1980 FLT Vin#

[mgone]

I have a 1980 FLT, the engine vin Starts with 5G which it should but the frame vin starts with 5C which I think translates to a FXS-80. Did Harley use the same frame for both bikes or do I have some kind of hybred. Can anyone shed some light on this?

Thanks

[rkrcpa]

My service manual does not reference a 5C as a VIN for any four speed model. Could it be a poorly stamped G? The frames for an FLT and an FXS are completely different, no way to get them mixed up. Somebody with a service manual for an FLT should be able to provide an answer.

[Ultrashovel]

I have a 1980 FLT, the engine vin Starts with 5G which it should but the frame vin starts with 5C which I think translates to a FXS-80. Did Harley use the same frame for both bikes or do I have some kind of hybred. Can anyone shed some light on this?

Thanks

If your FLT is a four-speed, the frame was the same as the FXS with the exception of a floorboard lug which was welded onto the frame on each side. This held the rear of the floorboards. The FXS didn't have this lug since it was fitted with footpegs. At least, that's the way I remember it.

[FSG]

Could it be a poorly stamped G?

[panjs]

The only listing for the first two characters is 5G.

If the rest of the numerical sequence on the frame matches the engine a badly stamped G is most likely.

[Speeding Big Twin]

According to my 1971â€"84 H-D FX parts catalog an FXS-80 would be indicated by 7G, not 5C.

And info I have from an internet source which shall remain unnamed suggests that 5C would indicate a certain small Harley: an MC-65. But I CANNOT be sure about that yet.

Will I assume your 5G engine VIN is on the SIDE of the right-hand crankcase like the example at below left? If so then that would suggest it’s a rubber-mounted engine and doesn’t that mean a different frame to the one used for a solid-mounted engine? And I’ve posted a photo from a 1978 FX-1200 (2C) at below right for comparison of the letters G and C. Can you post a photo just showing the first two characters of your frame VIN.     Eric

[crazyhorse223]

i gotta 1980 FLHT , it has a 5 speed on-board . Would that be a add on or standard for that year . when i order parts it's the same argument FLHT whats that and they didn't use 5 speeds on that year bike . any info. would be  useful .Thnx !

[easyricer]

Crazyhorse, I'm not an expert on the 80-84 models by any means but I was thinking that the FLHT didn't get introduced until 1983. What you probably have is an FLT that has the later 83-89 FLHT batwing fairing. All I can find for 80 is the FLT or the FLH. Of course I could easily be wrong since I didn't start riding until 1985 and didn't pay Harley too much attention until the 90's.
I'm sure Sir Garfield could shed some light on this for us.
EASY

[Ultrashovel]

i gotta 1980 FLHT , it has a 5 speed on-board . Would that be a add on or standard for that year . when i order parts it's the same argument FLHT whats that and they didn't use 5 speeds on that year bike . any info. would be  useful .Thnx !

Well, that was the question in my mind whether it was four speed or five speed. I know you said "FLT" and that was a different machine from the early Shovelhead FL's with four speeds. The FLT's were a hybrid with the last Shovelheads, rubber mounts and five speed transmissions. They are completely different from, a four speed FX, FXS, FXE, etc. in the frame and transmission. The frame is similar to a later FLH (Evolution). Like an FXR but larger, IIRC.

I asn't aware of any FLT's until very late in the Shovelhead era, say, 1983, 84.

[billbuilds]

     According to "Illustrated Harley-Davidson Buyers Guide" by Allan Girdler, the FLT's were introduced in 1980. All were rubber mount five speeds. Easy is correct, the FLHT's weren't introduced until model year 1983. While the FLT's had frame mounted dual headlight fairings and chain final drive, the FLHT's had the h-bar mounted batwing fairing and belt final drive. HTH, Bill

[Ultrashovel]

     According to "Illustrated Harley-Davidson Buyers Guide" by Allan Girdler, the FLT's were introduced in 1980. All were rubber mount five speeds. Easy is correct, the FLHT's weren't introduced until model year 1983. While the FLT's had frame mounted dual headlight fairings and chain final drive, the FLHT's had the h-bar mounted batwing fairing and belt final drive. HTH, Bill

Around 1992 there was an FLT for sale at Reno HD. I nearly bought it. It had an enclosed chain rear drive and dual headlights.

[FSG]

The 80-83 FLT PM sure shows 5th Gear Mainshafts and Countershafts with P/Ns having a -79 extension.

http://www.bild.me/bild.php?file=20695871980-1983-FLT_Tranny_Gears_01.jpg

[mgone]

Well I finally got close enough and with a magnifying glass to just make out that this is indeed a poorly stamped G. I'll do a better job of investigating next time.
Thanks for all your comments.

[tomcat64]

     According to "Illustrated Harley-Davidson Buyers Guide" by Allan Girdler, the FLT's were introduced in 1980. All were rubber mount five speeds. Easy is correct, the FLHT's weren't introduced until model year 1983. While the FLT's had frame mounted dual headlight fairings and chain final drive, the FLHT's had the h-bar mounted batwing fairing and belt final drive. HTH, Bill

i used to own an 83 FLHT, it had a batwing (not h-bar mount) and an enclosed chain final drive

[crazyhorse223]

thnx. to everybody 4  sheddin some light on this .