Positioning:
Essential guide for owners and independent mechanics maintaining the iconic Harley-Davidson Super Glide
Competitors:
Period-specific unofficial repair guides, limited manufacturer bulletins
Features:
Authentic factory procedures, detailed illustrations, troubleshooting guides specific to the Shovelhead era
Engine:
Shovelhead V-Twin (1200cc & 1340cc variants)
Transmission:
4-speed Constant Mesh, primary chain drive
Fuel System:
Carburetor (e.g., Keihin Butterfly, Linkert M-Series), fuel tank, lines, fuel pump (if applicable)
Ignition System:
Points and Condenser, electronic ignition (later conversions/upgrades)
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (generator/alternator), starter motor, lighting, ignition switch, wiring diagrams
Brake System:
Front and rear disc brakes (single or dual caliper), hydraulic lines, master cylinders, brake fluid specifications
Suspension:
Front fork (telescopic, possibly with air assist), rear shock absorbers (dual), swingarm lubrication and adjustment
Frame And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, steering head bearing adjustment, body panel removal and installation, fenders, fuel tank, seat mounting
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing maintenance, tire pressure, spoke tension (if applicable), wheel removal and installation
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug service, chain adjustment and lubrication, battery care, brake fluid flush
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for starting issues, running problems, electrical faults, brake system malfunctions
Repair:
Engine teardown and rebuild, transmission overhaul, carburetor adjustment and rebuild, brake caliper service, fork seal replacement
Technical Specifications:
Torque values for critical fasteners, engine timing, valve clearances, component clearances
Depth:
Comprehensive rebuild procedures, diagnostic flowcharts, detailed component specifications
Engine Type:
Air-cooled V-Twin (Shovelhead)
Displacement Cc:
1200cc (74 cubic inch) and 1340cc (80 cubic inch)
Bore X Stroke:
1200cc: 3.4375 in x 4.25 in; 1340cc: 3.499 in x 4.25 in (typical specifications, varies slightly)
Compression Ratio:
Typically 8.0:1 to 8.5:1 (varies by year and variant)
Horsepower Hp:
Approx. 60-70 HP (varies by engine size and tuning)
Torque Ft Lbs:
Approx. 70-80 ft-lbs (varies by engine size and tuning)
Carburetor Examples:
Keihin Butterfly (CR-S), Linkert M-Series (earlier models/variations)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (minimum 91 octane recommended)
Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson 20W50 motorcycle oil or equivalent (e.g., Valvoline, Mobil 1 V-Twin)
Oil Capacity Quarts:
3 quarts (with filter change)
Safety Standards:
Vintage motorcycle safety standards (no modern crash ratings comparable to cars)
Braking System:
Front and rear hydraulic disc brakes
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals
Engine Oil Change:
Every 2,500-3,000 miles or annually
Primary Chain Adjustment:
Every 2,000-3,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 5,000-7,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 1-2 years
Engine Oil:
Harley-Davidson 20W50 or API CD/SF SAE 20W50 (check specific manual for exact rating)
Transmission Oil:
Harley-Davidson Manual Transmission Lubricant or SAE 80W90 gear oil
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (check manual)
Engine:
Shovelhead oil leaks (e.g., rocker boxes, crankcase seals), valve guide wear, cam follower issues
Transmission:
Intermittent shifting, clutch wear, primary chain stretch
Electrical:
Wiring harness degradation, charging system output (generator/alternator issues), starter solenoid problems
Suspension:
Fork seal leaks, worn shock absorbers
Manufacturer:
Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Introduction Year:
1971 (original FX Super Glide)
Design Influence:
Designed by Willie G. Davidson, blending the Sportster front end with the Big Twin engine and frame
Production Years Covered:
1974-1976
Manufacturing Location:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
