Market Role:
Essential technical documentation for owners, restorers, and mechanics specializing in vintage Harley-Davidson motorcycles equipped with the CLE sidecar.
Niche Value:
Provides specialized information not readily available in general motorcycle manuals, catering to a specific and often passionate enthusiast market.
Value Proposition:
Offers detailed, factory-accurate repair and maintenance procedures for the Harley-Davidson CLE Sidecar, crucial for maintaining originality and functionality.
Primary Coverage:
Harley-Davidson CLE Sidecar 1983
Secondary Coverage:
Associated motorcycle chassis and components (details may vary, consultation of manual for specifics required)
Estimated Pages:
Refer to product listing for exact page count. Typically factory service manuals for this era are extensive, often exceeding 300 pages.
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Format:
Likely Printed (Paperback/Softcover) or Digital PDF (based on common sales practices for vintage manuals). Specify if digital for file format details.
Sidecar Chassis:
Frame, suspension, wheel assembly, steering mechanism, bodywork, mounting hardware.
Motorcycle Integration:
Attachment points, electrical connections (if applicable to sidecar), braking integration (if altered).
Body And Interior:
Sidecar body construction, seat mounting, interior trim, weather sealing.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams specific to sidecar accessories, lighting (if integrated).
Mounting Hardware:
Detailed information on the clamps, bolts, and brackets used to secure the sidecar to the motorcycle frame.
Installation:
Comprehensive step-by-step guide for attaching the sidecar to the motorcycle.
Removal:
Detailed instructions for detaching the sidecar from the motorcycle.
Disassembly:
Instructions for taking apart sidecar components for repair or refurbishment.
Assembly:
Reassembly procedures for all sidecar components.
Repair:
Specific repair instructions for common wear items and potential issues.
Adjustments:
Calibration and alignment procedures for steering and suspension.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving problems.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance and adjustments to full disassembly and repair. Likely includes torque specifications, clearances, and detailed diagrams.
Part Identification:
Likely includes exploded diagrams and part number references for sidecar components, aiding in sourcing replacements.
File Format:
If Digital PDF: Searchable text, bookmark navigation, high-resolution scans. If Printed: Professional printing, clear text, and legible diagrams.
Print Quality:
Expected to be high quality, consistent with factory publications of the era, featuring clear diagrams and legible text.
Binding:
If Printed: Likely stapled or perfect bound (softcover) for ease of use in a workshop environment.
Paper Type:
If Printed: Durable, often semi-gloss or matte paper suitable for workshop conditions.
Recommended Tools:
Lists specific tools and specialized equipment required for sidecar service, beyond standard motorcycle tools.
Motorcycle Engine Compatibility:
Compatible with Harley-Davidson models of the era that were designed to accept the CLE sidecar, typically larger displacement V-twin engines (e.g., Shovelhead era).
Engine Considerations:
Manual covers sidecar mounting and adjustments; engine performance specifications are assumed to be found in the motorcycle's dedicated service manual.
Fuel System Considerations:
No direct engine fuel system details for the sidecar itself; focuses on the motorcycle's engine as it relates to sidecar operation.
Transmission Type:
Refers to the motorcycle's transmission; manual likely details any necessary adjustments or considerations for operating with a sidecar.
Optional Features:
May discuss alternative gearing ratios or drive modifications if common for sidecar use, though less likely for a factory manual.
Sidecar Impact:
Addresses how the added weight and drag of the sidecar affect transmission loading and clutch operation.
Sidecar Dimensions:
Specific exterior dimensions (length, width, height) of the CLE sidecar are detailed within the manual, crucial for fitment and clearance.
Cabin Dimensions:
Interior dimensions, passenger seating area, and cargo space will be specified.
Cargo Capacity:
Information on the designated cargo capacity or volume of the sidecar compartment.
Sidecar Weight:
Dry weight of the CLE sidecar unit will be provided, essential for calculating total vehicle weight and load distribution.
Total Vehicle Weight:
Guidance on calculating the total gross vehicle weight (motorcycle + sidecar + payload) and associated load limits.
Safety Standards:
While no formal crash ratings exist for 1983 sidecars, the manual will detail safe operating parameters and structural integrity guidelines.
Braking Systems:
Information on brake integration, including potential upgrades or adjustments to the motorcycle's braking system to accommodate sidecar usage.
Structural Integrity:
Details on the strength and mounting points of the sidecar chassis and its connection to the motorcycle frame.
Lighting:
Guidance on ensuring sidecar lighting (if present) meets visibility and safety regulations.
Integrated Features:
The 1983 CLE sidecar typically had minimal integrated technology, primarily focused on basic functionality and passenger comfort.
Handling Aids:
No electronic driver assistance systems; emphasis is on mechanical adjustments for optimal handling.
Electrical Integration:
Details on connecting sidecar lighting to the motorcycle's electrical system, if applicable.
Lubrication Points:
Recommended intervals for lubricating suspension pivots, wheel bearings, and steering components.
Wheel Alignment:
Guidance on periodic checks and adjustments for sidecar wheel alignment and camber to ensure stable handling.
Wheel Bearings:
Specifications for suitable grease for sidecar wheel bearings, e.g., high-temperature, general-purpose automotive grease.
Tire Pressure:
Recommended tire pressures for the sidecar wheel, critical for handling and tire longevity.
Brake Fluid:
If the sidecar utilizes a separate braking system or modifies the motorcycle's, specifications for brake fluid type (e.g., DOT 3, DOT 4) would be included.
Common Wear Items:
Potential wear issues might include suspension bushings, wheel bearings, steering head bearings, and body mounting hardware.
Handling Challenges:
The manual would likely address common handling quirks associated with sidecar-equipped motorcycles, such as tendency to pull to one side.
Harley-Davidson Legacy:
Harley-Davidson has a long history of offering sidecars, often as factory-approved accessories, reflecting a tradition of versatility and capability.
Cle Sidecar Context:
The CLE sidecar was a popular accessory in the 1970s and 1980s, designed to enhance the utility and carrying capacity of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, particularly touring models.
Production Period:
The CLE sidecar model was produced for a significant period, with the 1983 model representing a specific iteration within that production run.
