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1978 Harley-Davidson FXE Super Glide

cruiser70sUnited States

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.

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

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