Ok, so I am a bit confused on this one. I am trying to figure out if there is a possible miss-print in the Service Manual XL/XR 1000cc 4-Speed 1979-1985 “Official Factory Manual” HD part # 99484-85.

On page 1-19, Gasoline:

1979-1981 models, use a good quality leaded or unleaded premium gasoline (94 pump octane or higher). 1982 and later models, use a good quality regular grade leaded gasoline (89 pump octane or higher).

So my question is, that Unleaded fuel was more the norm by the 1980’s and the 1979-1981 models say leaded or unleaded gasoline, so why would it only call for leaded in 1982 and later models, I would assume that it would be unleaded by 1982 not leaded. Also, since the gas tank fill bung on my 1984 XLX has the smaller inner vented hole in the bottom of it that only would allow a unleaded gas pump nozzle to be inserted (Gas pump nozzles for leaded fuel were larger diameter to my recollection) it seems fairly reasonable to assume it was meant to run unleaded gasoline.

So maybe I am just off base here, or I am not as crazy as I think I am… Does anyone have some input on this?

 

I cannot answer the question, but i can confirm that you are reading the manual correctly. Mine is the same, not surprisingly.

 

do you think maybe they just said it just to cover their butt in case of engine failure as maybe it/some werent holding up to unleaded??????????-----just a random guess

 

Kind of a moot point now with 2011's fuel.

 

There is this thing: that you can't buy leaded gasoline from pump on stations... only from airports and for aeroplanes. Other is speed shops, race fuel.
From 1 January 1996, the Clean Air Act banned the sale of leaded fuel for use in on-road vehicles. Possession and use of leaded gasoline in a regular on-road vehicle now carries a maximum $10,000 fine in the US. However, fuel containing lead may continue to be sold for off-road uses, including aircraft, racing cars, farm equipment, and marine engines.
In year -83 HD lowered sportsters comperssion to 8:1 what means lower octane requirement.

 

I think the short answer to your question is that the engine manufacturers knew exactly where this no lead fuel issue was headed in the late 1970's.

I had a friend who told me things in 1979 that I could not believe regarding the fuel and emissions issues that would come up in the future.
Well, what he said would happen.......... did happen, in spades!
.
Industry knows years ahead of time what is going to happen and they prepare for it. They have to or there will not be a business left standing.
I think this is just the case here.
pg

 

Thanks for the input. I know it was kind of a blast from the past question, and I assumed an 84 would be designed to use unleaded, but hey ya never know, someone out there might have more knowledge and experience with it then myself.... Well the temp is slowly climbing up ward might actually be able to get on the bike within the next few weeks, might still be chilly, but if the roads are clear, why not. Thanks again.

 

im lost-----i understand what everyone said but i what i dont get is why would they say to use unleaded in the 79-81 etc and then the later model 82 use the leaded? it would seem it should have been just the opposite.-------------i know it doesnt really matter at this point but.....

 

and that was the original point... why would it call for leaded after unleaded... I am going with a miss print in the manual.

 

I've read the same thing in my manual. One of the sentences is probably a mistake, but the question is which one? So are models from '79-on designed for unleaded gas, or were all Ironheads meant to use leaded gas only? I've run unleaded in mine for the last 20 years without any apparent problems.