🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

Electra Glide FL 1200

Product Name:

Harley Davidson ELECTRA GLIDE FL 1200 Service Repair Manual

Generation Years:

1970-1978

Engine Code Prefix:

FL

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Electra Glide of this era was the flagship touring motorcycle for Harley-Davidson, synonymous with long-distance comfort and iconic American style. This manual serves the owners and technicians maintaining these classic machines.

Competitors:

Competed against other large-displacement touring bikes of the era, though Harley-Davidson held a unique cultural appeal. Competitors included models from British manufacturers (Triumph, Norton) and emerging Japanese touring bikes, but none offered the same distinct character.

Features Of Vehicle:

Spacious seating, ample luggage capacity (saddlebags, tour pak options), powerful V-twin engine, comfortable riding position for long distances, distinctive styling.

Value Of Manual:

Essential for preserving the longevity and performance of a classic motorcycle. Provides the critical technical knowledge needed to perform maintenance and repairs correctly, ensuring authenticity and value retention.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Years:

1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978

Target Audience:

Professional Technicians and DIY Mechanics

Estimated Page Count:

Over 400 pages (typical for this era's comprehensive manuals)

Type:

Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF implied)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Shovelhead V-Twin engine, including assembly, disassembly, inspection, and repair of all major components (crankcase, cylinders, pistons, heads, valves, camshafts, oil pump, etc.).

Transmission:

4-speed constant mesh transmission, including clutch, primary drive, gear inspection, shift mechanism, and lubrication.

Fuel System:

Carburetor (e.g., Keihin butterfly or Bendix) tuning and overhaul, fuel tank, fuel lines, and fuel filter maintenance.

Electrical System:

Ignition system (points and condenser, possibly early electronic), charging system (generator/alternator), battery, lighting circuits, starter motor, and wiring diagrams.

Chassis And Suspension:

Frame inspection and repair, front fork (leading-link or telescopic depending on specific FL variant), rear shock absorbers, swingarm, and bearings.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (likely drum brakes for much of this period, possibly early disc brake introductions), including adjustment, overhaul, and fluid replacement (if applicable to later models).

Bodywork And Trim:

Fenders, fuel tank, seat, fairings (if equipped, e.g., the iconic King of the Road fairing), saddlebags, and chrome trim component removal and installation.

Wheels And Tires:

Wheel bearing maintenance, tire replacement, spoke tensioning (if applicable), and wheel balancing.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug servicing, chain adjustment (if applicable), battery checks, and general lubrication.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts for common engine, electrical, and mechanical problems, symptom-based fault finding.

Repair And Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, cleaning, inspection for wear, part replacement, and reassembly.

Adjustments:

Carburetor synchronization and tuning, ignition timing, clutch adjustment, brake linkage adjustments.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Torque values for critical fasteners, piston ring gap, valve clearances, bearing play, and other essential measurements.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers from basic fluid checks to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed illustrations and exploded views.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if scanned optically with OCR, crucial for quick information retrieval.

Quality:

High-resolution scans, ensuring legibility of text and clarity of diagrams.

Original Binding:

Often a sturdy, wire-o or perfect bound paperback for workshop use.

Original Paper:

Durable, matte paper stock designed to withstand workshop conditions.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin, OHV (Overhead Valve)

Displacement:

74 cubic inches (1200cc)

Bore X Stroke:

Approximately 3.4375 in. x 4.25 in. (87.3 mm x 108 mm)

Compression Ratio:

Varies by year and specific model, typically around 8.0:1 to 8.5:1

Ignition System:

Contact breaker points and condenser ignition system, dual fire ignition (spark plug fired simultaneously in both cylinders).

Horsepower:

Estimated 60-70 HP (at crank), highly dependent on specific tuning and exhaust.

Torque:

Significant low-end torque, characteristic of Harley-Davidson V-twins.

Carburetor Type:

Keihin Butterfly (BD type) or Bendix Zenith (Stromberg type) 26mm or 27mm, or later models may feature 30mm Keihin.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, typically 87 octane (Octane rating might differ based on original leaded fuel availability and compression ratios).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed, constant mesh, foot-shifted (left-side shift, heel-toe lever).

