Positioning:
The Electra Glide established the 'bagger' segment and defined the full-dress touring motorcycle. This manual covers a pivotal era in its development.
Competitors Era:
While Harley-Davidson dominated the large-displacement American V-twin market, touring capabilities were distinct. Competitors might include Indian motorcycles in earlier years, but by the 1960s, Harley-Davidson was largely unchallenged in its segment.
Key Features Model:
Large V-twin engine, comfortable touring ergonomics, integrated fairing and saddlebags (Electra Glide designation), long-distance capability.
Key Features Manual:
Official factory repair data, essential for accurate diagnosis, maintenance, and restoration of these classic machines.
Engine:
Panhead (74ci/1200cc OHV V-twin) and Shovelhead (74ci/1200cc OHV V-twin) engines, including disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of all internal components, cooling systems, lubrication systems.
Transmission:
4-speed constant mesh manual transmission, including clutch, gearbox disassembly, assembly, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Electrical System:
Ignition system (magneto, battery ignition), lighting systems (headlight, tail light, turn signals), charging system (generator, voltage regulator), starter system, wiring diagrams, component testing and repair.
Fuel System:
Carburetor (e.g., Linkert, Keihin), fuel tanks, fuel lines, fuel pump (if applicable), adjustment and troubleshooting.
Brakes:
Front and rear drum brake systems, including adjustment, component replacement, and hydraulic system maintenance (where applicable).
Suspension:
Front fork (leading link/hydra-glide, later telescopic forks), rear swingarm suspension, shock absorbers, bearings, and bushings. Adjustment and service procedures.
Frame And Body:
Frame inspection, welding, alignment, body panel removal and installation, fairing (Electra-Glide specific) repair and mounting.
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel hub maintenance, spoke replacement, bearing service, tire fitting and balancing, rim specifications.
Controls:
Handlebar controls, throttle and clutch cables, brake levers, foot controls, shift lever, and linkages.
Accessories:
Information on factory-installed accessories such as radio, luggage systems, and fairing components as relevant to repair and maintenance.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, ignition timing, carburetor tuning, brake adjustments, tire pressure checks.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues related to engine performance, electrical faults, starting problems, braking issues, and more, often with symptom-based guides.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, and reassembly of all major and minor components.
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures, including critical tolerances, specifications, and part measurements.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive, factory-quality wiring diagrams illustrating all electrical circuits and component connections.
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Covers routine maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostics.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed fault finding charts, troubleshooting trees, and explanations of how systems should function, enabling accurate diagnosis of issues.
Special Tools:
Identification of specialized tools required for specific procedures, including measurements and part numbers where applicable.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin
Displacement Early Years:
74 cubic inches (1200cc)
Engine Designation Early:
Panhead (FL)
Engine Designation Late:
Shovelhead (later models from 1966 onwards, initially as a 74ci, then expanded displacement)
Bore X Stroke:
Approximately 3.4375 in. x 4.00 in. (87.3 mm x 101.6 mm) for 74ci
Compression Ratio Approx:
7.0:1 to 8.0:1 (varies by year and tune)
Horsepower Approx:
50-60 HP (est.) at peak RPM, but torque is the defining characteristic.
Torque Approx:
Significant low-end torque, estimated 70-80 ft-lbs.
Carburetor Examples:
Linkert M-Series (e.g., M-74B, M-74) for most of the period, transitioning to Keihin butterfly carburetors on Shovelhead models.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (modern equivalent suitable for classic engines, often with octane booster).
Oil System:
Dry sump lubrication system with an external oil tank.
Oil Type Specification:
Specific Harley-Davidson approved oils or equivalent (e.g., HD 360 20W-50 for similar era engines). Manual will specify correct viscosity and API service classification.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 2,000-3,000 miles (3,200-4,800 km) or annually, whichever comes first, though vintage recommendations varied. Manual will confirm.
Primary Chain Adjust:
Check and adjust primary chain tension regularly, often at oil change intervals. Manual will specify tolerance.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically at 5,000-10,000 miles (8,000-16,000 km) or as needed based on condition. Manual will specify correct spark plugs.
Ignition Timing Check:
Check and adjust periodically, especially if experiencing performance issues. Manual will provide procedure and specifications.
Engine Oil Specification:
As mentioned, specific HD-approved oil (e.g., 20W-50) or equivalent. Manual is the definitive source.
Transmission Oil Specification:
Dedicated gear oil for Harley-Davidson 4-speed transmissions. Manual will list part numbers or specs.
Brake Fluid Type:
If hydraulic brakes are present, likely DOT 3 or DOT 4. Drum brakes may not use fluid. Manual is essential.
Known Issues General:
Leaking oil seals (especially crank seals), worn valve guides, carburetor tuning issues, charging system (generator/regulator) reliability, wear on shift components, and general wear and tear on older components.
Common Restoration Tasks:
Rebuilding carburetors, replacing generator with alternator, upgrading ignition systems, servicing forks and shocks, addressing electrical wiring degradation, and replacing worn engine/transmission bearings.
Brand Heritage:
Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, has a long history of producing large-displacement V-twin motorcycles, known for their durability and distinctive sound. The company is an icon of American motorcycling.
Model Evolution:
The Electra Glide designation was first applied in 1965, building upon the foundation of the Duo-Glide (1958-1964) and Hydra-Glide (1949-1957) models. Key changes during this period include the introduction of the Shovelhead engine in 1966 and advancements in frame design and suspension.
Production Period:
1959-1969 for this specific manual coverage. The Electra Glide lineage continues to the present day.
Key Production Milestones:
Introduction of the Electra Glide name (1965), introduction of the Shovelhead engine (1966).