Target Audience:
Harley-Davidson owners, mechanics, and enthusiasts looking for in-depth repair and maintenance guidance for their 1980 FLHS Shovelhead.
Value Proposition:
Offers a cost-effective alternative to expensive dealership repairs, empowering owners to perform their own maintenance and repairs with confidence.
Primary Benefit:
Enables DIY maintenance and repair, reduces reliance on professional services, and preserves the value of a classic motorcycle.
Format Advantage:
PDF format provides instant access, searchability, and portability compared to older printed manuals.
Engine:
Shovelhead V-Twin, including top end, bottom end, lubrication, cooling, and ignition system
Fuel System:
Carburetion (e.g., Keihin Butterfly), fuel lines, fuel pump, fuel tank, and petcock
Transmission:
4-speed constant mesh, clutch, primary drive, and final drive
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (generator/alternator), starting system, lighting, ignition, and gauges
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), master cylinders, calipers, lines, and hydraulic components
Suspension:
Front fork (e.g., Glide fork), rear shock absorbers, swingarm, and related components
Chassis And Frame:
Frame, steering head, bearings, and related structural components
Bodywork And Trim:
Fenders, fuel tank, seat, fairing (if equipped), saddlebags, and trim pieces
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearings, spokes, tire types, and pressures
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, tune-ups, and pre-ride inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, symptom analysis, and root cause identification
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures
Adjustment:
Carburetor adjustment, ignition timing, clutch and brake lever adjustments
Depth:
Comprehensive (covers everything from routine maintenance to full engine rebuilds)
Diagnostic Tools:
Mentions required special tools and diagnostic techniques
Torque Specifications:
Includes detailed torque specifications for critical fasteners
Clearances:
Provides critical internal engine and transmission component clearances
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin, OHV
Displacement:
74 cubic inches (1208 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
3.4375 in x 4.25 in (87.3 mm x 108 mm)
Compression Ratio:
Typically around 8.0:1 (varies slightly)
Valve Train:
Overhead Valve (OHV) with pushrods and rockers
Horsepower:
Approx. 60-65 hp @ 5000-5500 rpm (est.)
Torque:
Approx. 70-75 lb-ft @ 3000-4000 rpm (est.)
Carburetor:
Keihin Butterfly CV (Constant Velocity) Carburetor, typically 36mm or 40mm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 90+ octane recommended
Fuel Pump:
Mechanical diaphragm fuel pump
Ignition Type:
Contactless electronic ignition (often with points in earlier versions, but 1980 likely electronic)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3 quarts (2.8 liters) with filter change
Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson 20W50 motorcycle oil or equivalent API SG or higher
Oil Filter:
Spin-on oil filter (e.g., Harley-Davidson P/N 63796-77 or equivalent)
Type:
4-speed constant mesh, foot shift, hand clutch
Primary Drive:
Duplex chain, wet clutch
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approx. 1 quart (0.95 liters)
Transmission Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson primary chaincase lubricant, SAE 50, or equivalent API GL-1 gear oil
Wheelbase:
Approx. 62.5 inches (1588 mm)
Length:
Approx. 92.5 inches (2350 mm)
Width:
Approx. 35 inches (889 mm) at handlebars
Height:
Approx. 55 inches (1397 mm) at windshield
Saddlebags:
Standard fitted saddlebags (capacity varies by design)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 650-700 lbs (295-318 kg) (varies with equipment)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 5 gallons (18.9 liters)
Tire Size Front:
3.00-16 or 3.50-16
Tire Size Rear:
4.00-18 or 4.25-18
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
N/A (Spoked wheels with axle mounting)
Crash Test Ratings:
Not applicable for motorcycles of this era.
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals
Frame Construction:
Steel frame and swingarm designed for stability.
Initial Service:
Typically at 500 miles (800 km) - includes engine oil change, primary chaincase oil change, and inspection.
Regular Oil Change:
Every 2,000 - 3,000 miles (3,200 - 4,800 km) or annually, whichever comes first.
Primary Chaincase Oil Change:
Every 2,000 - 3,000 miles (3,200 - 4,800 km) or annually.
Spark Plugs:
Inspect and clean every 2,000 miles, replace as needed (recommend specific part numbers like Champion RJ12YC or NGK D8EA).
Air Filter:
Inspect every 2,000 miles, clean or replace as needed depending on operating conditions.
Belt Drive Tension:
Check and adjust belt tension every 2,000 miles.
Brake Fluid:
Inspect fluid level and condition every 2,000 miles, flush and replace every 2 years.
Engine Oil:
Harley-Davidson 20W50 Motorcycle Oil or SAE 20W50 API SG or higher
Primary Chaincase Oil:
Harley-Davidson Primary Chaincase Lubricant, SAE 50, or equivalent API GL-1 gear oil
Fork Oil:
Specific weight fork oil (e.g., SAE 10W) as recommended by Harley-Davidson for that year.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Shovelhead Characteristics:
Shovelheads are known for their distinct character but can be prone to oil leaks from various seals and gaskets, especially as they age. Valve adjustments may be more frequent than modern engines.
Primary Drive Tension:
Correct primary drive chain tension is crucial to prevent premature wear on the chain, sprockets, and clutch components.
Carburetor Tuning:
CV carburetors require periodic adjustment to maintain optimal performance and fuel efficiency. Tuning may be affected by altitude and modifications.
Ignition Timing:
Proper ignition timing is critical for starting, smooth running, and preventing detonation. The manual will detail the procedure for setting this.
Manufacturer:
Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Legacy:
Iconic American motorcycle manufacturer with a long history of V-twin engines and touring motorcycles.
Shovelhead Era:
The Shovelhead engine, produced from 1966-1984, was a significant evolution of the Panhead engine, known for its distinctive 'shovel' shaped rocker boxes.
Flhs Designation:
FLHS (FL = Big Twin chassis, H = Hydraulically assisted rear suspension, S = Stretched or Special) was typically a touring model with a larger fairing and saddlebags.
Production Years:
The FLHS model was produced intermittently throughout the Shovelhead era, with 1980 being a specific year of production.