Positioning:
The 1968 Electra Glide represented Harley-Davidson's flagship touring motorcycle, offering unparalleled comfort and luggage capacity for its era.
Competitors:
Competed primarily with large-displacement touring motorcycles from American manufacturers and burgeoning Japanese marques, though the Electra Glide held a distinct premium status.
Model Features:
Iconic styling, comfortable rider and passenger seating, extensive fairing and saddlebag storage, powerful V-twin engine.
Value:
Essential resource for owners and restorers to maintain, repair, and preserve the originality of this classic Harley-Davidson model.
Primary Coverage:
Repair, adjustment, and maintenance of the 1968 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide
Estimated Page Count:
Refer to specific product listing for exact page count, but typical factory service manuals of this era are extensive, often 300-500+ pages.
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Format:
Likely printed paper manual, though digital PDF versions may be available from third-party sellers.
Engine:
Detailed coverage of the Shovelhead engine, including disassembly, inspection, assembly, and troubleshooting.
Transmission:
Comprehensive information on the 4-speed constant mesh transmission, including clutch, primary drive, and final drive components.
Electrical System:
In-depth coverage of the ignition system, lighting, charging system (generator/regulator), and wiring diagrams.
Fuel System:
Details on carburetor (likely Linkert or early Keihin butterfly), fuel lines, and fuel tank components.
Brakes:
Information on front and rear braking systems, including drum brake mechanics and hydraulic components if applicable.
Suspension And Steering:
Coverage of front fork (likely FL style), rear shocks, and steering head bearings.
Frame And Body:
Details on frame construction, mounting points, fenders, fairings (if equipped), and saddlebags.
Wheel And Tires:
Information on wheel construction, spokes, bearings, and tire specifications.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, and ignition timing adjustments.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based fault finding.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation.
Rebuilds:
Detailed instructions for complete engine and transmission overhauls.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic adjustments to full engine and transmission rebuilds, suitable for experienced mechanics and dedicated enthusiasts.
Digital Format:
If digital, likely PDF. Quality can vary, with original scans being more reliable than OCR-only versions.
Print Quality:
Original factory manuals typically feature clear black and white diagrams and text. Reproduction quality can vary.
Binding:
Originals likely spiral-bound or perfect-bound for lay-flat use in a workshop environment.
Paper Type:
Originals would have used durable, often thicker paper stock suitable for workshop use. Reproductions may vary.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin, OHV (Overhead Valve)
Engine Family:
Shovelhead
Displacement Ci:
74 cubic inches
Bore X Stroke:
Refer to manual for exact specifications, typically around 3.4375 in. x 4.25 in. (87.3 mm x 108.0 mm)
Compression Ratio:
Typically around 8.0:1 or 8.5:1 for standard models, manual will specify.
Horsepower:
Estimated 60-70 HP at ~5000 RPM (actual figures often not officially published for this era, rely on manual/reputable sources).
Torque:
Estimated 70-80 ft-lbs at ~3500 RPM (actual figures often not officially published for this era, rely on manual/reputable sources).
Carburetor Type:
Likely Linkert M-series or early Keihin butterfly type carburetor.
Fuel Type:
Leaded gasoline, octane rating as specified in the manual (typically 90+ octane).
Fuel Delivery:
Gravity feed from fuel tank via fuel line.
Type:
4-speed constant mesh
Primary Drive:
Duplex chain drive within a sealed primary case.
Clutch Type:
Wet multi-plate clutch, foot-operated.
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios will be detailed in the manual.
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Refer to manual for specific fluid type and capacity (likely a suitable gear oil).
Wheelbase:
Approx. 63.5 inches (1613 mm), manual will confirm.
Length:
Approx. 94 inches (2388 mm), manual will confirm.
Dry Weight:
Approx. 630-650 lbs (286-295 kg), manual will confirm exact figure.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to manual for GVWR, typically over 900 lbs.
Safety Ratings:
No formal crash test ratings for motorcycles of this era. Safety relies on mechanical integrity and rider caution.
Active Safety:
Effective braking system for its time, responsive steering.
Passive Safety:
Sturdy frame construction, rider-focused seating position.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 1,000 to 2,000 miles or seasonally, as specified in the manual.
Transmission Fluid Change:
As per manual, often at longer intervals than engine oil, potentially every 5,000-10,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 6,000-10,000 miles, or as needed based on performance.
Primary Chain Adjustment:
Regular checks and adjustments are critical, often at oil change intervals or as performance indicates slack.
Engine Oil Type:
Refer to manual. Historically, V-twin specific oils or heavier weight conventional oils were used. SAE 50 or 20W-50 common. Harley-Davidson specified specific oil types for their V-twins. Consult manual for exact specification.
Transmission Oil Type:
Refer to manual. Typically a heavier gear oil or specific transmission fluid as recommended by Harley-Davidson.
Brake Fluid Type:
If disc brakes were introduced as an option or for later models this manual covers, consult manual. Early models with drum brakes may not use hydraulic fluid.
Common Issues:
Shovelhead engine known for oil leaks, carburetor tuning challenges (Linkert), primary chain adjustment sensitivity, and potential for valve guide wear.
Electrical Issues:
Generators and voltage regulators can be prone to failure; wiring insulation can degrade over time. Manual provides diagnostic steps.
Frame Stress:
Certain stress points on frames can develop cracks with age and heavy use; manual may highlight inspection points.
Heritage:
Harley-Davidson has a long legacy of producing large-displacement, V-twin powered motorcycles, epitomizing American motorcycling culture.
Electra Glide Evolution:
The Electra Glide, introduced in 1965, evolved from the Hydra-Glide and Duo-Glide, becoming the definitive large touring model with the advent of the Shovelhead engine.
Production Years:
The Shovelhead engine was produced from 1966 to 1984. The Electra Glide model has continued in various forms since its introduction.
Manufacturing Location:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
