🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

Electra Glide

Year:

1964

Engine Type Code:

Panhead (refer to specific VIN for exact designation)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 1964 Electra Glide represents a pivotal model in Harley-Davidson's touring motorcycle lineage, establishing the 'Grand American Tourer' image. This manual targets owners and mechanics dedicated to preserving or restoring these classic machines.

Competitive Analysis:

In 1964, the Electra Glide was a premium offering, competing primarily with its own stablemates and other large-displacement motorcycles. Its appeal was to riders seeking comfort, power, and the distinctive Harley-Davidson experience for long-distance travel.

Key Features:

Introduced the distinctive 'batwing' fairing, marking a significant evolution in rider comfort and aerodynamics for Harley-Davidson. Powered by the venerable Panhead engine, renowned for its torque and reliability.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Engine, Transmission, Clutch, Primary Drive, Fuel System, Ignition System, Electrical System, Chassis, Suspension, Brakes, Bodywork, Carburetor, Lubrication System, Cooling System (Air), Exhaust System, Wheels, Tires, Controls, Accessories.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 200-300 pages (typical for factory service manuals of this era, exact count may vary based on edition)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Manual (as indicated by product description, digital formats like PDF may also be available for this product)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine System Coverage:

Detailed breakdown of Panhead engine components, including disassembly, inspection, assembly, timing procedures, valve adjustments, piston and cylinder specifications, crankshaft and connecting rod servicing, lubrication system servicing (oil pump, oil filter, oil passages).

Transmission System Coverage:

Servicing of the 4-speed constant mesh transmission, including clutch operation, gear engagement, shift mechanism, bearing replacement, and lubrication specifications.

Electrical System Coverage:

Wiring diagrams, ignition system troubleshooting (magneto/distributor, spark plugs, coils), lighting system servicing, charging system (generator/regulator), horn, starter motor, and battery maintenance.

Suspension System Coverage:

Service and adjustment of front telescopic forks, including oil changes and seal replacement. Information on rear shock absorber servicing and adjustment.

Maintenance Procedures:

Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug servicing, chain adjustment, brake adjustments, lubrication points, and general upkeep.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for common and complex repairs, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, carburetor tuning, front fork servicing, and electrical component repair.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Diagnostic procedures and solutions for common problems, covering starting issues, running problems, electrical faults, and performance anomalies.

Carburetor Overhaul:

Comprehensive instructions for disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling Linkert carburetors, including jetting, needle adjustments, and float level setting.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed torque specifications, clearance measurements, and diagnostic procedures suitable for experienced mechanics and dedicated enthusiasts.

Engine Rebuild Coverage:

Detailed procedures for complete engine disassembly, inspection of all internal components (crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, cylinders, valves, camshafts, oil pump), honing, ring replacement, bearing clearances, and reassembly with correct torque specifications.

Electrical Troubleshooting Depth:

In-depth wiring diagrams, component testing procedures, and diagnosis of common electrical faults, including starter motor issues, generator output, and ignition timing.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Details:

If digital (PDF), expect searchable text, printable pages, and high-resolution diagrams. Original factory manuals are typically high-quality printed publications.

Print Quality:

High-quality paper stock with clear, legible text and detailed line drawings/illustrations. Original factory manuals were built for durability in workshop environments.

Binding Type:

Typically saddle-stitched or perfect-bound for printed versions, designed for lay-flat use during servicing.

Paper Type:

Durable paper stock, often gloss or semi-gloss, to withstand workshop conditions and repeated use.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

OHV V-Twin (Panhead)

Engine Displacement:

74 cubic inches (1212cc)

Bore X Stroke:

3-7/16" x 4-1/4" (approx.)

Compression Ratio:

Approximately 7:1 (varies slightly by specific configuration)

Horsepower Output:

Estimated 50-55 hp (at 4800 RPM, varies)

Torque Output:

High torque output, crucial for touring performance (specific figures not consistently published for this era, but significantly above 70 lb-ft)

Valve Train:

Overhead Valves (OHV) with pushrods

Ignition System:

Battery and Coil Ignition with Distributor (or Magneto in some early configurations, check specific VIN)

Engine Cooling:

Air-cooled

Carburetor Type:

Linkert M74 (or similar variant)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (typically 87-91 octane rating recommended for modern use)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approximately 5 gallons (19 liters).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Constant Mesh

Optional Transmission:

Not applicable for 1964 Electra Glide; 4-speed was standard.

