Segment:
Full-dress touring motorcycle, characterized by its fairing, saddlebags, and comfortable riding position, appealing to riders seeking long-distance capability.
Competitors:
During its production run, the FXRT competed with other large displacement cruisers and touring motorcycles from brands like Honda (e.g., Gold Wing models), Kawasaki (e.g., Voyager), and Yamaha (e.g., Venture).
Features:
Distinctive full fairing, integrated saddlebags, comfortable seating, robust V-twin engine, designed for touring and long-distance comfort.
Engine:
Detailed inspection, disassembly, assembly, tuning, and troubleshooting for Shovelhead and Evolution V-twin engines.
Transmission:
Comprehensive coverage of gearboxes, clutches, and related components for 4-speed and 5-speed transmissions.
Electrical System:
Detailed wiring diagrams, ignition system, lighting, charging system, starter, and accessory electrical troubleshooting.
Fuel System:
Carburetor (e.g., Keihin Butterfly, CV) tuning, disassembly, cleaning, and troubleshooting; fuel injection systems if applicable to later models within the range.
Braking System:
Front and rear brake caliper, master cylinder, and hydraulic system maintenance, repair, and bleeding procedures.
Suspension:
Front fork (e.g., Showa, Marzocchi) overhaul, fork seal replacement, shock absorber service, and adjustments.
Frame And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, fairing removal and installation, saddlebag service, and body component repair.
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing maintenance, spoke tensioning, tire replacement, and balancing.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, chain adjustment, lubrication points.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues across all systems.
Rebuilds:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures with torque specifications and clearances.
Adjustments:
Carburetor tuning, ignition timing, clutch and brake lever adjustments.
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing wear items and major components.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled V-twin
Engine Displacement Early:
1337cc (81.7 cu in) - Shovelhead era
Engine Displacement Later:
1340cc (82 cu in) - Evolution era
Bore Stroke Evolution:
3.496 in x 4.250 in (88.8 mm x 108 mm)
Compression Ratio Evolution:
8.5:1 (typical)
Horsepower Evolution:
Approx. 60-70 HP at rear wheel (estimated, varies with tuning)
Torque Evolution:
Approx. 75-85 ft-lbs at rear wheel (estimated, varies with tuning)
Carburetor Type Early:
Linkert or Keihin Butterfly (depending on specific year and sub-model variations)
Carburetor Type Later:
Keihin CV (Constant Velocity) carburetor
Fuel Delivery:
Gravity feed from fuel tank via carburetor
Length:
Approximately 90-95 inches (varies slightly by year)
Width:
Approximately 35-40 inches (including fairing and handlebars)
Height:
Approximately 50-55 inches (including windshield)
Dry Weight:
Approximately 650-700 lbs (varies by configuration)
Wet Weight:
Approximately 700-750 lbs (with fluids)
Fuel Capacity:
5.0 gallons (19 L)
Oil Capacity:
3.0 US quarts (2.8 L) (typical for Evolution engine, without filter change)
Safety Standards:
Not applicable in the automotive sense of NCAP ratings; safety focus is on vehicle stability, braking performance, and rider visibility.
Braking System Type:
Dual disc front, single disc rear (hydraulic, disc brakes)
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, taillight, brake light, turn signals.
Fairing Windscreen:
Provides wind protection and improves rider comfort and visibility in adverse weather.
Audio System:
Optional factory-installed or aftermarket radio/cassette systems were available for some models in this range.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was not a standard feature on these models; it became more prevalent in later Harley-Davidson touring bikes.
Cruise Control:
Cruise control was an optional feature for some FXR models, particularly later ones in this range.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 2,500-5,000 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for exact specification).
Primary Chain Case Oil:
Every 5,000-10,000 miles (refer to manual).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000-15,000 miles (refer to manual).
Belt Drive Tension Check:
Every 2,500-5,000 miles (refer to manual).
Engine Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson 20W-50 or equivalent motorcycle-specific oil (e.g., mineral or synthetic).
Primary Chain Case Oil Type:
Formula+ Transmission & Primary Chain Lubricant or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Brake Fluid (refer to manual for specific type and bleeding procedure).
Cam Chain Tensioner Evolution:
Early Evolution engines used plastic cam chain tensioners which could wear prematurely, requiring replacement with updated designs (covered in manual).
Carburetor Tuning:
CV carburetors can require periodic tuning for optimal performance, especially with engine modifications or altitude changes.
Shocks:
Original shock absorbers may lose damping ability over time and mileage.
Heritage:
Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer renowned for its V-twin engines and cruiser/touring motorcycles.
Lineage:
The FXRT Sport Glide was part of the FXR family, known for its good handling and rider comfort, positioned as a more touring-oriented variant of the sportier FXR models.
Production Period:
Introduced in 1983 as a model year '84, production continued through 1992. The FXR platform itself saw further evolution beyond this.
Manufacturing Location:
United States (primarily York, Pennsylvania and Milwaukee, Wisconsin assembly plants)
