🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

Electra Glide Super Glide

Year:

1971

Product Name:

Harley Davidson Electra Glide Super Glide 1971 Full Service Repair Manual

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

This manual caters to owners and mechanics of classic Harley-Davidson motorcycles, specifically the Electra Glide and Super Glide models from 1971, a significant year in the evolution of these iconic machines.

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, collectors, and independent mechanics specializing in vintage Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Competitive Analysis:

While factory service manuals are the benchmark, comprehensive aftermarket manuals like this provide essential maintenance and repair data for owners of older, potentially unsupported models. It bridges the gap left by the discontinuation of original documentation.

Key Features:

Provides exhaustive technical details, step-by-step repair procedures, diagnostic charts, and essential specifications crucial for maintaining and restoring the 1971 Electra Glide Super Glide.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Engine, Transmission, Clutch, Fuel System, Ignition System, Electrical System, Chassis, Suspension, Brakes, Bodywork, Lubrication, Troubleshooting, Specifications

Page Count:

Extremely detailed (specific number not provided, implies comprehensive)

Manual Type:

Full Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Unspecified (likely printed book, digital formats like PDF are common for aftermarket manuals)

Clarity Of Diagrams:

Essential for accurate repair. High-quality, clear line drawings and exploded views of components are expected.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Detailed disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of the Panhead engine, including cylinder heads, cylinders, pistons, crankshaft, connecting rods, camshaft, valve train, and lubrication system.

Transmission Systems:

Complete service information for the 4-speed constant mesh transmission, including gear selection, clutch operation, bearing inspection, and seal replacement.

Fuel System:

Carburetor tuning and overhaul (likely Linkert M74 or similar), fuel tank servicing, fuel lines, and fuel petcock operation.

Ignition System:

Ignition timing procedures, spark plug specifications, coil and condenser testing, distributor maintenance (if applicable), and electrical troubleshooting for ignition circuits.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery maintenance, charging system (generator/regulator), lighting circuits, horn, starter motor, and general electrical troubleshooting.

Chassis Suspension:

Frame inspection, fork servicing (telescopic forks), rear shock absorber replacement, wheel bearing maintenance, and steering head bearing adjustment.

Brake System:

Front and rear brake system servicing, including drum brake adjustments, brake shoe replacement, and hydraulic system maintenance (if applicable to drum brakes of the era).

Bodywork Trim:

Fender removal and installation, fuel tank mounting, seat servicing, and basic trim piece replacement.

Frame And Body Alignment:

May include basic checks for frame straightness and alignment, crucial for handling and tire wear.

Maintenance Procedures:

Regular maintenance tasks such as oil changes, spark plug replacement, chain adjustment (if chain drive), tire pressure checks, and general lubrication.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, reassembly, component replacement, and rebuilding of major systems.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic diagnostic procedures to identify and resolve common problems and malfunctions.

Engine Rebuild Procedures:

Detailed steps for complete engine disassembly, inspection of critical wear surfaces (crankshaft journals, connecting rod bearings, cylinder bores, piston rings), and reassembly with appropriate torque specifications and clearances.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Wiring diagrams specific to the 1971 models, with guidance on diagnosing faults in starting, charging, lighting, and ignition circuits using test equipment like multimeters.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, suitable for both routine maintenance and in-depth engine and transmission rebuilds. Covers mechanical and electrical aspects.

Diagnostic Techniques:

Includes methods for diagnosing engine performance issues, transmission engagement problems, and electrical faults through systematic testing and observation, often aided by specific charts.

Special Tools:

Likely lists specific Harley-Davidson special tools required for certain procedures, such as bearing pullers, timing gauges, and seal drivers.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Likely PDF for digital versions, Print for physical copies. Clarity and searchability are key for digital formats.

Print Quality:

High-quality reproductions of original factory manuals or expertly compiled aftermarket documentation, with clear diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

Spiral-bound or perfect-bound for ease of use on a workbench (typical for service manuals).

