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.
