Category:
Cruiser Motorcycle
Competitors 2002:
Honda Gold Wing, Indian Chief, Kawasaki Vulcan, Suzuki Marauder, Yamaha Road Star
Distinctive Features:
Iconic V-twin engine, rider comfort for long-distance travel, large storage capacity (saddlebags, trunk), classic Harley-Davidson styling
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for maintaining and repairing the FLT Twin Cam 88/103, enabling owners and technicians to perform tasks accurately and efficiently.
Engine:
Twin Cam 88 and 103 (Bore & Stroke, Compression Ratio, Valve Timing, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System)
Transmission:
5-Speed Cruise Drive (Gearbox Internals, Clutch, Shifting Mechanism, Primary Drive)
Drivetrain:
Belt Drive System, Rear Wheel Drive, Final Drive Gearing
Chassis:
Frame, Swingarm, Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System
Brakes:
Front & Rear Hydraulic Disc Brakes, Caliper Service, Master Cylinder Service, Brake Fluid Specifications
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System (Generator/Alternator, Regulator), Ignition System, Lighting System, Starter System, Wiring Diagrams, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Fuel System:
Carburetor (CV 40mm), Fuel Pump, Fuel Lines, Fuel Tank Service
Bodywork:
Fairing, Saddlebags, Fenders, Seat, Handlebars, Instrument Panel
Comfort And Convenience:
Gauges, Controls, Audio System (if equipped)
Routine Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Tire Pressure Checks, Brake Pad Inspections, Chain/Belt Adjustment, Spark Plug Service
Engine Overhaul:
Top-End Rebuild, Bottom-End Rebuild, Piston & Ring Replacement, Cylinder Head Service, Camshaft Installation
Transmission Service:
Clutch Adjustment & Replacement, Gearbox Disassembly & Reassembly, Bearing Service
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting electrical faults, Component testing, Wiring repair
Brake System Repair:
Bleeding procedures, Pad & Rotor Replacement, Seal Replacement
Suspension Service:
Fork Seal Replacement, Shock Absorber Service, Bushing Replacement
Fuel System Cleaning:
Carburetor Cleaning & Adjustment, Fuel Filter Replacement
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues
Special Tool Requirements:
Identification and usage of Harley-Davidson specific tools
Depth:
Comprehensive (covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostic Level:
Advanced (includes diagnostic codes, testing procedures, and troubleshooting charts)
Scope:
Factory-level repair and service information
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin
Engine Family:
Twin Cam 88
Engine Displacement Cc:
1450 (88 cubic inches)
Engine Displacement Ci:
88
Bore X Stroke Mm:
95.25 mm x 101.6 mm (3.75 in x 4.00 in)
Compression Ratio:
8.8:1 (typical for Twin Cam 88)
Horsepower Hp:
Approx. 65-70 HP (at crankshaft, model specific)
Torque Ft Lbs:
Approx. 75-80 lb-ft (at crankshaft, model specific)
Valve Train:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder
Oil Capacity Quarts:
4.0 (with filter change)
Oil Type Specification:
Harley-Davidson SYN3 Full Synthetic or equivalent motorcycle oil (e.g., SAE 20W-50, API SG or higher)
Oil Filter Part Number:
Harley-Davidson 63796-77A (or equivalent like 63731-99)
Cylinder Design:
Twin cylinder, 45-degree V
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition, Single Fire (typical)
Spark Plugs:
Harley-Davidson SE-1 or equivalent (e.g., NGK DCPR7E)
Carburetor:
Keihin CV 40mm (Constant Velocity)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline, 91 Octane (or higher recommended)
Fuel Tank Capacity Gallons:
5.0 (standard FLT)
Fuel Pump Type:
Mechanical (engine-driven)
103 Ci Upgrade Context:
The '103' designation typically refers to an engine upgrade kit (e.g., Screamin' Eagle 103ci kit) that increases displacement from 88ci to approximately 103 cubic inches. This manual would cover the procedures for servicing both the stock 88ci and potential 103ci configurations if the upgrade components are similar in installation.
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Gear Ratios:
1st: 10.110, 2nd: 6.915, 3rd: 4.906, 4th: 3.891, 5th: 3.307 (Typical for 5-speed Cruise Drive)
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate
Primary Drive:
Duplex chain to dry clutch
Transmission Fluid Capacity Quarts:
1.0 (approx.)
Transmission Fluid Type Specification:
Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission Oil or equivalent SAE 80W-90 Gear Oil (API GL-5)
Clutch Activation:
Cable-actuated
Initial Service Miles:
1,000 miles (1,600 km)
Subsequent Service Miles:
5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months (whichever comes first), for most routine checks and fluid changes.
Engine Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months
Transmission Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months
Primary Chain Case Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement Miles:
10,000 miles (16,000 km) or as needed
Brake Fluid Flush Interval:
Every 24 months (regardless of mileage)
Engine Oil:
Harley-Davidson SYN3 Full Synthetic or equivalent SAE 20W-50 motorcycle oil
Transmission Oil:
Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission Oil or equivalent SAE 80W-90 Gear Oil
Primary Chain Case Oil:
Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission Oil or equivalent SAE 80W-90 Gear Oil
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (or DOT 5.1 if specified for older systems, though DOT 4 is more common for this era)
Common Complaints Twin Cam 88:
Leaking primary cover seals, clutch basket runout, starter drive issues, oil leaks (e.g., rear main seal), cam chain tensioner wear (especially early models with single tensioner shoe), carburetor performance variations.
Common Complaints Flt Touring:
Fairing vibration, electrical connector issues, rear suspension preload adjustment complexity.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
Tip 1:
Regularly inspect and maintain the cam chain tensioners, as early Twin Cam 88s can experience wear. Consider upgrading to the '07-'11 style hydraulic tensioners if not already done.
Tip 2:
Ensure correct fluid levels in all three holes (engine, transmission, primary) as they are separate.
Tip 3:
Keep electrical connections clean and dielectric grease applied, especially in moisture-prone areas.
Brand Foundation:
Harley-Davidson Motor Company, founded in 1903, is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer with a rich heritage of building V-twin powered motorcycles.
Flt Introduction:
The FLT model line, introduced in 1979, represented a significant shift for Harley-Davidson with its frame-mounted fairing and touring-focused amenities, distinguishing it from earlier fork-mounted fairings.
Twin Cam Introduction:
The Twin Cam 88 engine was introduced in 1999, replacing the Evolution (Evo) engine, and featured a redesigned engine architecture for improved performance and durability.
Production Period Twin Cam 88:
1999-2006 (for FLT models before Twin Cam 96 introduction)
Manufacturing Location:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA (and other Harley-Davidson facilities)