Segment:
Cruiser / Custom Motorcycle
Style:
Classic chopper-inspired styling, long wheelbase, raked front end, forward controls.
Competitors Era:
Competed with other American V-twins and metric cruisers of the era offering similar styling and performance.
Engine Layout:
Air-cooled Evolution V-twin engine.
Front End Geometry:
Significantly raked-out front forks, contributing to its distinctive long and low profile.
Driving Position:
Forward-mounted foot controls and a low seat height.
Engine:
Engine assembly, disassembly, top end, bottom end, lubrication, cooling (air-cooled), tuning
Fuel System:
Carburetor (Keihin CV), fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump (if applicable), fuel filter
Ignition System:
Ignition module, spark plugs, coils, timing, wiring
Transmission:
4-speed constant mesh, clutch, primary drive, gears, shafts, seals, lubrication
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor, solenoid), lighting, switches, fuses, wiring diagrams
Chassis And Frame:
Frame inspection, suspension (front forks, rear shocks), steering, swingarm, wheel bearings
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (hydraulic disc), master cylinders, calipers, brake lines, pads, rotors, fluid specifications
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel removal/installation, spoke tension, tire types, pressure, balancing
Bodywork And Trim:
Fenders, fuel tank, seat, handlebars, controls, exhaust system, chrome components, cosmetic repairs
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Symptom-based diagnostics, common problems, repair procedures for specific issues
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, brake fluid flush, cable adjustments, battery care
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, carburetor tuning, electrical system repairs, brake caliper service, suspension component replacement
Disassembly And Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing major components and sub-assemblies
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic charts and procedures for identifying and resolving common issues
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to major engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical diagnostics and wiring diagrams.
Engine Family:
Evolution (or Evo)
Engine Configuration:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin
Displacement:
80 cubic inches (approx. 1340 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
3.50 in x 4.25 in (88.9 mm x 108 mm)
Compression Ratio:
8.5:1 (typical for this era Evo)
Valve Train:
Overhead valves (OHV), pushrod activated, 2 valves per cylinder
Horsepower Peak:
Approx. 55-60 HP (at rear wheel, estimate)
Torque Peak:
Approx. 65-70 ft-lbs (at rear wheel, estimate)
Carburetor:
Keihin CV (Constant Velocity) 40mm
Fuel Capacity:
Approx. 5 gallons (19 Liters)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 2,500-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on oil type and usage.
Primary Chain Adjustment:
Check and adjust primary chain tension approximately every 5,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Check at 5,000 miles, replace as needed or typically every 10,000-15,000 miles.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Recommend flushing brake fluid every 1-2 years due to moisture absorption.
Engine Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson V-Twin 20W-50, or equivalent motorcycle-specific 20W-50 oil (mineral or synthetic).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3 quarts (2.8 Liters) (with filter change)
Transmission Primary Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Formula+ (4-speed transmission and primary drive)
Transmission Primary Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 pints (1.6 Liters)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Carburetor Tuning:
Keihin CV carburetor can sometimes require fine-tuning for optimal performance, especially with aftermarket modifications.
Cam Chain Tensioners:
Early Evolution engines (though less common by '91) could have issues with cam chain tensioners; later models improved this.
Transmission Noise:
Harley 4-speed transmissions are known for mechanical noise, which is generally considered normal.
Vibration:
Characteristic V-twin vibration, though Dyna models had rubber-mounted engines from 1984 onwards to mitigate this compared to rigid-mount Big Twins.
Brand Origin:
Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, is one of the oldest motorcycle manufacturers.
Dyna Line Introduction:
The Dyna line was introduced in 1991, offering a blend of traditional Harley styling with modern chassis improvements over previous Big Twin models.
Fxwdg Positioning:
The FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide was positioned as a premium cruiser with distinctive styling, mimicking the chopper look of the 1960s and 70s.
Manufacturing Location:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA (typical for this era).
Engine Development:
The Evolution engine, introduced in 1984 for Softails and 1985 for other Big Twins, was a significant improvement in reliability and performance over the Shovelhead and Panhead engines.
