🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

CLE Sidecar

Year:

1981

Type:

Motorcycle Sidecar

Product Name:

Harley-Davidson CLE Sidecar 1981 Factory Service Repair Manual

👋 Introduction

Niche:

Specialized accessory for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, catering to riders seeking enhanced comfort, cargo capacity, or stability.

Competitors:

Other aftermarket sidecar manufacturers (e.g., Hannigan, California Sidecar) and potentially factory-offered sidecars from other brands.

Manual Purpose:

To provide authoritative guidance for the installation, maintenance, and repair of the 1981 Harley-Davidson CLE Sidecar.

Target Audience:

Harley-Davidson owners with CLE sidecars, independent repair shops, and vintage motorcycle enthusiasts.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Harley-Davidson CLE Sidecar

Secondary Coverage Implication:

Likely includes integration and service procedures for compatible Harley-Davidson motorcycle chassis used with the CLE sidecar.

Estimated Page Count:

Detailed factory manuals from this era often range from 300-600 pages, depending on the scope. Specific page count for this product is not provided, but it is described as comprehensive.

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely printed or digitally reproduced from original factory documentation. Format (e.g., PDF, physical book) depends on the specific offering.

📖 Manual Coverage

Chassis And Frame:

Installation, mounting, alignment, structural integrity, and repair of the CLE sidecar chassis.

Suspension:

Detailed procedures for servicing, adjusting, and repairing the sidecar's suspension components (springs, shock absorbers, linkages).

Wheel And Tire:

Specifications for wheels, tires, bearings, and related maintenance for the sidecar wheel.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams and troubleshooting for any sidecar-specific lighting or electrical components.

Bodywork And Trim:

Installation, removal, adjustment, and repair of the sidecar body panels, fairings, and interior trim.

Mounting Hardware:

Specifics on the attachment points, brackets, and hardware used to secure the sidecar to the motorcycle.

Installation:

Step-by-step guide for correctly mounting the CLE sidecar to compatible Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Removal:

Comprehensive instructions for detaching the sidecar from the motorcycle.

Disassembly And Assembly:

Detailed breakdown and reassembly procedures for all sidecar components.

Repair:

Specific repair techniques for common issues and component failures within the sidecar.

Adjustment:

Procedures for aligning the sidecar, adjusting suspension, and ensuring proper operation.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic guidance for identifying and resolving problems specific to the sidecar.

Alignment Procedures:

Crucial for handling and tire wear. The manual would detail sidecar-to-motorcycle alignment specifications and adjustment methods.

Depth:

Factory-level detail, encompassing installation, routine maintenance, and repair of all sidecar components. Suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

Diagnostic Flowcharts:

Likely includes diagnostic trees or troubleshooting guides for common sidecar-related issues.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

If digital, typically PDF. Searchable text and high-resolution images are desirable.

Print Quality Assessment:

Original factory manuals are printed on durable paper with clear diagrams. Reproduced copies should aim for equivalent clarity.

Binding Type Assessment:

Originals are typically perfect-bound or spiral-bound for ease of use. Reproduced physical copies should reflect this.

Paper Type Assessment:

Originals used sturdy paper stock to withstand workshop environments. High-quality reproduction paper is preferred.

Manual Completeness:

Described as comprehensive, implying full coverage of all aspects of the CLE sidecar's design, installation, and maintenance.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Compatibility:

This manual pertains to the CLE sidecar itself. Engine specifications of the *motorcycle* it is attached to would be found in the motorcycle's specific service manual. The CLE sidecar was designed for Harley-Davidson motorcycles of the era, likely including Shovelhead models (e.g., FLH, FX).

Impact On Performance:

The manual would detail how to maintain the sidecar's contribution to overall performance, including handling, braking, and stability.

Sidecar Fuel System:

N/A (Sidecar does not have its own fuel system).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

N/A (Sidecar does not have its own transmission; it utilizes the motorcycle's drivetrain).

Impact On Transmission:

The manual would likely cover any necessary adjustments or considerations for the motorcycle's transmission when operating with a sidecar, such as increased load or potential for different gear usage.

📐 Dimensions

Typical Width:

Approximately 35-45 inches (width of the sidecar body).

Typical Length:

Approximately 70-85 inches (length of the sidecar body).

Overall Width With Motorcycle:

Will exceed standard motorcycle width significantly, often around 65-75 inches depending on motorcycle and mounting.

Dry Weight Sidecar:

Typically 150-250 lbs, depending on construction materials and features.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

The manual would specify the GVWR for the *combined* motorcycle and sidecar, crucial for safe operation and load limits.

Tongue Weight Consideration:

While not a trailer, the mounting points require careful consideration of load distribution.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

Sidecars typically are not subject to the same formal crash test ratings as automobiles. Safety is addressed through proper installation, maintenance, and rider skill.

Handling Characteristics:

The manual would cover how to maintain and adjust for safe handling, including potential counter-steering or steering modifications.

Seat And Restraints:

May include information on the sidecar's seat design and any available or recommended restraints (though primitive by modern standards).

Lighting:

Coverage of sidecar-integrated lighting (taillight, marker lights) and their connection to the motorcycle's electrical system.

💡 Technology Features

Sidecar Infotainment Features:

Minimal to none. Primarily a mechanical accessory, not a technology platform.

Sidecar Connectivity Features:

N/A, other than electrical connections for lighting to the motorcycle.

🔧 Maintenance

Suspension Check:

Recommended checks at intervals similar to motorcycle suspension (e.g., every 5,000-10,000 miles or annually), including lubrication and adjustment.

Wheel Bearing Service:

Routine cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment of sidecar wheel bearings, typically every 10,000-15,000 miles.

Tire Pressure Check:

Regular checks, similar to motorcycle tires, but often with different recommended pressures due to load.

General Inspection Interval:

Recommended inspection before every ride for tire pressure, loose components, and proper attachment.

Suspension Fluid:

If the sidecar uses hydraulic suspension dampers, the manual would specify the appropriate viscosity grade of fork oil or shock absorber fluid.

Grease Type:

Specifications for chassis grease used on pivot points and suspension linkages (e.g., NLGI #2).

Alignment Drift:

Sidecars can be prone to alignment drift over time due to road impact and wear, requiring periodic re-alignment. The manual would detail how to check and correct this.

Suspension Wear:

Like any suspension, components can wear out, affecting ride quality and handling. The manual would guide diagnosis and replacement.

Mounting Hardware Tightness:

Vibration can loosen mounting bolts. Regular inspection and tightening are critical for safety. The manual would provide torque specifications.

📚 Vehicle History

Harley-Davidson Legacy:

Harley-Davidson has a long history of producing and supporting various models, including those designed for or adapted to sidecar use, reflecting a utilitarian and versatile approach to motorcycling.

Cle Sidecar Context:

The CLE sidecar was a specific model offered by Harley-Davidson, likely developed to provide a more integrated and purpose-built solution compared to generic aftermarket options of the era.

Production Era:

1981 marks a specific production year. Harley-Davidson offered sidecars for several decades, with designs evolving alongside their motorcycle lines.

Manufacturing Location:

Likely manufactured by Harley-Davidson or a contracted partner in the United States.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Market Acceptance:

Sidecars were a popular option for practicality and extended use of motorcycles in certain periods. The CLE would have been part of this trend.

Owner Satisfaction Indicators:

Difficult to quantify historically, but the continued availability and demand for vintage sidecars suggest positive owner experiences.

Manufacturer Certification:

As a factory service manual, it represents Harley-Davidson's official technical documentation and certification for servicing the CLE sidecar.