🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

Electra Glide

Year:

1968

Manual Product Code:

Likely refers to a service manual, though specific product codes are not provided in the input.

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Professional motorcycle technicians, experienced Harley-Davidson enthusiasts, and restorers of vintage motorcycles.

Value Proposition:

Provides essential, accurate information for maintaining and repairing a classic American motorcycle, crucial for preserving its functionality and value.

Accuracy:

Draws from original factory documentation, ensuring technical accuracy for this specific model year.

Completeness:

Covers a wide range of service and repair procedures, aiming to be a definitive resource.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Comprehensive service and repair for the 1968 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide.

Specific Systems Mentioned:

Engine, transmission, chassis, electrical system, brakes, suspension, bodywork.

Estimated Page Count:

Typically 200-400 pages for a comprehensive service manual of this era and model.

Type:

Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed breakdown, disassembly, assembly, tuning, and troubleshooting of the 74 cubic inch (1208cc) Shovelhead V-twin engine. Includes carburetor service (e.g., Linkert M74/M74B, Schebler), ignition system (points, condenser, timing), lubrication system, cooling, and exhaust.

Transmission:

Service and repair of the 4-speed constant mesh gearbox. Includes clutch operation, gear selection mechanisms, bearing inspection, and fluid changes.

Chassis And Suspension:

Front fork (leading-link, springer fork variations for FLH), rear suspension (swingarm, shock absorbers), frame inspection, steering head bearing adjustment.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (generator, regulator), lighting (headlight, tail light, indicators), ignition switch, starter system, horn, and accessory circuits.

Brakes:

Drum brake systems (front and rear), brake shoe replacement, brake linkage adjustment, and fluid (if applicable to any secondary systems, though most were mechanical).

Bodywork And Trim:

Fender mounting, fuel tank installation, seat assembly, fairing (if equipped), saddlebags, and basic body panel alignment.

Maintenance:

Regular servicing, lubrication schedules, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug maintenance, chain adjustment (if applicable to models with chain final drive, though most Electra Glides were belt or shaft by this point, but checking is prudent).

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common starting issues, engine performance problems, electrical faults, and transmission noise.

Repair And Rebuild:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for major component disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, and reassembly.

Adjustment And Calibration:

Carburetor tuning, ignition timing, clutch adjustment, brake linkage, and suspension settings.

Depth:

Professional-level diagnostic and repair information, suitable for experienced mechanics and serious enthusiasts undertaking complex repairs or full restorations.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Quality:

Assumed to be high-resolution scans of original factory manuals, providing clear text and diagrams for effective use.

Searchability:

PDF format typically allows for text search, significantly improving the user's ability to locate specific information quickly.

Binding:

N/A (Digital download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled V-twin, OHV (Overhead Valve)

Displacement:

73.7 cubic inches (1208 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

3.4375 in. x 4.25 in. (87.3 mm x 108 mm)

Compression Ratio:

Approximately 7.0:1 to 8.0:1 (varies with specific models and configurations)

Horsepower:

Estimated 50-60 HP (at flywheel, varies by tune and specific engine build)

Torque:

Estimated 60-70 lb-ft (at crankshaft, varies by tune and specific engine build)

Carburetor Type:

Typically Linkert M74B or Schebler, often dual-throat on FLH models.

Fuel Type:

Leaded gasoline, octane rating appropriate for the era (e.g., 86-90 octane).

Ignition Type:

Contact breaker points, coil ignition system.

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 3-4 quarts (US) for the dry-sump system, plus oil in the transmission.

Oil Type:

Harley-Davidson 50W motorcycle oil (or equivalent straight-weight oil like SAE 50).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed constant mesh, foot-shifted with hand clutch.

Optional Transmission:

N/A for 1968 Electra Glide standard models; this was a unified platform.

Clutch Type:

Wet, multi-plate, cable-operated.

Transmission Oil Capacity:

Approximately 1 quart (US) of Harley-Davidson transmission lubricant or equivalent gear oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 61.5 inches (1562 mm)

Length:

Approximately 90-94 inches (2286-2388 mm)

Height:

Varies with fairing and handlebars, typically around 50-55 inches (1270-1397 mm).

Dry Weight:

Approximately 600-650 lbs (272-295 kg)

Fuel Capacity:

Approximately 4.0 gallons (15.1 liters)

Front Tire Size:

Typically 3.50-19 or 4.00-19

Rear Tire Size:

Typically 4.00-18 or 4.00-19

Wheel Type:

Spoked wheels, typically chrome steel rims.

Bolt Pattern:

Not applicable in the automotive sense; wheel hubs are specific to the motorcycle.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Safety Ratings:

N/A (Motorcycles of this era were not subject to standardized crash testing and ratings as seen in modern automobiles).

Active Safety:

Braking system (front and rear drum brakes), rider skill and attentiveness.

Passive Safety:

Robust frame construction, rider protective gear (helmet, apparel).

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Systems:

N/A (This era of motorcycle predates modern infotainment systems. Features would be limited to basic radio, if optionally fitted).

Driver Assistance Features:

N/A (No electronic driver assistance systems were present.)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 2,000-3,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically at 5,000-10,000 mile intervals, or as needed based on inspection.

Transmission Oil Change:

Every 5,000-7,000 miles or annually.

Lubrication Points:

Regular greasing of pivot points, steering head bearings, and other chassis lubrication points as per manual.

Engine Oil:

Harley-Davidson 50W motorcycle oil or equivalent straight-weight SAE 50.

Transmission Oil:

Harley-Davidson Transmission Lubricant or SAE 80W-90 gear oil.

Primary Chain Case Oil:

Often shared oil with the transmission or separate, typically similar gear oil specification.

Common Problems:

Shovelhead engine oil leaks (common for the era), carburetor tuning issues, electrical system reliability (generator charging, regulator function), starter clutch wear, and transmission shifting difficulties if not properly maintained.

Wear Items:

Brake shoes, clutch plates, wheel bearings, fork seals, and control cables are common wear items requiring periodic inspection and replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Legacy:

Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer known for its powerful V-twin engines and touring motorcycles.

Electra Glide Lineage:

The Electra Glide, introduced in 1965 as the FL Hydra-Glide, was Harley-Davidson's first large-displacement, all-purpose touring motorcycle. The 1968 model year saw the introduction of the 'Shovelhead' engine, a significant mechanical update.

Manufacturing Location:

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Key Production Period:

The Shovelhead engine variant was produced from 1966 through 1983.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Recognition:

The Electra Glide line is a benchmark in motorcycle touring, often considered the definitive American touring motorcycle. Its Shovelhead engine variant is a significant milestone in Harley-Davidson's mechanical history.

Consumer Ratings:

Highly regarded by enthusiasts for its comfort, cruising capability, and classic styling.

Certification:

N/A (Certifications are not applicable to aftermarket service manuals.)