Positioning:
The Harley-Davidson Super Glide FX of 1975 was positioned as a performance-oriented cruiser, often featuring the Shovelhead engine and a distinct styling that appealed to riders seeking a powerful and iconic American motorcycle.
Competitors:
Competed against other large-displacement American motorcycles and emerging Japanese models offering performance and reliability.
Features:
The Super Glide FX was known for its robust Shovelhead engine, distinctive styling (often including the frame-mounted fairing), and custom V-twin rumble. It represented a significant evolution in Harley-Davidson's product line.
Primary Coverage:
Repair, Maintenance, Adjustment
Secondary Coverage:
Disassembly, Assembly, Installation, Troubleshooting
Estimated Page Count:
Approx. 300-500 pages (typical for this era of factory service manual)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Format:
Printed (as indicated by 'handy, easy to read reference book')
Engine Mechanical:
Engine disassembly, assembly, overhaul, component inspection, timing procedures, cylinder head service, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft and camshaft service.
Fuel System:
Carburetor service (e.g., Keihin Butterfly, Linkert), fuel tank and lines, fuel pump operation.
Ignition System:
Ignition coil, points, condenser, spark plugs, ignition timing adjustment, troubleshooting.
Transmission:
Transmission disassembly, assembly, lubrication, gear inspection, clutch service.
Drive Train:
Final drive system, belt or chain maintenance and adjustment (depending on specific FX configuration).
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, battery maintenance, charging system (generator/alternator), starter motor operation, horn, instrumentation.
Braking System:
Front and rear brake inspection, adjustment, hydraulic system service (if applicable, though '75 FX may have drum brakes), linkage.
Suspension:
Front fork service (e.g., oil change, seal replacement), rear shock absorber inspection and replacement.
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing inspection and lubrication, tire pressure recommendations, spoke tension (if applicable).
Frame And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, mounting hardware torque specifications, body panel removal and installation, seat assembly.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacement, chain/belt adjustment, lubrication points, spark plug replacement, air filter service.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic guides for common starting issues, running problems, electrical faults, and braking issues.
Major Repairs:
Complete engine rebuild, transmission overhauls, carburetor rebuilds, suspension overhauls.
Adjustments:
Carburetor idle and mixture adjustment, ignition timing, clutch cable, brake linkages.
Inspections:
Component wear checks, safety system inspections, fluid level checks.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic rider maintenance to complete engine and transmission disassembly and rebuild.
File Type:
Likely a scanned document of the original printed manual (PDF or similar image-based format), with potential for text-searchable OCR.
Quality:
Varies based on digitization; original quality is factory-standard, digital copy quality depends on scan resolution and clarity.
Binding:
Original: Likely saddle-stitched or perfect bound. Digital: N/A.
Paper:
Original: High-quality paper stock suitable for workshop use. Digital: N/A.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin
Engine Family:
Shovelhead
Displacement:
74 cubic inches (1200cc)
Bore X Stroke:
3.4375 in. x 4.00 in. (87.31 mm x 101.60 mm)
Compression Ratio:
Approximately 8.0:1
Horsepower:
Estimated 60-65 HP (at the crankshaft, dependent on tuning and specific variant)
Torque:
Estimated 70-75 ft-lbs (at the crankshaft, dependent on tuning and specific variant)
Carburetor:
Typically a Keihin Butterfly or Linkert carburetor, depending on production date and specifications.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended).
Crash Safety:
Not applicable to motorcycles in the same way as cars; focus on operational safety and component integrity.
Braking System:
Dual action front brake (likely drum), rear drum brake. Manual covers inspection and adjustment.
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals (functionality and maintenance covered).
Features:
The 1975 Super Glide FX is a classic motorcycle with minimal 'technology' in the modern sense. Features would include analog instrumentation (speedometer, tachometer if equipped, ammeter/oil pressure gauge), basic lighting, and a kick-starter primary ignition system. No infotainment systems as understood today.
Features:
No driver assistance features. Rider is fully responsible for operation and control.
Features:
No connectivity features.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 2,000-3,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Consult the manual for exact recommendations.
Primary Chain Tension:
Regular checks and adjustments required, usually every 1,000-2,000 miles. Manual will detail procedure.
Ignition Timing:
Recommended to check and adjust periodically, especially after any engine work or ignition component replacement.
Engine Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson recommends specific proprietary blends or API SF or SG service classification oils. For this era, straight-weight oils like SAE 50 or 60 were common, but consult the manual for precise recommendations and potential modern equivalents.
Transmission Oil Type:
Typically Harley-Davidson's own transmission lubricant or a compatible heavy-duty gear oil. Specification details will be in the manual.
Primary Chain Case Oil:
Similar to transmission oil, check manual for specific Harley-Davidson primary lubricant type.
Fork Oil:
Specific viscosity grade fork oil recommended by Harley-Davidson. Often around SAE 10W or 20W. Manual will specify.
Shovlehead Oil Leaks:
Common to the Shovelhead era, often from pushrod tubes, base gaskets, and primary cover. Manual provides gasket replacement procedures.
Carburetor Adjustment:
Carburetors (especially older Linkert types) can require frequent tuning for optimal performance and idle stability.
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring and components can lead to intermittent electrical issues. The manual's wiring diagrams are crucial for diagnosis.
Points And Condenser Wear:
Ignition points and condensers require periodic inspection and replacement for proper ignition timing and spark quality.
Heritage:
Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer with a long history of building powerful V-twin motorcycles known for their distinctive sound and character.
Evolution Of Fx:
The FX series, introduced in the early 1970s, represented Harley-Davidson's effort to develop lighter, more versatile motorcycles than their traditional FL models. The Super Glide FX combined the Big Twin engine with a lighter frame, and in 1975, it received styling updates and continued to refine its performance.
Production Period:
The Shovelhead engine (including the 74ci variant used in the FX) was produced from 1966 to 1984. The Super Glide FX model line spanned several years within this period.
