🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

Super Glide (SS)

Model Code:

FXE (often associated with Super Glide models of this era)

Production Years Covered:

1974, 1975, 1976

Manual Product Code:

Likely an internal or specific service manual identifier, not explicitly stated but inferred from 'WSM Service Manual Repair'

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Cruiser motorcycle, performance-oriented model within the Harley-Davidson lineup of the era.

Competitors Era:

Other large displacement V-twins from American and European manufacturers, as well as Japanese models attempting to capture the performance cruiser market.

Vehicle Engine Type:

Shovelhead V-twin engine, known for its character and torque.

Vehicle Design Philosophy:

A blend of classic Harley-Davidson styling with a focus on performance and rider comfort for extended rides.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides essential, factory-accurate information for maintaining and repairing a classic Harley-Davidson motorcycle, crucial for preserving its value and operational integrity.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual (WSM - Workshop Service Manual)

Language:

English

Format:

Likely printed book (traditional for this era), but often digitized into PDF

Estimated Page Count:

300-500 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this vintage)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Shovelhead Engine (e.g., 74ci/1200cc OHV V-twin), including disassembly, assembly, troubleshooting, and diagnostics.

Fuel System:

Carburetor systems (e.g., Keihin butterfly, Linkert), fuel pumps, fuel lines, and tank servicing.

Ignition System:

Contact breaker points ignition, spark plugs, coils, wiring, timing procedures.

Transmission:

4-speed constant mesh transmission, clutch system, primary drive, chain adjustment and replacement.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator/generator), battery, lighting, starter motor, horn, accessory circuits.

Braking System:

Front and rear drum brakes (e.g., Teardrop front, Flanged rear), brake shoe replacement, adjustments, hydraulic systems if applicable.

Suspension:

Front fork (e.g., Showa or original design) servicing, rear shock absorbers, swingarm pivot, lubrication.

Chassis Frame:

Frame inspection, alignment, steering head bearing service, wheel bearings.

Bodywork:

Fender removal/installation, fuel tank servicing, seat mounting, control cable routing, handlebar adjustments.

Wheels Tires:

Wheel spoke tensioning, tire replacement, wheel balancing (basic).

Preventative Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, lubrication points, fluid changes, filter replacements, chain care.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts and procedures for common performance issues, electrical faults, and mechanical failures.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, overhaul, repair, and reinstallation.

Rebuilds:

Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilds.

Adjustments:

Carburetor adjustment, ignition timing, clutch and brake cable adjustments, suspension preload.

Specifications Charts:

Torque specifications, clearance measurements, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Suitable for professional mechanics and experienced enthusiasts.

Diagnostic Capability:

Detailed diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving mechanical and electrical problems.

Rebuild Instructions:

Factory-level rebuild instructions for major components.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Quality:

If digitized, expect clear scans of original pages, potentially searchable text if OCR applied. Quality varies based on the source digitization.

Print Quality Original:

Factory print quality, typically black and white diagrams and text on good quality paper.

Binding Type Original:

Likely bound with staples or sewn and glued spine for durability.

Paper Type Original:

Durable paper stock suitable for workshop environments.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family:

Shovelhead

Engine Displacement:

74 cubic inches (approx. 1200cc)

Engine Configuration:

45-degree V-twin, overhead valve (OHV)

Bore X Stroke:

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

Compression Ratio:

Approximately 8.0:1 (varies slightly by year/model)

Horsepower Est:

55-65 HP (at crankshaft, estimated)

Torque Est:

75-85 lb-ft (at crankshaft, estimated)

Carburetor Type:

Keihin butterfly, or potentially Linkert on earlier models transitioning to Shovelhead.

Fuel Delivery:

Gravity feed from tank via fuel valve and carburetor, or mechanical fuel pump.

Recommended Fuel:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (minimum, check manual for specifics)

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 3 quarts (2.8 liters) of 20W50 motorcycle oil (check manual for exact spec and type).

Oil Filter Type:

Internal screen filter (engine oil is also transmission and primary chain oil).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed constant mesh

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios will be detailed in the manual, but typical for 4-speed H-D.

Clutch Type:

Wet, multi-plate

Primary Drive:

Duplex chain drive from crankshaft to clutch basket.

Transmission Fluid:

Engine oil (20W50) is typically used in the transmission and primary drive.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 60.5 inches (1537 mm)

Length:

Approximately 88.5 inches (2248 mm)

Dry Weight Est:

Around 550-600 lbs (249-272 kg)

Fuel Capacity:

Typically 4.0 gallons (15.1 liters) for the main tank.

🛡️ Safety Features

Vehicle Safety Ratings:

Motorcycles of this era were not subject to standardized crash test ratings like modern cars. Safety features were primarily passive and rider-dependent.

Braking System Type:

Dual disc front brake system was becoming more common, or single disc with rear drum. The SS often featured a disc front and drum rear.

Lighting System:

Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals, all powered by the charging system.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Systems:

No modern infotainment systems. Basic analogue instrumentation (speedometer, tachometer optional, oil pressure gauge, ammeter).

Driver Assistance Features:

None. Rider assistance relies on rider skill and basic motorcycle controls.

Connectivity Features:

No connectivity features. Systems are purely mechanical and electrical.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 2,000-3,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first (check manual for exact recommendation).

Primary Chain Adjustment:

Every 2,000-4,000 miles (check manual).

Spark Plug Replacement:

As needed, or typically every 5,000-10,000 miles (check manual).

Engine Oil Specification:

Harley-Davidson recommends 20W50 motorcycle specific oil. Prior to synthetic oils, conventional oils were standard.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 if hydraulic brakes are present (check manual for specific type).

Oil Leaks:

Common due to aged seals and gaskets. Manual will detail seal replacement procedures.

Carburetor Tuning:

Shovelhead carburetors can require frequent adjustment and cleaning. Manual covers tuning and rebuilds.

Electrical Connections:

Corrosion and loose connections can lead to intermittent issues. Manual includes wiring diagrams for troubleshooting.

Carb Spill Control:

Early Shovelheads could experience fuel spills from the carb if the float needle or bowl was faulty. Manual addresses carburetor servicing.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Foundation:

Harley-Davidson Motor Company, founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1903, is one of the longest-standing motorcycle manufacturers.

Shovelhead Introduction:

The Shovelhead engine was introduced in 1966, replacing the Panhead. The 'SS' designation often referred to a Super Glide variant, known for its blend of style and performance.

Production Period:

The 1974-1976 models represent a key phase in the evolution of the Shovelhead era, leading up to the introduction of the belt-drive Softail and Evolution engines.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Vehicle Recognitions:

While specific awards for the 1974-1976 SS models are not commonly cited in the way modern vehicles are, these bikes are highly regarded by enthusiasts for their classic styling and the raw, visceral riding experience of the Shovelhead era. They are often featured in vintage motorcycle shows and publications.