🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

Electra Glide FLH

Year:

1975

Generation Designation:

Second Generation (Shovelhead era)

Vin Structure Prefix:

While VINs varied by factory, Harley-Davidson's system began evolving significantly in the mid-70s. Early 1970s VINs for FLH models typically started with '3F'. Specific year codes are critical for exact identification.

👋 Introduction

Market Position Of Vehicle:

The 1975 Electra Glide FLH was a flagship touring motorcycle, representing the pinnacle of comfort and capability for long-distance motorcycle travel for Harley-Davidson. It was positioned as a premium, American-made cruiser/tourer, competing with other large displacement motorcycles of the era in the touring segment.

Competitive Landscape 1975:

Competitors in the large displacement touring segment included models from British manufacturers like Triumph and Norton, as well as increasingly competitive Japanese offerings from Kawasaki and Honda, though Harley-Davidson maintained a distinct identity and loyal customer base in this market.

Key Vehicle Features:

Large V-twin engine, comfortable seating for rider and passenger, extensive luggage capacity (saddlebags, often a tour pack), windscreen for rider protection, robust frame, iconic styling.

Key Manual Features:

Factory-authorized procedures, detailed exploded views and diagrams, comprehensive specifications, troubleshooting guides, torque values, diagnostic information.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive factory service repair for Harley-Davidson Electra Glide FLH 1975 models.

Page Count Approximate:

Estimated 300-500 pages (typical for factory service manuals of this era, precise count often varies by edition and inclusion of supplements).

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed (Original Factory Manual) / Digital (PDF often available).

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Cylinder heads, cylinders, pistons, crankshaft, connecting rods, camshaft, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system (air-cooled), ignition system, fuel system (carburetion).

Transmission Drivetrain Systems:

Primary drive, clutch, 4-speed transmission (gearbox), final drive, drive chain, shifter mechanism.

Chassis Suspension Systems:

Frame, front fork (often the traditional leading-link or girder fork, depending on specific FLH sub-variant), rear shock absorbers, swingarm, steering head bearings.

Braking Systems:

Front brake (typically drum), rear brake (typically drum), brake linkage, brake shoes.

Electrical Systems:

Battery, charging system (generator/alternator), starting system, lighting (headlight, taillight, turn signals), ignition switch, horn, wiring diagrams, fuse/circuit breaker locations.

Fuel System:

Fuel tanks, fuel lines, fuel valve, carburetor (e.g., Keihin Butterfly type), air cleaner assembly.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust pipes, mufflers, mounting hardware.

Bodywork And Fittings:

Fenders, fairing (if equipped), saddlebags (if equipped), seat, handlebars, controls, instrumentation, kickstand, center stand.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug service, air filter cleaning/replacement, chain lubrication and adjustment, brake adjustment, clutch adjustment, tire pressure checks, battery maintenance, general cleaning and lubrication.

Troubleshooting Procedures:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common issues (engine starting problems, ignition issues, fuel delivery problems, electrical faults, transmission noise).

Repair And Overhaul Procedures:

Engine top-end rebuild (cylinders, pistons, heads), engine bottom-end overhaul, transmission disassembly and reassembly, clutch service, carburetor overhaul and tuning, front fork service, brake system overhaul, electrical component replacement, wheel bearing service, steering head bearing adjustment/replacement.

Adjustment Procedures:

Carburetor idle and mixture adjustment, ignition timing adjustment, clutch cable adjustment, brake rod adjustment, chain tension adjustment, valve lash adjustment (if applicable to this specific Shovelhead configuration).

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from routine maintenance and minor adjustments to complete engine, transmission, and chassis overhauls. Includes detailed specifications for torque values, clearances, and rebuild procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Details:

For digital versions (PDF): Searchable text, bookmark navigation, high-resolution scanned pages. For printed versions: Durable paper stock, clear typography, fold-out diagrams where applicable.

Print Quality Details:

Factory quality: Crisp printing, legible diagrams, durable paper suitable for workshop environments.

Binding Type:

Printed manuals typically feature a robust binding (e.g., spiral-bound or perfect-bound) designed for workshop use, allowing the manual to lay flat.

Paper Type:

Durable, often coated paper to resist grease and moisture in a workshop setting.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin

Engine Family:

Shovelhead (evolution of the Panhead and Knucklehead designs)

Displacement Cc:

73.7 cubic inches (1207 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

3.4375 in. x 4.25 in. (87.3 mm x 108.0 mm)

Compression Ratio:

Approximately 7.0:1 (typical for Shovelheads of this era, varied slightly)

Cylinder Material:

Cast Iron

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Valve Train:

Overhead Valves (OHV), operated by pushrods and rocker arms. Two valves per cylinder.

Horsepower Approximate:

Approx. 60-65 hp at 5000 rpm (estimated, official figures often not precisely quoted for this era).

Torque Approximate:

Approx. 70-75 ft-lbs at 3500 rpm (estimated).

