🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

FXSTB Night Train

Year:

2008

Model Code:

FXSTB

👋 Introduction

Motorcycle Segment:

Cruiser/Custom Motorcycle

Target Audience:

Owners of the 2008 Harley-Davidson FXSTB Night Train seeking to perform maintenance, repairs, or diagnostics themselves, or professional technicians.

Key Competitors:

Other Harley-Davidson Softail models, Indian Chief, custom choppers, and high-end American V-twin motorcycles.

Motorcycle Distinction:

The Night Train is characterized by its aggressive styling, blacked-out components, low-slung profile, and powerful V-twin engine, offering a raw, performance-oriented cruiser experience.

📋 Manual Details

Vehicle Coverage:

2008 Harley-Davidson FXSTB Night Train

Estimated Page Count:

Refer to actual manual for exact count, typically 500-800 pages for comprehensive service manuals.

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Service:

Detailed diagnostics, disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of the Twin Cam 96 engine, including top end, bottom end, and related components.

Fuel System Service:

EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) system diagnosis and repair, fuel pump, injectors, throttle body, sensors, and fuel lines.

Transmission Service:

Diagnosis, disassembly, assembly, and repair of the 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, clutch, and primary drive components.

Drivetrain Service:

Belt drive system inspection, adjustment, and replacement; rear wheel axle and sprocket.

Electrical System Service:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), ignition system, lighting, switches, fuses, relays, and ECU (Engine Control Unit).

Chassis Service:

Frame inspection and repair, front fork assembly (dampers, seals, springs), rear shock absorber system, steering head bearings, and wheel bearings.

Braking System Service:

Front and rear brake caliper service, master cylinders, brake lines, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, and rotor inspection.

Wheel And Tire Service:

Wheel bearing replacement, tire mounting and balancing, wheel specifications.

Bodywork And Fittings:

Fender removal and installation, fuel tank service, seat removal, handlebar service, and miscellaneous trim components.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug service, air filter cleaning/replacement, lubrication points, and general inspection.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common problems, fault code interpretation, and symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Component Rebuilds:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for the complete disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of major engine and transmission components.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring diagram interpretation, testing of electrical circuits, component testing, and troubleshooting of electronic systems.

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Front fork seal replacement, fork oil changes, rear shock absorber servicing, and steering head bearing adjustment/replacement.

Brake System Repair:

Brake pad replacement, caliper rebuild, brake bleeding, and master cylinder service.

Fuel System Troubleshooting:

Diagnosis of fuel delivery issues, sensor testing, and idle speed control adjustments.

Transmission Overhaul:

Detailed procedures for transmission disassembly, gear replacement, bearing inspection, and reassembly.

Belt Drive Maintenance:

Belt tension adjustment and inspection for wear.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and chassis adjustments.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

PDF Quality:

Typically high-resolution scans of the original factory manual, ensuring clarity of text, diagrams, and images. Searchable text is common but depends on the source scan quality.

Printability:

Designed for digital viewing, but printable pages are generally available within the PDF.

Binding Type:

Not Applicable (PDF Format)

Paper Type:

Not Applicable (PDF Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, Twin Cam 96 V-twin

Displacement:

1584 cc (96 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke:

3.75 in. x 4.48 in. (95.25 mm x 113.03 mm)

Compression Ratio:

8.9:1

Torque Rating:

92.6 ft-lbs (125.5 Nm) @ 3500 RPM (approximate, may vary slightly by source)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane recommended

Ignition System:

High-performance, electronic ignition

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed Cruise Drive, constant mesh

Clutch:

Clutched, 9-plate, wet, manual

Primary Drive:

Patented, cradle-to-crankcase design, die-cast aluminum

Final Drive:

Carbon-fiber belt, 32/66 ratio

📐 Dimensions

Length:

95.5 in. (2426 mm)

Width:

36.7 in. (932 mm)

Height:

47.7 in. (1211 mm)

Wheelbase:

64.5 in. (1638 mm)

Ground Clearance:

4.7 in. (119 mm)

Dry Weight:

635 lbs (288 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

975 lbs (442 kg)

Fuel Capacity:

5.0 gal. (19.0 L)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Features Overview:

Harley-Davidson motorcycles prioritize rider control and stability. Specific crash test ratings are not typically provided for motorcycles in the same manner as automobiles.

