🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

Super Glide FXS

Year:

1979

Model Code:

FXS

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 1979 Harley-Davidson FXS Super Glide was positioned as a premium cruiser, offering a blend of performance and iconic styling. It represented a significant step in Harley-Davidson's evolution, bridging the gap between classic designs and emerging trends.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed with other American V-twin motorcycles and emerging Japanese performance bikes. Its appeal lay in its distinctive styling, V-twin rumble, and the Harley-Davidson legacy.

Key Features:

FXS designation typically denoted the Super Glide with a factory custom look, often featuring dual front discs and specific styling cues. The 1979 model would have featured the Shovelhead engine and the robust 4-speed transmission.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Engine, Transmission, Chassis, Electrical System, Fuel System, Ignition System, Brakes, Suspension, Frame, Bodywork, Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Lubrication, Specifications

Page Count:

Estimate: 250-350 pages (typical for factory service manuals of this era)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Manual Type Detail:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) - Contains detailed procedures, specifications, and troubleshooting guides for authorized technicians.

Language:

English

Format:

Likely Printed Book (Original Factory Issue)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine (Shovelhead Evolution), Carburetion (Linkert/Keihin), Ignition (Points/Electronic), Lubrication System, Primary Drive, Transmission (4-Speed Cruise Drive), Clutch, Drive Belt, Frame, Front Fork (Greasers/Showa-style), Rear Suspension (Shocks/Swingarm), Wheels, Tires, Brakes (Drum/Disc), Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams, Charging, Lighting, Starting), Fuel Tank, Seat, Handlebars, Controls, Exhaust System

Procedures Included:

Routine Maintenance, Scheduled Service, Troubleshooting Fault Diagnosis, Engine Overhaul, Carburetor Adjustment/Rebuild, Ignition Timing, Transmission Gearbox Service, Clutch Adjustment/Replacement, Belt Drive Inspection/Tensioning, Fork Seal Replacement, Shock Absorber Replacement, Brake Pad/Shoe Replacement, Wheel Bearing Service, Electrical Component Testing, Wiring Harness Repair, Diagnostic Procedures, Special Tool Recommendations, Torque Specifications

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers from basic adjustments and fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.

Special Tools:

The manual will list specific Harley-Davidson proprietary tools required for certain procedures, such as flywheel nut socket, primary locknut wrench, crankcase spanner, valve seat grinding tools, etc.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Extensive troubleshooting charts and diagnostic flowcharts for common problems across all major systems (engine starting, running issues, electrical faults, transmission noise, etc.).

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

N/A (Assuming Original Print)

Print Quality:

Original Factory Print Quality (typically high-quality paper with clear diagrams)

Binding Type:

Likely Perfect Bound or Stapled Sections within a Cover

Paper Type:

High-quality, durable paper stock suitable for workshop use.

Content Accuracy:

High. Based on original factory engineering data and testing.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

Harley-Davidson Shovelhead OHV V-Twin

Displacement:

80 cubic inches (1308 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

3.4375 in. x 4.25 in. (87.3 mm x 108 mm)

Compression Ratio:

Approx. 8.0:1 (varies slightly by model/tune)

Horsepower:

Estimated 65-70 HP (at crankshaft, approximate)

Torque:

Estimated 75-80 ft-lbs (at crankshaft, approximate)

Fuel System:

Carburetor: Linkert M-series or Keihin Butterfly (model dependent, often Keihin for '79 FXS) with automatic enrichment circuit.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline, Octane Rating 87 (or higher depending on engine state)

Ignition System:

Battery and Coil, Breaker Points Ignition (or early electronic ignition systems may have been retrofitted).

Engine Type:

Air-Cooled, Pushrod Actuated Overhead Valves

Cooling System:

Air Cooling

🔧 Transmission

Standard:

4-Speed Cruise Drive Manual Transmission

Clutch Type:

Wet, Multi-plate

Final Drive:

Belt Drive

Transmission Fluid:

Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Transmission Fluid (or equivalent SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil)

Primary Chain Tension:

Adjustable

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 63.5 inches (1613 mm)

Overall Length:

Approx. 90 inches (2286 mm)

Seat Height:

Approx. 28-30 inches (711-762 mm) (unladen, approximate)

Front Tire:

3.00-19 (or similar bias-ply sizing)

Rear Tire:

4.00-18 (or similar bias-ply sizing)

Wheel Type:

Spoked wheels

Wheelbase Type:

Standard

Dry Weight:

Approx. 530 lbs (240 kg)

Fuel Capacity:

Approx. 4.0 gallons (15.1 liters)

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 3 quarts (2.8 liters) (with filter change)

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings:

N/A (Motorcycles of this era were not subject to the same standardized safety ratings as automobiles. Focus is on mechanical integrity and rider control.)

Active Features:

Dual Front Disc Brakes (common on FXS models), Rear Drum Brake, robust frame and suspension for handling stability.

Passive Features:

Sturdy frame construction, rider footrests, handlebars for control, seat for rider support.

Recall Information:

Recalls for motorcycles of this age are rare and often related to specific component failures. The manual would provide guidance on inspecting and maintaining critical safety systems like brakes and tires.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment:

N/A. This era of motorcycle focused on mechanical function and rider experience, not electronic infotainment systems.

Driver Assistance:

N/A. No electronic driver assistance systems.

Connectivity:

N/A. No electronic connectivity features.

Instrumentation:

Analog speedometer, tachometer (often optional or integrated), odometer, trip meter, indicator lights for oil pressure, neutral, turn signals, high beam.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals:

Initial Service: Approx. 500 miles. Subsequent Services: Every 2,500-5,000 miles (oil changes, chain/belt adjustment, lubrication). Detailed intervals for specific components (spark plugs, air filter, etc.) are in the manual.

Engine Oil Type:

Harley-Davidson 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil or equivalent (API SG or higher)

Transmission Oil Type:

SAE 80W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil (or specified H-D Transmission Fluid)

Primary Chain Case Oil Type:

Harley-Davidson Primary Chain Case Oil or equivalent (e.g., Syn3 or a specific primary fluid)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid (for disc brakes, check specific caliper manufacturer if available)

Known Issues:

Shovelhead engines can be prone to oil leaks, valve seat wear, and carburetor tuning sensitivity. Primary drive chain tension requires regular checking. Brake systems of this era (especially drums) require diligent maintenance. Electrical systems can develop intermittent faults due to age and vibration.

Lubrication Points:

Wheel bearings, steering head bearings, swingarm pivot, all control cables, kickstand pivot. Specified grease types will be detailed in the manual.

Air Filter Type:

Paper or fabric element, depending on original carburetor/air cleaner assembly.

Spark Plug Recommendation:

Typically Champion H-series or NGK equivalent (e.g., NGK D7EA). Refer to manual for exact spec.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, is the oldest continuously operating motorcycle manufacturer in the world. The brand is synonymous with American motorcycle culture, freedom, and robust V-twin power.

Model Evolution:

The FX line, including the Super Glide, emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s as Harley-Davidson's response to the burgeoning custom and chopper culture, offering a more modern, yet still classic, platform. The FXS specifically represented a factory-built custom interpretation.

Production Years:

The Super Glide FX model line was produced from 1971 onwards. The FXS designation was used for various Super Glide variants throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

Manufacturing Location:

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The Super Glide platform itself earned significant recognition for its styling and performance within the motorcycle community and was a key model in Harley-Davidson's resurgence in the late 1970s and 1980s.

Ratings:

Highly regarded for its classic American V-twin character and custom aesthetic.