🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

Electra Glide

Sub Model:

Super Glide

Years Covered:

1978-1980

Vin Decoder Years:

1978, 1979, 1980

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size Touring Motorcycle

Target Audience:

Long-distance riders, touring enthusiasts, cruiser riders seeking comfort and luggage capacity

Key Competitors Era:

Indian Chief (pre-1953), Honda Gold Wing, Kawasaki KZ models (though less direct comparison), some European touring bikes

Distinctive Features:

Iconic 'Shovelhead' engine, comfortable riding position, large fairing and saddlebags (often standard or optional), long-distance capability, classic American V-twin rumble

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Workshop

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this era's comprehensive manuals)

Type:

Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Shovelhead V-Twin, Top End, Bottom End, Lubrication, Cooling (Air)

Fuel System:

Carburetor (e.g., Keihin butterfly, Linkert for some models), Fuel Pump, Fuel Lines, Fuel Tank

Ignition System:

Points Ignition, Electronic Ignition (if applicable by year/model), Ignition Coils, Spark Plugs, Timing

Transmission:

4-Speed Cruise Drive (Gearbox), Clutch Assembly, Primary Drive, Shift Mechanism

Drivetrain:

Final Drive (Belt or Chain depending on specific Super Glide variant), Rear Wheel Spacing

Brakes:

Front Disc Brake System (Hydraulic), Rear Drum Brake System (Mechanical/Hydraulic)

Suspension:

Front Forks (Telescopic), Rear Shock Absorbers, Swingarm

Electrical System:

Battery, Charging System (Generator/Alternator), Lighting (Headlight, Taillight, Signals), Horn, Wiring Diagrams, Fuses, Switches

Chassis And Frame:

Frame Construction, Headstock, Jiffy Stand, Foot Controls

Bodywork And Fittings:

Fenders, Fuel Tank, Seat, Fairing (if equipped), Saddlebags (if equipped), Handlebars, Controls

Routine Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacement, Chain/Belt Adjustment, Tire Pressure, Spark Plug Inspection/Replacement

Engine Repair:

Top End Overhaul (Cylinder Heads, Cylinders, Pistons), Bottom End Overhaul (Crankshaft, Connecting Rods), Valve Adjustment, Oil Pump Service

Transmission Service:

Clutch Adjustment and Replacement, Gearbox Disassembly and Reassembly, Primary Chain Adjustment

Carburetor Service:

Disassembly, Cleaning, Reassembly, Jetting, Adjustment

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Wiring Diagram Interpretation, Component Testing, Fault Diagnosis

Brake System Service:

Pad/Shoe Replacement, Fluid Bleeding, Caliper/Cylinder Overhaul

Suspension Service:

Fork Seal Replacement, Shock Absorber Replacement, Bushing Inspection

Wheel And Tire Service:

Tire Replacement, Wheel Balancing, Spoke Tensioning (if applicable)

Frame And Bodywork Repair:

Component Removal/Installation, Fairing Repair (if applicable)

Depth Level:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds)

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Detailed troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics

Specifications Detail:

Torque values, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values

Diagrams And Illustrations:

Exploded views, wiring diagrams, step-by-step procedure illustrations

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable (depending on PDF creation quality)

Printability:

Printable for physical reference

Digital Format:

N/A (Digital Download)

Digital Format:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

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

Displacement:

74 cu in (1200 cc) and 80 cu in (1340 cc) - specific to 1978-1980 models, likely 74 cu in as standard for many, with 80 cu in becoming more prevalent.

Bore X Stroke:

74 cu in: 3.4375 in x 4.00 in (87.3 mm x 101.6 mm)

Compression Ratio:

Approximately 7.0:1 to 8.0:1 (varies with specific model and year)

Horsepower Est:

Approximately 60-70 hp (at the crank, unverified exact figures for specific models)

Torque Est:

Approximately 75-85 lb-ft (at the crank, unverified exact figures)

Carburetor Type:

Keihin Butterfly (e.g., CVK) or Linkert (earlier variations might still be present or swapped)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Oil Type Recommended:

Viscosity: SAE 20W50 or SAE 50. Oil Specification: API SG or equivalent (check manual for exact spec).

