Classic and Classy Motorcycles Ltd

Historical Context

The 1980 Harley-Davidson FLT80 Tour Glide marked a major milestone in Harley’s evolution. It was the debut year of both the FLT platform and the new rubber-mounted five-speed frame—ushering in a new era of long-distance V-twin touring machines. The FLT Tour Glide featured the Shovelhead 1340cc motor, but placed it in an all-new chassis with a frame-mounted fairing and isolated drivetrain designed to improve highway comfort. This bike was the forerunner to what would later become the Road Glide, and it was a bold engineering leap for Harley-Davidson during a time of financial struggle and technological catch-up with Japanese manufacturers. The Tour Glide was designed for serious touring riders who wanted smoothness, luggage capacity, wind protection, and mile-eating capability—all still rooted in classic American styling.

Technical Specifications and Performance

• Year: 1980
• Make: Harley-Davidson
• Model: FLT80 Tour Glide
• Engine Displacement: 1340cc (80 cubic inches)
• Engine Type: Air-cooled OHV 45° V-twin (Shovelhead)
• Compression Ratio: 8.0:1
• Carburetion: Keihin butterfly carburetor
• Ignition System: Electronic (early solid-state system)
• Transmission Type: 5-speed manual
• Final Drive: Chain (later replaced by belt in newer models)
• Cooling System: Air-cooled
• Fuel Capacity: Approx. 5.0 gallons
• Braking System: Dual disc front, single disc rear
• Dry Weight: Approx. 760 lbs
• Top Speed: Around 100–105 mph

Technical Advancements

The FLT80 was the first Harley-Davidson to use a rubber-mounted drivetrain system, drastically reducing the vibration that earlier big twins were known for. It also introduced a new five-speed transmission and a fully redesigned frame that would form the foundation for Harley touring models for decades. The fixed frame-mounted fairing (unlike the handlebar-mounted version on the Electra Glide) offered improved stability at highway speeds and gave the Tour Glide its distinctive look. Suspension travel and comfort were enhanced, and electronic ignition helped improve reliability over earlier points systems.

Evolution of the Model

The FLT80 laid the groundwork for the entire Harley Touring family. While early production numbers were modest, the FLT’s innovations would carry forward into the Electra Glide Classic, Road Glide, and Ultra models. The Shovelhead engine, while dated by 1980s standards, still delivered trademark torque and sound, and paired with the new 5-speed box it made for a more comfortable long-distance cruiser. The Tour Glide was also the first Harley to emphasize true highway comfort over stripped-down looks, attracting a new class of riders focused on miles, not just style.

Competitors in the Market

At launch, the FLT80 was up against advanced machines like the Honda Gold Wing GL1100, Yamaha XS Eleven Special, and BMW’s boxer-powered tourers. These bikes offered liquid cooling, shaft drives, and refined engineering—but none matched the FLT’s charisma, V-twin rumble, or presence. Harley’s strategy was to double down on comfort without abandoning their core identity—and for many touring riders, that formula worked.

Legacy and Appeal

The 1980 FLT80 Tour Glide is now a cult classic among Shovelhead and touring bike fans. As a barn find or project, it offers a compelling mix of vintage character and forward-looking design. These early FLT models are relatively rare and were only produced for a short time before refinements came in. With its bold fixed fairing, 5-speed gearbox, and classic Shovelhead torque, the Tour Glide is an ideal restoration candidate—especially for collectors who appreciate pivotal transition models in Harley-Davidson history.