🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

Electra Glide

Model Code:

FLH

Engine Displacement Name:

1200

Model Years Covered:

1970-1978

Chassis Code:

FLH 1200

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Professional Harley-Davidson technicians, experienced DIY mechanics, restoration specialists

Value Proposition:

Provides essential, detailed information for maintaining, repairing, and restoring the iconic Harley-Davidson Electra Glide FLH 1200 models from 1970-1978.

Alternatives:

Owner's manuals, aftermarket repair guides, online forums (less comprehensive and official)

Authoritative Source:

Based on factory-issued service documentation

Diagnostic Focus:

Includes troubleshooting guides and flowcharts for efficient problem-solving

Visual Aids:

Contains detailed diagrams, illustrations, and exploded views

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete Service and Repair

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Overhaul

Estimated Pages:

300+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Digital Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Shovelhead V-Twin Engine Overhaul, Tuning, Carburetor Service (Linkert, Keihin), Ignition System (Battery/Spark), Lubrication System, Cooling System (Air-Cooled)

Transmission:

4-Speed Constant Mesh Transmission Service, Clutch Operation, Primary Drive, Final Drive Chain

Brakes:

Front Disk Brake System, Rear Drum Brake System, Hydraulic Lines, Master Cylinders

Electrical:

Wiring Diagrams, Lighting System, Ignition System, Charging System (Generator/Alternator), Starter Motor, Battery, Switches, Gauges

Chassis:

Frame, Front Forks (Girdraulic/Telescopic), Rear Suspension (Shocks), Wheels, Bearings, Steering Head, Swingarm

Bodywork:

Fairing (Batwing), Saddlebags, Fuel Tank, Fenders, Seat Assembly, Controls (Handlebars, Levers)

Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacement, Chain Adjustment, Spark Plug Service, Brake Adjustment, Lubrication Points

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic Charts for Engine, Electrical, and Mechanical Issues, Common Problems and Solutions

Repair:

Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhauls, Fork Seal Replacement, Electrical Component Repair, Brake System Overhaul, Clutch Adjustment and Replacement

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of Harley-Davidson specific tools required for various procedures

Depth:

Comprehensive from basic routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed torque specifications and clearances.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Text-searchable content for quick information retrieval

Resolution:

High-resolution scans for clear diagrams and text

Reproducibility:

Printable on demand for workshop use

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-Cooled, OHV, 45-degree V-Twin (Shovelhead)

Bore X Stroke:

3.4375 in x 4.25 in (87.31 mm x 107.95 mm)

Displacement:

73.7 cu in (1208 cc)

Compression Ratio:

8.0:1 (typical, may vary by year/variant)

Horsepower:

Approx. 60-65 HP @ 5000 RPM (estimated, varies by carb/tune)

Torque:

Approx. 65-70 ft-lbs @ 3500 RPM (estimated, varies by carb/tune)

Top Speed:

Approx. 100-110 mph (subject to conditions)

Carburetor:

Linkert M-series (e.g., M74B, M75) or Keihin butterfly (later models)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (AKI)

Fuel Capacity:

4.0 US gallons (15.1 L) (standard tank)

Fuel Delivery:

Gravity feed from fuel tank to carburetor

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-Speed Constant Mesh Manual

Gear Ratios:

Typically: 1st: 2.50:1, 2nd: 1.77:1, 3rd: 1.23:1, 4th: 1.00:1 (Gear ratios can vary slightly by specific model year)

Optional Transmissions:

N/A (4-speed was standard)

Primary Drive:

Multi-plate clutch, enclosed primary chain drive

Final Drive:

Enclosed drive chain

Clutch Type:

Wet, multi-plate, cable-actuated

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 63.5 inches (1613 mm)

Length:

Approx. 94 inches (2388 mm)

Width:

Approx. 36 inches (914 mm) at handlebars

Seat Height:

Approx. 29.5 inches (750 mm) (unladen)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 650-700 lbs (295-318 kg) (varies by equipment)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 1000-1100 lbs (454-499 kg) (estimated)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

N/A (Motorcycles of this era were not subjected to standardized crash testing like automobiles)

Braking System:

Front disc brake, rear drum brake

Lighting:

Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals

Frame Construction:

Heavy-duty steel frame designed for stability

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic analog gauges (Speedometer, Tachometer, Ammeter/Voltmeter), AM/FM Radio (optional, often aftermarket).

Driver Assistance Systems:

None (This era of motorcycle predates modern electronic rider aids).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 2,500 - 3,000 miles or annually (consult manual for exact recommendation based on usage)

Primary Chain Lube:

Check and adjust chain tension at 1,000 mile intervals, drain and refill primary oil every 5,000 - 10,000 miles.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles

Air Filter Cleaning:

Inspect every 2,500 miles, clean or replace as needed.

Engine Oil Type:

Harley-Davidson 20W-50 motorcycle oil or equivalent API SG rated petroleum oil

Engine Oil Capacity:

3 quarts (2.8 L) (with filter change)

Primary Chain Case Oil Type:

Harley-Davidson Primary Chain Lubricant or equivalent SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil

Primary Chain Case Oil Capacity:

24 US fluid ounces (0.71 L)

Transmission Oil Type:

SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil (often the same as primary)

Transmission Oil Capacity:

20 US fluid ounces (0.59 L)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (check specific year recommendation)

Engine Wear:

Valve guide wear, piston ring wear, crankshaft end play, cam follower wear on high-mileage engines.

Electrical Issues:

Wiring harness degradation, voltage regulator failure, stator issues, points and condenser wear leading to starting/running problems.

Carburetor Tuning:

Linkert carburetors can be finicky and require precise adjustment; Keihin butterfly carbs may need jetting changes for altitude or modifications.

Transmission Shifting:

False neutrals between gears, hard shifting, clutch drag requiring adjustment or component wear.

Suspension:

Worn fork seals, fatigued rear shock springs/dampers.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer Origin:

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Brand Legacy:

Iconic American motorcycle manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and a strong rider culture.

Predecessor:

Panhead era (FLH models)

Key Developments:

Introduction of the Shovelhead engine in 1966, leading to the FLH 1200 Electra Glide. Significant updates included electric start (optional or standard depending on year), improved braking systems, and revised styling.

Production Period:

FLH 1200 models produced from 1965 through 1984, with the 1970-1978 range being covered by this manual.

Manufacturing Location:

York, Pennsylvania, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Iconic Status:

Recognized as a highly influential and iconic motorcycle in cruiser and touring history.

Enthusiast Reputation:

Highly regarded by collectors and riders for its classic styling, V-twin rumble, and touring capability.

Historical Significance:

Represents a significant period in Harley-Davidson's development and market dominance.