Clutch Type:

Dry multi-plate clutch.

Primary Drive:

Duplex chain drive from crankshaft to transmission input shaft, enclosed in a primary chaincase with oil bath lubrication.

Optional Gearbox:

N/A for this specific generation FL1200 models; 4-speed was standard.

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios will be detailed in the manual, crucial for performance tuning.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Harley-Davidson recommends specific gear oil or suitable aftermarket equivalents (e.g., SAE 80W-90 gear oil or transmission fluid).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 60.5 inches (1537 mm).

Length:

Approximately 90-94 inches (2286-2388 mm), varies with fairing and accessories.

Seat Height:

Approximately 29-30 inches (737-762 mm) laden.

Saddlebag Capacity:

Significant, designed for touring, exact volume varies by saddlebag style.

Dry Weight:

Approximately 650-700 lbs (295-318 kg) depending on options and year.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not typically published in the same way as modern vehicles, but designed to carry rider, passenger, and luggage.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Safety Ratings:

Not applicable for this era of motorcycle, as formal crash testing comparable to modern cars was not standard.

Braking System:

Early models typically featured drum brakes (front and rear). Later models in the 1970s saw the introduction of disc brakes on the front, and sometimes rear.

Lighting:

Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals, and running lights.

Frame Construction:

Robust steel tube frame designed for stability.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic for the era: Analog speedometer, tachometer (optional), odometer, trip meter, indicator lights for oil pressure, neutral, and turn signals. No modern infotainment systems.

Assistance Features:

None; rider-centric design focused on mechanical engagement.

Connectivity Options:

None.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 2,000-3,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Specific recommendation in the manual.

Primary Chain Adjustment:

Check and adjust every 5,000 miles or as needed if chain slack increases.

Spark Plug Replacement:

As per manual, often around 10,000-12,000 miles, or when condition dictates.

Wheel Bearing Lubrication:

Check and repack every 10,000-15,000 miles.

Engine Oil Type:

Harley-Davidson recommends specific viscosity grades (e.g., 20W-50) or specialized V-twin motorcycle oil. Check manual for exact spec and capacity (typically 4 US quarts).

Primary Chaincase Oil:

Typically a dedicated transmission oil or gear oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90), consult manual for precise type and capacity (approx. 1 US quart).

Brake Fluid Type:

If equipped with disc brakes: DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid, depending on caliper design. Drum brakes require no fluid.

Oil Leaks:

Common in Shovelhead engines due to aging gaskets and seals. Manual provides procedures for seal and gasket replacement.

Carburetor Tuning:

Can be finicky and require regular adjustment for optimal performance and emissions control.

Electrical Gremlins:

Aging wiring harnesses and connections can lead to intermittent electrical faults. Detailed wiring diagrams in the manual are essential.

Clutch Slippage:

Can occur with age and wear, requiring adjustment or clutch plate replacement.

Common Filter Part Numbers:

Specific part numbers for oil filters and air filters will be listed in the manual, or can be cross-referenced by VIN.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer renowned for its V-twin engines and distinctive sound and style.

Evolution Predecessors:

The Electra Glide lineage traces back to the Hydra-Glide (FL) and Panhead (FLH) models, evolving into the Shovelhead era with increased displacement and touring capabilities.

Evolution Successors:

This era paved the way for later Electra Glide models with Evolution engines, Twin Cam, and Milwaukee-Eight platforms.

Production Period:

1970-1978 covers the Shovelhead engine variant of the Electra Glide.

Manufacturing Location:

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

Cultural Impact:

The Electra Glide became a cultural icon, representing freedom, the open road, and the spirit of America, widely featured in film and music.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

While specific awards for the '70s models are hard to pinpoint, the Electra Glide consistently received recognition for its touring capabilities and iconic status.

Rider Reviews:

Highly regarded by enthusiasts for its raw V-twin character, comfortable ride, and timeless styling, despite requiring more mechanical attention than modern bikes.

Emissions Standards:

Vehicles from this era were manufactured under less stringent emissions regulations than today, but the manual would cover any factory specifications.