: 10
Model XLRTT: 25
Options
Chrome Finish Group #F-l for Electra Glide
King of the Highway Group #F-5 for Electra Glide
Group #F-6 for Electra Glide
Group #F-7 for Electra Glide
Deluxe Group #SPH-1 for XLH
Group#SPH-2 for XLH
Group #SPH-3 for XLH
Group #SPH4 for XLH
Highway Cruiser Group #SPH-5 for XLH
Group #SPH-6 for XLH
Group #SPH-7 for XLH
Deluxe Equipment Group #SPCH-1 for XLCH
Group #SPCH-2 for XLCH
Group #SPCH-3 for XLCH
Group #SPCH-4 for XLCH
Paint Colors
Big Twin: Black with White tank panels, Indigo Metallic with White tank panels, or Birch White (police only); available at extra cost are Hi-Fi Blue with White tank panels or Sparkling Burgundy with White tank panels
Servi-Car: Birch White, Holiday Red, or Black
Bobcat: Holiday Red or Indigo Metallic; available at extra cost is Sparkling Burgundy
Series BTH Bobcat Singles
First/Only Year
Model BTH Bobcat is a new model that is a restyle of the 175cc Model BT Pacer
One-piece molded Cycolac resin body molded as seat base and covering gas tank and rear wheel
Tank capacity of 1.87gal
Off-the-road continental rear optional
Hexagonal tank decal
( The Model BTH Bobcat was discontinued at the end of the 1966 model year )
Series XLH and XLCH Sportsters
First Y"P" cams
Advertised increase of 15 percent power
Tillotson diaphragm carburetor
"Ham-can" air-cleaner cover
Patented insulator isolating the carburetor from engine heat
Hexagonal tank badge
Series FL Electra Glides
First Year
Update of the Electra Glide motorcycle with the new 74ci
Shovelhead OHV engine
New cylinders
Rocker boxes similar to chose used on the Sportster engine enclose new rockers, rocker shafts, and exhaust valves
Redesigned aluminum cylinder heads
Redesigned pushrods
Redesigned right crankcase
Linkert DC carburetor
Tillotson carburetor ( late year )
"Ham-can" air cleaner
Revised ignition timer
Gear covers are finless and without overhead oil line passage bolt hole
Two keys, one for ignition and one for steering head lock
Seven-tooth speedometer drive gear
Transmission shifter fork width of 13/32in and a diameter of 9/32in
Two spacers used between backing plate and the swingarrn
Shift gear is notched at neutral position in the rim
Rectangular footboards
Fuel petcock below left tank
That's a mistake. The first year Shovel did have the petcock removed from
the top of the left tank, but for 1966 the new petcock was located on the
bottom of the RIGHT tank, just in front of the carb. This was "one year"
only and the tanks are worth their weight in gold....in '67 it went over to
the bottom of the left tank.... " thanks Hawg Ryder "
New left tank without the old-style fuel valve on top
Rubber fuel line
Hexagonal tank badge
Series GE Servi-Cars
First Year
Air cleaner backing plate with a three-bolt mounting and fitted for a Tillotson carburetor
Delco alternator with rectifier
Alternator drive gear
Hexagonal tank badge
Racing Notes
Bart Markel wins AMA Grand National Championship, 434 points, Model KR.
Renzo Pasolini places third in 350cc World Class Championship on a Sprint.
Kenneth Ridder wins Daytona Motorcycle Classic 100-Mile Junior Championship with record 91.350 mph.
Any additional information is greatly appreciated as well as any corrections I'm no historian, I post what I can come up with, all info is appreciated.