Segment:
Full-size, luxury touring motorcycle
Target Audience:
Touring riders, long-distance cruisers
Competitors 1970:
Honda Gold Wing (emerging), Triumph Bonneville T120, Indian Chief (fading)
Comfort:
Large saddlebags, comfortable seating, windshield for wind protection
Performance:
Torquey V-twin engine suited for cruising
Style:
Iconic Harley-Davidson styling, classic cruiser aesthetic
Primary Coverage:
Owner's Manual - comprehensive operating and maintenance guide
Secondary Coverage:
Basic maintenance procedures, troubleshooting, specifications, rider information
Estimated Page Count:
70-90 pages (typical for this era's owner manuals)
Engine Operation:
Description of V-twin engine operation, lubrication system, ignition system overview
Fuel System:
Carburetor operation (likely Linkert or early Keihin), fuel tank and petcock operation
Electrical System:
Battery care, lighting system, ignition switch, starter motor operation
Transmission Drivetrain:
4-speed transmission operation, clutch operation, primary drive system overview
Brakes:
Front and rear brake operation and adjustment (drum brakes typical)
Suspension Steering:
Front fork operation (leading link or early telescopic), rear shock absorber operation, steering head bearing adjustment
Chassis Body:
Frame construction, fenders, saddlebags, windshield care and operation
Pre Ride Inspection:
Recommended checks before riding
Routine Maintenance:
Oil level checks, tire pressure, chain adjustment (if applicable), spark plug inspection
Lubrication:
Grease points, lubrication schedule
Troubleshooting Basic:
Guidance for common operating issues
Depth:
Owner-level maintenance and operation, not a full service/repair manual
Diagnostic Capability:
Limited to basic operational checks, no deep diagnostic procedures
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if OCR'd properly, but image-based PDFs from original scans may not be
Quality:
Depends on the source scan; generally good quality for readability
Original Binding:
Stapled or saddle-stitched booklet
Original Paper:
Standard paper stock for owner's manuals of the era
Configuration:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin
Displacement:
1200 cc (74 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
Approx. 3.4375 in. x 4.000 in. (87.3 mm x 101.6 mm)
Compression Ratio:
Approx. 7.0:1 to 8.0:1 (depending on specific variant)
Valve Train:
Overhead valves (OHV), pushrod actuated
Horsepower Est:
Approx. 55-60 hp at ~4800 RPM
Torque Est:
Approx. 65-70 lb-ft at ~3500 RPM
Carburetor:
Single Linkert M-series or early Keihin butterfly carb
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson 20W-50 motorcycle oil or equivalent
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3 US quarts (2.8 liters) for engine and transmission
Type:
4-speed constant mesh, foot-shifted
Clutch:
Wet, multi-plate, hand-actuated
Drive System:
Primary drive: Chain-in-oil; Final drive: Belt or Chain (depending on specific sub-model variant)
Gear Ratios:
Not typically detailed in owner's manuals, but generally geared for torque and cruising.
Length Est:
Approx. 90-95 inches (2286-2413 mm)
Width Est:
Approx. 35-38 inches (889-965 mm) at handlebars
Height Est:
Approx. 50-55 inches (1270-1397 mm) to top of windshield
Dry Weight Est:
Approx. 600-650 lbs (272-295 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Est:
Approx. 1000 lbs (454 kg)
Crash Testing:
Not applicable for motorcycles of this era; no standardized ratings
Braking System:
Dual drum brakes (front and rear)
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals
Frame Construction:
Steel tube frame for stability
Oil Change:
Every 1,000-2,000 miles or annually
Spark Plug Inspection:
Every 2,000-3,000 miles
Chain Adjustment If Applicable:
As needed, typically checking every 1,000 miles
Grease Points:
Refer to manual for specific intervals, typically every 2,000-4,000 miles for chassis lubrication
Engine Transmission Oil:
Harley-Davidson 20W-50 motorcycle oil or equivalent API CI-4 rated
Primary Chain Case Oil:
Usually shared with engine oil, check specific manual section for clarification
Brake Fluid:
Not applicable, drum brakes typically do not use hydraulic fluid
Fork Oil:
Likely Harley-Davidson fork oil or 10W fork oil
Carburetor Tuning:
Linkert carburetors can require meticulous tuning for optimal performance
Oil Leaks:
Common on vintage Harleys due to aging seals and gaskets
Ignition Points Condenser:
Require regular inspection and adjustment
Drum Brake Effectiveness:
Can be less effective than modern disc brakes, require proper adjustment and clean linings.
Founding:
Founded in 1903, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Iconic Status:
Long-standing reputation for American V-twin motorcycles
Predecessors:
Evolved from earlier Big Twin models like the Hydra-Glide and Duo-Glide
Evolution 1970:
The 1970 model represented a significant step in the evolution of the large touring Harley-Davidson, with refinements in engine, chassis, and accessories.
Manufacturing Location:
York, Pennsylvania, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Key Era:
Late 1960s and early 1970s marked a period of significant development for Harley-Davidson before the AMF era fully took hold.
