Market Position:
The 1968 Electra Glide FL represented Harley-Davidson's flagship touring motorcycle, targeting riders who demanded comfort, power, and a substantial presence on the road. It was positioned as a premium, long-distance cruiser.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against other large-displacement motorcycles of the era, although Harley-Davidson held a dominant position in the American touring market. Its closest rivals would have been other Harley-Davidson models and some European touring bikes, but the Electra Glide's V-twin character and robust build were unique.
Key Features:
Shovelhead engine (introduced in 1966), large fairing for wind protection, comfortable rider and passenger seating, ample luggage capacity (saddlebags and tour pack), stable ride for long distances, iconic styling.
Coverage Areas:
Engine, transmission, drivetrain, chassis, electrical system, brakes, suspension, bodywork, troubleshooting, maintenance procedures, tune-ups, engine rebuilds, wiring diagrams.
Page Count:
Estimated 300+ pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)
Manual Type:
Service Repair Manual
Systems Covered:
1200cc OHV V-Twin engine, 4-speed constant mesh transmission, primary drive system (chain), final drive system (belt or chain), clutch, carburetor (e.g., Linkert), ignition system, charging system (generator/alternator), lighting, starting system, braking system (drum brakes front and rear), suspension (telescopic front fork, swingarm rear suspension), chassis components, fuel system, exhaust system, wheels and tires.
Procedures Included:
Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment), tune-up procedures (ignition timing, carburetor adjustment), engine disassembly, inspection, and reassembly, transmission disassembly and repair, clutch adjustment and replacement, wheel bearing service, brake system overhaul, electrical system troubleshooting and repair, wiring diagram interpretation, frame and suspension component service, body panel removal and installation.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers detailed step-by-step repair procedures, torque specifications, clearances, troubleshooting guides, and diagnostic charts for all major mechanical and electrical systems. Suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Includes complete engine and transmission rebuild instructions.
Primary Engine:
Harley-Davidson Shovelhead OHV V-Twin
Displacement:
74 cubic inches (1208 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
3.4375 in x 4.25 in (87.3 mm x 108 mm)
Compression Ratio:
Approximately 7.5:1
Horsepower:
Estimated 50-60 HP at 5000 RPM (actual figures varied)
Torque:
Estimated 70-80 lb-ft at 3500 RPM (actual figures varied)
Fuel System:
Single Linkert carburetor (e.g., M-Series) or early Keihin carburetor. Gravity fed from fuel tank.
Ignition System:
Battery and coil with points and condenser. Manual spark advance.
Cooling System:
Air-cooled
Lubrication System:
Total loss oil system (oil injected into fuel/air mixture and expelled through exhaust) or early recirculating systems depending on specific model configuration.
Standard:
4-speed constant mesh manual transmission
Features:
Hand-clutch operation, foot shifter. Primary drive via heavy-duty chain. Final drive via belt or chain depending on specific FL variant.
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios vary by model year and transmission case, but generally: 1st: ~9.6:1, 2nd: ~7.1:1, 3rd: ~5.1:1, 4th: ~3.9:1 (examples).
Fluid Type:
Primary chaincase oil (e.g., Harley-Davidson Primary Chaincase Lubricant or equivalent SAE 50Wt oil).
Wheelbase:
Approximately 61.5 inches (1562 mm)
Length:
Approximately 93 inches (2362 mm)
Width:
Approximately 38 inches (965 mm) (at handlebars)
Height:
Approximately 54 inches (1372 mm) (at windshield)
Dry Weight:
Approximately 645 lbs (293 kg)
Fuel Capacity:
Approximately 4.0 US gallons (15.1 L)
Oil Capacity:
Primary: 1 US quart (0.95 L); Engine: N/A (total loss system for some models).
Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycles of this era were not subjected to standardized crash test ratings like modern cars).
Active Features:
Drum brakes front and rear. Designed for stable handling, but braking performance is limited by contemporary technology. Headlight, taillight, turn signals.
Passive Features:
Robust frame construction, rider ergonomics designed for comfort and control during long-distance travel.
Service Intervals:
Oil changes: every 1,000-2,000 miles or 6 months. Chain adjustment: as needed, typically every 500-1,000 miles. Spark plug replacement: 5,000-10,000 miles. Carburetor and ignition tune-ups: annually or every 5,000 miles. Valve adjustment: every 5,000-10,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
N/A (total loss system for some configurations). For models with recirculating oil, SAE 20W-50 or SAE 50W motorcycle-specific oil.
Primary Oil:
Harley-Davidson Primary Chaincase Lubricant or SAE 50W gear oil.
Transmission Oil:
N/A (uses primary chaincase oil)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic fluid for hydraulic brake systems (if equipped with early hydraulic brakes, otherwise mechanical).
Known Issues:
Shovelhead engines can be prone to oil leaks. Carburetor (Linkert) tuning can be finicky. Generator charging systems may require frequent adjustment. Older electrical components can be unreliable. Drum brake performance is moderate. Drive chain and belt maintenance is critical.
Oil Filter Part Number:
Original equipment part numbers may vary; aftermarket equivalents are common (e.g., Fram PH7317 or equivalent).
Air Filter Part Number:
Original equipment part numbers may vary; aftermarket equivalents are common.
Brand Heritage:
Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, has a long and storied history of building motorcycles known for their distinctive V-twin engines, robust construction, and American character. The brand is synonymous with freedom and the open road.
Model Evolution:
The Electra Glide lineage began in 1965, evolving from the Hydra-Glide and Duo-Glide models. The introduction of the Shovelhead engine in 1966 marked a significant upgrade in power and styling. The 1968 model is a key year in the early Shovelhead era, refining the design and performance.
Production Location:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Production Years:
Electra Glide model produced continuously from 1965 to present. Shovelhead engine produced from 1966 to 1984.
