Segment:
Full-size touring motorcycle
Target Audience:
Motorcycle enthusiasts, mechanics, owners of 1970-1972 Electra Glide and Super Glide models
Competitors Era:
Other large displacement V-twin cruisers and touring bikes of the era (e.g., Indian Chief variants, some British twins)
Model Appeal:
Iconic styling, V-twin power, touring capability
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for maintaining, repairing, and restoring these classic Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Engine:
Shovelhead V-Twin Engine (Servicing, Rebuild, Tuning)
Transmission:
4-Speed Constant Mesh Gearbox (Operation, Maintenance, Repair)
Fuel System:
Carburetor (Linkert, Keihin), Fuel Tanks, Lines, Pump (Troubleshooting, Adjustment, Overhaul)
Ignition System:
Contact Breaker Points, Coils, Spark Plugs, Wiring (Diagnosis, Replacement, Timing)
Electrical System:
Lighting, Charging System (Generator/Alternator), Battery, Starter Motor, Wiring Diagrams (Troubleshooting, Component Testing)
Braking System:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes (Pad/Shoe Replacement, Fluid Flush, Caliper/Cylinder Service)
Suspension System:
Front Fork (Telescopic), Rear Shock Absorbers (Service, Oil Replacement, Seal Replacement)
Wheel And Tires:
Wheel Bearing Service, Tire Pressure, Mounting
Frame And Bodywork:
Chassis Inspection, Fairing Components, Fenders, Seat Maintenance
Exhaust System:
Muffler and Pipe Servicing, Gasket Replacement
Maintenance:
Regular Service Checks, Lubrication Points, Fluid Changes
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues
Repair:
Detailed instructions for disassembly, assembly, and replacement of components
Rebuilds:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures
Adjustments:
Carburetor tuning, ignition timing, clutch and brake adjustments
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostics)
File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Searchable text content for quick information retrieval
Print Readability:
High-resolution scans for clear text and images
Illustrations:
Detailed diagrams, exploded views, and photographic illustrations
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Paper Quality:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin (Shovelhead)
Displacement Ci:
74 cu in (1200cc)
Bore X Stroke:
3.4375 in x 4.000 in (87.3 mm x 101.6 mm)
Compression Ratio:
Approximately 7.5:1 to 8.0:1 (varies by year/tune)
Valve Train:
Overhead Valve (OHV), pushrod actuated
Cylinder Heads:
Cast Iron (early models), Aluminum (later variations within this period)
Horsepower Est:
55-60 hp @ 5000-5500 rpm (estimated)
Torque Est:
70-75 ft-lbs @ 3200-3600 rpm (estimated)
Carburetor Type 1970:
Linkert M-74 or M-77
Carburetor Type 1971-1972:
Keihin Butterfly (often VM series) or Mikuni (post-market or later OE options)
Fuel Octane Recommendation:
Minimum 91 octane unleaded gasoline (Check manual for specifics)
Oil System:
Total Loss Lubrication System (Oil pumped to engine, some exhausted with exhaust)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4 U.S. Quarts (3.8 Liters) including oil tank
Recommended Oil:
Harley-Davidson 20W50 or equivalent motorcycle-specific oil (refer to manual for precise specifications)
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Manual Constant Mesh
Primary Drive:
Duplex chain, dry clutch
Clutch Type:
Dry, multi-plate
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approximately 1 U.S. Pint (0.5 Liters)
Recommended Transmission Oil:
Harley-Davidson 80W/90 GL-1 gear oil or equivalent (check manual for specifics)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 63.5 inches (1613 mm)
Length:
Approx. 95 inches (2413 mm)
Dry Weight Est:
Approx. 650-700 lbs (295-318 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
Refer to VIN plate or manual for specific GVWR
Front Tire Size:
3.00-19 (Common fitment, check manual)
Rear Tire Size:
4.00-18 or 4.25-18 (Common fitment, check manual)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
Not Applicable (Spoked wheels with axle mounting)
Crash Test Ratings:
Not Applicable (Motorcycle; safety is based on rider skill and design)
Braking System Design:
Single front disc, rear drum (dual-piston front caliper by late '72)
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, sealed beam tail/brake light, turn signals
Frame Construction:
Steel backbone frame
Fuel Tank Safety:
Metal construction with positive locking fuel cap
Oil Change Interval:
Every 2,000-3,000 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for specific 'total loss' system guidelines)
Primary Chain Tension Check:
Every 5,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000-15,000 miles (NGK or Champion recommended, refer to manual for exact part numbers)
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 12-24 months (DOT 4 recommended for disc brakes, check manual)
Engine Oil:
Harley-Davidson 20W50 Motorcycle Oil or equivalent API SG rated or higher
Transmission Oil:
Harley-Davidson 80W/90 Gear Oil (GL-1)
Fork Oil:
Harley-Davidson Type 'E' or 'B' fork oil (Equivalent 10W or 15W fork oil, check manual for specific viscosity)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 for front disc brake systems
Oil Leaks:
Common due to aging seals and gaskets (e.g., pushrod tubes, crankcase seals).
Carburetor Tuning:
Linkert and early Keihin carburetors can be finicky and require regular adjustment for optimal performance.
Electrical Reliability:
Older wiring harnesses can degrade; charging system components (regulator/rectifier) may need attention.
Clutch Wear:
Dry clutch plates can wear and require adjustment or replacement over time.
Valve Adjustment:
Requires periodic adjustment for proper engine operation and longevity.
Brand Origin:
Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, in 1903.
Brand Legacy:
Synonymous with American motorcycling, custom culture, and the V-twin engine.
Electra Glide Introduction:
Introduced in 1965 as the first Harley-Davidson full dresser.
Super Glide Introduction:
Introduced in 1971 as a sportier version of the Electra Glide, stripping away some touring accessories.
Shovelhead Engine Era:
The Shovelhead engine was produced from 1966 to 1984, representing a significant evolutionary step from the Panhead.
Engine Updates 1970-1972:
These years saw refinements in the Shovelhead, including updates to carburetors, brakes (introduction of front disc), and electrical systems.
Manufacturing Location:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Production Period:
1970-1972
