Vehicle Segment:
Full-size touring motorcycle
Target Audience:
Long-distance riders, touring enthusiasts, classic Harley-Davidson owners
Competitors Era:
Indian Chief, Triumph Bonneville T120, Honda Gold Wing (later models), BMW R series
Iconic Status:
One of Harley-Davidson's most recognizable and enduring models
Touring Capability:
Designed for comfort and luggage capacity for long journeys
V-Twin Heritage:
Embodied the signature Harley-Davidson V-twin engine character
Engine:
Full overhaul, top-end, bottom-end, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system (air-cooled specifics)
Transmission:
4-speed constant mesh, clutch assembly, gearbox overhaul, shifting mechanism
Drive Train:
Primary drive (clutch and chain), final drive (belt or chain, depending on specific sub-model/year)
Fuel System:
Carburetor (e.g., Keihin, Linkert), fuel delivery, fuel tank, fuel lines
Electrical System:
Ignition system (points, condenser, coil), charging system (generator/alternator, regulator), lighting, starter motor, battery, wiring diagrams
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (drum or disc depending on year), hydraulic lines, master cylinder, calipers, brake shoes/pads
Suspension:
Front fork (leading axle, springer variations), rear swingarm, shock absorbers, lubrication, and adjustments
Frame And Body:
Frame inspection, alignment, fairings, saddlebags, fenders, mounting hardware
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearings, spokes, tire pressure, mounting, balancing
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, chain adjustment, lubrication points, brake adjustments, tire pressure checks, battery maintenance
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common problems, electrical fault finding, engine performance issues, starting difficulties
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake caliper rebuilds, fork seal replacement, carburetor tuning, electrical component replacement
Installation:
Component replacement, accessory installation guidance (where applicable)
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed fault codes and troubleshooting guides for electrical and mechanical systems
Torque Specifications:
All critical fasteners torqued to factory specifications
Clearances And Tolerances:
Engine component clearances, valve lash specifications, bearing tolerances
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin
Displacement Early:
74 cubic inches (1213cc) - Shovelhead era
Displacement Later:
80 cubic inches (1309cc) - Increased displacement models
Bore Stroke Typical:
3.4375 in. x 4.00 in. (approximate, can vary slightly)
Valve Train:
Overhead valves (OHV), pushrod actuated
Horsepower Approx:
60-70 HP (estimated, varies by tuning and year)
Torque Approx:
75-85 lb-ft (estimated, varies by tuning and year)
Carburetor Types:
Keihin Butterfly, Linkert (earlier models within this range may have seen transitional carburetors)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (recommendations for octane rating are crucial)
Ignition System:
Battery-coil ignition with points and condenser (standard for the era)
Type:
4-speed constant mesh manual
Availability:
N/A (4-speed was standard for this era's Electra Glide)
Clutch:
Wet multi-plate, diaphragm spring clutch
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios detailed in manual, optimized for torque and cruising
Drive Type:
Primary chain drive to transmission, secondary belt or chain drive to rear wheel
Wheelbase:
Approx. 63.2 inches (1605 mm)
Length:
Approx. 94 inches (2388 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55 inches (1397 mm)
Width:
Approx. 35 inches (889 mm) at handlebars
Dry Weight Approx:
Approx. 650-700 lbs (295-318 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Typically around 1000-1100 lbs (454-499 kg)
Saddlebag Capacity:
Significant, designed for touring luggage
Tour Pak Option:
Optional, providing substantial additional storage
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A for motorcycles of this era, focus on mechanical integrity
Braking System:
Dual braking systems (front and rear) with varying disc/drum configurations by year
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals
Frame Construction:
Robust steel frame designed for stability
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 2,000-3,000 miles or 6 months, refer to specific year manual.
Primary Chain Tension:
Check and adjust every 2,000-3,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 5,000-10,000 miles.
Valve Adjustment:
Recommended every 5,000-10,000 miles or as needed based on engine noise.
Engine Oil Type:
Viscosity recommendations vary; typically 20W-50 or 20W-40 motorcycle-specific oil. Consult manual for precise grade and API classification.
Transmission Oil Type:
Dedicated transmission lubricant; specifications vary, consult manual.
Primary Chain Case Oil:
Often shared with transmission or specific primary lubricant; consult manual.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic fluid, depending on caliper type and year.
Fork Oil Type:
Specific weight (e.g., 10W or 15W) motorcycle fork oil.
Electrical Gremlins:
Age-related issues with wiring insulation, connections, and switches are common.
Carburetor Tuning:
Carburetors of this era can be finicky and require regular tuning and cleaning.
Primary Chain Wear:
Wear on the primary chain and compensator sprocket is a common maintenance item.
Oil Leaks:
Aging seals and gaskets can lead to oil leaks, particularly around the engine base and pushrod tubes.
Kickstand Switch Issues:
Intermittent issues with the kickstand safety switch can prevent starting.
Harley Davidson Legacy:
Iconic American motorcycle manufacturer with a long history of V-twin engines and touring bikes.
Electra Glide Origin:
Evolved from the Hydra-Glide and Duo-Glide, becoming Harley-Davidson's premier full-dress touring motorcycle.
Shovelhead Era:
This period (1970-1978) largely coincides with the 'Shovelhead' engine evolution, known for its distinctive sound and torque.
Key Updates In Range:
Improvements in engine displacement (74 to 80ci), braking systems (introduction of discs), transmission refinements, and electrical system upgrades.
Manufacturing Location:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Significance Of Era:
A period of transition and refinement for Harley-Davidson, establishing the Electra Glide as a dominant force in the touring market.
