Motorcycle Type:
Custom/Cruiser motorcycle.
Era Competitors:
Competed with other large displacement V-twin cruisers from American and European manufacturers.
Design Philosophy:
Emphasis on raw power, V-twin rumble, and a minimalist, custom aesthetic.
Chassis Style:
Softail-style frame with hidden rear suspension, contributing to a rigid frame appearance.
Engine Overhaul:
Complete engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures for the Shovelhead engine.
Transmission Service:
Detailed procedures for the 4-speed transmission, including clutch, gears, bearings, and final drive assembly.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, troubleshooting for ignition, lighting, charging, and starting systems.
Fuel System:
Carburetor (likely a Keihin Butterfly or similar) adjustment, repair, and maintenance; fuel tank and lines.
Brake System:
Front and rear brake caliper, master cylinder, fluid flush, bleeding, and pad replacement.
Suspension And Steering:
Front fork (likely Showa or Marzocchi), rear shock absorbers, swingarm, steering head bearings, and wheel alignment.
Frame And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, body panel removal and installation, fenders, seat, and associated hardware.
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing service, tire replacement, spoke tensioning (if applicable), and wheel balancing.
Exhaust System:
Removal, installation, and troubleshooting of the exhaust pipes and mufflers.
Ignition System:
Points and condenser or early electronic ignition systems, timing adjustments, and component testing.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug service, chain adjustment, lubrication points.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues.
Rebuild Instructions:
Step-by-step instructions for rebuilding major components like the engine and transmission.
Special Tool Requirements:
Identification of necessary specialized tools for specific repair procedures.
Engine Tuning:
Carburetor jetting, ignition timing, and valve adjustments.
Clutch Adjustment:
Proper adjustment of the clutch cable and clutch pack.
Wheel Bearing Service:
Repackaging and replacement of wheel bearings.
Fork Seal Replacement:
Detailed steps for replacing leaky front fork seals.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and diagnostics).
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using basic diagnostic tools and understanding symptoms.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners.
Clearances And Tolerances:
Specifications for engine component clearances (e.g., piston-to-cylinder wall, valve lash).
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin OHV (Overhead Valve)
Displacement:
Approximately 80 cubic inches (1340cc)
Bore X Stroke:
3.50 in x 4.25 in (88.9 mm x 108.0 mm) - typical for 80ci.
Compression Ratio:
Typically around 8.0:1 to 8.5:1 depending on specific tuning.
Carburetor:
Likely a Keihin Butterfly carburetor (e.g., Keihin CV or early constant velocity) or a linkage-actuated carb.
Horsepower:
Estimated 55-65 HP at the crankshaft.
Torque:
Estimated 65-75 lb-ft at the crankshaft.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, typically 87-91 octane.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 2,000-3,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.
Primary Chain Tension:
Regular inspection and adjustment required, typically every 5,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 12-24 months.
Engine Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson specified a 20W-50 or 10W-40 motorcycle oil (check manual for specific viscosity and API rating; often mineral-based for this era).
Transmission Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission & Primary Chaincase Lubricant or equivalent SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Oil Leaks:
Commonly associated with Shovelhead engines due to aging seals and gaskets. Manual will detail seal replacement procedures.
Carburetor Adjustment:
Carburetors can require frequent tuning due to wear and environmental factors. Manual provides adjustment procedures.
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring and connections can lead to intermittent electrical issues. Detailed wiring diagrams are crucial.
Primary Chain Wear:
The primary chain can stretch over time, affecting clutch engagement. Manual covers adjustment and replacement.
Heritage:
Harley-Davidson, an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer with a rich history dating back to 1903.
Shovelhead Era:
The Shovelhead engine, introduced in 1966, was a successor to the Panhead and featured redesigned cylinder heads. The FXSB was part of the Shovelhead evolution, incorporating the Softail frame concept which was patented by Bill Davis and later produced by Harley-Davidson.
Fxsb Production Years:
The FXSB model was produced from 1980 to 1982, with the FXSB designation evolving into the FXST (Softail Standard) in subsequent years.