🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

Super Glide FXE

Year:

1972

Engine Type:

Four-stroke, air-cooled, V-twin OHV

Chassis Type:

Motorcycle

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Owners and mechanics of the 1972 Harley-Davidson Super Glide FXE seeking detailed repair and maintenance guidance.

Value Proposition:

Provides essential, factory-accurate information that generic manuals or online resources may lack, ensuring correct repairs and optimal performance for a classic motorcycle.

Ease Of Use:

Designed as a handy, easy-to-read reference with sequential steps.

Completeness:

Comprehensive explanations for installation, removal, disassembly, assembly, repair, and check procedures.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Repair, maintenance, adjustments, troubleshooting, disassembly, assembly

Estimated Page Count:

200-300

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Print

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Full engine overhaul, including top end (cylinders, pistons, heads) and bottom end (crankshaft, connecting rods, bearings)

Fuel System:

Carburetor (e.g., Keihin Butterfly, Linkert) overhaul, adjustment, and troubleshooting; fuel tank, lines, and petcock maintenance

Ignition System:

Magneto ignition, ignition coil, spark plugs, wiring diagrams, timing procedures

Transmission Drivetrain:

4-speed constant mesh transmission overhaul, clutch inspection and adjustment, final drive chain maintenance

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery maintenance, lighting system (headlight, taillight, signals), starter system, horn

Brakes:

Front and rear brake system maintenance, adjustments, hydraulic system bleeding (if applicable), brake pad/shoe replacement

Suspension Steering:

Front fork (e.g., leading-link or conventional telescopic) overhaul and adjustments, rear shock absorber replacement, steering head bearing maintenance

Wheels Tires:

Wheel bearing maintenance, tire pressure recommendations, tire replacement procedures

Frame Bodywork:

Frame inspection, body panel removal and installation, seat maintenance

Maintenance:

Regular scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, tune-up procedures

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, common problem identification, and repair solutions

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems

Disassembly Assembly:

Detailed instructions for removing and reinstalling components during repair

Adjustments:

Precise instructions for adjusting clutch, brakes, carburetor, ignition timing, etc.

Specifications Torque Values:

Crucial torque specifications for fasteners and critical components

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic owner adjustments to full engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostics, suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

N/A (Product indicates print format)

Print Quality:

Likely good quality, designed for workshop use (assumed based on 'factory service repair manual')

Binding Type:

Spiral or perfect bound (typical for service manuals to lay flat)

Paper Type:

Durable, likely coated paper stock to withstand workshop conditions

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family:

Shovelhead (introduced in 1966, evolved for FXE)

Displacement:

74 cubic inches (1212 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

Approx. 3.4375 in x 4.25 in (87.3 mm x 108 mm)

Compression Ratio:

Typically 7.0:1 to 8.0:1 (varies slightly)

Valve Train:

Overhead Valve (OHV) with pushrods and rocker arms

Horsepower:

Approx. 55-60 hp @ 5000-5500 rpm (estimated, factory figures were often not precise for this era)

Torque:

Approx. 65-70 lb-ft @ 3500-4000 rpm (estimated)

Carburetor:

Harley-Davidson Linkert M74B or Keihin Butterfly CV (variant dependent)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (recommendation for modern fuels may be included)

Oil System:

Dry sump lubrication with oil tank separate from crankcase

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed constant mesh

Gear Ratios:

Typically: 1st: 10.11:1, 2nd: 7.57:1, 3rd: 5.33:1, 4th: 4.00:1 (approximate, consult manual for exact ratios)

Clutch Type:

Wet multi-plate

Transmission Options:

None for 1972 FXE, 4-speed was standard.

Primary Drive:

Duplex chain to clutch

Final Drive:

Roller chain

Transmission Fluid:

Harley-Davidson recommends specific transmission oil (e.g., 70W or 80W gear oil, consult manual for exact spec)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 60.5 inches (1537 mm)

Overall Length:

Approx. 88 inches (2235 mm)

Seat Height:

Approx. 28.5 inches (724 mm)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 540 lbs (245 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not typically specified for motorcycles of this era in the same way as cars.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

N/A for motorcycles of this era; safety is inherent in design and rider awareness.

Braking System:

Dual-action (front and rear) mechanical drum brakes (typically).

Lighting:

Headlight, taillight, brake light, front and rear turn signals.

Frame Construction:

Steel frame designed for stability and rider support.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

N/A - This era of motorcycle did not feature electronic infotainment systems.

Driver Assistance Features:

N/A - No electronic driver assistance features present.

Connectivity Options:

N/A - No digital connectivity features.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 2,000 - 3,000 miles or annually. Consult manual for exact interval and oil type.

Transmission Oil Change:

Every 5,000 - 10,000 miles or as specified. Consult manual for interval and fluid type.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 5,000 - 10,000 miles. Consult manual for recommended plug type and gap.

Drive Chain Maintenance:

Lubricate and adjust chain every 500-1,000 miles or as needed. Consult manual for proper slack and lubrication procedure.

Engine Oil Type:

Harley-Davidson recommends specific V-twin engine oil (e.g., 20W50 or similar for that era, consult manual for exact specification and capacity, typically 3-4 quarts for dry sump).

Transmission Oil Type:

70W or 80W gear oil (consult manual for exact specification and capacity).

Primary Chain Case Fluid:

Often shares engine oil or uses a specific primary lubricant (consult manual).

Shifter Pawl Wear:

Potential for wear in the shifter pawl mechanism in the 4-speed transmission, leading to missed shifts or difficulty shifting.

Carburetor Issues:

Linkert carburetors can be finicky and require meticulous adjustment; CV carburetors may need recalibration for modern fuels.

Oil Leaks:

Common on vintage Harleys; gaskets and seals in the engine, transmission, and primary drive can degrade over time.

Ignition Timing:

Proper ignition timing is critical for performance and can drift with wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Harley Davidson Legacy:

Founded in 1903, Harley-Davidson is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer renowned for its V-twin engines and distinctive styling.

Super Glide Fxe Introduction:

The FXE designation was part of the 'Factory Experimental' line, often featuring the Shovelhead engine and custom styling. The Super Glide aimed to bridge the gap between traditional cruisers and sportier bikes of its time.

1972 Model Year Significance:

The 1972 model year saw the Super Glide solidify its place with the Shovelhead engine, a more refined frame, and often featured distinctive paint schemes and chrome accents. It was a departure from earlier Sportster-based customs.

Production Era:

The Super Glide model line (including FX and FXE variants) was produced through much of the 1970s and 1980s.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Significance:

The Super Glide FXE is recognized as a significant model in Harley-Davidson's history, representing a period of evolution and styling innovation. It remains a popular choice for collectors and riders.

User Reviews Era:

Contemporary reviews often highlighted its unique styling, powerful V-twin engine, and its positioning as a custom-styled factory offering.

Certification:

N/A - As a service manual, it doesn't hold certifications in the same way a vehicle does.