🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

Electra Glide

Model Code:

FLH

Year:

1980

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Electra Glide FLH was Harley-Davidson's flagship touring motorcycle in 1980, catering to riders seeking comfort, long-distance capability, and the iconic Harley-Davidson experience.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against other large-displacement touring motorcycles of the era, often from Japanese manufacturers (e.g., Honda Gold Wing) and British marques, emphasizing its V-twin character and traditional styling.

Key Features:

Large fairing for wind protection, comfortable seating for rider and passenger, ample luggage capacity (saddlebags, tour-pak), powerful V-twin engine, distinctive Harley-Davidson styling.

📋 Manual Details

Language:

English

Format:

Service Manual

Coverage Scope:

Factory Service Repair

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 400-500 pages (typical for this era)

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Full engine disassembly, assembly, tuning, troubleshooting, component identification (e.g., Shovelhead engine components, carburetor settings, ignition system).

Transmission Systems:

4-speed constant mesh transmission, clutch operation, gear inspection, lubrication, troubleshooting.

Electrical Systems:

Wiring diagrams, lighting system, ignition system (points, coil, spark plugs), battery maintenance, starter motor, generator/alternator.

Chassis Systems:

Frame inspection, suspension (front forks, rear shocks), steering head bearings, wheel bearings, spokes, braking system (front and rear drums), controls (throttle, clutch, brake levers).

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel filters, carburetor (likely Keihin butterfly type), fuel pump operation.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust pipes, mufflers, mounting hardware, leak detection.

Bodywork And Trim:

Fairing removal and installation, saddlebag mounting, fenders, seat, handlebars, controls.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, chain adjustment (if applicable, though FLH likely shaft drive or belt in later years, but 1980 is likely chain final drive), tire pressure checks, brake adjustment, battery charging.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic diagnosis of common problems related to starting, running, electrical issues, braking, and shifting.

Repair Procedures:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly across all major vehicle systems.

Adjustment Procedures:

Carburetor tuning, ignition timing adjustment, clutch and brake lever adjustment, suspension preload adjustments.

Carburetor Rebuild:

Detailed procedures for dismantling, cleaning, inspecting, and reassembling the stock carburetor.

Ignition System Service:

Instructions for points gap adjustment, condenser replacement, coil testing, and spark plug selection.

Wheel And Tire Service:

Tire mounting and balancing, spoke tensioning, wheel bearing replacement, and hub maintenance.

Lighting System Troubleshooting:

Diagnosing issues with headlights, taillights, turn signals, and indicator lamps.

Frame And Suspension Alignment:

Inspection of frame integrity, steering head bearing adjustment, fork oil change and seal replacement, rear shock absorber servicing.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic fluid checks and adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical diagnostics, and chassis overhauls.

Torque Specifications:

Extensive list of torque values for all critical fasteners (engine, transmission, chassis, bodywork).

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete and detailed wiring schematics for all electrical components.

Special Tools Required:

Identification and usage instructions for specialized Harley-Davidson tools needed for certain procedures.

Engine Disassembly Manual:

Step-by-step instructions for complete engine teardown, including cylinder head removal, piston inspection, crankshaft checks, and bearing replacement.

Transmission Rebuild Manual:

Procedures for disassembling the 4-speed transmission, inspecting gears and shift forks, replacing bearings and seals.

Troubleshooting Charts:

Diagnostic flowcharts to help identify causes of specific symptoms (e.g., 'engine won't start', 'poor acceleration').

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Likely PDF if digital, or printed booklet.

Print Quality:

High-quality reproduction of original factory documents, often with clear line drawings and diagrams.

Binding Type:

Typically saddle-stitched or perfect bound for printed versions.

Paper Type:

Durable paper stock suitable for workshop environments.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin (Shovelhead)

Displacement:

80 cubic inches (1340cc)

Bore X Stroke:

3.4375 in x 4.25 in (87.31 mm x 107.95 mm)

Compression Ratio:

Approximately 8.0:1

Valve Train:

Pushrod-actuated overhead valves, solid lifters (typically).

Horsepower:

Estimated 65-70 HP (at crankshaft, dependent on tuning)

Torque:

Estimated 75-80 ft-lbs (at crankshaft, dependent on tuning)

Carburetor:

Keihin butterfly type (e.g., CV carburetor) or Linkert (less common by 1980 for FLH)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (minimum 87 octane recommended)

Fuel Delivery:

Gravity feed from tank to carburetor, potentially with an inline fuel filter.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed constant mesh

Clutch Type:

Wet, multi-plate, cable-actuated

Final Drive:

Chain drive (likely enclosed or semi-enclosed)

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios for 1st through 4th gear would be detailed in the manual.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 63.5 inches (1613 mm)

Length:

Approximately 95 inches (2413 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Typically around 5-6 inches, but can vary.

Dry Weight:

Approximately 650-700 lbs (295-318 kg)

Fuel Capacity:

Approximately 5 gallons (19 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

Not applicable for this era of motorcycle in formal crash ratings. Focus is on rider control and mechanical integrity.

Active Safety:

Disc front brake (introduced earlier in the Shovelhead era), drum rear brake, responsive handling, robust chassis.

Passive Safety:

Sturdy frame construction, fairing for rider protection from elements, passenger grab handles.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic analogue gauges (speedometer, tachometer, voltmeter, oil pressure gauge). May include an AM/FM radio or 8-track player in some configurations of the era.

Driver Assistance:

None. Technology was focused on mechanical reliability and rider control.

Connectivity:

None.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 2,000-3,000 miles or as recommended by factory service bulletin (check manual for specifics).

Primary Chain Tensioner Check:

Regular inspection and adjustment as per manual recommendations, critical for Shovelhead transmissions.

Ignition Timing Adjustment:

Periodically or as needed for optimal performance and starting, especially with points ignition.

Engine Oil Type:

Viscosity SAE 20W-50 or 50W (depending on climate and specific Harley-Davidson recommendation for Shovelhead). Mineral-based motorcycle oil is crucial.

Transmission And Primary Chaincase Fluid:

Harley-Davidson Formula+ Transmission & Primary Chaincase Lube or equivalent recommended.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 or DOT 5 silicone fluid (confirm manual specification as Harley-Davidson sometimes specified DOT 5 for their fluid-filled brake systems later on, though DOT 4 was common for earlier models/aftermarket). Crucially, NEVER mix DOT 5 with DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Known Issues Shvoovelhead:

Oil leaks (common on Shovelheads), oil pressure issues, pushrod tube leaks, tappet adjustment, carburetor tuning sensitivity, points ignition maintenance, aging electrical components, rear brake performance (drum brake).

Common Wear Items:

Clutch plates, wheel bearings, steering head bearings, fork seals, brake pads/linings.

Shifter Issues:

Potential for sticky or loose shifter linkages, requiring adjustment.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer renowned for its V-twin engines and a culture of customization and freedom.

Model Evolution:

The Electra Glide lineage began in the late 1960s, evolving from earlier Duo-Glide models. The FLH designation signifies the top-tier, fully equipped touring model. The 1980 model represents the later Shovelhead era before the introduction of the Evolution engine.

Predecessor:

Duo-Glide

Successor:

Evolution Engine Electra Glide models

Production Era:

Shovelhead era (1966-1984). The FLH was a staple in Harley-Davidson's lineup throughout this period.