Positioning:
The 1974 FLH Shovelhead was a flagship cruiser for Harley-Davidson, representing a blend of classic American motorcycle design and the evolutionary Shovelhead engine.
Competitors:
Primarily competed with other large-displacement American motorcycles and increasingly with European and Japanese manufacturers offering different styling and performance characteristics.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin Shovelhead engine.
Chassis Type:
Tractor-style frame with telescopic front forks and dual rear shock absorbers.
Transmission Type:
4-speed, hand-shifted, foot-clutched transmission.
Iconic Status:
Part of the iconic Shovelhead era, highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
Engine:
Full disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of the Shovelhead V-twin engine (carburetor, ignition, lubrication, cooling, timing, performance tuning)
Transmission:
4-speed constant mesh, service and repair of gearbox, clutch, primary drive, and related components
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, charging system (generator/regulator), ignition system (points, coils, spark plugs), lighting, starter, horn, switches, and accessories
Chassis:
Frame inspection, front fork assembly (showa/honda style), steering head bearings, rear suspension (shocks/springs), wheel bearings, and alignment
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system (disc/drum), hydraulic lines, master cylinders, calipers, brake pads/shoes, and adjustment
Fuel System:
Carburetor tuning and overhaul (e.g., Keihin butterfly, Linkert), fuel tank, fuel lines, and fuel petcock
Bodywork:
Fender mounting, fuel tank installation, seat assembly, fairings (if applicable), and general body component attachment
Lubrication System:
Oil pump, oil lines, oil filter, oil tank, and lubrication circuit diagnostics
Maintenance:
Routine inspections, lubrication, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, chain adjustment, and brake pad inspection
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, including engine performance problems, starting issues, electrical faults, and braking system malfunctions
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component overhaul, replacement, and adjustment across all major vehicle systems
Rebuild:
Comprehensive engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including torque specifications, clearances, and assembly sequences
Adjustment:
Carburetor synchronization, ignition timing, clutch adjustment, brake lever free play, and throttle cable adjustment
Depth:
Full factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics. Covers diagnostics, repair, and rebuild.
Special Tools:
Lists required special tools and their part numbers or descriptions for specific procedures.
Torque Specs:
Includes detailed torque specifications for critical fasteners and engine components.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin, OHV (Overhead Valve)
Displacement:
73.7 cubic inches (1208 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
3.4375 in x 4.000 in (87.3 mm x 101.6 mm)
Compression Ratio:
Approximately 8.0:1 (varies by model and tuning)
Cylinder Heads:
Cast Iron (early models) or Aluminum Alloy (later Shovelheads, though 1974 likely cast iron)
Carburetor:
Single Keihin Butterfly (common for this year) or Linkert (less common for this year)
Ignition System:
Battery and Coil with Breaker Points and Mechanical Advance
Valve Train:
Pushrod activated overhead valves, hydraulic lifters (common upgrade, may have solid lifters from factory depending on specific model variant)
Horsepower:
Approximately 55-60 HP (estimated, official figures not consistently published)
Torque:
Approximately 65-75 ft-lbs (estimated)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Gravity feed from fuel tank to carburetor
Fuel Tank Capacity:
4.0 US gallons (approx. 15.1 liters)
Type:
4-speed, constant mesh, manual transmission
Shift Mechanism:
Hand-shifted (right side of tank), foot-clutched
Optional Features:
None from factory; aftermarket 5-speed conversions were available.
Primary Drive:
Chain drive (engine to transmission) within a sealed primary cover.
Final Drive:
Belt drive (transmission to rear wheel)
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate clutch
Transmission Fluid:
Harley-Davidson Transmission Fluid (or equivalent 80W/90 GL-4 gear oil)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 24 US fluid ounces (0.71 liters)
Overall Length:
Approximately 88-90 inches (2235-2286 mm) - varies by model variant
Wheelbase:
Approximately 60.5 inches (1537 mm)
Seat Height:
Approximately 28-30 inches (711-762 mm) - unladen
Dry Weight:
Approximately 550-600 lbs (250-272 kg) - varies by model variant and accessories
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not typically specified in the same way as cars, but implies capacity for rider and passenger plus luggage.
Front Tire Size:
3.25-19 or 3.50-19 (common)
Rear Tire Size:
4.00-18 or 4.25-18 (common)
Wheel Type:
Spoked, typically steel rims
Wheelbase Spec:
1537 mm (60.5 in)
Crash Testing:
Motorcycles of this era were not subjected to standardized crash testing in the same manner as automobiles.
Braking System:
Front: Disc brake; Rear: Drum brake.
Suspension:
Telescopic front forks, dual rear shock absorbers for rider comfort and control.
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals (front and rear).
Frame Integrity:
Robust steel frame designed for stability and durability.
Oil Change Engine:
Every 2,000-3,000 miles or annually. Check dipstick regularly.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 5,000-10,000 miles or annually. Inspect for leaks and wear.
Primary Chain Tension:
Check and adjust at 1,000 miles and then every 5,000 miles, or as needed.
Spark Plug Inspection Replacement:
Inspect every 2,500 miles, replace as needed.
Ignition Timing Check:
Recommended every 5,000 miles or if engine performance issues arise.
Engine Oil:
Harley-Davidson 20W50 motorcycle oil (or equivalent V-twin specific 20W50)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3 US quarts (2.84 liters) with filter change
Transmission Oil:
Harley-Davidson Transmission Fluid or 80W/90 GL-4 gear oil
Primary Chain Case Oil:
Harley-Davidson Primary Chain Lubricant or SAE 50 motorcycle oil (Check manual for specific quantity and type)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (check master cylinder cap)
Oil Leaks:
Common across many Shovelheads due to aging seals and gaskets. Manual provides guidance on replacement.
Pushrod Tube Seals:
Frequent source of oil leaks; manual details seal replacement.
Generator Regulator:
Older electrical systems can be prone to failure; manual covers testing and replacement.
Carburetor Adjustment:
Requires regular fine-tuning for optimal performance. Manual provides detailed tuning procedures.
Transmission Shifting:
May require precise clutch and throttle control; manual covers adjustment and troubleshooting.
Heritage:
Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer with a long history of producing large-displacement V-twin motorcycles.
Shovelhead Introduction:
The Shovelhead engine was introduced in 1966, replacing the Panhead engine. It featured revised cylinder heads with larger valves and improved porting.
Flh Lineage:
The FLH model designation represents the top-of-the-line, large-frame touring motorcycles in Harley-Davidson's lineup.
Production Years Shovelhead:
1966-1984
Manufacturing Location:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Significance 1974:
The 1974 model year saw continued refinement of the Shovelhead engine and chassis, marking a transitional period in Harley-Davidson's evolution.