Target Audience:
Harley-Davidson owners, mechanics, restoration specialists, and vintage motorcycle enthusiasts.
Value Proposition:
Provides critical, factory-authorized information essential for maintaining and repairing a classic motorcycle, ensuring authenticity and performance.
Features:
Detailed procedural steps, technical specifications, troubleshooting guides, and clear illustrations (implied).
Overall Coverage:
Comprehensive repair and adjustment information for the 1973 Harley-Davidson Super Glide FX.
Estimated Pages:
Variable (typical factory manuals of this era range from 300-700 pages, specific count not provided in product description)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Format:
Likely printed book, though digital formats (PDF) are common for historical manuals.
Engine:
Disassembly, assembly, inspection, repair, tuning of the Shovelhead engine.
Transmission:
Service and repair procedures for the 4-speed transmission.
Chassis:
Frame, suspension (forks, shocks), steering, wheels, brakes.
Electrical:
Ignition system, lighting, charging system, wiring diagrams.
Fuel System:
Carburetor (e.g., Keihin Butterfly or Linkert), fuel tank, fuel lines.
Exhaust System:
Removal, installation, and repair of exhaust components.
Bodywork And Trim:
Fenders, fuel tank, seat, handlebars, controls, and associated hardware.
Maintenance:
Regular servicing, lubrication, adjustments, fluid changes.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major components.
Disassembly Assembly:
Complete procedures for taking apart and reassembling the motorcycle and its systems.
Inspection:
Specifications and procedures for checking component wear and condition.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering complete rebuilds and advanced diagnostics for mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
Digital Format:
Typically PDF for scanned manuals, offering searchability and bookmarking.
Print Quality Assessment:
Variable for scanned/reprinted manuals; original factory manuals would have high-quality technical illustrations.
Binding Type:
Original: Bound paper. Digital: N/A. Reprint: Often spiral-bound or perfect-bound for durability.
Paper Type Original:
Glossy or semi-gloss paper for illustrations and schematics.
Engine Type:
45-degree V-twin, air-cooled
Engine Family:
Shovelhead
Displacement:
73.79 cubic inches (1209 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
3.4375 in. x 4.25 in. (87.31 mm x 107.95 mm)
Compression Ratio:
Approximately 8.0:1 (varies by specific model tuning)
Horsepower Estimate:
Approx. 65-70 hp @ 5200 RPM (estimated, specific factory figures may vary)
Torque Estimate:
Approx. 75-80 ft-lbs @ 3200 RPM (estimated)
Carburetor Type:
Typically Keihin Butterfly (e.g., PE) or Linkert M-series carburetor, depending on specific production date and market.
Fuel Requirement:
Unleaded gasoline with octane rating of 91 or higher recommended.
Ignition Type:
Battery and Coil Ignition (Points Ignition system).
Safety Standards:
Pre-dates modern motorcycle safety ratings. Focus is on mechanical integrity and proper operation.
Frame Construction:
Steel tube frame, designed for stability.
Brakes:
Front: Disc brake. Rear: Drum brake. Specific caliper and rotor specifications detailed in manual.
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals (depending on market and configuration).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 2,000-3,000 miles or annually. Manual will specify exact intervals and procedures.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Check and adjust gap at initial service and every 2,500 miles. Replacement intervals will be specified.
Drive Belt Tension:
Regular inspection and adjustment as per manual. Typically requires about 1/2 inch deflection.
Valve Adjustment:
Crucial for Shovelheads. Manual will detail procedures, typically done every 2,500-5,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
Viscosity typically SAE 20W-50 or 50W. Manual will specify Harley-Davidson approved oils.
Transmission Oil Type:
Typically SAE 80W-90 or SAE 50W gear oil. Manual will specify exact type and capacity.
Primary Chaincase Oil:
Often shares oil with the engine, or uses a specific primary lubricant. Manual will clarify.
Shovlehead Aging:
Common issues include oil leaks, valve adjustments, carburetor tuning, and electrical component reliability inherent to the era.
Carburetor Tuning:
Shovelhead carburetors require precise tuning for optimal performance and fuel economy.
Electrical Reliability:
Wiring insulation degradation and voltage regulator issues can occur on unrestored examples.
Heritage Note:
Harley-Davidson, a storied American motorcycle manufacturer, established in 1903, known for its V-twin engines and iconic styling.
Model Context:
The Super Glide FX was introduced in 1971 as Harley-Davidson's first 'factory custom' cruiser, featuring the Shovelhead engine in a sportier chassis and styling than traditional touring models.
Fx Designation:
'FX' signified the use of the Shovelhead engine in a frame derived from the FL (Electra Glide) models, but with a shorter wheelbase and more 'custom' styling cues.
Production Era:
1973 falls within the early Shovelhead era, a transitional period for Harley-Davidson.
