1974 History


Main Models

74-XLH Sportster Super H: 1000cc Sportster OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission

74-XLCH Sportster Super CH: 1000cc Sportster OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission

74-FLH-1200: 1200cc (74ci) Shovelhead V-twin with OHV and four-speed transmission

74-FLHF: 1200cc (74ci) Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four speed transmission

74-FL-poiice: 1200cc (74ci) Shovelhead OHV V-twin  with four-speed transmission

74-FX SuperGlide: 1200cc (74ci) Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission

74-FXE SuperGlide: 1200cc (74ci) Shovelhead OHV V-twin with four-speed transmission and electric start

 

Sidecars and Chassis

74-LE

 

Production Totals

Model XLH: 13,295

Model XLCH: 10.535

Model FX: 3,034

Model FXE: 6.199

Model FLH-1200: 5.166

Model XR: 100

Model FLHF: 1,310

Model FL-Police: 791

 

Paint Colors

    Birch White, Vivid Black, Sunburst Burgundy, or Sunburst Blue

 

Series XLH  and XLCH Sportsters  
   First Year
 

      Throttles now given return springs

 

Series FL Electra Glides  
  First year  

     Keihin brand carburetors

     Redesigned saddle

     Alarm system

 

Series FX Super Glide

Two-cable throttle with return springs

Chain-inspection cover with mount for left foot peg and hole for the shifter shaft

New shift lever that extends forward

Two-cable throttle with return springs

Higher first gear; new mainshaft for low/second gear and countershaft for low gear

 

Series FXE Super Glides  
   First Year  

Model FXE Super Glide is an electric start version of the FX SuperGlide

Electric starter for the FLH

Battery from the XLH sportster

Two-cable throttle with return springs

Chain-inspection cover with mount for left foot peg and hole for the shifter shaft

New shift lever that extends forward

Revised inner primary cover with hole for shifter shaft

High first gear; new mainshaft for low/second gear and countershaft for low gear


Motor
Company Minutes, 1974

The union goes on strike for 101 days over the cost-of-living wage increase

     This year plant security tightens. Much stricter security procedures are followed after the conviction of  then    current employee, John Buschman, for major theft. 

      The last year of business partnership with Evel Knievel after failed Snake River jump on Flash Gordon rocket.  

 

Racing Notes  

Walter Villa on Model RR-2SO wins 250ce Class World Championship

Gary Scott wins 250cc Road Race at Loudon, New Hampshire.

Gary Scott places second Grand National Championship

 


Any additional information is greatly appreciated as well as any corrections   I'm no historian, I post what I can come up with, all info is appreciated.


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