🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

Electra Glide FL, FLH, Super Glide FX, FXE, FXEF, FXS

Model Designations:

FL (Electra Glide), FLH (Electra Glide Classic), FX (Super Glide), FXE (Super Glide Electric Start), FXEF (Super Glide Fat Bob - Shovelhead), FXS (Super Glide Low Rider)

Engine Code General:

Shovelhead (OHV V-Twin)

👋 Introduction

Era Target Market:

Motorcyclists and mechanics maintaining Harley-Davidson Big Twin motorcycles of the late 1970s, a period of significant development for the brand.

Manual Value Proposition:

Essential resource for owners and technicians to perform accurate maintenance and repairs, ensuring longevity and optimal performance of these classic motorcycles.

Core Offering:

Complete repair and maintenance guidance for a range of popular Harley-Davidson Shovelhead models.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive workshop service and repair for specified Harley-Davidson models and years.

Estimated Page Count:

500+ pages (typical for this era of comprehensive manuals)

Manual Classification:

Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

Downloadable PDF (implied by product description)

Digital Searchability:

High probability of excellent searchability within the PDF for specific terms, part numbers, and procedures.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine disassembly, assembly, tuning, lubrication, cooling, ignition system, carburetor overhaul.

Transmission Drivetrain:

Clutch, transmission, primary drive, final drive, gearbox lubrication.

Electrical Systems:

Wiring diagrams, lighting, battery, charging system, starter, ignition coil, spark plugs, fuses.

Chassis Suspension Brakes:

Front fork, rear suspension, brake system (hydraulic and mechanical), wheel bearings, steering.

Bodywork Frame:

Frame inspection and repair, body panels, fairings, fuel tank, seat, fenders.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel lines, petcock, carburetor troubleshooting and repair, fuel pump (if applicable).

Exhaust System:

Exhaust pipes, mufflers, mounting hardware, and common repair considerations.

Maintenance Procedures:

Regular servicing, oil changes, filter replacement, chain adjustment, spark plug checks, brake pad inspection.

Repair Procedures:

Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, carburetor tuning and rebuilding, electrical troubleshooting and repair, suspension fork seal replacement.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Diagnostic procedures for common starting, running, and electrical issues.

Carburetor Overhaul:

Detailed steps for disassembly, cleaning, inspection, and reassembly of various carburetor models used, including jetting and adjustment.

Ignition Timing Adjustment:

Procedures for setting and adjusting ignition timing using static timing (breaker points) or dynamic timing (strobe light), crucial for engine performance.

Wheel And Tire Service:

Tire removal/installation, wheel balancing, spoke adjustment (if applicable), wheel bearing replacement.

Depth Of Coverage:

Detailed step-by-step instructions, diagnostic charts, torque specifications, and component removal/installation procedures for comprehensive overhauls and repairs.

Engine Rebuild Scope:

Includes complete engine disassembly, inspection of cylinders, pistons, rings, crankshaft, connecting rods, bearings, and reassembly with correct clearances and torque values.

Transmission Rebuild Scope:

Covers complete gearbox overhaul, including gear inspection, bearing replacement, shift drum and pawl mechanism servicing, and clutch assembly repair.

Wiring Diagram Detail:

Detailed, often color-coded, wiring diagrams for electrical system troubleshooting and repair, showing component connections and wire routing.

📊 Manual Specifications

Searchable Text:

Likely contains searchable text for efficient information retrieval.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution scans of original diagrams and photographs for clarity.

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Digital Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin, OHV (Overhead Valve)

Engine Family:

Shovelhead

Displacement Options:

Primarily 74 cubic inches (1200cc) and 80 cubic inches (1340cc) for these years. Specific models may vary.

Horsepower Estimate:

Approx. 60-70 HP (depending on exact configuration and state of tune)

Torque Estimate:

Approx. 70-80 lb-ft (depending on exact configuration and state of tune)

Carburetor Types:

Typically Keihin butterfly or Linkert carburetors, with later models often featuring updated Keihin CV (Constant Velocity) carbs.

Ignition System:

Battery and coil ignition (breaker points) or early electronic ignition systems. Manual will cover specific configurations.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed constant mesh, right-side drive

Transmission Options:

N/A (4-speed was standard for most of these models)

Primary Drive:

Duplex chain in an oil bath primary case.

Transmission Fluid:

Specific gear oil grades (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 GL-5). Manual will specify exact type and capacity.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Approx:

60-62 inches (1524-1575 mm), varies by model.

Dry Weight Approx:

600-700 lbs (272-318 kg), varies by model.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Typically around 900-1000 lbs (408-454 kg), manual will specify.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Standards Era:

Meets safety standards prevalent for motorcycles of the late 1970s. Focus on active safety through rider control and maintenance.

Braking System:

Disc brakes (front and often rear on later models), drum brakes (earlier models or rear). Manual details maintenance and repair.

Suspension Design:

Telescopic front forks, dual rear shock absorbers. Manual covers adjustments and component servicing.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System Era:

Basic for the era; likely includes analog gauges, a speedometer, tachometer (optional on some models), and indicator lights.

Driver Assistance Features:

None. Focus is on rider control and mechanical systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 2,000-3,000 miles (3,200-4,800 km) or as specified in the manual for engine oil and primary chaincase oil.

Tune Up Interval:

Carburetor synchronization, ignition timing, and spark plug checks generally recommended annually or every 5,000 miles (8,000 km).

Engine Oil Type:

Varies, but typically 20W-50 or 20W-50 API SG or higher. Manual will specify exact grade and capacity for engine oil, which also lubricates the transmission and primary chaincase.

Primary Chaincase Oil Type:

Often the same as engine oil (e.g., 20W-50). Manual specifies capacity and type.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic fluid for disc brake systems. Manual specifies correct type.

Shovelhead Common Concerns:

Oil leaks (especially from the Shovelhead tappet blocks and crankcase seals), carburetor tuning issues (Keihin butterfly/Linkert), electrical gremlins (aging wiring), wear on the transmission mainshaft and shifter drum.

Manual Guidance For Issues:

The manual provides diagnostic procedures and repair instructions for many of these common issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Harley Davidson Legacy:

Long-standing American motorcycle manufacturer with a rich history in V-twin engine design and touring motorcycles.

Shovelhead Development:

The Shovelhead engine replaced the Panhead and was in production from 1966 through 1984. These models represent a significant portion of its later life cycle, with incremental improvements.

Production Period:

1978, 1979, 1980 model years.

Manufacturing Location:

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Recognition:

These models are iconic in motorcycle history and are highly regarded by enthusiasts for their classic styling and V-twin rumble.

Customer Satisfaction Era:

Reflects the build quality and rider experience expected from Harley-Davidson during that period.