Market Segment:
Classic American V-twin cruiser
Competitors 1983:
Other Harley-Davidson models, select Japanese cruisers (less common direct competition for this specific model's ethos)
Model Features:
Iconic Shovelhead engine, robust construction, traditional styling, 4-speed transmission
Manual Purpose:
Essential resource for owners and mechanics to maintain, diagnose, and repair the 1983 FX 1200
Scope Statement:
This factory service manual provides the definitive technical guidance for the 1983 Harley-Davidson FX 1200, covering all aspects necessary for professional maintenance and repair.
Primary Coverage:
Complete service, repair, and maintenance
Specific Systems:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Chassis, Electrical System, Fuel System, Ignition System, Braking System, Suspension, Controls
Total Pages:
Approx. 350-400
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Complete teardown, assembly, overhaul of Shovelhead V-twin engine, including cylinders, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valves, lifters, oil pump, timing
Transmission Drivetrain:
4-speed constant mesh transmission service, clutch operation and adjustment, primary drive, final drive belt/chain maintenance
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing (generator, starter, battery, ignition), lighting systems, horn, indicators
Fuel Ignition:
Carburetor service (e.g., Keihin Butterfly), fuel tank and lines, ignition system timing (points and condenser), spark plug specifications
Chassis Suspension Brakes:
Frame inspection, front fork service (telescopic forks), rear shock absorber replacement, wheel bearing service, brake caliper overhaul, master cylinder service, hydraulic line inspection
Maintenance:
Oil change intervals and specifications, filter replacement, spark plug gap and replacement, air cleaner service, brake fluid flush, chain/belt adjustment and lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common running issues, starting problems, electrical failures, braking performance
Repair Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, and reassembly of all major systems
Adjustments:
Carburetor tuning, ignition timing adjustment, clutch lever free play, brake lever travel, chain tension
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Includes specifications for measuring clearances, pressures, and electrical resistances for accurate diagnosis
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin
Engine Family:
Shovelhead
Displacement:
73.7 cubic inches (1200cc)
Bore X Stroke:
3.4375 in x 4.25 in (87.3 mm x 107.95 mm)
Compression Ratio:
Approx. 8.0:1 (varies slightly by specific sub-model/tune)
Horsepower:
Estimated 60-65 HP (at crankshaft, unconfirmed exact factory spec for 1983 FX)
Torque:
Estimated 70-75 ft-lbs (at crankshaft, unconfirmed exact factory spec for 1983 FX)
Carburetor:
Single Keihin butterfly carburetor (e.g., CV type common for this era, though early 83 might have had other variants)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane minimum
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3 quarts (2.8 liters) with filter change
Oil Type Specification:
Harley-Davidson 20W50 Motorcycle Oil or equivalent API SG rated oil
Transmission Type:
4-speed constant mesh, foot shift, hand clutch
Optional Transmissions:
None for this specific model year and FX designation
Primary Drive:
Multi-plate wet clutch, chain drive to transmission
Final Drive:
Belt drive or chain drive (depending on FX variant, FXE typically belt, FXS typically chain)
Transmission Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Primary Chaincase Lubricant or equivalent SAE 80W-90 gear oil
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approx. 24 US fluid ounces (0.7 liters)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 62.5 inches (1588 mm) - varies slightly by exact FX model (e.g., FXE, FXWG)
Length:
Approx. 88 inches (2235 mm) - typical for cruiser styling
Dry Weight:
Approx. 550-580 lbs (250-263 kg) - varies by model variant (FXE, FXS, FXWG)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 gallons (13.2 liters)
Safety Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycles of this era did not undergo standardized crash testing as cars do)
Braking System:
Single front disc brake, single rear disc brake (typically).
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals
Frame Construction:
Steel tube frame for rigidity
Oil Change Interval:
Every 2,000 miles (3,200 km) or 6 months
Primary Chaincase Oil Change:
Every 4,000 miles (6,400 km) or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km)
Air Filter Cleaning:
Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or as needed based on conditions
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid
Shovelhead Common Issues:
Oil leaks (especially rear main seal), pushrod seal leaks, transmission main shaft seal issues, carburetor tuning sensitivity, points ignition timing drift.
Electrical Common Issues:
Aging wiring harnesses, generator output fluctuations, starter solenoid issues.
Oil Filter Part Number:
Harley-Davidson 63805-80 or equivalent (for the later style spin-on canister, earlier models might have a different filter element)
Brand Origin:
Founded in 1903 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Fx Series Introduction:
The FX series, introduced in 1971, blended the sportster frame with the larger Big Twin engine. The FX 1200 represents a continuation of this lineage, often featuring the Shovelhead engine as the core power unit.
Shovelhead Production Years:
1966-1984
Manufacturing Location:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
