1978 Harley-Davidson FXE Super Glide
Harley-Davidson released the 1978 Harley-Davidson FXE Super Glide in 1978 with a 1207cc OHV V-twin Shovelhead powerplant making 62hp — a definitive cruiser.
Specifications
Engine
- Type
- OHV V-twin Shovelhead
- Displacement
- 1207 cc
- Cylinders
- 2
- Power
- 62 hp @ 5200 rpm
- Torque
- 92.0 Nm
- Compression
- —
- Bore × Stroke
- 87.3 × 100.8 mm
- Cooling
- Air-cooled
- Fuel System
- Keihin carburetor
Chassis & Transmission
- Frame
- Steel double loop
- Front Suspension
- Telescopic fork
- Rear Suspension
- Twin shock
- Front Brake
- Single disc
- Rear Brake
- Drum
- Front Tyre
- —
- Rear Tyre
- —
- Transmission
- 4-speed
- Final Drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top Speed
- 160 km/h (99 mph)
- ¼ Mile
- —
Dimensions & Weight
- Dry Weight
- 258 kg (569 lbs)
- Wet Weight
- 278 kg (613 lbs)
- Seat Height
- 700 mm
- Wheelbase
- 1530 mm
- Ground Clearance
- —
- Fuel Capacity
- 15.0 L
History & Story
In 1978, Harley-Davidson launched the 1978 Harley-Davidson FXE Super Glide — a cruiser that would come to define an era of motorcycling. Hailing from United States, it combined United States engineering with cruiser appeal.
The 1978 Harley-Davidson FXE Super Glide is motivated by a 1207cc OHV V-twin Shovelhead twin-cylinder unit delivering 62hp at 5200 rpm. Breathing through Keihin carburetor and kept cool by air-cooled, the engine drives through a 4-speed transmission with chain final drive.
Built around a steel double loop frame, the 1978 Harley-Davidson FXE Super Glide suspends its 258 kg (569 lbs) on telescopic fork forks and twin shock rear units. Braking relies on single disc at the front and drum at the rear, with a 1530 mm wheelbase providing stability.
Performance-wise, the 1978 Harley-Davidson FXE Super Glide achieves a claimed top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph). With a fuel capacity of 15.0 liters, it offers reasonable range for cruiser duties. The seat height of 700 mm makes it accessible for most riders.
The 1978 Harley-Davidson FXE Super Glide is motivated by a 1207cc OHV V-twin Shovelhead twin-cylinder unit delivering 62hp at 5200 rpm. Breathing through Keihin carburetor and kept cool by air-cooled, the engine drives through a 4-speed transmission with chain final drive.
Built around a steel double loop frame, the 1978 Harley-Davidson FXE Super Glide suspends its 258 kg (569 lbs) on telescopic fork forks and twin shock rear units. Braking relies on single disc at the front and drum at the rear, with a 1530 mm wheelbase providing stability.
Performance-wise, the 1978 Harley-Davidson FXE Super Glide achieves a claimed top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph). With a fuel capacity of 15.0 liters, it offers reasonable range for cruiser duties. The seat height of 700 mm makes it accessible for most riders.
Known Issues
- Oil leaks considered normal on vintage models
- Head gasket seepage
- Rocker box oil leaks
- Primary chain tensioner adjustment
Fun Facts
- The 1978 Harley-Davidson FXE Super Glide was one of the largest-displacement motorcycles of its era
- The 1978 Harley-Davidson FXE Super Glide was produced in Harley-Davidson's United States facilities
- The 1978 Harley-Davidson FXE Super Glide featured a steel double loop frame typical of 1970s design philosophy
Collector Information
- Parts Availability
- Good
- Collector Rating
- 5/10
Resources & Parts
Find 1978 Harley-Davidson FXE Super Glide Parts on eBay
Search eBay Motors for parts, accessories and restoration supplies
Haynes Manual for Harley-Davidson
Workshop manuals, service guides and technical references
Insure Your Classic Harley-Davidson
Specialist classic motorcycle insurance from Hagerty
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