Positioning:
The 1980 Electra Glide represented Harley-Davidson's flagship touring motorcycle, catering to riders seeking comfort and long-distance capability. This manual is essential for preserving that legacy.
Competitors Era:
Competed with touring models from brands like Honda (Gold Wing), Yamaha (Royal Star), and Kawasaki (Voyager).
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides the authoritative, factory-level information needed to maintain and repair this iconic American motorcycle, ensuring authenticity and performance.
Primary Focus:
Repair and adjustment procedures for Harley-Davidson Electra Glide FL 1980
Target Audience:
Mechanics and DIY enthusiasts
Estimated Pages:
Likely 300-500 pages (typical for factory service manuals of this era)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Print (typical for original factory manuals)
Engine:
Disassembly, assembly, tuning, troubleshooting of the Shovelhead V-twin engine
Transmission:
Removal, installation, internal inspection, and repair of the 4-speed transmission
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, troubleshooting of ignition, lighting, and charging systems
Fuel System:
Carburetor (likely a Keihin butterfly or similar) adjustments, rebuilds, and fuel delivery system diagnostics
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system inspection, adjustment, fluid replacement, and component overhaul
Suspension:
Fork disassembly, seal replacement, rear shock absorber service, and adjustment
Chassis And Frame:
Frame inspection, steering head bearing service, and general chassis component maintenance
Bodywork:
Fairing, saddlebags, and fender removal/installation, minor repair guidelines
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, spark plug service, battery care
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts and step-by-step guides for common performance issues and failures
Disassembly And Assembly:
Detailed, sequential instructions for major component teardowns and reassembly
Repair Operations:
Instructions for common repairs like engine top-end rebuilds, transmission gear replacement, brake caliper service
Adjustment Procedures:
Carburetor jetting, ignition timing, clutch and brake lever adjustments
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic checks to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Suitable for in-depth mechanical work.
Digital Format Availability:
While the original is print, digital scans (PDF) are commonly available for this era of manual.
Original Print Quality:
Typically black and white, line drawings, and exploded views on durable paper. Scanned versions vary in quality.
Original Binding:
Likely a durable comb binding or saddle-stitched paperback
Original Paper Type:
Durable, often off-white paper stock resistant to shop grease and oil
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin, OHV
Engine Family:
Shovelhead
Displacement:
73.7 cu in (1207 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
3.4375 in x 4.25 in (87.3 mm x 108.0 mm)
Compression Ratio:
Approx. 8.0:1 (varies slightly with models/variant)
Horsepower Estimated:
Approx. 60-65 HP @ 5000 RPM (approximate for the era)
Torque Estimated:
Approx. 65-70 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM (approximate for the era)
Carburetor:
Typically Keihin butterfly type (e.g., KEihin Butterfly 36mm) or Linkert (though less common by 1980 for FL models)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane
Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson recommends specific V-twin motorcycle oil (e.g., 20W50 HD oil) or equivalent.
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter change
Transmission Type:
4-speed constant mesh, foot shift with heel-toe lever
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate, cable actuated
Gear Ratios Typical:
1st: 2.44, 2nd: 1.57, 3rd: 1.15, 4th: 0.93 (Ratios may vary slightly)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Harley-Davidson recommended transmission lubricant (e.g., HD Formula+)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 1 quart (0.95 liters)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 63.5 inches (1613 mm)
Length:
Approx. 94.5 inches (2400 mm)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 715 lbs (324 kg)
Gvwr:
Not typically specified in early manuals, but rider and cargo capacity are important.
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 5.0 US gallons (18.9 liters)
Safety Standards:
Designed to meet DOT motorcycle safety standards of the era.
Braking System:
Front disc brake, rear drum brake (typical for FL models).
Suspension Components:
Telescopic front fork (e.g., FLT style if it's an FLT, otherwise standard FL fork), adjustable rear shock absorbers.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, tail light, brake light, turn signals, and side marker lights.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 2,500 to 3,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Recommend inspection every 5,000 miles; fluid change recommended every 10,000 to 15,000 miles or annually.
Primary Chain Adjust:
Check and adjust primary chain tension every 5,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended every 10,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 20W50
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific type used in 1980 for this model).
Shifter Pawl Wear:
Wear in the 4-speed transmission shifter pawl can lead to missed shifts or neutral issues.
Oil Leaks:
Common with Shovelhead engines; gasket and seal integrity is crucial.
Carburetor Tuning:
Shovelhead carburetors can require frequent adjustment due to their mechanical nature.
Generator Charging System:
Early charging systems can be a point of failure, requiring careful diagnosis.
Harley Davidson Legacy:
Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, is synonymous with American motorcycling, known for its V-twin engines and robust construction.
Electra Glide Lineage:
The Electra Glide nameplate has been in continuous use since the 1960s, evolving from the Hydra-Glide and Duo-Glide, becoming the definitive American touring motorcycle.
Production Era:
The 1980 model year is part of the Shovelhead era, a significant period in Harley-Davidson's history before the introduction of the Evolution engine.
Manufacturing Location:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
