Market Segment:
American V-twin cruiser motorcycle, popular for touring and customization.
Competitors 1980:
Primary competitors include other Harley-Davidson models, Indian motorcycles (though market share was diminishing), and emerging Japanese cruisers from Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki.
Model Highlights:
Iconic V-twin engine, classic styling, robust construction, large displacement for its era, capable for long-distance riding.
Engine:
Full engine overhaul, top-end rebuild, bottom-end inspection, timing, carburetion, ignition system, lubrication.
Transmission:
4-speed constant mesh gearbox service, clutch adjustment and replacement, gear inspection, shift mechanism.
Drivetrain:
Belt drive system inspection, adjustment, and replacement; rear pulley and sprocket service.
Chassis And Suspension:
Frame inspection, front fork disassembly and assembly, rear shock absorber service, wheel bearing maintenance, steering head bearing adjustment.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake caliper service, master cylinder overhaul, brake fluid replacement, brake line inspection and replacement.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery service, charging system (alternator and regulator), starting system (starter motor and solenoid), lighting system (headlight, taillight, signals), ignition system troubleshooting.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank removal and installation, fuel line maintenance, carburetor disassembly, cleaning, and tuning (likely Keihin CV or Linkert variations).
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipe and muffler inspection and replacement, gasket service.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance checks, oil changes, filter replacements, chain/belt adjustment, spark plug service, brake fluid flushes, battery maintenance.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common issues, including starting problems, running issues, electrical faults.
Repair:
Detailed instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of required specialized Harley-Davidson and general mechanic tools.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced repair and overhaul procedures for all major mechanical and electrical systems.
Digital Format Details:
If digital, typically PDF format, often searchable text, high-resolution scans of original factory document.
Print Quality Details:
Original factory print quality; typically black and white line drawings, diagrams, and text.
Binding Type Details:
Original factory binding for printed manuals (e.g., stitched, perfect bound); aftermarket may vary.
Paper Type Details:
Original factory manual paper stock; aftermarket may vary from plain paper to glossy.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin, OHV (Overhead Valve)
Displacement:
73.8 cubic inches (1207cc)
Bore X Stroke:
3.4375 in. x 4.25 in. (87.3 mm x 108 mm)
Compression Ratio:
Approximately 8.0:1 (varies slightly by specific model variant)
Horsepower Estimated:
Approx. 60-65 HP at rear wheel (estimate based on era)
Torque Estimated:
Approx. 65-70 ft-lbs at 3500 RPM (estimate based on era)
Carburetor:
Single Keihin CV (Constant Velocity) or Linkert carburetor (specific model dependent, typically 36mm or 38mm)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87-91 octane recommended
Ignition Type:
Contact point ignition (often a Schwinn or similar distributor-less system with points and condenser), or early electronic ignition systems for some models.
Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson SAE 20W-50 motorcycle oil or equivalent (e.g., Castrol GTX 20W-50).
Engine Oil Capacity:
3 US quarts (2.8 Liters) with filter change.
Type:
4-speed, constant mesh, foot-shifted, left-hand operation
Optional Features:
N/A for this model year; 4-speed was standard.
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate, cable-actuated
Transmission Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson primary chaincase lubricant or equivalent SAE 50 motorcycle oil.
Primary Chaincase Oil Capacity:
Approx. 24 US fluid ounces (0.71 Liters).
Wheelbase:
Approx. 63.5 inches (1613 mm)
Overall Length:
Approx. 91 inches (2311 mm)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 580-600 lbs (263-272 kg) depending on specific configuration
Fuel Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 US gallons (15.1 Liters)
Oil Tank Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 US quarts (3.8 Liters)
Safety Ratings:
Not applicable to motorcycles in the same manner as cars; relies on rider skill and adherence to safe riding practices.
Active Safety Features:
Hydraulic disc brakes (front and rear), reliable chassis stability.
Passive Safety Features:
Durable frame construction, rider protective gear (not part of the motorcycle).
Initial Service:
Break-in service typically at 500-1000 miles (oil change, primary chain adjustment, inspection).
Regular Oil Change:
Every 2,000-3,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.
Primary Chain Adjustment:
Check and adjust every 2,000-3,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended every 5,000-7,500 miles.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil (e.g., Harley-Davidson, Castrol, Motul).
Primary Chaincase Oil Spec:
SAE 50 Motorcycle Oil or HD Primary Chaincase Lube.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (check manual for specific caliper manufacturer recommendations).
Shovelhead Engine Quirks:
Tendency to run hot under stress, oil leaks (common for the era and design), valve guide wear, cam follower wear, oil pump wear.
Transmission Issues:
False neutrals, shifting problems if clutch adjustment is off, potential for worn shift forks or dog teeth.
Electrical Issues:
Corrosion on connectors, failing voltage regulators, worn wiring insulation, loose grounds.
Carburetor Issues:
Difficult starting when hot, idle instability, fuel leaks from worn seals or float issues.
Brand Origin:
Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, in 1903, Harley-Davidson is one of the oldest motorcycle manufacturers in the world, synonymous with American motorcycling culture.
Fx Series Context:
The FX designation historically signified a blend of FL (Electra Glide) and XL (Sportster) components, often resulting in a custom or chopper-style look. The 1980 FX 1200 represents a continuation of this lineage, featuring the large displacement Shovelhead engine in a chassis that offered a distinct styling from the FL or XL models.
Production Period Shovelhead:
The Shovelhead engine was produced from 1966 to 1984. The FX 1200 models were produced throughout the Shovelhead era, with variations like the FXE (Electric Start) and FXEF (Fat Bob) being common.
Manufacturing Location:
United States (Milwaukee, Wisconsin primarily)
