1981 History

 Main Models

    81-XLH: 1,000cc Sportster OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission

    81-XLS Roadster: 1,000cc Sportster OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission

    81-FXB Sturgis: 80ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission

    81-FXWG Wide Glide: 80ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission

    81-FXS Low Rider: 80ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission

    81-FXE Super Glide: 80ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission

    81-FXEF Fat Bob: 80ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission

    81-FLH Electra Glide: 80ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission

    81-FLHS Electra Glide: 80ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission

    81-FLHC Electra Glide Classic: 80ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission

    81-FLH Electra Glide Heritage: 80ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission

    81-FLT Tour-Glide: 80ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with five-speed transmission

    81-FLTC Tour-Glide Classic: 80ci Shovelhead OHV V-twin with five-speed transmission

Sidecars and Chassis

    81-LE

Production Totals

    Model XLH: 8,442

    Model XLS: 1,660

    Model FXE: 3,085

    Model FXEF: 3,691

    Model FXS: 7,223

    Model FXWG: 5,166

    Model FXB: 3,543

    Model FLT: 1,636

    Model FLTC: 1,157

    Model FLHC: 1,472

    Model FLHC and Sidecar Twin: 152   

         Model FLH: 2,131

         Model FLHS: 1,062

         FLH Heritage: 784

         Model FLH-80 Police: 402

Paint Colors

    Birch White, Vivid Black, Classic Tan, Classic Creme, Candy Root Beer, Metallic Blue, Light Red, Dark Carmine, Orange, Olive, Light Charcoal Metallic, or Dark Silver

Series XLS Roadsters

    First / Only Year

         Buckhom handlebars

         Shorty dual exhaust

         3.3gal tank

         Wire or cast wheels optional

        16in or 18in rear wheel optional

         2.2gal tank optional

Series XLH Sportsters

        First Year

        Shorter front forks

        Wire or cast wheels optional

        16in or 18in rear wheel optional

        3.3gal tank optional

All 80ci Models

    First Year

        V-Fire II electronic ignition

        Reduced compression ratio to 7.4:1

        Longer valve guides

        Redesigned valve-guide seals

        Additional drain lines from rocker boxes

        Girling rear-brake caliper

Series FLH Heritage Electra Glide

    First Year

        The Heritage is a retro-restyle of the FLH

        Suspended seat

        Fringed leather saddlebags

        Windshield

        Case guards

        Paint scheme is Orange and Olive Drab

Series FLT Tour Glides

    First Year

        Revised exhaust system

        Model FLTC has special paint and decals

Motor Company Minutes, 1981

    February 26, Vaughn Beals heads up a group including Charlie Thompson and Willie G. Davidson, along with other H-D executives, who sign a letter of intent to buy H-D back from AMF.

    June 16, H-D history is made when Vaughn Beals and Willie G. Davidson, along with their backers, buy H-D back fiom AMF.

    H-D shareholders celebrate with York-to-Milwaukee ride.

    Close to 200 clerical positions are eliminated.

    "The Eagle Soars Alone" slogan is born.

    A gold dipstick was inserted by Vaughn Beals into the first non-AMF motorcycle to roll off the assembly line at York, Pennsylvania

 Racing Notes

    Mike Kidd wins Grand National Championship.

    Gary Scott places second Grand National Championship.

Any additional information is greatly appreciated as well as any corrections   I'm no historian, I post what I can come up with, all info is appreciated.

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