Market Segment:
Cruiser motorcycle, iconic American V-twin
Competitors 1982:
Custom cruisers, other large-displacement V-twins (though Harley-Davidson dominated this niche)
Model Fx Features:
Evolution of the FX/FXR platform, Shovelhead engine, robust construction, custom styling potential, significant sales volume for Harley-Davidson
Manual Purpose:
Essential for proper maintenance, diagnosis, and repair, ensuring longevity and optimal performance of a classic motorcycle.
Engine Systems:
Cylinder heads, cylinders, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system (air-cooled), fuel system (carburetor, fuel lines), ignition system (points, coils, spark plugs), exhaust system
Transmission Systems:
4-speed transmission, clutch, primary drive, final drive, shifting mechanism
Chassis Systems:
Frame, front forks (including Showa/Marzocchi options), rear suspension (shocks and swingarm), steering head bearings, wheels, tires, brakes (front and rear disc/drum), electrical system (wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, lighting, starting system, switches, instruments)
Bodywork And Trim:
Fenders, fuel tank, seat, handlebars, footpegs, control levers, mirrors, body panels
General Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug inspection/replacement, chain adjustment, lubrication points, brake pad inspection/replacement, tire pressure checks
Troubleshooting And Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic charts for common starting, running, and electrical issues; component testing procedures
Engine Repair And Rebuild:
Top-end rebuilds (cylinder honing, piston ring replacement), bottom-end inspection and repair, valve adjustments, carburetor overhaul, ignition system tuning
Transmission And Drivetrain Repair:
Clutch adjustment and replacement, transmission gear inspection, bearing replacement, primary and final drive chain service
Brake System Repair:
Brake caliper overhaul, master cylinder service, bleeding procedures, brake pad and rotor replacement
Electrical System Repair:
Wiring harness troubleshooting, component testing (regulator, stator, starter), battery testing, lighting system repair
Suspension And Steering Service:
Fork seal replacement, fork oil changes, shock absorber replacement, steering head bearing adjustment
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics. Covers full disassembly, assembly, and calibration of all major systems.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin, OHV
Bore X Stroke:
3.4375 in x 4.25 in (87.31 mm x 107.95 mm)
Compression Ratio:
8.1:1 (typical)
Valve Actuation:
Pushrod actuated overhead valves
Horsepower Approx:
65-70 hp @ 5000 rpm (estimated)
Torque Approx:
70-75 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (estimated)
Carburetor Type:
Keihin butterfly or Tillotson (depending on specific model variant), Amal Concentric also found on some earlier/modified versions
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane (RON+MON)/2
Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson 20W-50 motorcycle oil (or equivalent API SG/SH rated)
Oil Capacity W Filter:
3.5 US quarts (3.3 liters)
Ignition System:
Breaker points ignition, dual fire coil
Transmission Type:
4-speed constant mesh, manual
Primary Drive:
46/31 Duplex chain (38T/25T sprockets)
Final Drive:
36/21 (1.71:1) belt drive or chain drive (depending on FX variant, belt becoming more common)
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate
Transmission Fluid Type:
Harley-Davidson Syn-3 (or equivalent 75W-90 gear oil for later models, check manual for specific 1982 spec, likely 80W-90 gear oil for primary/transmission)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
1 quart (0.95 liters) for transmission, 1 quart (0.95 liters) for primary (separate reservoirs)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 62.5 inches (1588 mm)
Length:
Approx. 88 inches (2235 mm)
Seat Height:
Approx. 29 inches (737 mm)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 550-600 lbs (250-272 kg) depending on specific configuration
Gvwr:
Not typically specified in the same way as cars, focus on payload capacity
Cargo Capacity:
N/A (Motorcycle, limited to saddlebags/luggage racks)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 2,500 - 3,000 miles or 6 months
Primary Chain Tensioner Check:
Every 2,500 miles
Spark Plug Inspection:
Every 5,000 miles
Valve Adjustment:
Every 5,000 - 10,000 miles (depending on usage and wear)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 hydraulic fluid (check manual for exact type)
Fork Oil Type:
Motorcycle fork oil, SAE 10W (check manual for specific viscosity and quantity)
Common Shovelhead Issues:
Oil leaks (especially crank seals), valve guide wear, carburetor tuning sensitivity, charging system issues (stator/regulator), primary chain tensioner wear, breaker point ignition wear.
Common Chassis Issues:
Wear in steering head bearings, fork wear (leaks, pitting), brake system component wear.
Brand Foundation:
Founded in 1903 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. A legendary American motorcycle manufacturer.
Fx Lineage:
The FX line, introduced in 1971, was Harley-Davidson's response to Japanese competition and the burgeoning chopper culture, featuring the Shovelhead engine in a lighter frame than the FL (Electra Glide) models. The FX model range evolved into the FXR platform known for its better handling.
Production Era Shovelhead:
1966-1984 (last year for Shovelhead engine)
Manufacturing Location:
York, Pennsylvania and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA