Segment:
Full-size touring motorcycle
Brand Heritage:
Represents Harley-Davidson's iconic 'Big Twin' touring platform, synonymous with American motorcycle culture.
Competitors Era:
Competed with other large displacement touring motorcycles from brands like Indian (earlier), Triumph, and eventually Japanese manufacturers in later years.
Design Philosophy:
Emphasis on comfortable long-distance riding, V-twin engine torque, and classic styling.
Model Identity:
The Electra Glide defined the full-dress touring motorcycle segment with its integrated fairing, saddlebags, and luggage trunk.
Engine:
Engine disassembly, assembly, inspection, tuning, carburetor service (e.g., Keihin, Bing), ignition system (points, coil, spark plugs), lubrication system (oil pump, oil filter, oil flow).
Transmission:
4-speed constant mesh gearbox, clutch service (friction plates, pressure plates, release mechanism), gear inspection, shift drum and pawl assembly, primary drive maintenance.
Drivetrain:
Final drive belt inspection and adjustment, rear sprocket and hub maintenance, driveshaft and U-joint (if applicable to specific sub-models).
Suspension:
Front fork service (oil changes, seal replacement, spring inspection), rear shock absorber maintenance and replacement, swingarm bearing inspection.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system overhaul, hydraulic fluid replacement, caliper service, master cylinder rebuilding, brake pad inspection and replacement.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams (schematics), lighting system (headlamp, taillamp, turn signals), charging system (generator/alternator, regulator), battery maintenance, starter motor service, horn, instrument cluster diagnostics.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank inspection, fuel lines, fuel valve service, carburetor tuning and rebuilding, fuel pump operation (if equipped).
Frame And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, body panel removal and installation, seat mounting, fairing (if equipped) service, fender maintenance, exhaust system installation and torque specifications.
Controls:
Handlebar controls (throttle, clutch, brake levers), foot controls (shifter, brake pedal), cable adjustment and replacement.
Maintenance:
Regular scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, chain/belt adjustment, brake fluid flush, battery checks, tire pressure checks.
Repair:
Component-level repair and replacement for all major systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, electrical troubleshooting, brake system repairs.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical fault finding.
Tuning And Adjustment:
Engine timing adjustment, carburetor jetting and synchronization, ignition timing, clutch and cable adjustments.
Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, and other critical parameters.
Depth:
Comprehensive rebuild procedures, detailed diagnostic flowcharts, factory-level technical information.
Detail Level:
Step-by-step instructions with accompanying diagrams and illustrations.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin, OHV (Overhead Valve)
Displacement:
73.7 cu in (1208 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
3.4375 in x 4.25 in (87.3 mm x 108 mm)
Compression Ratio:
Approximately 8.0:1 to 8.5:1 (depending on specific year/variant)
Valve Train:
Pushrod operated, two valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
Approximately 50-60 HP @ 5000-5500 RPM (estimated, official figures often not released publicly)
Torque:
Approximately 60-70 ft-lbs @ 3000-4000 RPM (estimated)
Carburetor:
Single Keihin butterfly or Bing slide carburetor (specific model varies by year)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane minimum (RON+MON)/2 = 87
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4 US quarts (3.8 Liters) including filter
Oil Type Specification:
API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 recommended for most conditions.
Type:
4-speed constant mesh, foot-shifted
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios vary slightly by year but typically: 1st: ~9.0:1, 2nd: ~6.0:1, 3rd: ~4.0:1, 4th: ~3.0:1 (approximate)
Clutch:
Wet, multi-plate, cable-actuated
Primary Drive:
Primary chain drive (single row, 1970-1976), Primary belt drive (1977-1978, with primary chain option still available).
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approximately 1 US pint (0.5 Liters)
Transmission Oil Type:
API GL-4, SAE 80W-90 Gear Oil or Harley-Davidson Manual Transmission Lubricant.
Oil Change:
Every 2,000-3,000 miles or 6 months (recommended by era service manuals).
Transmission Oil Change:
Every 6,000-10,000 miles or 12 months.
Primary Drive Check:
Check belt/chain tension at 1,000 miles, then every 2,000-3,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 5,000-10,000 miles, depending on plug type and condition.
Fork Oil Type:
Motorcycle fork oil, SAE 10W or 15W typically.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (for hydraulic systems).
Shifter Pawl:
Potential wear or breakage of the transmission shift pawl leading to shifting problems.
Oil Leaks:
Commonly associated with Shovelhead engines, requiring regular gasket and seal checks (e.g., primary, transmission, rocker boxes).
Generator/Regulator:
Early charging systems (generators and mechanical regulators) can be prone to failure or require frequent adjustment.
Carburetor Tuning:
Carburetors can require frequent adjustments due to wear or environmental factors, impacting idle and throttle response.
Ignition Points:
Points and condenser ignition systems require periodic cleaning, gapping, and replacement for optimal performance.