Wiktor Wise
The Harley-Davidson Electra Glide is an iconic motorcycle that has been in production since 1965. Over the years, the Electra Glide has undergone various upgrades and improvements, but one thing remains constant: its reputation as a modern standard for touring motorcycles. With its combination of luxury, technology, performance, and style, the Electra Glide has something to offer for every type of rider. This bike's popularity is evident in how competitors have tried to emulate its design and how it has been featured in movies, notably in the 1973 film 'Electra Glide in Blue'. Starting a Harley Electra Glide involves a series of steps, including placing the bike in neutral, turning the ignition on, and pressing the start button.
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What You'll Learn
Ensure the kickstand is up, gear in neutral, clutch in, and ignition on
To start your Harley Electra Glide, there are a few key steps to follow to ensure a smooth and safe ride. Firstly, make sure the kickstand is securely retracted. The kickstand on the Harley Electra Glide has been known to feel unstable, so it is important to ensure it is fully retracted before riding. You may need to lean the bike slightly to the right to ensure the stand is clear of the ground.
Next, put the gear in neutral. Finding neutral on a Harley can be tricky, especially when the bike is stationary. A useful technique is to rock the bike gently forward and backward to find the neutral position. You can also try revving the bike and then trying to find neutral. Once you've found neutral, pull in the clutch.
With the gear in neutral and the clutch pulled in, you can now turn on the ignition. Ensure that the kill switch on the handlebars is set to 'Run'. Insert the key fob into the ignition switch and turn it to the 'On' position. The bike should now be ready to start.
It is important to perform these steps in the correct order and to make any necessary adjustments to ensure a smooth and safe riding experience. Always refer to the Harley Electra Glide manual for detailed instructions and guidelines specific to your model.
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Check the kill switch is set to 'Run'
The kill switch is an important component of the Harley Electra Glide, and ensuring it is set to "Run" is a crucial step in starting the motorcycle.
The kill switch, also known as the emergency switch, is typically located on the handlebars of the Harley Electra Glide. It is designed to shut off the engine in case of an emergency or when the rider needs to stop the bike quickly. When the kill switch is set to "Run," it allows the engine to receive power and operate normally.
To check if the kill switch is set to "Run," locate the switch on the handlebars and ensure it is in the correct position. The switch should be flipped or turned to the "Run" position, which is usually indicated by a label or marking. In some cases, the "Run" position may be indicated by a slight whine from the fuel pump, indicating that it is running.
It is important to note that the kill switch should only be used in emergencies or when the bike is not in use. Regularly using the kill switch to turn off the bike instead of the ignition switch can lead to issues such as a dead battery or electrical problems. Therefore, it is recommended to use the ignition key to turn off the Harley Electra Glide when possible.
In some cases, issues with the kill switch may prevent the motorcycle from starting. If the kill switch is faulty or not functioning properly, it may need to be replaced or repaired. This can involve inspecting and cleaning the contacts, checking for loose or damaged wires, or even replacing the entire switch.
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Check the battery and key fob
To start a Harley Electra Glide, it is important to check the battery and key fob. The battery is crucial for powering the motorcycle's electrical systems, while the key fob is a proximity key that allows the bike to recognize its owner. Here are some detailed instructions on checking the battery and key fob:
Check the Battery:
First, identify the type of battery in your Harley Electra Glide. It could be a lead acid battery or an Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) battery. The easiest way to find out is to remove the seat and visually inspect the battery. Once you know the battery type, you can refer to the owner's manual or seek advice from a Harley-Davidson dealer on specific maintenance and charging requirements.
When charging the battery, it is important to follow the recommended guidelines. For example, one user recommends not exceeding 3 amps when using a trickle charger for an AGM battery. Additionally, consider the age of your battery. If it is over four years old, it may be time to replace it, as indicated by fading indicator lights.
Check the Key Fob:
The key fob for a Harley Electra Glide is a crucial component of the security system. It is recommended to replace the key fob battery annually. Here are the steps to replace the battery:
- Use a five-cent coin or a similar object to pry open the key fob by inserting it into the thumbnail slot on the side of the fob.
- Remove the old battery and discard it.
- Install a new CR2032 3V Lithium battery with the positive (+) side facing down.
- Align the two halves of the key fob and snap them back together.
After replacing the key fob battery, test it by turning on the ignition. If the bike starts, the problem was likely a weak or dead key fob battery. Additionally, ensure that the ignition switch is turned all the way on, as sometimes a slight tweak is needed to engage the starting process.