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 3 US quarts (2.8 Liters) with filter change

Ignition Type:

Battery-Pointed Distributor (BPD) or Electronic Ignition (points system common for 1978-1979, electronic ignition introduced around this period for some models/as an option)

🔧 Transmission

Gearbox Type:

4-Speed Manual (Cruise Drive)

Overdrive:

None standard

Primary Drive:

Multi-plate Wet Clutch, Primary Chain Drive

Final Drive:

Chain Drive (most common for this era's Super Glide variants, though some Electra Glides may have had belt options)

Gearbox Oil Type:

Harley-Davidson Spicer Gear Oil (GL-5) or equivalent 80W-90 or 85W-140 gear oil. Check manual for specific H-D part number.

Gearbox Oil Capacity:

Approximately 24 US fluid ounces (0.71 Liters)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Est:

63.5 inches (1613 mm)

Length Est:

90-95 inches (2286 - 2413 mm) - varies with fairing and accessories

Seat Height Est:

30-32 inches (762 - 813 mm) - depending on suspension setup and saddle

Dry Weight Est:

650-700 lbs (295-318 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Est:

Approximately 1000 lbs (454 kg)

Fuel Capacity:

5 US Gallons (18.9 Liters)

Front Wheel Size:

16 inch

Rear Wheel Size:

16 inch

Front Tire Size Common:

MT90-16 (e.g., 4.00-16)

Rear Tire Size Common:

130/90-16 or similar

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

N/A (Hub-centric/Spoke wheels with bearing assemblies)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

Not applicable (motorcycles are not typically rated by NHTSA in the same way as cars)

Braking System:

Dual disc front, drum rear (or potentially dual disc front and rear on some later models/options)

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals

Frame Strength:

Steel tube frame designed for stability and load bearing

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Optional AM radio, cassette player, or CB radio on some touring models (not standard on all Super Glides).

Cruise Control:

Not typically available on 1978-1980 models.

Connectivity Features:

None (pre-digital era)

Headlight Type:

Halogen sealed beam

🔧 Maintenance

First Service Mileage:

Usually around 1,000 miles (1,600 km) for initial break-in service.

Regular Oil Change Interval:

Every 2,000-3,000 miles (3,200-4,800 km) or annually, whichever comes first.

Primary Chain Adjustment:

Every 5,000-10,000 miles (8,000-16,000 km) or as needed.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Every 10,000-15,000 miles (16,000-24,000 km) or as needed.

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 1-2 years, depending on climate and usage.

Fork Oil Type:

Harley-Davidson Fork Oil (e.g., 10W or 15W depending on preference and year). Refer to manual for specific weight and type.

Fork Oil Capacity:

Approximately 7-8 US fluid ounces (207-237 ml) per fork leg (check manual for exact amount).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (for hydraulic front brakes, if equipped). Older models might have used DOT 3. Crucial to verify in manual.

Engine Wear:

Shovelhead engines can be prone to oil leaks due to aging seals and gaskets. Valve guides and oil rings can wear over time.

Transmission Reliability:

The 4-speed transmission is generally robust, but clutch wear and input/output shaft seal leaks are common maintenance items.

Electrical Issues:

Wiring harness degradation, faulty regulators/stators, and failing points ignition components are common troubleshooting areas for this era.

Carburetor Performance:

Carburetors from this era (especially older Linkert or early Keihins) can require frequent cleaning and adjustment due to fuel volatility and sediment.

Frame And Suspension:

Worn swingarm bushings, loose steering head bearings, and leaking fork seals are typical wear items on older motorcycles.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Origin:

Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA in 1903

Brand Identity:

Iconic American motorcycle manufacturer known for V-twin engines, touring capabilities, and lifestyle brand.

Electra Glide Lineage:

Evolved from earlier touring models like the Hydra-Glide and Duo-Glide, becoming the definitive Harley touring platform.

Super Glide Introduction:

The 'Super Glide' designation was often used for earlier models before the FLHT (Electra Glide Standard/Touring) and FLTC (Electra Glide Classic) designations became more prominent. This era is a transition period. The Super Glide name represented a more stripped-down, yet still powerful, touring motorcycle.

Production Period Specific:

1978-1980, marking the latter years of the Shovelhead engine's dominance before the introduction of the Evolution engine.

Manufacturing Location:

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Impact:

The Electra Glide line is a foundational model in American motorcycle touring history, defining the 'bagger' archetype.

Reliability Perception Era:

While iconic, Shovelhead-era Harley-Davidsons are known for requiring more owner attention and maintenance compared to later Japanese counterparts of the era, but are cherished for their character.

Manual Quality Indicator:

Official Harley-Davidson Service Manuals from this period are highly detailed and considered the definitive guide for technicians and experienced owners.