Paper Type:

Durable, often glossy or semi-gloss paper to withstand shop conditions and protect against grease and oil.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, OHV, V-twin

Engine Displacement:

74 cubic inches (1208cc)

Engine Designation:

Known as the 'Shovelhead' engine, though 1971 marked a transition year and still shared some characteristics with the earlier Panhead, particularly in terms of case design and some internal components. The manual would cover specifics for the 1971 configuration.

Bore X Stroke:

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

Horsepower:

Approximately 55-60 hp (estimate, as official figures were not always precisely published).

Torque:

Significant low-end torque, typical of Harley-Davidson V-twins of this era. Specific figures vary but are crucial for understanding the engine's character.

Carburetor:

Likely a Linkert M74 or potentially an early Keihin butterfly carburetor.

Fuel Type:

Leaded gasoline, Octane rating dependent on era-specific recommendations (likely premium leaded).

Fuel Delivery:

Gravity feed from fuel tank to carburetor.

Oil System:

Total loss oil system with a separate oil tank. Oil is mixed with fuel or injected and not recirculated to the crankcase like modern systems.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

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

Optional Transmission:

Not applicable for this model year; 4-speed was standard.

Clutch Type:

Wet multi-plate clutch, operated by hand lever.

Transmission Fluid:

Specific gear oil recommendations would be provided in the manual, likely a heavier weight oil suitable for the era's gearboxes. Harley-Davidson's own recommended fluid or equivalent.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 62.5 inches (1588 mm)

Length:

Approximately 90 inches (2286 mm)

Dry Weight:

Around 600-650 lbs (272-295 kg), depending on specific configuration (Electra Glide vs. Super Glide).

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approximately 5.0 gallons (18.9 L)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

Safety ratings from this era are not comparable to modern automotive crash test standards. The manual would focus on mechanical safety aspects.

Active Safety Features:

Drum brakes (front and rear), focus on proper brake adjustment and maintenance for effective stopping power.

Passive Safety Features:

Sturdy frame construction, reliable mechanical components. No modern passive safety features like airbags or ABS.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic analog instrumentation: speedometer, ammeter, oil pressure gauge (if equipped). No modern infotainment systems.

Driver Assistance Features:

None. Focus is on mechanical operation and rider control.

Connectivity Features:

None. Mechanical linkage and ignition system are the primary 'connectivity'.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 1,000 to 2,000 miles, or as specified in the manual, due to the total-loss oil system. Specific recommendations vary by oil type and usage.

Engine Tune Up Interval:

Regular checks of ignition timing, carburetor settings, and spark plugs every few thousand miles or as needed for optimal performance.

Engine Oil Type:

The manual will specify the correct grade and type of oil, likely a straight-weight or multi-viscosity oil suitable for air-cooled V-twins (e.g., SAE 50 or 20W-50 depending on ambient temperature). Harley-Davidson recommended specific oils of the era.

Primary Chaincase Oil:

Manual will specify primary chaincase oil and its capacity. This system is separate from the engine crankcase and transmission.

Brake Fluid Type:

Drum brakes of this era typically did not use hydraulic fluid; mechanical actuation was standard. If any hydraulic components were present, the manual would specify the correct DOT fluid.

Known Issues Common:

Oil leaks (from seals and gaskets), ignition system reliability (points and condensers), carburetor tuning issues, valve adjustments requiring precision, and potential wear in the transmission and primary drive components.

Shifter Lever Wear:

Wear in the shifter linkage and drum can lead to difficult gear changes.

Carburetor Fouling:

Linkert carburetors can be prone to fouling and require careful cleaning and adjustment.

Valve Stem Seals:

Early Shovelheads could experience wear in valve stem seals, leading to oil consumption and blue smoke on deceleration.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Harley-Davidson, established in 1903, has a long-standing reputation for building American V-twin motorcycles known for their distinctive sound, power, and durability.

Model Evolution:

The Electra Glide, introduced in 1965, was Harley-Davidson's first fully-faired touring motorcycle. The Super Glide, introduced in 1971, offered a more stripped-down custom look with a 'boat tail' rear fender. Both models utilized the evolving Shovelhead engine and shared many chassis components.

Production Years Relevant:

1971 was a pivotal year, marking the introduction of the Super Glide and the continued development of the Shovelhead engine which would power Harley-Davidsons for many years.