Positioning:
The FLHT Electra Glide was positioned as Harley-Davidson's flagship full-dress touring motorcycle, offering comfort, storage, and long-distance capabilities.
Competitors:
Competed with other large touring motorcycles from manufacturers like Honda (Gold Wing series), BMW (K-series touring models), and Kawasaki (Voyager series) in its era.
Design Philosophy:
Emphasis on rider comfort, passenger comfort, substantial luggage capacity, and the iconic Harley-Davidson V-twin experience.
Touring Amenities:
Large fairing for wind protection, comfortable seating for rider and passenger, ample storage via saddlebags and often a trunk/tour pack (depending on specific configuration within the FLHT range).
Target User:
Professional motorcycle technicians, experienced home mechanics, and dedicated Harley-Davidson enthusiasts seeking to perform all levels of maintenance and repair.
Engine Systems:
Engine assembly, disassembly, inspection, tuning, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel delivery, ignition system, exhaust system
Transmission Systems:
Clutch, primary drive, transmission assembly, gears, bearings, seals, shift mechanism
Chassis Systems:
Frame, suspension (front forks, rear shock absorbers), steering, wheels, tires, brakes (front and rear), final drive (belt or chain)
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), ignition system components, lighting, starting system, instrumentation, accessories, diagnostics
Bodywork And Trim:
Fairing, saddlebags, tank, seat, fenders, controls, mounting hardware
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, brake adjustments, cable adjustments, tire pressure checks, battery maintenance, ignition timing checks
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension repairs, brake system servicing, electrical component replacement, carburetor adjustment/rebuild, fuel system cleaning
Troubleshooting Procedures:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical fault finding, engine performance issues
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, gap settings, fluid capacities, component measurements
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level repair and diagnostic information, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics
Engine Type:
Air-cooled V-twin OHV Pushrod
Engine Displacement:
1340cc (81.7 cubic inches)
Engine Code:
Evolution (often referred to as the 'Evo' engine)
Bore X Stroke:
3.50 in x 4.25 in (88.9 mm x 107.95 mm)
Compression Ratio:
8.5:1 (typical for this era Evo)
Cylinder Head Design:
Two valves per cylinder, operated by pushrods and rocker arms
Horsepower Est:
Approx. 65-70 HP (at crankshaft, estimate for the era)
Torque Est:
Approx. 80-85 lb-ft (at crankshaft, estimate for the era)
Fuel Delivery:
Carbureted (likely Keihin CV carburetor, e.g., CV40)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline, Minimum 87 Octane
Fuel Tank Capacity:
5.0 US gallons (18.9 Liters)
Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil or equivalent API SF/SG rated oil
Oil Capacity W Filter:
3.0 US quarts (2.8 Liters)
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
Harley-Davidson 63796-77B (or equivalent aftermarket)
Length Overall:
Approx. 92.5 inches (2350 mm)
Width Handlebar:
Approx. 37 inches (940 mm)
Height Seat Unladen:
Approx. 29.5 inches (750 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 63.5 inches (1613 mm)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 740 lbs (336 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 1200 lbs (544 kg)
Saddlebag Capacity:
Significant, lockable, hard-shell saddlebags (volume varies by specific model year and accessories).
Safety Standards:
Manufactured to meet or exceed all applicable US federal safety standards for motorcycles of its era.
Braking System:
Dual front disc brakes, single rear disc brake. Linked braking systems were not standard on these models.
Tires:
Tubeless tires, with specific recommended sizes and load ratings outlined in the manual.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals.
Audio System:
Many models in this era featured an integrated AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player. Speaker systems were typically built into the fairing or saddlebag lids.
Cruise Control:
Often an optional or standard feature on the Electra Glide models, providing long-distance comfort.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was typically an optional extra, not standard on all models of this period.
Navigation:
No integrated GPS navigation systems. Navigation would have been handled via separate aftermarket units or maps.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first (check manual for exact recommendation).
Primary Chaincase Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles or annually (check manual).
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Typically every 10,000-20,000 miles, depending on plug type.
Belt Drive Tension Check:
Regular checks recommended, typically at major service intervals.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Hydraulic Fluid (check manual for specific requirements).
Fork Oil Type:
Specific fork oil viscosity and type as per Harley-Davidson recommendations (e.g., Harley-Davidson Type E or equivalent).
Coolant Type:
Not applicable (air-cooled engine).
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, brake pads, wheel bearings, suspension bushings, drive belt.
Engine Specific Considerations:
Lifter block wear, cam bearing wear, potential for oil leaks from gaskets and seals.
Electrical Common Failures:
Regulator/rectifier failure, stator failure, battery charging issues are not uncommon with age.
Legacy:
Harley-Davidson has a long-standing heritage in building large-displacement, V-twin motorcycles known for their distinctive sound, styling, and touring capabilities.
Electra Glide Lineage:
The Electra Glide nameplate has been in continuous use since the late 1960s, evolving significantly in features, styling, and technology over decades. The 1995-1998 models represent the later iterations of the Evolution engine era before the introduction of the Twin Cam 88.
Manufacturing Location:
United States (Harley-Davidson York, Pennsylvania, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin facilities)
Era Significance:
These models are part of the highly regarded Evolution engine era, known for its reliability and relative simplicity compared to later models.
