🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

FLH Electra Glide

Year:

1970

Vin Code:

Standard Harley-Davidson FLH VIN structure for 1970 (typically 10 digits, starting with a model/engine identifier followed by serial numbers).

Production Code:

FLH

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Full-size touring motorcycle.

Target Audience:

Owners of the 1970 Harley-Davidson FLH Electra Glide requiring operational and basic maintenance guidance.

Key Competitors:

Indian Chief, British touring motorcycles (e.g., Triumph Bonneville variants, Norton Commando Interstate).

Vehicle Features:

Large V-twin engine, comfortable touring ergonomics, significant presence and style, electric start.

Value:

Provides essential information for operation and basic upkeep, includes critical wiring diagrams for electrical system troubleshooting.

📋 Manual Details

Model Coverage:

1970 Harley-Davidson FLH Electra Glide

Engine Coverage:

Shovelhead V-Twin (specific displacement and variant for FLH model year 1970)

Page Count:

64

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Operation:

Basic operation, startup, shutdown, break-in procedures.

Fuel System:

Carburetor (likely Linkert or early Keihin), fuel tank, fuel lines, filter operation.

Ignition System:

Ignition timing, spark plugs, coil operation.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (generator/alternator), lighting, starter motor, horn, fuse box.

Transmission Drivetrain:

Four-speed manual transmission, clutch operation, chain drive maintenance.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake system operation and care (likely drum brakes).

Suspension Steering:

Front fork (likely leading-link or similar), rear shock absorbers, steering head bearing adjustment.

Wheels Tires:

Tire pressure recommendations, wheel bearing checks.

Bodywork Controls:

Handlebar controls, seating, basic body panel care.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, lubrication points, chain adjustment, air filter cleaning/replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Basic diagnostic tips for common starting and running issues.

Safety Precautions:

Riding safety, basic maintenance safety.

Break In Procedure:

Recommended break-in period and guidelines for new engines.

Depth:

Owner-level maintenance and operation, not a full factory service manual for in-depth repairs.

Diagrams Included:

Several wiring diagrams included, providing crucial electrical system information.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if scanned with OCR, though original scan quality may vary.

Print Quality Expectation:

Dependent on original manual and scanning process; aims for clarity of text and diagrams.

Original Binding Type:

Likely saddle-stitched or perfect bound.

Original Paper Type:

Standard paper stock for owner's manuals of the era.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin

Engine Family:

Shovelhead

Displacement:

74 cubic inches (1200 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

3.4375 in. x 4.000 in. (87.3 mm x 101.6 mm) - typical for 74ci Shovelhead

Compression Ratio:

Approximately 8.0:1 (varies slightly by year/spec)

Valve Train:

Overhead valves, pushrod actuated

Cylinder Heads:

Cast iron

Horsepower Est:

Approximately 60-65 hp @ 5000 RPM (net)

Torque Est:

Approximately 75-80 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM

Carburetor Type:

Linkert M74B or early Keihin Butterfly

Fuel Requirement:

Regular unleaded gasoline (minimum 87 octane recommended)

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4 US quarts (3.8 Liters)

Oil Type:

Harley-Davidson recommended motorcycle oil (viscosity typically 20W-50 or 20W-40 for the era, check manual for specifics).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed, constant mesh, manual foot shift, hand clutch

Gear Ratios Est:

1st: ~2.44, 2nd: ~1.77, 3rd: ~1.34, 4th: 1.00 (Ratios vary slightly by specific transmission model/year)

Clutch Type:

Wet, multi-plate

Final Drive:

Enclosed chain drive

Transmission Fluid Type:

Harley-Davidson recommended transmission lubricant (typically Harley-Davidson 4-speed transmission fluid, or equivalent).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 60.5 inches (1537 mm)

Length:

Approximately 91.5 inches (2324 mm)

Seat Height:

Approximately 28.5 inches (724 mm)

Dry Weight:

Approximately 630 lbs (286 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not typically published for motorcycles in this era, but would accommodate rider, passenger, and luggage.

Fuel Capacity:

Approximately 5 US gallons (19 Liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Standards:

Conformed to DOT and applicable motorcycle safety standards of the era.

Braking System:

Hydraulic front drum brake, mechanical rear drum brake.

Lighting:

Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals, license plate light.

Frame Construction:

Heavy-duty steel frame for stability and load carrying.

Rider Ergonomics:

Designed for comfort during long-distance riding, with upright seating position.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

None. This is a 1970s motorcycle, focus is on mechanicals and basic electricals.

Driver Assistance Features:

None. Focus is on rider control.

Connectivity Features:

None. Focus is on mechanical and electrical functionality.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 2,000-3,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact spec).

Primary Chain Adjustment:

Check and adjust as needed, typically around 1,000-2,000 miles (refer to manual).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Recommended at intervals such as 5,000-10,000 miles, or as performance indicates.

Wheel Bearing Lubrication:

Should be inspected and lubricated as per schedule, often every 5,000-10,000 miles.

Engine Oil Specification:

Refer to manual for precise viscosity (e.g., SAE 20W-50 or 20W-40) and type (API classification if specified).

Transmission Oil Specification:

Specific Harley-Davidson 4-speed transmission fluid or equivalent.

Brake Fluid Specification:

Likely DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid for the front brake (rear is mechanical).

Shovelhead Engine Characteristics:

Known for oil leaks, potential for pushrod tube seal leaks, and the need for regular ignition timing checks.

Electrical System Reliability:

Wiring insulation can degrade over time; generator charging output can be marginal under heavy electrical load; voltage regulator can be a point of failure.

Carburetor Tuning:

Linkert carburetors require specific tuning knowledge; Keihin butterfly carburetors are generally more user-friendly but still need periodic adjustment.

Oil Filter Number:

While many Shovelheads used internal oil filters or screen systems, later models adopted external spin-on filters. The specific part number would depend on any aftermarket conversions or the exact original setup, but common replacements might be from brands like Wix or K&N designed for Harley-Davidson models of this era.

Air Filter Number:

Part number varies by original air cleaner assembly, but service kits for the stock air filter housing would be available.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Legacy:

Harley-Davidson has a long and storied history in American motorcycling, known for its V-twin engines and iconic styling.

Electra Glide Introduction:

The Electra Glide model line was introduced in 1965, featuring the first electric starter on a Harley-Davidson big twin, revolutionizing large motorcycle operation.

Shovelhead Era:

The 1970 model year falls within the Shovelhead engine era, which began in 1966 and continued through 1984, characterized by its distinctive rocker box covers.

Production Location:

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Significance Of 1970:

Represents a period of refinement and establishment for the Shovelhead engine and the Electra Glide platform before significant design changes in later years.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Recognition:

The Electra Glide is an iconic motorcycle recognized for its contribution to the cruiser and touring segments, and its status as a cultural icon.

Reliability Rating Era:

As an owner's manual, it would not contain reliability ratings. However, Shovelheads of this era are known for requiring diligent maintenance to maintain reliability.

Safety Certifications:

Conformed to US safety standards applicable to motorcycles at the time of manufacture.