1983 Fxrt : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

reedw · 09-30-2009, 01:18 PM

Hey guys I am looking for some info on my bike. I have a 1983, or as the original owner told me an 83 1/2, FXRT. It is the shovel head, 5 speed, rubber mount, front and rear disc, air shocks front and rear, and an enclosed chain. From what I have been able to gather the enclosed chain was on the 84 model right? So is my 83 a late 83, or an 83 1/2 with the enclosed chain? Also what options were available for these models? I am trying to determine how rare this bike actually is...Also where can I find exhaust to fit this animal, as everything I have looked doesn't appear to fit. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

springer- · 09-30-2009, 01:25 PM

There is no 83 1/2. It is an 83 FXRT. They all had enclosed chain drive. The enclosed chain came out in 1980 on the FLT. They used the enclosed chain on some models until 1985.

Here's a couple threads that you might like ....
http://www.v-twinforum.com/forums/fx...ne-review.html

Refresh the page if the pics don't show up. Click on the pics to read the article.

http://www.v-twinforum.com/forums/fx...d-rebuild.html

Exhaust is a tough one. I have 2 stock and 1 aftermarket exhaust for my bike. I think many of the aftermarket shovel exhausts can be made to fit, but are not bolt on. I think cycle shack may still offer a slash cut exhaust like whats on my bike in the link above.

springer- · 09-30-2009, 01:40 PM

Here's some exhaust ...

http://www.cycle-shack.com/cycle/ago...d=MS-122&xm=on

http://www.cycle-shack.com/cycle/ago...d=MT-122&xm=on

http://www.cycle-shack.com/cycle/ago...=PHD-107&xm=on

reedw · 10-01-2009, 10:57 AM

Thanks for the info springer. The next question I have that hopefully you can shed some light on is I have a 83 1/2 supplement to my service manual, and it shows what VINs qualify as the 83 1/2. What's the deal with that? What changed in that last 1/2 year because it doesn't specify anything in the manual, at least that I have seen, I haven't read it front to back yet

springer- · 10-01-2009, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reedw

Thanks for the info springer. The next question I have that hopefully you can shed some light on is I have a 83 1/2 supplement to my service manual, and it shows what VINs qualify as the 83 1/2. What's the deal with that? What changed in that last 1/2 year because it doesn't specify anything in the manual, at least that I have seen, I haven't read it front to back yet

I am not sure because I have never seen any documentation that says 83 1/2. I have never seen a difference in 1983 at all. Can you supply me with the VIN information? Can you scan the sipplement?

Thanks

reedw · 10-01-2009, 03:21 PM

If I have time I'll get that around this evening, if not probably this weekend...Thanks for all the help though

reedw · 10-02-2009, 09:51 AM

I didn't have time to scan it or get any pictures but here is what I have gathered so far...The owner's manual supplement Part No. 99465-83S for the 1983 Harley FXRT or Part No. 99465-83. The VIN's it specifies in the supplement are 1HD1ECK2**DY110000
1 - Made in USA (Always good)
HD - Harley Davidson
1 - Heavyweight Motorcycle
EC - Model Designation
K - Engine Displacement
2 - Mid Year Introduction - This is what specifies the 1/2 and the regular introduction is a 1
** - Factory use - Varies can be 0 through 9 or X
D - Model Year - 1983
Y - Plant of Manufacture (York)
110000 - Sequential Number

The other thing I noticed was that the horsepower rating for the midyear introduction went up to 65 HP from the original introduction of 62 HP and the compression ratio went up to 8.5:1 That's what I have gathered so far. If I find anything else of interest I'll let you know. Let me know what you think. Thanks

reedw · 10-05-2009, 08:42 AM

Also, where would be a good place to find out how many models in specific colors, options etc. were produced during the year? Would the dealer be able to provide me with this information or does anyone know of a good place to look? Thanks