Motorcycle Segment:
Full-size, premium touring motorcycle.
Target Audience:
Touring riders, long-distance commuters, and vintage Harley-Davidson enthusiasts.
Competitors 1969:
Indian (prior to discontinuation), BSA, Triumph, Norton (though different segments), and emerging Japanese competition.
Touring Capability:
Designed for comfort and luggage capacity for long-distance travel.
Engine Type:
Iconic Shovelhead V-twin engine.
Styling:
Classic Harley-Davidson styling with a large, imposing presence.
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for owners seeking to maintain, repair, and restore their classic Electra Glide.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive service and repair procedures for the 1969 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide.
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance schedules, troubleshooting guides, electrical diagrams, torque specifications, and parts identification.
Estimated Page Count:
200-300 pages (typical for this era's comprehensive service manuals).
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital Format (likely PDF)
Engine:
Disassembly, assembly, inspection, troubleshooting, and repair of the Shovelhead engine.
Transmission:
Service and repair of the 4-speed constant mesh transmission.
Clutch:
Adjustment, service, and replacement of the clutch assembly.
Fuel System:
Carburetor (likely Linkert or early Keihin) service, adjustment, and fuel tank/line maintenance.
Electrical System:
Ignition system (points, condenser, coils), charging system (generator/regulator), lighting, starter motor, and wiring diagrams.
Suspension:
Front fork (leading-link or conventional) and rear shock absorber service, overhaul, and adjustment.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system service, including drum brake shoe replacement and linkage adjustment.
Frame And Bodywork:
Chassis inspection, body panel removal/installation, fairing (if equipped) service.
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing service, tire pressure, and spoke tension (if applicable).
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed procedures for routine servicing, lubrication, and inspections.
Engine Overhaul:
Step-by-step instructions for complete engine teardown, rebuild, and reassembly.
Transmission Rebuild:
Guidance on dismantling, inspecting, and reassembling the gearbox.
Carburetor Tuning:
Instructions for cleaning, rebuilding, and adjusting the carburetor for optimal performance.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic steps and solutions for common electrical issues, supported by detailed wiring diagrams.
Fork Rebuild:
Complete overhaul procedures for the front suspension system, including seal replacement.
Brake Adjustment:
Procedures for setting correct brake lever and pedal free play.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Problem-solving sections addressing common symptoms and their causes.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic rider maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed diagnostic procedures for mechanical and electrical systems.
Special Tools:
Identification of necessary special tools for specific repair procedures.
Engine Family:
Shovelhead
Configuration:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin
Displacement Cc:
74 cubic inches (1213 cc)
Bore X Stroke In:
3.4375 x 3.25 inches
Compression Ratio:
Approximately 8.0:1 (varies slightly)
Valvetrain:
Overhead valve (OHV), pushrod actuated
Horsepower Hp:
Estimated 60-65 HP at 5500 RPM (stock)
Torque Ft Lbs:
Estimated 70-75 ft-lbs at 3500 RPM (stock)
Carburetor:
Linkert M74B (common) or early Keihin butterfly type
Fuel Type:
Leaded gasoline, 91-93 octane recommended (modern equivalent).
Transmission Type:
4-speed constant mesh, foot-shifted, hand-clutched
Optional Transmission:
N/A (4-speed was standard for Electra Glide in '69)
Clutch Type:
Dry, multi-plate, diaphragm spring
Primary Drive:
Primary chain drive to clutch
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios detailed in manual (e.g., 1st: 9.23, 2nd: 6.86, 3rd: 5.17, 4th: 4.00 - indicative, check manual).
Transmission Fluid:
HD 360 50W Motor Oil or equivalent (check manual for exact spec).
Wheelbase In:
60.5 inches
Seat Height In:
Approx. 29 inches (unladen)
Dry Weight Lbs:
Approx. 600-630 lbs (depending on accessories)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs:
Not explicitly rated like modern vehicles, but consider rider + passenger + cargo.
Fuel Capacity Gal:
4.0 gallons (including 1-gallon reserve)
Safety Ratings:
N/A (Pre-dates formal motorcycle safety rating systems).
Braking System:
Mechanical drum brakes, front and rear.
Lighting System:
Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals.
Frame Construction:
Steel cradle frame.
Mirrors:
Handlebar-mounted mirrors for rear visibility.
Oil Change Miles:
Every 1,000 - 2,000 miles (check manual for specific interval).
Primary Chain Adjustment Miles:
Every 500 - 1,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement Miles:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles.
Wheel Bearing Service Miles:
Every 6,000 - 10,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson 50W Motor Oil (or equivalent API SG or higher spec 50W).
Engine Oil Capacity Qt:
Approx. 3 quarts (check dipstick).
Transmission Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson 360 50W Motor Oil or HD Gear Oil SAE 80 (check manual for specific transmission fluid).
Primary Chain Case Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Primary Chaincase Oil (or SAE 50W Motor Oil).
Primary Chain Case Oil Capacity Qt:
Approx. 1 quart (check level via inspection plug).
Shovelhead Oil Leaks:
Common for Shovelhead engines to have minor oil seepage; significant leaks require attention to gaskets and seals.
Carburetor Issues:
Linkert carburetors can be finicky and require precise adjustment. Potential for fuel leaks.
Electrical Reliability:
Early electrical systems, particularly the generator and regulator, can be a source of intermittent issues.
Kickstarter Engagement:
Kickstarter mechanism can wear; proper lubrication and adjustment are key.
Brake Performance:
Drum brakes offer less stopping power than modern disc brakes; require frequent adjustment and proper lining condition.
Harley Davidson Legacy:
Long history of American motorcycle manufacturing, known for V-twin engines and distinctive styling.
Electra Glide Introduction:
Introduced in 1965 as the first Harley-Davidson full-dress touring motorcycle.
1969 Updates:
Received the Shovelhead engine, replacing the Panhead. Minor styling and chassis refinements likely occurred.
Significance Of Shovelhead:
The Shovelhead engine marked a significant technological advancement for Harley-Davidson, offering more power and improved reliability over the Panhead.
Manufacturing Location:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Key Production Years:
1965-1979 for the Electra Glide (with Shovelhead from '66/'69 depending on exact model/engine variant).