In summary, checking the battery and key fob of your Harley Electra Glide involves identifying the battery type, maintaining and charging it appropriately, and replacing the key fob battery annually. Following these steps will help ensure a smooth starting process for your motorcycle.
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Understand the history of the Electra Glide
The Electra Glide motorcycle’s evolution goes back to 1941, when the 61-cubic-inch “Knucklehead” engine (EL) was joined by a 74-inch counterpart, the first FL model. In 1949, Harley-Davidson released the FL Hydra Glide, named for its hydraulically damped, telescopic front forks. This was Harley-Davidson's first motorcycle to feature hydraulic fork technology.
In 1958, the FL Hydra-Glide became the FLH Duo Glide, with significant improvements made to its frame. In 1965, the Duo Glide gained an electric starter and the Electra Glide was born. This also marked the addition of a 12-volt battery and a redesign of the oil tank, which was moved to the left-hand side of the bike. The 1965 Electra Glide had a “Turnpike” fuel tank and was named as one of the most notable Harleys ever.
In 1969, the Electra Glide gained the batwing fork-mounted fairing, which became standard on later models. In 1972, front disc brakes became available, and the kick starter was discontinued. In 1973, Craig Vetter asked Harley-Davidson if they would like a frame-mounted fairing for the Electra Glide, which was shipped as a factory option from 1974 to 1978. In 1977, the unfaired FLH Electra Glide was released, known as the FLHS Electra Glide Sport, and was available until 1984. The same year, the Electra Glide was there to witness a historical moment for Harley-Davidson: the famous buyback from AMF. The first ceremonial bike from the assembly line in York, Pennsylvania, was an FLH Electra Glide Heritage Edition.
In 1979, Harley Davidson produced the Tour Glide, based on the Electra Glide but with a stronger frame and a rubber-mounted engine. The Electra Glide continued to receive upgrades and improvements since its initial release in 1965. In 1983, the Electra Glide was reborn as a combination of the FLT Tour Glide and the original FLH Electra Glide, and was redubbed the FLHT Electra Glide. In 1984, Harley-Davidson released the FLHTCU Electra Glide Ultra Classic, which featured a new 1340cc V2 Evolution engine, an adjustable air suspension system, and a revised braking system.
The Electra Glide has spawned Harley-Davidson's entire touring lineup, including the Road King, Road Glide, Street Glide, and all their variations. The Electra Glide was also the first and only Harley-Davidson motorcycle to be part of a movie title: the 1973 film 'Electra Glide in Blue'.
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Compare the Electra Glide Standard to other models
The Electra Glide Standard is a stripped-down Tourer, ideal for those who want to avoid paying extra for features they don't need or want. It's for riders who want to focus on the scenery, the road, and the feel of their bike, without any distractions from technology.
The Electra Glide Standard is part of the Touring family, which has typically been the first to receive new features. The Electra Glide often sets the pace for new innovations, such as when it introduced disc brakes in 1972 and electric starters in 1965.
When compared to other models in the Touring family, like the Street Glide and Road King, the Electra Glide Standard has some distinct advantages. It features the iconic batwing fairing, which was first introduced in 1969 and has since become a defining characteristic of the Electra Glide. This fairing turns with the handlebars and front wheel, providing better protection from the wind and rain than the frame-mounted fairing on the Road King.
The Electra Glide Standard also has a more spacious design, catering to riders who want stability, storage space, and comfort for themselves and their passengers. This sets it apart from models like the FXDR, Sportster, or Street, which are sportier and more nimble.
Additionally, the Electra Glide Standard has a classic style that has remained largely unchanged since its introduction in 1965. This is in contrast to other models that may have undergone more frequent design updates, and it has become the modern standard for touring motorcycles, with competitors often trying to emulate its features.
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Frequently asked questions
The standard procedure for starting a Harley Electra Glide is as follows: put the key in your pocket (or turn it in the ignition if it's not a proximity key), kickstand up, gear in neutral, switch to on, clutch in, ignition switch turned to on, and then press start.
If your Harley Electra Glide doesn't start, try flipping the kill switch on the bars to "Run". If that doesn't work, you may need to change the battery in the key fob. If you hear a rapid clicking sound when you press start, this also means you need a new battery.
The Harley Electra Glide Standard is the simplest and most affordable of the Harley touring line. It is slightly shorter and lighter than the standard Harley Electra Glide.
