Target Audience:
Harley-Davidson FXS Shovelhead 1979 owners and independent repair shops.
Value Proposition:
Provides essential technical data and procedures often missing in less comprehensive or outdated manuals.
Accessibility:
PDF format allows for easy viewing on various devices and on-demand printing of specific sections.
Historical Significance:
Covers a pivotal era for Harley-Davidson, showcasing the evolution of their iconic V-twin platform.
Covered Systems:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Chassis, Suspension, Brakes, Electrical System, Fuel System, Ignition System, Lubrication, Cooling, Bodywork, Troubleshooting
Estimated Page Count:
Approx. 250-350 pages (typical for this era's service manuals)
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Complete engine disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair procedures for the Shovelhead V-twin engine.
Transmission And Drivetrain:
Detailed procedures for the 4-speed transmission, primary drive, and final drive components.
Chassis And Suspension:
Front fork (including disc brake system), rear suspension, swingarm, frame, and wheel bearings.
Brake System:
Front and rear brake caliper, master cylinder, fluid replacement, bleeding, and component inspection.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, ignition system (points and condenser, electronic options), lighting, charging system (generator/alternator), battery, and starter.
Fuel And Carburetion:
Carburetor disassembly, cleaning, adjustment, and fuel tank/petcock maintenance for likely Keihin or S&S carburetors.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug service, chain adjustment, brake adjustments, and general inspection points.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Systematic diagnostic guides for common running issues, electrical problems, and mechanical failures.
Major Repairs:
Complete engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, fork rebuild, and brake system overhaul procedures.
Component Rebuilding:
Detailed instructions for rebuilding the carburetor, brake calipers, and other wear-prone components.
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on essential tools and specifications for accurate diagnostics, including torque values and clearances.
Specification Data:
Comprehensive specifications for engine components, electrical systems, chassis parts, and fluid capacities.
Manual Completeness:
Designed for comprehensive coverage, from routine maintenance to full engine rebuilds.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin, OHV (Overhead Valve)
Displacement:
74 cubic inches (1213 cc) - Standard for Shovelhead FX models
Bore X Stroke:
3.4375 in. x 4.25 in. (87.3 mm x 108 mm)
Compression Ratio:
Approximately 8.0:1 to 8.5:1 (variations possible based on specific heads)
Horsepower Estimated:
Around 60-65 HP (at crankshaft, varies with tuning)
Torque Estimated:
Around 65-70 ft-lbs (at crankshaft, varies with tuning)
Carburetor:
Likely Harley-Davidson "Butterfly" (Linkert style) or early Keihin CV, or S&S Super E/B (aftermarket common). Manual will detail stock type and potential aftermarket tuning.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane recommended.
Ignition Type:
Battery-coil ignition with points and condenser, or potentially early electronic ignition conversions (manual may cover both).
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3 quarts (2.8 liters) in the frame oil tank. Manual will specify exact capacity and procedures.
Oil Type Specification:
Varies by era and manufacturer recommendation. Typically SAE 20W-50 motorcycle oil, or specific Harley-Davidson proprietary oil. Manual will confirm.
Cylinder Material:
Cast Iron
Piston Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Transmission Type:
4-speed, constant mesh, sequential manual transmission
Primary Drive:
Duplex chain drive, dry clutch
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate, diaphragm spring clutch
Transmission Fluid:
Manual will specify. Typically Harley-Davidson proprietary transmission fluid or a suitable heavy-duty gear oil. Often shares oil with primary drive.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 60.9 inches (1547 mm)
Length:
Approx. 90.5 inches (2299 mm)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 575 lbs (261 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Will be specified in the manual, generally around 800-900 lbs.
Safety Certification:
N/A (Motorcycle safety standards of the era, not formal crash ratings like modern cars)
Braking System:
Front: Single disc brake with caliper. Rear: Drum brake. Manual covers service and adjustment.
Lighting System:
Headlight, tail light, brake light, turn signals (front and rear). Manual details wiring and bulb replacement.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 2,000-3,000 miles (3,000-5,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first. Manual will specify recommended interval.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended every 5,000-10,000 miles (8,000-16,000 km). Manual will provide specific plug types and gap settings.
Primary Chain Adjustment:
Regular checks recommended, typically every oil change or as needed based on noise/slack. Manual details the procedure.
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-50 motorcycle oil (refer to manual for exact H-D specification or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid:
Manual specified H-D transmission fluid or equivalent heavy-duty gear oil.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (for disc brake systems, check manual for specific H-D recommendation).
Oil Leaks:
Common in older Shovelheads due to aging seals and gaskets. Manual provides procedures for addressing leaks.
Carburetor Tuning:
Shovelhead carburetors (especially stock ones) can require frequent adjustment for optimal performance. Manual aids in proper tuning.
Ignition System Maintenance:
Points and condenser require periodic cleaning and adjustment. Manual details this process and potential electronic ignition upgrades.
Harley Davidson Legacy:
Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, has a long history of producing iconic V-twin motorcycles known for their distinctive sound and character.
Shovelhead Development:
The Shovelhead engine, introduced in 1966 as an evolution of the Panhead, featured distinctive "shovel" shaped rocker boxes. The FXS represented a more custom-oriented or sportier variant of the Harley-Davidson lineup compared to the FL models.
Production Era:
The Shovelhead engine was produced from 1966 through 1984.
Fxs Model Context:
The FXS was a significant model in the FX (or "Super Glide") line, often featuring a lower stance, different styling elements, and sometimes different engine configurations or transmissions than the larger FL models.
