Segment:
Full-size touring motorcycles, iconic American cruisers
Competitors:
Indian Chief (less prevalent during this era), custom and aftermarket motorcycles
Model Differentiation:
Electra Glide featured a large fairing and saddlebags for touring, while the Super Glide was a more stripped-down cruiser.
Powertrain:
Harley-Davidson's distinctive Shovelhead V-twin engine, renowned for its torque and sound.
Engine:
Shovelhead V-Twin engine (74 cu in / 1213 cc)
Transmission:
4-speed constant mesh gearbox
Electrical System:
Ignition, lighting, charging system, wiring diagrams
Frame And Suspension:
Front fork (leading-link or telescopic depending on model variant), rear suspension, frame maintenance
Braking System:
Front and rear drum brakes, brake system maintenance and adjustments
Fuel System:
Carburetor (e.g., Linkert, Keihin Butterfly) service, fuel tank, fuel lines
Clutch:
Clutch operation, adjustment, and service
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipe and muffler maintenance
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing service, tire pressure recommendations
Bodywork And Trim:
Fenders, fairings (on Electra Glide), fuel tank, seat, basic bodywork repair
Maintenance:
Routine servicing, lubrication, filter changes, spark plug replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, electrical fault finding
Repair:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, electrical component replacement
Adjustments:
Carburetor tuning, ignition timing, clutch and brake lever adjustments
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Depth Level:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin
Displacement:
73.76 cu in (1208.9 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
3.4375 in x 4.125 in (87.31 mm x 104.78 mm)
Compression Ratio:
Approximately 8.0:1 (varies by year and variant)
Horsepower:
Approx. 60-65 HP at 5000 RPM (estimated, not officially published for this era)
Torque:
Approx. 75-80 ft-lbs at 3000 RPM (estimated)
Carburetor Type:
Linkert M-Series or Keihin Butterfly (depending on specific model and production date)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (minimum 87 octane recommended, though leaded was common)
Ignition Type:
Battery and Coil with Breaker Points
Transmission Type:
4-speed constant mesh manual
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate, foot-operated
Drive Type:
Belt drive to rear wheel
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios available in the manual, typically with a strong low-end gearing.
Safety Standard:
Motorcycle safety standards of the era; limited electronic safety features compared to modern bikes.
Braking System:
Dual-action drum brakes front and rear
Lighting:
Headlight, tail light, turn signals, brake light
Oil Change:
Typically every 1,000-2,000 miles or annually, as per manual recommendations.
Spark Plugs:
Recommended replacement every 5,000-10,000 miles, or as needed based on condition.
Chain Adjustment:
Regularly checked and adjusted as part of routine maintenance.
Engine Oil Type:
Viscosity SAE 20W-50 motorcycle oil (e.g., Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Oil or equivalent)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3 quarts (2.8 liters) for the engine/transmission/primary chain case.
Transmission Oil Type:
Dedicated 4-speed transmission lubricant (check manual for specific grade, often a heavy gear oil or specialized HD oil)
Primary Chain Case Oil Type:
Typically shared with the engine oil, but check manual for exact specification.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (for drum brake systems, fluid type is less critical than for disc, but specified in manual).
Carburetion:
Linkert carburetors can require frequent tuning and maintenance; rebuilding may be necessary.
Ignition:
Points and condenser wear; timing drift can occur. Electronic ignition conversions are popular upgrades.
Oil Leaks:
Common on older Harley-Davidsons due to aging seals and gaskets.
Electrical Reliability:
Older wiring harnesses and components can be prone to failure.
Comprehensive Schedule:
Manual provides detailed mileage and time-based service intervals for all major components.
Manufacturer:
Harley-Davidson Motor Company, USA
Predecessor:
Panhead era motorcycles
Generation:
First generation of Shovelhead-powered touring and cruiser models
Production Period:
1970-1972 for these specific models/years
Key Developments:
Introduction of the Shovelhead engine, refinement of touring capabilities with the Electra Glide fairing.
