Historical Market Segment:
Flagship touring motorcycle of Harley-Davidson, aimed at long-distance riders and law enforcement.
Competitors 1970:
Primary competitor was the nascent Japanese touring bikes, but the Electra Glide held a strong niche for traditional V-twin touring.
Key Features:
Large displacement V-twin engine, comfortable riding position, extensive luggage capacity (saddlebags, tour pack), distinctive styling.
Manual Utility:
Essential for any owner or technician working on this classic machine, providing the definitive guide to its mechanical and electrical systems.
Value For Owner:
Enables DIY maintenance, accurate repairs, and preservation of a valuable vintage motorcycle.
Manual Title:
Harley-Davidson Electra Glide FL 1970 Factory Service Repair Manual
Primary Coverage:
Repair, maintenance, and adjustments for the 1970 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide FL
Secondary Coverage:
Troubleshooting, disassembly, assembly, and component checks
Estimated Page Count:
200-300 (typical for this era of detailed service manuals)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Print (expected for 1970 original, digital PDF often available as replica)
Engine Mechanical:
Full disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of the Shovelhead engine.
Fuel System:
Carburetor (e.g., Keihin, Linkert depending on specific variant), fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel filter maintenance and troubleshooting.
Ignition System:
Spark plugs, ignition coils, points, condensers, timing procedures, distributor (if applicable).
Transmission Drivetrain:
4-speed gearbox disassembly, assembly, lubrication, clutch operation, primary drive maintenance.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (generator/alternator), lighting, horn, starter motor, switches, gauges.
Braking System:
Front and rear brake caliper/drum service, brake fluid replacement, linkage adjustment.
Suspension Steering:
Front fork (hydra-glide) service, rear shock absorber replacement, steering head bearing adjustment, wheel bearings.
Chassis Frame:
Frame inspection, swingarm pivot maintenance, mounting hardware checks.
Bodywork Fittings:
Fender removal/installation, fuel tank mounting, seat assembly, fairing components (if equipped), saddlebags.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, lubrication points, tune-up procedures.
Disassembly Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for dismantling and reassembling all major components and systems.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting charts.
Component Testing:
Testing procedures for electrical components, carburetor performance, and engine compression.
Alignment Adjustment:
Wheel alignment, steering alignment, clutch and brake lever adjustments.
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for critical fasteners across all systems.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (covers everything from basic checks to full engine rebuilds).
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostics for mechanical and electrical issues.
Repair Scope:
Full repair procedures, including component replacement and refurbishment.
Digital Format Availability:
Often available as a high-quality, searchable PDF replica of the original.
Original Print Quality:
Standard factory print quality for the era, often black and white line drawings.
Original Binding:
Stapled or perfect bound, depending on original production method.
Original Paper Type:
Durable, often matte paper stock suitable for shop environments.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin
Engine Family:
Shovelhead
Displacement Ci:
74 cu in
Bore X Stroke In:
3.4375 x 4.00 inches
Compression Ratio:
Approx. 8.0:1
Valve Train:
Overhead Valve (OHV), pushrod actuated
Horsepower Estimate:
Approx. 60 HP @ 5000 RPM (stock)
Torque Estimate:
Approx. 70-80 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM (stock)
Carburetor Type:
Typically single Keihin Butterfly or Linkert M-series (model dependent).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, typically 87-89 octane (RON+MON)/2
Fuel Capacity:
Approx. 5 US gallons (19 liters)
Transmission Type:
4-speed constant mesh manual
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate
Primary Drive:
Duplex chain in oil bath case
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios would be detailed in the manual, typically geared for touring.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Harley-Davidson recommends specific transmission fluids (e.g., Formula+ or equivalent).
Safety Certifications:
N/A (Motorcycle safety standards were less formalized than automotive at this time).
Braking System Type:
Front: Disc brake (introduced on some 1970 models); Rear: Drum brake.
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals (front and rear).
Frame Construction:
Steel cradle frame providing structural integrity.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 2,000-3,000 miles or annually (engine oil).
Primary Chain Check:
Check tension every 1,000 miles. Adjust as needed.
Tune Up Interval:
Recommended every 3,000-5,000 miles (points, plugs, carburetor adjustment).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (mineral based often preferred for vintage engines).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3 US quarts (2.8 liters).
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 1 US pint (0.47 liters).
Primary Chain Case Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Formula+ or equivalent primary chain lubricant.
Primary Chain Case Oil Capacity:
Approx. 1 US quart (0.95 liters).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (if disc brake equipped, check manual for specific recommendation).
Common Wear Items:
Camshaft bushings, valve guides, primary chain tensioner, generator, starter motor clutch.
Electrical Common Faults:
Generator output issues, aging wiring harnesses, stator failures, switch gear wear.
Fuel System Common Faults:
Carburetor leaks, vacuum leaks, fuel line degradation.
Harley Davidson Heritage:
Founded in 1903, Harley-Davidson is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer renowned for its V-twin engines and distinctive sound.
Electra Glide Development:
The Electra Glide line originated from the Duo-Glide, adding electric start and the distinctive large fairing and saddlebags, establishing the 'Bagger' segment.
1970 Updates:
The 1970 model year saw the introduction of the 74 cubic inch (1207cc) Shovelhead engine as standard, and the pioneering of the front disc brake on some models.
Manufacturing Location:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA