Target Audience:
Harley-Davidson FXE 1983 Owners, DIY Enthusiasts, and Professional Mechanics
Value Proposition:
Inexpensive way to keep vehicle working properly; avoids costly dealership repairs
Completeness:
Complete Official Full Factory Service Repair Manual
Digital Convenience:
No shipping costs or waiting time; download and print as needed
Engine:
Complete Engine Overhaul and Repair
Clutch:
Clutch System Service and Adjustment
Primary Drive:
Primary Drive System Service and Repair
Transmission:
Transmission Service and Repair
Kickstarter:
Kickstarter System Service and Repair
Fuel System:
Fuel System Diagnosis and Repair (Carburetor, Fuel Lines)
Exhaust Systems:
Exhaust System Inspection and Repair
Electrical System:
Complete Electrical System Diagnosis, Troubleshooting, and Wiring Diagrams
Front Suspension:
Front Suspension Service and Repair (Forks)
Steering:
Steering System Service and Repair
Rear Suspension:
Rear Suspension Service and Repair
Brakes:
Brake System Service and Repair (Front and Rear)
General Information:
General Information and Specifications
Troubleshooting:
Comprehensive Troubleshooting Guides for Various Issues
Periodic Lubrication:
Scheduled Lubrication and Greasing Procedures
Maintenance:
Routine Maintenance Procedures
Tune Up:
Tune-up Procedures and Specifications
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step Repair Instructions based on complete disassembly
Diagnostics:
Detailed Diagnostics for Mechanical and Electrical Issues
Depth:
Complete Factory Service, Suitable for DIY and Professional Mechanics
Visual Aid Quality:
Hundreds of Photos, Illustrations, and Enlarged Insets for Detailed Examination
Instructional Format:
Numbered Instructions, Detailed Substeps, Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
Index Presence:
Yes, an Index is included for easy navigation.
Wiring Diagram Coverage:
Detailed Wiring Diagrams included, essential for electrical system troubleshooting.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin
Engine Family:
Shovelhead
Displacement:
74 cubic inches (1200cc), 80 cubic inches (1340cc) - FXE typically used 80ci from 1978 onwards.
Bore X Stroke:
80ci: 3.50 x 4.25 inches
Compression Ratio:
Typically 8.0:1 for 80ci Shovelhead
Carburetion:
Keihin butterfly carburetor (e.g., Keihin 36mm CV or earlier Linkert/Bendix variants depending on specific build)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (minimum 87 octane recommended)
Cylinder Layout:
45-degree V-twin
Infotainment System:
Basic analog instrumentation (speedometer, tachometer optional, indicator lights); no advanced infotainment systems.
Driver Assistance Features:
None; this era of motorcycle focused on mechanicals and rider control.
Connectivity Features:
None
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 2,500-3,000 miles or as specified in the manual for the Shovelhead engine.
Tire Pressure Check:
Check regularly, refer to manual for specific PSI values based on tire size and load.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Refer to manual; generally around 5,000-7,500 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson recommends specific V-twin motorcycle oils; typically a 20W-50 or 20W-60 weight is common for Shovelheads. Check manual for exact specification (e.g., Harley-Davidson H-D 360 SAE 20W-50).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3 quarts (2.8 liters) for 80ci Shovelhead, including oil filter.
Common Shovelhead Issues:
Leaking valve guides, oil pump issues, potential for premature wear of certain components if not properly maintained, carburetor tuning sensitivity, electrical gremlins common in older bikes.
Tune Up Points:
Spark plugs, ignition points (if applicable, electronic ignition was becoming more common), carburetor adjustment, timing checks.
Heritage:
Harley-Davidson is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer with a long history dating back to 1903.
Shovelhead Evolution:
The Shovelhead engine, introduced in 1966, succeeded the Panhead and was known for its distinctive cylinder head shape. The FXE (often called a 'Super Glide' or 'Low Rider' style) incorporated the Shovelhead engine into a more custom-oriented chassis with a forward-mounted console and dual front discs on some models.
Fx Series:
The FX designation typically denoted Harley-Davidson's 'cruiser' or 'custom' line, often featuring a combination of Big Twin (FL style) frame geometry with a 4-speed transmission and different styling cues than the pure FL models.
Production Period:
Shovelhead engines were produced from 1966 to 1984.