Model:
Electra Glide FL, FLH 1200, Super Glide FX, FXE, FXS 1200
Model Variant:
Electra Glide, Super Glide
Product Name:
Harley Davidson Electra Glide FL FLH 1200 Super Glide FX FXE FXS 1200 Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980
Engine Code:
Shovelhead (93.3 cu in / 1524cc)
Target Audience:
Harley-Davidson owners, independent repair shops, motorcycle mechanics specializing in vintage American V-twins.
Value Proposition:
Essential resource for maintaining, repairing, and restoring iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycles from the 1970s and early 1980s.
Uniqueness:
Covers a broad range of critical models and years with detailed technical information crucial for vintage bike owners.
Completeness:
The 'Complete' designation indicates comprehensive coverage across all major mechanical and electrical systems.
Historical Relevance:
Focuses on a pivotal era for Harley-Davidson, the Shovelhead era, known for its distinctive styling and performance characteristics.
Years Covered:
1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980
Estimated Page Count:
500+
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine:
Complete disassembly, assembly, inspection, diagnosis, repair, tuning of the 1200cc Shovelhead engine (including cylinders, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshaft, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system - air).
Transmission:
4-speed constant mesh transmission; disassembly, assembly, adjustment, repair, gear diagnosis, clutch service, primary drive.
Fuel System:
Carburetor service (Keihin Butterfly, Linkert CV); fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump (if applicable), fuel filter replacement, troubleshooting.
Electrical System:
Ignition system (points, condenser, coil); charging system (generator/alternator, regulator); lighting system (headlight, taillight, turn signals, brake light); starting system (starter motor, solenoid); wiring diagrams for all model years and variations.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system maintenance and repair (drum and disc brakes depending on model/year); hydraulic system bleeding, brake pad/shoe replacement, caliper/wheel cylinder overhaul.
Suspension:
Front fork service (telescopic forks); rear shock absorber replacement and adjustment; swingarm pivot service.
Frame And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, steering head bearing service, mounting points, body panel removal and installation, fairing (if equipped) service.
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing replacement, tire mounting and balancing, spoke wheel maintenance.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, chain adjustment (if applicable), lubrication points, battery care.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts and procedures for common running issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems.
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, suspension fork rebuilds, electrical system component replacement.
Component Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for rebuilding carburetors, starters, generators, regulators, brake calipers, and other key components.
Adjustments:
Carburetor tuning, ignition timing adjustment, clutch cable adjustment, brake linkage adjustment.
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds).
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed troubleshooting guides for identifying root causes of mechanical and electrical issues.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Precise technical specifications, torque values, clearances, and wear limits for all major components.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin, OHV (Overhead Valve)
Displacement:
74 cu in (1208 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
3.4375 in x 4.25 in (87.3 mm x 108.0 mm)
Compression Ratio:
8.0:1 (typical, may vary)
Engine Family:
Shovelhead
Horsepower:
Approx. 60-65 hp @ 5500 RPM (estimated, varies by tuning and model year)
Torque:
Approx. 70-75 ft-lbs @ 3500 RPM (estimated, varies by tuning and model year)
Carburetor Type:
Keihin Butterfly (early models), Keihin Constant Velocity (CV) later models, some Linkert variants.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (minimum 87 octane, premium recommended for optimal performance and longevity)
Fuel Delivery:
Gravity feed from tank (unless equipped with factory or aftermarket fuel pump)
Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson SAE 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil or equivalent (e.g., Castrol GTX 20W-50)
Oil Capacity:
3 US quarts (2.8 L) (including primary chaincase)
Oil Pump:
Internal gear-type pump, driven by camshaft.
Type:
4-speed Constant Mesh
Gear Ratios:
Typically: 1st: 10.11:1, 2nd: 6.57:1, 3rd: 4.81:1, 4th: 3.75:1 (ratios may vary slightly by year/model)
Primary Drive:
Multi-plate, wet clutch, driven by a silent chain.
Type Optional:
N/A for this period and models
Clutch:
Cable-actuated, multi-plate wet clutch.
Transmission Oil:
Harley-Davidson Primary Chaincase Lubricant or SAE 50W motorcycle gear oil.
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approx. 1 US quart (0.95 L)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 60.5 inches (1537 mm)
Length:
Approx. 88 inches (2235 mm)
Height:
Approx. 52 inches (1320 mm) (handlebar height)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 600-650 lbs (272-295 kg) (varies by model)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1000 lbs (453 kg) (estimated)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
4.0 US gallons (15.1 L)
Front Tire Size:
3.50 x 16 inches (typical)
Rear Tire Size:
4.00 x 18 inches (typical)
Wheel Type:
Spoked wheels with chrome rims
Bolt Pattern:
N/A (spoked wheels with hub-mounted bearings)
Safety Standards:
Designed to meet DOT standards for motorcycle lighting and signaling.
Braking System:
Front disc brake (from early 1970s), rear drum brake. Later models and variations may have dual front discs or rear disc brakes.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, taillight, stoplight, turn signals, and indicator lights.
Frame Construction:
Heavy-duty steel frame designed for stability and load carrying.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 2,000-3,000 miles (3,200-4,800 km) or annually, whichever comes first.
Primary Oil Change Interval:
Every 4,000-6,000 miles (6,400-9,600 km), or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 5,000-10,000 miles (8,000-16,000 km), depending on plug type and wear.
Chain Adjustment:
Every 1,000 miles (1,600 km) for primary chain.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil (e.g., HD-360, Valvoline 20W-50, Castrol 4T 20W-50).
Primary Chaincase Oil Specification:
Harley-Davidson Primary Chaincase Lubricant or SAE 50W Motorcycle Gear Oil.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (for disc brake models).
Fork Oil Specification:
Typically SAE 10W or SAE 15W fork oil, consult manual for precise weight.
Oil Leaks:
Common due to aging seals, gaskets, and rocker box covers. Regular inspection and tightening are necessary.
Carburetor Issues:
Keihin CV and Butterfly carburetors can require frequent tuning and jetting adjustments due to fuel variability and wear.
Electrical Reliability:
Older wiring, charging systems (especially generators), and ignition components can be points of failure requiring careful maintenance.
Engine Vibration:
Shovelhead engines are known for inherent vibration; proper engine mounts and balancing are key.
Kickstart Mechanism:
While electric start was available, the kickstart can be challenging and requires proper technique; it also needs regular lubrication and adjustment.
Brand Legacy:
Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer renowned for its V-twin engines, cruisers, and touring bikes.
Shovelhead Era:
The Shovelhead engine, introduced in 1966, replaced the Panhead and was a significant design iteration, known for its distinctive rocker box covers. This manual covers the latter half of its production run.
Electra Glide Heritage:
The Electra Glide, introduced in 1965 as the FLHF, was the first Harley-Davidson to feature an electric starter. It evolved into the definitive American touring motorcycle.
Super Glide Introduction:
The Super Glide (FX) was introduced in 1971, featuring a blend of the Electra Glide's FL frame with the XL Sportster's front end and engine (initially), though this manual focuses on 1200cc FL/FLH and FX/FXE/FXS variants which were all 1200cc Shovelheads.
Manufacturing Location:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Key Period Significance:
This period (1970s) was crucial for Harley-Davidson, facing competition from Japanese manufacturers and internal challenges, leading to significant engineering and styling developments.