Braking System:

Dual-disc front brakes, single-disc rear brake with hydraulic actuation. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was an optional feature on some models, check VIN or original specifications.

Lighting:

Halogen headlamp, LED taillight, front and rear turn signals.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Base models typically feature a minimalist approach. Some 2008 Softail models may have had an optional Harley-Davidson audio system, often a handlebar-mounted stereo with speakers.

Advanced Features:

Limited. Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) is the primary electronic assistance for engine management. ABS was an option.

Connectivity Features:

No integrated smartphone connectivity or Bluetooth found on standard 2008 models. Aftermarket solutions are common.

🔧 Maintenance

Initial Service:

Typically at 1,000 miles (1,600 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. This includes engine oil and filter change, primary chaincase oil change, inspection of various components.

Subsequent Service:

Generally every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months for engine oil, filter, and inspections. Other items like transmission and primary oil, spark plugs, and belt inspections have their own intervals specified in the manual.

Engine Oil Type:

Harley-Davidson 20W-50 SYN3 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil or equivalent API SG or higher specification oil meeting Harley-Davidson performance standards.

Engine Oil Capacity:

3.0 US qt. (2.8 L) with filter change.

Primary Chaincase Oil Type:

Harley-Davidson primary chaincase lubricant or equivalent. Harley-Davidson recommends specific primary fluids to ensure proper clutch operation and chain lubrication.

Primary Chaincase Oil Capacity:

1.2 US qt. (1.1 L).

Transmission Oil Type:

Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission Lubricant or equivalent. Some riders opt for specialized transmission fluids for improved performance or longevity.

Transmission Oil Capacity:

2.4 US qt. (2.3 L).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 (refer to specific reservoir markings for precise type, DOT 5 silicone fluid is generally not recommended for systems designed for DOT 4/5.1 due to viscosity and compatibility issues).

Fork Oil Type:

Harley-Davidson front fork oil (e.g., Type E, 15 wt) or equivalent. Specific weight can affect damping characteristics.

Common Wear Items:

Clutch plates, brake pads, tires, wheel bearings, and fork seals are common wear items requiring regular inspection and potential replacement.

Engine Performance Factors:

Proper maintenance of the fuel system, ignition, and air intake is crucial for optimal Twin Cam 96 performance. Issues can arise from clogged injectors, failing sensors, or incorrect fuel quality.

Transmission Quirks:

While generally robust, the 6-speed transmission can exhibit normal operating noises. Proper fluid levels and quality are essential for longevity. Clutch adjustment is also a maintenance item.

Electrical Considerations:

Ensure battery terminal connections are clean and tight. The charging system (stator and regulator/rectifier) should be periodically checked. Wiring harness integrity is important.

Belt Drive Wear:

The carbon-fiber drive belt requires proper tension and inspection for cracks or fraying. A worn belt can lead to catastrophic failure.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer Origin:

USA

Brand Legacy:

Harley-Davidson is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer with a rich history dating back to 1903, renowned for its V-twin engines and distinctive styling.

Softail Platform:

The FXSTB Night Train is part of the Softail family, which features a hidden rear suspension system designed to mimic the appearance of a hardtail frame.

Production Period:

The Night Train model was produced from 2000 to 2009, evolving with Harley-Davidson's Twin Cam engine platform.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motorcycle Class Acclaim:

The Twin Cam 96 engine and Softail platform are highly regarded within the cruiser segment for their power, torque, and classic V-twin character. Specific awards for the FXSTB Night Train are model-year dependent and often based on enthusiast reviews and performance benchmarks.