Segment:
Cruiser Motorcycle, Custom Bobber/Chopper styling influence
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts of classic Harley-Davidson motorcycles, owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs.
Era Competitors:
Other American V-twin cruisers, European and Japanese motorcycles of the era offering similar displacement and style.
Manual Value:
Provides factory-specific procedures, torque specifications, and detailed illustrations critical for accurate repair and restoration of a classic motorcycle.
Vehicle Uniqueness:
The FXS Super Glide represented a significant styling departure for Harley-Davidson, incorporating a more factory-custom, bobber-esque aesthetic with its chopped fenders and low profile.
Primary Focus:
Mechanical and Electrical Repair and Maintenance
Scope:
Comprehensive factory service and repair
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 400-600 (typical for this era's factory manuals)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Printed (original) / Digital (e.g., PDF, depending on product offering)
Powertrain:
Engine disassembly, assembly, inspection, timing, lubrication, cooling (air-cooled), fuel system, exhaust system
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly, assembly, inspection, lubrication, clutch operation
Chassis:
Frame, suspension (forks, rear shocks), steering, wheels, tires, brakes (front and rear drum/disc systems typical for era), final drive (chain)
Electrical System:
Ignition system, lighting (headlight, taillight, signals), charging system (generator/alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor, battery), wiring diagrams, troubleshooting electrical faults
Bodywork:
Fenders, fuel tank, seat, handlebars, controls, fenders, exhaust system mounting
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, lubrication points, fluid changes, filter replacement, spark plug service, chain adjustment
Repair:
Component overhaul, rebuild procedures for engine, transmission, carburetor, brakes, suspension fork seals, electrical component replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common issues
Inspection:
Wear limits, tolerance checks for engine components, chassis parts, electrical connections
Adjustment:
Carburetor tuning, ignition timing, clutch adjustment, brake adjustment, chain tension
Depth:
Detailed, comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts; includes specifications, diagrams, and step-by-step instructions for major overhauls.
Digital Quality:
High-resolution scans of original pages, searchable text (if OCR processed), clear diagrams and illustrations
Print Paper:
Durable, high-quality paper stock (for printed versions); professional binding (e.g., comb binding, saddle stitch, perfect binding)
Binding:
Typically perfect bound or saddle-stitched for printed manuals
Paper Quality:
Glossy or semi-gloss paper for illustrations, matte for text pages (common in factory manuals)
Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, 45-degree V-twin
Displacement:
74 cubic inches (1200cc)
Bore X Stroke:
3.4375 in x 4.00 in (87.3 mm x 101.6 mm)
Compression Ratio:
Typically around 8.0:1
Valve Train:
Overhead valve (OHV), pushrod actuated
Power Output:
Approx. 55-60 hp (at crankshaft, estimated)
Torque Output:
Approx. 65-70 lb-ft (at crankshaft, estimated)
Carburetor:
Single Linkert M74 or AMF-Keihin butterfly carburetor (check specific VIN documentation)
Fuel Type:
Leaded gasoline, 87 octane (or equivalent unleaded with octane booster if necessary)
Fuel Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 US gallons (15.1 L)
Type:
4-speed constant mesh, foot-shift, hand-clutch
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios documented within the manual (e.g., 1st: ~2.44, 2nd: ~1.77, 3rd: ~1.34, 4th: 1.00)
Clutch:
Wet multi-plate, diaphragm spring
Final Drive:
Chain drive, 520 or 530 O-ring chain recommended
Transmission Fluid:
Harley-Davidson Gear Oil (or equivalent SAE 80W-90 GL-5)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 60.5 inches (1537 mm)
Length:
Approx. 87.0 inches (2210 mm)
Seat Height:
Approx. 26.5 inches (673 mm)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 495 lbs (224.5 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not typically specified with a GVWR for this era, but load capacity should be considered.
Crash Safety:
Not applicable in the same way as automobiles; rider safety relies on design, maintenance, and rider skill.
Braking System:
Front: Disc brake (caliper and rotor); Rear: Drum brake (typical, some variations possible). Manual provides specific service procedures.
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals (as per regulations of the time).
Suspension:
Telescopic front forks, adjustable rear shock absorbers, crucial for stability and rider comfort.
Oil Change:
Every 2,000-3,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Manual specifies exact intervals and procedures.
Spark Plugs:
Inspect/replace every 5,000-7,000 miles.
Chain Tension:
Check and adjust every 1,000 miles or as needed.
Brake Fluid:
Inspect for contamination annually; flush and replace as recommended (typically every 2 years).
Engine Oil:
Harley-Davidson SAE 20W-50 or equivalent motorcycle-specific oil. Check manual for specific viscosity recommendations based on ambient temperature.
Primary Chaincase Oil:
Harley-Davidson Primary Chain Lubricant or equivalent SAE 50 motorcycle oil.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (check specific caliper/master cylinder requirements).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3 US quarts (2.8 L) with filter change.
Primary Chaincase Capacity:
Approx. 1 US quart (0.95 L).
Carburetion:
Linkert carburetors can be finicky; tuning and diaphragm integrity are critical. Wear in throttle shafts.
Electrical:
Aging wiring harnesses, points ignition system requires regular maintenance, generator charging output can degrade.
Engine Seals:
Leaking oil seals (e.g., crank seals, transmission seals) are common due to age and material degradation.
Suspension:
Fork seals can leak, rear shocks may lose damping effectiveness over time.
Primary Drive:
Clutch adjustment and primary chain tension are crucial for smooth operation and longevity.
Founding:
Founded in 1903 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
Legacy:
Iconic American motorcycle manufacturer known for V-twin engines and distinctive styling.
Genesis:
The FXS Super Glide was introduced in 1971 as Harley-Davidson's first factory custom model, designed to appeal to the burgeoning custom bike culture.
1975 Updates:
Minor cosmetic and mechanical refinements typical for annual model updates of the era; specific changes for 1975 are detailed within the manual.
Manufacturing Era:
Produced from 1971 to 1978, with the FXST models (softail frame) replacing it later.
Manufacturing Location:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA (Harley-Davidson's primary manufacturing site)
