🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

FXWG Wide Glide

Year:

1985-1986

Vehicle Type:

Motorcycle

Chassis Code:

FXWG

👋 Introduction

Brand Reputation:

Harley-Davidson is a globally recognized icon of American motorcycle manufacturing, known for its V-twin engines and cruiser styling.

Model Positioning:

The FXWG Wide Glide was a significant model in the Harley-Davidson lineup, representing a blend of traditional cruiser aesthetics with a more performance-oriented chassis compared to some other models of the era. Its distinctive 'Wide Glide' front end (raked out forks) gave it a commanding presence.

Competitors Era:

Competed with other American cruisers and some Japanese offerings that aimed for similar styling and performance characteristics in the mid-1980s.

Styling:

Distinctive Wide Glide front end, classic cruiser silhouette, teardrop fuel tank, often chrome accents.

Engine Technology:

Introduction of the Evolution engine marked a significant technological advancement for Harley-Davidson, offering improved reliability and performance over the previous Shovelhead engine.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Workshop

Geographic Coverage:

North America (assumed, common for US brands)

Estimated Page Count:

500-700 (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Digital Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Evolution V-Twin (Shovelhead successor), engine assembly, disassembly, tuning, lubrication, cooling, ignition, carburetor systems

Transmission:

4-speed constant mesh, gearbox overhaul, clutch, primary drive, final drive

Fuel System:

Keihin Butterfly Carburetor (e.g., Keihin CV), fuel delivery, fuel tank, fuel lines, petcock

Electrical System:

Ignition system (points or electronic), lighting, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor, battery, wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, hydraulic system, caliper service, master cylinder, brake bleeding

Suspension:

Telescopic front forks (e.g., Showa), rear shock absorbers, fork seal replacement, shock absorber servicing

Wheels And Tires:

Spoked wheels, wheel bearing service, tire mounting, balancing, spoke tensioning

Frame And Bodywork:

Frame construction, body panel removal and installation, fenders, fuel tank, seat, handlebars, controls

Exhaust System:

Exhaust pipes, mufflers, mounting hardware

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug service, chain adjustment (if applicable, belt drive often used), lubrication points

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, common problem identification, fault finding for engine, electrical, and mechanical systems

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake caliper rebuilds

Disassembly Assembly:

Complete procedures for disassembling and reassembling major components

Special Tools:

Identification of necessary special tools for specific procedures

Depth Level:

Comprehensive Factory-Level Detail

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams for electrical fault finding

Rebuild Procedures:

Full engine and transmission rebuild instructions, including torque specifications, clearances, and assembly sequences

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content

Image Resolution:

High-resolution scans (assumed for factory manuals)

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin

Engine Family:

Evolution (known as 'Evo')

Displacement:

1340cc (82 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke:

3.50 in x 4.25 in (88.9 mm x 107.95 mm)

Compression Ratio:

8.0:1 (typical for early Evo)

Horsepower:

Approximately 60-70 HP (estimated, as Harley-Davidson did not always widely publish official figures for this era)

Torque:

Approximately 70-80 lb-ft (estimated)

Carburetor:

Keihin CV (Constant Velocity) carburetor

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (minimum 87 octane recommended)

Oil Capacity:

3.5 US quarts (3.3 liters) with filter change

Oil Type:

Harley-Davidson 20W50 motorcycle oil or equivalent API CD/SE rated oil.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed, constant mesh

Primary Drive:

Duplex chain in oil bath

Final Drive:

Belt drive

Clutch Type:

Wet, multi-plate

Transmission Fluid Type:

Harley-Davidson transmission lubricant or SAE 80W-90 hypoid gear oil.

📐 Dimensions

Overall Length:

Approximately 93.0 inches (2362 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 63.5 inches (1613 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approximately 4.5 inches (114 mm)

Fuel Capacity:

3.5 US gallons (13.2 liters)

Seat Height:

Approximately 26.5 inches (673 mm)

Dry Weight:

Approximately 570 lbs (259 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 970 lbs (440 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings Era:

Motorcycle safety standards of the 1980s focused on rider control, braking effectiveness, and lighting visibility, rather than formal crash test ratings like automobiles.

Braking System:

Dual disc front brakes, single disc rear brake. ABS was not standard or typically available on models of this era.

Lighting:

Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals, instrument panel lighting.

Frame Construction:

Steel cradle frame designed for stability and handling.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

N/A (No integrated infotainment systems on this model)

Driver Assistance Features:

N/A (No electronic driver assistance features)

Connectivity Features:

N/A (No electronic connectivity features)

Ignition System:

Mechanical ignition points or early electronic ignition systems were common. The manual will detail the specific type fitted.

Carburetor Technology:

Constant Velocity (CV) carburetor with mechanical linkage, providing smooth throttle response.

🔧 Maintenance

Initial Service:

500 miles (800 km) - includes oil change, primary chain adjustment, inspection.

Regular Oil Change:

Every 2,500 miles (4,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first.

Primary Drive Service:

Check and adjust primary chain tension every 2,500 miles (4,000 km).

Spark Plug Service:

Inspect and gap spark plugs every 5,000 miles (8,000 km), replace as needed.

Brake Fluid Service:

Flush and replace brake fluid every 12-18 months or as specified in the manual.

Engine Oil:

Harley-Davidson 20W50 motorcycle oil or API CD/SE rated equivalent.

Transmission Oil:

SAE 80W-90 hypoid gear oil or Harley-Davidson transmission lubricant.

Primary Chain Case Oil:

Harley-Davidson primary chain case lubricant or SAE 75W-140 synthetic gear oil.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 brake fluid.

Engine Evolution Reliability:

While significantly improved over the Shovelhead, early Evolution engines could experience oil leaks from rocker boxes and crankcase seals. Valve seat recession was a concern on some earlier heads.

Carburetor Tuning:

Keihin CV carburetor can require adjustment for optimal performance, especially at altitude or after significant mileage. Accelerator pump diaphragm can wear.

Electrical System Vintage:

Wiring harnesses and connectors can degrade over time, leading to intermittent electrical issues. Stator and regulator/rectifier units can fail.

Belt Drive Maintenance:

Belt tension needs to be maintained correctly; too tight or too loose can cause issues. Belt inspection for wear and damage is crucial.

Fork Seals:

Front fork seals are a common wear item and prone to leaks over time.

📚 Vehicle History

Founding:

Harley-Davidson Motor Company founded in 1903.

Evolution Engine Introduction:

The Evolution engine was introduced in 1984, replacing the venerable Shovelhead engine. It was a critical development for Harley-Davidson, improving reliability, power, and efficiency, and was instrumental in the company's turnaround in the mid-1980s.

Fxwg Introduction:

The FXWG (Wide Glide) model itself was introduced in the late 1970s, but the 1985-1986 models are specifically associated with the new Evolution engine and refined styling. It was part of the 'FX' line, generally signifying a blend of the 'FL' (cruiser) and 'FX' (sportier) styling cues.

Wide Glide Design:

The 'Wide Glide' designation refers to the extended and raked-out front fork assembly, giving the motorcycle a distinctive, chopper-inspired stance.

Manufacturing Location:

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA (primary)

Production Period:

1985-1986 for this specific Evolution engine configuration within the FXWG model line.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Awards:

The Harley-Davidson Evolution engine, powering this FXWG, is widely recognized as a legendary and pivotal engine in the company's history, credited with its revival.

Brand Recognition:

Harley-Davidson motorcycles are consistently lauded for their iconic styling, sound, and rider experience, often considered lifestyle products as much as vehicles.