Market Segment:
Cruiser / Custom Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Harley-Davidson owners and independent repair shops
Competitors:
Other large-displacement V-twin cruisers of the era
Vehicle Characteristics:
Iconic styling, robust V-twin engine, customizability
Manual Utility:
Enables DIY maintenance and repair, cost savings, and extended vehicle life
Engine:
1340cc (82 cubic inch) Evolution V-Twin Engine
Transmission:
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Drivetrain:
Belt Drive System (Primary and Final)
Fuel System:
Carbureted System (e.g., Keihin butterfly or CV carburetor)
Electrical System:
Ignition, Charging System (Alternator, Stator, Regulator/Rectifier), Lighting, Starting System, Battery
Suspension:
Front Forks (Telescopic), Rear Shock Absorbers
Brakes:
Front and Rear Disc Brakes
Wheels Tires:
Spoked Wheels, Tire Specifications and Mounting
Chassis Frame:
Frame Inspection, Alignment, and Component Mounting
Bodywork Fenders:
Fenders, Tank, Seat, Handlebars, Controls
Exhaust System:
Mufflers, Pipes, and Mounting
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacement, Chain Adjustment (if applicable), Spark Plug Service, Brake Pad Inspection
Engine Overhaul:
Top-End Rebuild (Cylinder Head, Piston, Rings), Bottom-End Rebuild (Crankshaft, Connecting Rods), Camshaft Service, Valve Adjustment
Transmission Repair:
Clutch Service, Gearbox Disassembly and Reassembly, Shifter Linkage Adjustment
Carburetor Service:
Disassembly, Cleaning, Reassembly, Jetting, and Adjustment
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting wiring diagrams, Testing ignition components, Charging system analysis
Brake System Maintenance:
Brake Fluid Flush, Caliper Service, Rotor Inspection
Suspension Overhaul:
Fork Seal Replacement, Fork Oil Change, Shock Absorber Service
Wheel Bearing Service:
Inspection and Replacement
Tire Mounting Balancing:
Proper procedures for tire installation and balancing
Depth:
Full Repair and Overhaul Procedures
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed troubleshooting charts and symptom-based diagnostics
Special Tools:
Lists and illustrations of specialized tools required for specific tasks
Engine Family:
Harley-Davidson Evolution (Shovelhead successor)
Displacement:
1340 cc (82 cubic inches)
Configuration:
45-degree V-twin, Air-cooled
Bore X Stroke:
3.50 in x 4.25 in (approximate)
Compression Ratio:
8.0:1 (typical for this period)
Valvetrain:
Overhead Valve (OHV), Pushrod Actuated
Horsepower:
Approx. 60-70 HP (est.)
Torque:
Approx. 75-85 lb-ft (est.)
Carburetor Type:
Keihin CV (Constant Velocity) or Butterfly Carburetor
Fuel Delivery:
Gravity Feed from Tank
Length:
Approx. 92 inches (2337 mm)
Width Handlebars:
Approx. 35 inches (889 mm)
Height Seat:
Approx. 28 inches (711 mm) (unladen)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 500-530 lbs (227-240 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Not typically specified for motorcycles in the same way as cars, but total rider/cargo capacity is important.
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 gallons (13.2 Liters)
Safety Standards:
Adherence to DOT and relevant motorcycle safety regulations
Braking System:
Dual Disc Front, Single Disc Rear
Lighting:
Headlight, Taillight, Turn Signals, Brake Light
Frame Construction:
Steel Tube Frame providing structural integrity
Oil Change Interval:
Every 2,500-5,000 miles or annually (refer to manual for specific recommendation)
Spark Plug Service:
Every 7,500-10,000 miles
Belt Tension Check:
Regularly, especially after initial break-in or tire changes
Engine Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson recommends specific viscosities (e.g., 20W50) and API classifications for air-cooled V-twins. Consult manual for exact spec.
Transmission Oil Type:
Dedicated Harley-Davidson transmission fluid or equivalent, often a heavier viscosity.
Primary Chain Case Oil Type:
Often shared with transmission fluid or specific primary lubricant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4, depending on system specifics (check manual/reservoir cap)
Early Evolution Challenges:
Potential for oil leaks, oil pump issues, some early carburetor tuning quirks, and wear on valve guides.
Belt Drive Maintenance:
Requires correct tension and alignment to prevent premature wear.
Electrical Reliability:
Older wiring harnesses can degrade, connectors may corrode, requiring inspection and potential replacement.
Brand Legacy:
Harley-Davidson, established 1903, known for its American V-twin motorcycles and cruiser culture.
Model Lineage:
The FXEF Fat Bob was part of the FX series, a line of bikes that blended Big Twin engines with lighter frames. It transitioned from the Shovelhead engine to the new Evolution engine.
Engine Transition:
The 1985 model year was a significant transition year, marking the introduction of the Evolution engine across the Harley-Davidson lineup, replacing the outgoing Shovelhead.
Production Era:
Early to mid-1980s
Manufacturing Location:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
