General Information:
        
        
            Included
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Included
        
     
    
        
            Lubrication:
        
        
            Periodic Lubrication details
        
     
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Comprehensive Maintenance procedures
        
     
    
        
            Tune Up:
        
        
            Detailed Tune-up procedures
        
     
    
        
            Engine:
        
        
            Complete engine overhaul and repair
        
     
    
        
            Clutch:
        
        
            Clutch assembly and service
        
     
    
        
            Primary Drive:
        
        
            Primary drive system service and repair
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            Transmission system overhaul and repair
        
     
    
        
            Kickstarter:
        
        
            Kickstarter mechanism service and repair
        
     
    
        
            Fuel System:
        
        
            Fuel system components and service
        
     
    
        
            Exhaust Systems:
        
        
            Exhaust system maintenance and repair
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Complete electrical system diagnosis and repair
        
     
    
        
            Front Suspension:
        
        
            Front suspension assembly and service
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Steering system components and service
        
     
    
        
            Rear Suspension:
        
        
            Rear suspension assembly and service
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Brake system maintenance and repair
        
     
    
        
            Wiring Diagrams:
        
        
            Detailed wiring diagrams included
        
     
    
    
        
            Repair Procedures:
        
        
            Step-by-step instructions based on complete disassembly
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Procedures:
        
        
            Combined troubleshooting and electrical service procedures
        
     
    
        
            Assembly Disassembly:
        
        
            Detailed guide for complete disassembly and reassembly
        
     
    
        
            Index:
        
        
            Included for easy navigation
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Professional quality, in-depth service and repair
        
     
    
        
            User Target:
        
        
            Do-it-yourselfer and experienced mechanic
        
     
    
    
        
            Illustration Quality:
        
        
            Hundreds of photos and illustrations
        
     
    
        
            Illustration Detail:
        
        
            Detailed illustrations, drawings, and photos guide each procedure
        
     
    
        
            Inset Illustrations:
        
        
            Enlarged insets to examine parts in detail
        
     
    
    
        
            Instruction Format:
        
        
            Numbered instructions, detailed substeps
        
     
    
        
            Critical Information:
        
        
            Notes, cautions, and warnings throughout each chapter
        
     
    
        
            Illustration Matching:
        
        
            Bold figure numbers to match illustrations with instructions
        
     
    
    
        
            Table Of Contents:
        
        
            Numbered table of contents for fast information retrieval
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Family:
        
        
            Shovelhead
        
     
    
        
            Engine Configuration:
        
        
            Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin
        
     
    
        
            Displacement:
        
        
            1340 cc (82 cubic inches)
        
     
    
        
            Bore X Stroke:
        
        
            3.4375 in x 4.25 in (87.3 mm x 108 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio:
        
        
            Varies by specific model and tune, typically 7.0:1 to 8.0:1
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower Estimate:
        
        
            Approx. 65-70 HP (actual figures vary significantly based on tune)
        
     
    
        
            Torque Estimate:
        
        
            Approx. 80-85 ft-lbs (actual figures vary significantly based on tune)
        
     
    
    
        
            Carburetor:
        
        
            Typically Keihin Butterfly or Linkert (depending on specific FLH sub-model), potentially S&S Super E/G for aftermarket upgrades
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended)
        
     
    
    
        
            Ignition Type:
        
        
            Battery and Coil with Breaker Points (standard for 1981), Electronic Ignition often an aftermarket upgrade
        
     
    
    
        
            Oil Type:
        
        
            API SG or SH rated, straight-weight or multi-grade 20W-50 motorcycle oil (e.g., Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Oil)
        
     
    
        
            Oil Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 3 quarts (2.8 liters) with filter change
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 2,000-3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first
        
     
    
        
            Primary Chain Tension Check:
        
        
            Every 2,500 miles
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Every 5,000-10,000 miles (depending on type)
        
     
    
    
        
            Fork Oil Type:
        
        
            30W or 40W motorcycle fork oil (specific grade depends on preference and fork condition)
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Type:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic fluid (check master cylinder for specific requirement)
        
     
    
    
        
            Common Wear Items:
        
        
            Valve guides, lifter blocks, primary chain tensioner, crankshaft seals, starter clutch
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Quirks:
        
        
            Aging wiring harnesses, ignition system reliability (especially points)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Vibrations:
        
        
            Shovelhead engines are known for inherent vibration; proper balancing and maintenance are key.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Brand Origin:
        
        
            Founded in 1903, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
        
     
    
    
        
            Shovelhead Era:
        
        
            Produced from 1966 to 1984, successor to the Panhead, precursor to the Evolution (Evo) engine.
        
     
    
    
        
            Model Year Significance:
        
        
            1981 marked a transition period for Harley-Davidson with significant chassis and engine updates in the years prior.