Clutch Type:

Wet multi-plate

Primary Drive:

Duplex chain

Final Drive:

Chain drive

Gear Ratios:

Refer to manual for specific gear ratios for each of the 4 gears.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 62 inches (1575mm)

Overall Length:

Approximately 90 inches (2286mm)

Front Tire Size:

Typically 3.50-19

Rear Tire Size:

Typically 4.00-18 or 5.00-16 depending on configuration.

Wheel Type:

Spoked wheels, typically 19-inch front and 18-inch rear.

Ground Clearance:

Approximately 5-6 inches (varies)

Dry Weight:

Approximately 680-700 lbs (308-317 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not explicitly defined by modern standards, but designed for rider and passenger plus luggage.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

No formal crash test ratings or equivalent for this era. Safety was primarily based on mechanical design and rider experience.

Active Safety Features:

Drum brakes front and rear. Mechanical front fork, rear suspension with adjustable shock absorbers. Adequate lighting system for the era.

Passive Safety Features:

Sturdy steel frame construction. Fairing provides some wind deflection for the rider. Location of controls designed for rider accessibility.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Systems:

None. This is a classic motorcycle from an era predating modern infotainment systems. Features were mechanical and functional.

Driver Assistance Features:

None. Rider skill and situational awareness were the primary safety systems.

Connectivity Features:

None.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change Interval:

Every 2,000-3,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Check manual for specific Harley-Davidson recommendations of the era.

Transmission Oil Change Interval:

Refer to manual; typically coincides with engine oil changes or every 5,000 miles.

Primary Chain Tension Adjustment:

Check periodically and adjust as needed per manual instructions, usually every few thousand miles or if excessive noise is present.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Intervals vary, but typically every 5,000-10,000 miles. Check manual for specific plug type and gap.

Chassis Lubrication:

Periodic greasing of pivot points, bearings, and cables as outlined in the manual.

Engine Oil Type:

Historically: Harley-Davidson 50W or 20W50. Modern recommendation: High-quality 20W50 motorcycle-specific oil (e.g., Valvoline VR1, Castrol V-Twin).

Transmission Oil Type:

Historically: Harley-Davidson gear oil or SAE 50. Modern recommendation: 75W90 or 80W90 gear oil; some prefer dedicated Harley-Davidson transmission fluids.

Primary Chain Case Oil Type:

Historically: Harley-Davidson primary oil or SAE 50. Modern recommendation: Dedicated primary chain case lubricant or 20W50 engine oil.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid for drum brake systems (check manual for precise specification).

Known Issues 1964 Electra Glide:

Panhead oil leaks (common for the era, especially around pushrod tubes and rocker boxes), potential wear on transmission components (especially shifting mechanisms), aging electrical components (wiring, regulator), generator charging issues, carburetor tuning difficulties with Linkert M-series carbs.

Maintenance Focus Areas:

Due to age, proactive maintenance is critical. Focus on checking for oil leaks, wear in suspension components, brake system functionality, and electrical system integrity. Regular decarbonizing of combustion chambers is also beneficial.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer with a storied history of building powerful, large-displacement V-twin motorcycles. Known for its distinctive sound, ruggedness, and emphasis on the riding experience.

Model Evolution:

The Electra Glide nameplate was introduced in 1965, but the 1964 model represents the final iteration of the Hydra-Glide and Duo-Glide chassis with the Panhead engine, culminating in the design that would evolve into the iconic Electra Glide of the following year with the addition of the full fairing as standard equipment on most models.

Production Period:

The 'Panhead' engine was produced from 1948 through 1965. The 'Duo-Glide' chassis was produced from 1960-1964, setting the stage for the 1965 Electra Glide.

Manufacturing Location:

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Recognitions:

The Electra Glide is widely recognized as a landmark in motorcycle touring design, setting the standard for 'bagger' style motorcycles and influencing generations of touring bikes. It is celebrated for its comfort, power, and iconic status in American motorcycling culture.

Performance Ratings:

Praised for its torque and ability to cruise comfortably at highway speeds for its time. Handled well for its size and weight, offering a stable ride.

Certifications:

No specific certifications applicable to this era of motorcycle.