Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.harley
From: Bruce Bryner <BBry...@iusb.edu>
Date: 1999/02/24
Subject: HD tidbits from '84
HD tidbits from '84
[Truely Evolutionary]
The "EVO": The V2 Evolution, ("Blockhead"),
was again, a new top end on an existing bottom end. The
alloy cylinder barrels w/iron liners dissipate heat better.
The heads are attached with bolts straight through to the
crankcase for a firmer engine. The V2 adopted a stronger valve
train, stronger rods, closer tolerances and better oiling.
Flat Mahle pistons were used and the newly designed 'squish
band' combustion chamber was made to be more efficient
to meet emissions and be suitable for unleaded gas. The
valves were redesigned smaller and set at 58 degrees to
allow better flow of induction and exhaust. Except for
the base gasket problem, they were comparatively oil tight,
[give or take a few drops here and there]. Bore and stroke
remained 3.5 X 4.25", (88.8 x 108mm) for 81.65ci.
The Evo team took 2 machines to Talladega, and ran them
4 days straight at 85 mph, ... neither broke. [Talk about
a long boring ride. Lotta curves though].
*^* New Model - The FXST:
Enter a new model for '84, the "Softail".
Based on the FXWG, this puppy received the infamous softail
frame.
It struck a nostalgic nerve with the rigid looking frame,
(with shocks
hidden under the tranny), and an oil tank similar to FL Flathead,
except
chromed.
'84 specs = Rigid mount, 66.3" wheelbase, seat height
= 27.5", single
11.5" front brake, wire spoked wheels, buckhorn handle
bars, 21" front
wheel, 16" rear, kickstarter, diaphragm spring clutch,
(midyear), 55 bhp
Evo, 8.5:1 compression, duplex primary and chain final, 4
speed, CDI
ignition, 628 lbs, 3.5 qts oil, 5.2 gallon tank, 110 mph,
$7,999.
*^* New Model - The FXRP:
Based on the FXRT, incorporated the diaphragm spring clutch.
*^* New - The FLHX:
The '84 FLHX was a 'Last Edition Shovelhead Electra Glide'
of the FLH-80 series to commemerate the last Shovelhead
for this series.
Offered in black or white, with gold stripes and red pinstripes,
wire
wheels and touring package.
** Limited Edition - The FXRDG: $8,199.
[What can I say, other than this probably is the only limited
edition bike worthy of extraodinary "feculation" <g>].
The 'Disc Glide' was a one year only limited edition based
on the FXRS.
It had a solid spun aluminum rear wheel, and spoke front.
The tank emblem has "Genuine Harley Davison" in
ornate script. Chromed engine, primary and gear box covers.
Diaphragm spring clutch.
The early model was dry clutch, and later, wet clutch.
Main Models, (production #'s):
XLX-61 1,000cc 4 speed, (4,284) 'Sportster'
XLH 1,000cc 4 speed, (4,442) 'Sportster'
XLS 1,000cc 4 speed, (1,135) 'Roadster'
XR-1000 1,000cc 4 speed, (759) 'Sportster' [generators] last
year.
*(80ci models: S=Shovel, E=Evo)
FXE - S,4 speed, (2,117, {667 w/single tank; 1440 dual})
'Super Glide'
FXSB - S,4 speed, (2,877) 'Low Rider'
FXWG - S,4 speed, (2,227) 'Wide Glide'
FXRS - E,5 speed, (2,810) 'Low Glide' $7,560.
FXRT - E,5 speed, (2,030) 'Sport Glide'
FXRP - E,5 speed, (777-{189 of which were Chips}) 'Police'
$4,393
FXST - E,4 speed, (5,413) 'Softail'
FXRDG- E,5 speed, (853) 'Disc Glide'
FXRSDG-E,5 speed, (10) 'Disc Glide'
FLH-80 - S,4 speed, (1,983) 'Electra Glide'
FLH - S,4 speed, (1,092, {389 had belts})
FLHS - S,4 speed, (499) 'Electra Glide'
FLHX - S,4 speed, (1,258) 'Electra Glide' Special Edition
FLTC - E,5 speed, (1,326, {36 w/sidecar}) 'Classic Tour Glide'
FLHTC - E,5 speed, (2,527, {36 w/sidecar]) 'Classic Electra
Glide'
$8,799.
FLHT - (36) 'Shrine'
FLHT - (19)
* Many early Evo models had Shovels, and
some late Shovel models could have had Evo. 1984 also saw
many 'Early' and 'Late' model revisions, (like EVO vs Shovel,
wet vs dry clutch, wiring differences, chain vs belt finals,
alternator vs generator ...etc).
XR changes: improved brakes, orange/black
HD racing color option.
XLH & XLS & XLX-61: one large front
disc brake, diaphragm spring clutch midyear, alternator
midyear.
FXRS: lowered shocks, front forks shortened,
diaphragm spring clutch,
single front disc brake.
FXRT: diaphragm spring clutch.
FXWG: chain primary, belt final.
FLH80 & FLHS: diaphragm spring clutch
midyear, staggered dual exhaust and forward foot controls
instead of floorboards.
FLHTC: tool kit, diaphragm spring clutch,
air shocks, air forks
w/antidive, sixteen spoke wheels, starter wiring revised,
enclosed rear
chain.
FLTC: tool kit, belt final drive, 5 speed,
lock style change on
lugguage, starter wiring revised, diaphragm spring clutch.
Paint:
Birch white, vivid black, classic tan, classic creme, indigo
blue,
claret red, candy purple, rose metallic, slate gray metallic.
MoCo minutes:
-Bill Davidson, Willie G's son, joins HD overseeing National
Demo Ride Program.
- Bill Davis, designed softail suspension.
- HD winds California Highway Patrol contract.
- HD receives US Navy contract for making gun shell casings.
- HD Beer.
Racing:
Gene Church wins Battle of Twins, Grand Prix class.
Will Roeder wins Battle of Twins, Stock class.
***tidbits taken from various sources. Exceptions
may apply.
Bruce
'84 FXRDG
The Journey IS the Reward.
