🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

Electra Glide

Year:

1959

👋 Introduction

Era Significance:

Represents a pivotal year for Harley-Davidson, marking the introduction of the Panhead engine which would define the brand for decades. The Electra Glide nameplate itself became synonymous with premium touring motorcycles.

Competitors 1959:

Primarily competed against other large displacement American V-twin motorcycles, though its touring focus differentiated it from sportier models.

Model Focus:

Designed as a comfortable, long-distance touring motorcycle, featuring substantial bodywork, comfortable seating, and luggage carrying capabilities.

Manual Purpose:

Empowers owners and independent mechanics with the detailed knowledge required to maintain, diagnose, and repair the 1959 Electra Glide to factory specifications.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital File (PDF)

Estimated Content:

Contains detailed diagrams, exploded views, torque specifications, and diagnostic flowcharts crucial for accurate repair.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Full engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly, including cylinder heads, cylinders, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshaft, and valve train.

Fuel System:

Carburetor (Linkert M-series) service, adjustment, and overhaul; fuel lines, fuel tank, and fuel pump (if applicable).

Ignition System:

Magneto ignition system servicing, timing, spark plug replacement, and troubleshooting.

Transmission:

4-speed constant mesh gearbox service, including clutch, gears, shift drum, and bearings.

Drivetrain:

Primary drive chain, clutch, and final drive belt inspection, adjustment, and replacement.

Chassis Frame:

Frame inspection, maintenance, and repair, including steering head bearing service.

Suspension:

Front fork (leading link) overhaul, oil replacement, and adjustment; rear shock absorber inspection and replacement.

Braking System:

Front and rear drum brake service, including shoe replacement, adjustment, and linkage lubrication.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, generator and regulator servicing, battery maintenance, lighting (headlight, taillight, indicators), horn, and switches.

Bodywork:

Fenders, fuel tank, seat, and fairing (if equipped) removal, installation, and minor repair.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, chain lubrication, brake adjustments, tire pressure checks, and spark plug replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common starting, running, electrical, and braking issues.

Component Rebuild:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for rebuilding the engine, carburetor, transmission, and other key components.

Adjustments:

Carburetor idle and mixture adjustments, ignition timing, clutch engagement, brake linkage, and throttle cable adjustments.

Inspection:

Comprehensive inspection guidelines for all major mechanical and electrical systems, wear limits, and critical torque values.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical system schematics for accurate diagnosis and repair.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced troubleshooting guides and diagnostic charts to identify root causes of mechanical and electrical failures.

Rebuild Procedures:

Complete step-by-step rebuild instructions for major engine, transmission, and driveline components, including tolerances and specifications.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage guidelines for specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.

Completeness:

Comprehensive, covering nearly all aspects of the vehicle requiring maintenance or repair, from basic adjustments to full engine rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Fully searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Print Quality:

High-resolution scanned pages, optimized for clear printing.

Page Count:

Estimated 300-500 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin, OHV (Overhead Valve)

Engine Family:

Panhead

Displacement:

74 cubic inches (1208cc)

Bore X Stroke:

3.4375 in x 4.00 in (87.3 mm x 101.6 mm)

Compression Ratio:

Approximately 7.0:1 (varies slightly by specific model/tuning)

Horsepower:

Approximately 50-55 hp @ 4800 rpm (estimated)

Torque:

Approximately 65-70 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (estimated)

Carburetor Model:

Linkert M-series (typically M74B)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (octane rating as per manual recommendation for the era, likely 87 AKI or higher).

Fuel Delivery:

Gravity feed from tank to carburetor.

Oil Type:

Harley-Davidson recommends specific motorcycle oil (e.g., SAE 50 or 60 for the period, often mineral-based).

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 5 US quarts (4.7 liters) for engine and transmission combined (common for this era).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

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

Clutch Type:

Wet multi-plate clutch operated by handlebar lever.

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios will be detailed in the manual but typically designed for strong low-end torque and cruising.

Transmission Fluid:

Harley-Davidson recommends specific transmission oil (often the same as engine oil for combined primary/transmission lubrication).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 60.5 inches (1537 mm).

Length:

Approximately 91 inches (2311 mm).

Width:

Approximately 35 inches (889 mm) at handlebars.

Dry Weight:

Approximately 600-650 lbs (272-295 kg) (depending on equipment).

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Standards:

No formal safety ratings as known today. Emphasis on rider control and robust mechanical components.

Braking System Type:

Drum brakes, front and rear.

Frame Construction:

Heavy-duty steel frame designed for stability and load carrying.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

N/A (Focus on core mechanical and electrical functionality, no factory-installed infotainment systems).

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 1000-2000 miles or annually, whichever comes first (refer to specific manual for exact recommendation).

Transmission Oil Change:

Typically coincide with engine oil changes, as they often share lubrication.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 5000-10000 miles, or as needed based on inspection.

Clutch Adjustment:

As needed, typically when clutch lever play changes significantly (check for about 1/2 inch free play).

Primary Chain Adjustment:

Every 1000-2000 miles or as needed.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

SAE 50 or SAE 60 motorcycle-specific mineral oil.

Transmission Oil Viscosity:

SAE 50 or SAE 60 motorcycle-specific mineral oil (often the same as engine oil).

Fork Oil Type:

Specific suspension oil or light mineral oil as recommended in the manual (viscosity will vary).

Oil Leaks:

Common in older V-twins due to gasket aging and crankcase sealing; requires regular inspection and potential gasket replacement.

Carburetor Tuning:

Linkert carburetors can be finicky and require precise adjustment for optimal performance and idle stability.

Electrical Reliability:

Original electrical systems (generator, regulator) can be prone to wear; upgrades may be considered for improved reliability.

Brake Performance:

Drum brakes offer adequate stopping power but require regular adjustment and maintenance; modern brake upgrades are a common modification.

📚 Vehicle History

Founding Year:

1903

Legacy:

Harley-Davidson is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer known for its V-twin engines and distinctive styling, deeply ingrained in American culture.

Electra Glide Introduction:

The 'Glide' series, including the Electra Glide, began evolving from earlier Big Twin models, with the 'Electra-Glide' name officially appearing in 1965.

Panhead Engine Era:

The Panhead engine (introduced in 1948) was a significant advancement with its cast aluminum cylinder heads and revised valvetrain, offering improved performance and reliability over the Knucklehead.

Manufacturing Location:

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

Market Context:

This era represented a period of growth for the motorcycle industry, with Harley-Davidson solidifying its position in the large-displacement, premium segment.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Significance:

While not receiving formal awards in the modern sense, the 1959 Electra Glide, powered by the Panhead engine, is recognized as a landmark in motorcycle design and engineering, a cornerstone of Harley-Davidson's enduring legacy.