Target Audience:
Harley-Davidson owners, mechanics, restorers, and enthusiasts seeking detailed information for maintaining and repairing their vintage Duo-Glide.
Value Proposition:
Provides authentic factory-level repair and maintenance data, essential for preserving the value and functionality of a classic Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Authenticity:
Directly sourced or replicated from original Harley-Davidson factory documentation.
Completeness:
Covers all major mechanical and electrical systems of the specified model year.
Usability:
Organized for ease of use, with clear step-by-step instructions and diagnostic aids.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive repair and maintenance for the 1959 Harley-Davidson Duo-Glide 74 OHV.
Estimated Pages:
Estimated 300-400 pages (typical for factory service manuals of this era).
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (PDF) or Printed Book
Engine:
Detailed disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of the 74 OHV Panhead engine, including cylinders, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valvetrain, lubrication system, and cooling system.
Transmission:
Service and repair procedures for the 4-speed constant mesh transmission, including clutch, gear shifting mechanisms, and internal components.
Drivetrain:
Maintenance and repair of the final drive system, including chain adjustment and sprocket inspection.
Suspension:
Front fork (leading link) and rear suspension (swingarm with hydraulic shocks) disassembly, assembly, and adjustment.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system servicing, including brake shoe replacement, drum inspection, and linkage adjustment.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, ignition system troubleshooting (magneto or distributor depending on specific sub-model), lighting, horn, and battery charging system.
Fuel System:
Carburetor (likely Linkert) disassembly, cleaning, adjustment, and fuel tank/lines.
Frame And Body:
Frame inspection, fork assembly, saddlebag removal/installation, fender adjustments, and handlebars.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, lubrication points, oil changes, filter replacement, and general upkeep.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component repair, replacement, and overhaul.
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed guides for removing and installing all major components and sub-assemblies.
Adjustment:
Precise instructions for adjusting clutch, brakes, carburetor, ignition timing, and suspension.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic adjustments and fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Digital Format:
Searchable PDF, high-resolution scans, printable pages.
Print Quality:
High-resolution scans for clarity of diagrams and text (for digital versions); durable paper and clear printing (for physical versions).
Binding:
Perfect bound or spiral bound (for printed versions, allowing lay-flat use).
Paper Type:
Durable, high-quality paper suitable for workshop environments (for printed versions).
Engine Displacement:
74 cubic inches (1200cc)
Engine Configuration:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin
Engine Family:
Panhead (OHV) - designated by the distinctive rocker box covers resembling pans.
Bore X Stroke:
3.4375 in x 4.125 in (87.3 mm x 104.8 mm) (typical for 74ci Panhead)
Compression Ratio:
Approximately 7:1 (standard for the era)
Horsepower:
Approximately 50-55 HP (estimated, factory ratings were often understated)
Torque:
Not typically specified with modern torque figures for this era, but known for strong low-end grunt.
Carburetor:
Linkert M-Series (e.g., M74B or M74C), with specific adjustment procedures detailed in the manual.
Fuel Type:
Leaded gasoline, typically with an octane rating of 90-93 (RON+MON)/2, or lead substitute.
Ignition Type:
Either a Magneto ignition or a Battery & Coil ignition system with a distributor, depending on specific factory configuration for 1959. Manual will detail both if applicable.
Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson recommends specific motorcycle-grade oils, often straight-weight mineral oils like SAE 50 or SAE 60 for this period. The manual will specify exact grades and API classifications.
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4 US quarts (3.8 liters) for the dry sump system.
Transmission Type:
4-speed, constant mesh, foot-shift, hand-clutch.
Optional Transmission:
N/A for this model year, standard 4-speed was universal.
Clutch Type:
Dry multi-plate clutch.
Transmission Fluid:
Typically Harley-Davidson Transmission Fluid or equivalent, specific viscosity will be detailed in manual.
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios will be listed in the manual for each gear. (Example: 1st gear likely ~3.0:1, 4th gear ~1.0:1)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 59.5 inches (1511 mm).
Length:
Approximately 86 inches (2184 mm).
Dry Weight:
Approximately 533 lbs (242 kg).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not typically published for motorcycles in this era, but implied by chassis strength.
Front Tire Size:
Typically 3.00-19 or 3.25-19.
Rear Tire Size:
Typically 4.00-18 or 4.50-18.
Wheel Type:
Spoked wheels.
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A for motorcycles of this era; safety focus is on rider skill and mechanical reliability.
Braking System:
Drum brakes front and rear. Manual provides detailed inspection and adjustment procedures.
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals (depending on market and optional equipment).
Horn:
Standard horn system.
Infotainment System:
N/A - This era of motorcycle predates integrated infotainment systems. Focus is on core mechanical and electrical functionality.
Driver Assistance Features:
N/A - No electronic driver assistance features present.
Connectivity Features:
N/A - No modern connectivity features.
Oil Change:
Typically every 1,000-2,000 miles or annually, as specified in the manual.
Primary Chain Adjustment:
Regular checks and adjustments as per manual's recommendations, crucial for drivetrain longevity.
Spark Plug Replacement:
As recommended, typically around 5,000-10,000 miles or as performance dictates.
Engine Oil Grade:
SAE 50 or SAE 60 (mineral oil), with specific API service classification detailed in the manual.
Transmission Oil:
Specialized HD Transmission Fluid or equivalent, viscosity specified in manual.
Primary Chain Case Oil:
Typically SAE 20W or 30W motor oil, specific grade provided in manual.
Brake Fluid:
Drum brakes use grease lubrication for pivot points, no hydraulic fluid.
Oil Leaks:
Common in vintage motorcycles due to aging seals and gaskets. Manual provides procedures for replacement.
Carburetor Tuning:
Linkert carburetors can be finicky and require precise adjustment for optimal performance. Manual covers this in detail.
Valve Adjustment:
Regular valve lash adjustments are critical for Panhead engine health. Manual details the procedure and specifications.
Part Numbers:
Manual will contain or reference part numbers for key components, essential for restoration and repair.
Brand Founding:
Founded in 1903, Harley-Davidson is one of the oldest motorcycle manufacturers in the world.
Duo Glide Lineage:
The Duo-Glide, introduced in 1958, was a significant evolution from the Hydra-Glide, featuring the addition of rear suspension. It was succeeded by the Electra Glide.
Panhead Engine Era:
The Panhead engine (OHV) was produced from 1948 to 1965, making the 1959 model part of this iconic period.
Production Period:
Duo-Glide models were produced from 1958 to 1964.
Manufacturing Location:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
Historical Significance:
The Duo-Glide is considered a significant model in Harley-Davidson's history, representing the transition to hydraulic rear suspension and paving the way for future touring models.
Collector Value:
Highly collectible vintage motorcycle, often winning awards at classic bike shows and rallies when properly restored.
Manual Certification:
Authentic factory service manual content, considered the definitive guide for this model.