🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

Super Glide FXE

Year:

1978

Product Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1978 Harley-Davidson FXE Super Glide represented a significant evolution in the Big Twin lineup, blending the rigid frame of the FL models with the performance-oriented styling of the Sportster, creating a potent cruiser appealing to a wide range of riders seeking power and distinctive American styling.

Competitors:

While the FXE was uniquely Harley-Davidson, its performance and touring capabilities positioned it against other large displacement motorcycles of the era, though few offered the same blend of brute force and iconic American heritage.

Features:

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this era of service manual)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Print (likely a bound document)

Digital Availability:

While the product is described as a print manual, digital versions (PDF) are often available for this type of vintage service documentation. This specific listing refers to a print product.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Shovelhead engine, lubrication, cooling (air-cooled), ignition system, carburetor systems (likely Keihin or Linkert), exhaust system, starting system.

Transmission Systems:

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

Chassis Systems:

Frame construction, front fork (likely FL-style with dual front dampers), rear suspension (swingarm with twin shock absorbers), steering head bearings, wheel bearings.

Electrical Systems:

Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (generator/alternator), lighting (headlight, taillight, turn signals), ignition switch, starter motor, instrumentation.

Brake Systems:

Front and rear brake mechanisms (likely drum brakes front and rear or early disc front/drum rear), brake fluid, hydraulic lines, adjustment procedures.

Fuel Systems:

Fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel petcock, carburetor tuning and rebuilding, air cleaner assembly.

Maintenance Procedures:

Repair Procedures:

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic diagnosis of common problems with suggested remedies.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Includes detailed wiring diagrams and step-by-step troubleshooting procedures for electrical faults.

Torque Specifications:

Provides specific torque values for critical fasteners throughout the motorcycle.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagrams and specifications.

Diagrams And Illustrations:

Extensive use of exploded view diagrams, schematics, and service illustrations to guide repair processes.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Print

Print Quality:

Professional quality printing, typically on durable paper suitable for workshop use.

Durability:

Designed for workshop use, with durable paper and binding to withstand grease, oil, and frequent handling.

Binding Type:

Stapled or bound, designed for lay-flat use.

Paper Type:

Durable, often glossy or semi-gloss paper to withstand workshop environments and repeated handling.

Manual Completeness:

Comprehensive factory service manual providing full repair and maintenance procedures, specifications, and diagrams.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

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

Engine Displacement:

73.77 cubic inches (1208 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

3.4375 in. x 4.00 in. (87.31 mm x 101.6 mm)

Compression Ratio:

Approximately 8.0:1

Horsepower:

Estimated 60-65 HP (at crankshaft, specific figures often varied)

Torque:

Estimated 75-80 lb-ft (at crankshaft, specific figures often varied)

Carburetor:

Typically a Keihin butterfly carburetor (e.g., 38mm) or a Linkert carburetor depending on specific build date and market. The manual would cover the exact fitted type.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (high octane recommended)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approximately 4.0 US gallons (15.1 liters)

Fuel Delivery:

Gravity feed from fuel tank via petcock to carburetor.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed, constant mesh, foot shift, hand clutch

Options:

No significant optional transmissions for this model in 1978.

Clutch Type:

Wet multi-plate

Primary Drive:

Chain drive (from engine crankshaft to transmission input shaft)

Final Drive:

Chain drive (from transmission output shaft to rear wheel)

Transmission Fluid Type:

Harley-Davidson recommended primary chaincase lubricant or equivalent (e.g., 20W-50 motor oil).

Primary Chaincase Capacity:

Approximately 2.5 US quarts (2.37 liters)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 62.5 inches (1588 mm)

Length:

Approximately 89.5 inches (2273 mm)

Seat Height:

Approximately 29.5 inches (749 mm) (unladen)

Dry Weight:

Approximately 550-575 lbs (249-261 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Not typically specified for this era of motorcycle in the same way as cars, but based on frame and suspension limits.

Front Tire Size:

Typically 3.50-19 or 4.00-19

Rear Tire Size:

Typically 4.00-18 or 5.00-16

Front Wheel:

Typically 19-inch spoke or cast wheel

Rear Wheel:

Typically 18-inch spoke or cast wheel

Bolt Pattern:

N/A (hub mounted)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

Motorcycles of this era were not subject to formal crash testing and ratings like modern automobiles.

Active Safety:

Passive Safety:

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Systems:

None (basic analog instrumentation)

Instrumentation:

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 2,500-3,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Manual will specify.

Primary Chain Adjustment:

As needed, but generally checked every 5,000 miles. Manual will detail specific procedure.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Recommended every 5,000-10,000 miles. Manual will specify plug type and gap.

Tire Pressure Check:

Monthly or before long rides.

Engine Oil Type:

Harley-Davidson 20W-50 or equivalent motorcycle-specific oil.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 3.0 US quarts (2.84 liters) with filter change.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific caliper requirements if front disc is present).

Common Issues And Considerations:

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer renowned for its powerful V-twin engines, distinctive styling, and a rich history in motorcycling, including racing and military applications.

Evolution:

The FXE (often part of the 'Super Glide' family) evolved from earlier Harley-Davidson Big Twin designs. The 'FX' designation typically indicated a blend of frame styles and engine options. The 1978 model year saw continued refinement of the Shovelhead engine and chassis, incorporating features that balanced performance and rider comfort for the era.

Production Years:

The FXE model designation was in production for several years in the 1970s and 1980s. Specific Super Glide FXE variants existed throughout this period.

Manufacturing Location:

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The Super Glide FXE is recognized as a classic American motorcycle, celebrated for its powerful performance and iconic styling that cemented Harley-Davidson's legacy in the cruiser market.