Carburetor Type:

Single Keihin Butterfly carburetor (e.g., Keihin butterfly 36mm, or possible Linkert variant depending on early production models).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane recommended. Higher octane may be beneficial for optimal performance and preventing pinging.

Fuel Capacity Gallons:

4.0 US gallons (approx. 15.1 liters) for standard tank.

Ignition Type:

Battery and Coil with Breaker Points (contact breaker points ignition system).

Oil System Type:

Dry Sump Lubrication with Oil Tank mounted separately (typically in the frame downtubes).

Oil Capacity Quarts:

Approximately 4 US quarts (3.8 liters) including filter and oil lines.

Oil Filter Type:

Internal oil screen and external spin-on oil filter.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed constant mesh manual gearbox

Primary Drive:

Primary chain drive (Duplex chain)

Clutch Type:

Wet multi-plate clutch, operated by cable.

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios are detailed in the manual. Typical ratios would provide a balance of acceleration and highway cruising.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Refer to manual for exact specifications. Often SAE 50 or SAE 60 motorcycle gear oil. Some Harley-Davidson models in this era might have specified engine oil in the gearbox; the manual will clarify.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Inches:

Approximately 62.2 inches (1580 mm) - may vary slightly with tire inflation and suspension settings.

Length Inches:

Approximately 93.5 inches (2375 mm).

Dry Weight Pounds:

Approximately 660-700 lbs (300-318 kg) - varies with factory options like saddlebags, fairing, etc.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Pounds:

Not typically specified in the same way as modern vehicles, but rider and luggage capacity are considered.

Saddlebag Capacity:

Capacity varies by saddlebag design, but they were designed for significant touring luggage. Often leather or fiberglass construction.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

Motorcycles of this era were not subjected to standardized crash testing like modern automobiles. Safety was primarily derived from rider skill and the mechanical integrity of the components.

Active Safety Features:

Responsive braking system (though drum brakes are less potent than modern disc brakes), stable chassis, rider control through handlebars and foot controls.

Passive Safety Features:

Frame integrity, padded seat, windscreen (limited wind protection).

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

As a 1975 model, this Electra Glide features minimal 'infotainment' by modern standards. Primary features include analog instrumentation (speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, oil pressure light), AM radio (optional), and CB radio (optional).

Driver Assistance Features:

None by modern definitions. Focus is on mechanical systems and rider input.

Connectivity Features:

No electronic connectivity features. Communication primarily via optional radio systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 2,000-3,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for precise intervals.

Engine Tune Up Interval:

Recommended annually or every 5,000 miles, including ignition timing, carburetor adjustment, and spark plug inspection.

Chain Lubrication Adjustment:

Lubricate chain every 500-1000 miles and check tension more frequently. Adjust as per manual specifications.

Engine Oil Type:

Refer to manual. For the Shovelhead, typically a high-zinc, high-detergency motorcycle oil like SAE 20W-50 or SAE 50 is recommended to protect the flat-tappet camshafts. Harley-Davidson Classic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil is a modern equivalent.

Transmission Oil Type:

Refer to manual. Historically, SAE 50 or SAE 60 motorcycle gear oil. Some mechanics may use specialized transmission fluids.

Primary Chaincase Oil Type:

Harley-Davidson primary chaincase lubricant, or a suitable motorcycle primary chaincase oil (e.g., SAE 50 motorcycle oil).

Common Shovelhead Issues:

Valve seat wear, oil leaks (especially from pushrod tubes and base gaskets), carburetor tuning complexities, potential for oil consumption, ignition point wear. The manual will provide diagnostic procedures for these.

Brake Wear:

Drum brake shoes require periodic inspection and adjustment, and replacement due to wear. The manual covers brake adjustment procedures.

Electrical Maintenance:

Older electrical systems can be prone to connection corrosion and component failure. Regular inspection of wiring and connections is vital. The manual's wiring diagrams are essential for troubleshooting.

📚 Vehicle History

Harley Davidson Heritage:

Founded in 1903, Harley-Davidson has a long and storied history in American motorcycling, renowned for its large V-twin engines, touring capabilities, and distinct American style. The Electra Glide line, introduced in 1965, became synonymous with American motorcycle touring.

Electra Glide Evolution:

The FLH designation has been used for Harley-Davidson's top-tier touring models for decades. The 1975 model is part of the 'Shovelhead' era, characterized by the engine design introduced in 1966, which replaced the Panhead. This period saw continuous refinement and the integration of features like electric start becoming more prevalent.

Production Period:

Harley-Davidson motorcycles are primarily manufactured in the United States. The Electra Glide FLH has been in continuous production in various forms since its introduction.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Vehicle Awards:

Specific awards for the 1975 model are not widely documented in the same way as modern vehicles. However, the Electra Glide line has consistently been recognized for its contribution to motorcycle touring and its iconic status in American culture.

Reliability Ratings:

Reliability is highly dependent on maintenance history and original build quality. These Shovelhead engines, while iconic, require diligent maintenance. The manual is crucial for understanding and performing this maintenance.