Segment:
Cruiser motorcycle, custom style
Target Audience:
Riders seeking a classic, powerful cruiser with a customizable platform
Competitors 2009:
Indian Chief, Victory Kingpin/Hammer, Custom Choppers
Styling:
Low-slung profile, drag handlebars, forward controls, blacked-out components, minimal chrome (compared to other Softails)
Engine:
Harley-Davidson Twin Cam 96B V-Twin motor, known for its torque and distinctive sound
Frame:
Softail chassis with hidden rear suspension, mimicking the rigid frame look of classic hardtails
Engine:
Twin Cam 96B (1584cc) V-Twin, including disassembly, assembly, tuning, and diagnostics
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), throttle body, fuel pump, injectors, and related sensors
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition, spark plugs, coils, and ignition module diagnostics
Transmission:
6-speed Cruise Drive, including clutch, gearbox, primary drive, and final drive belt
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, hydraulic system, calipers, master cylinders, and ABS (if equipped)
Suspension:
Front telescopic fork (Show or similar), rear swingarm with twin shocks, including fork seal replacement and shock absorber service
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), lighting, instrumentation, starter, and accessory circuits
Frame And Body:
Frame construction, body panels, fenders, fuel tank, seat, handlebars, and control levers
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearings, tire replacement, balancing, and spoke tension (if applicable to specific wheels)
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipes, mufflers, and emissions control components
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, brake fluid flush, drive belt inspection and adjustment
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for common and uncommon issues, error code interpretation
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, electrical system repairs
Adjustments:
Clutch adjustment, throttle cable adjustment, primary chain adjustment, idle speed adjustment
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs
Depth Level:
Comprehensive, from basic rider maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Capability:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, including use of scan tools (e.g., Harley-Davidson Digital Technician) and symptom-based troubleshooting
Digital Format:
PDF (likely, for modern manuals), often searchable text
Print Quality:
High-resolution scans or professionally printed, ensuring clear diagrams and text
Binding:
Staple-bound or perfect bound (for printed versions), conducive to lying flat on a workbench
Paper Quality:
Durable, often coated paper to resist grease and workshop environments
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin, pushrod valve actuation
Displacement:
1584 cc (96 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
3.75 in. x 4.38 in. (95.25 mm x 111.25 mm)
Torque Peak:
Approx. 92.6 ft-lb @ 3,500 RPM (may vary slightly)
Horsepower Peak:
Not officially published by Harley-Davidson for this model year, but estimated in the 70-80 HP range.
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection - ESPFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Oil Capacity:
3.0 US quarts (2.8 liters) (with filter change)
Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson SYN3 (or equivalent API SG, JASO FD, or MIL-PRF-2104G approved synthetic motorcycle oil)
Transmission Type:
6-speed Cruise Drive
Primary Drive:
Duplex chain
Gear Ratios:
1st: 9.312, 2nd: 6.460, 3rd: 4.730, 4th: 3.797, 5th: 3.244, 6th: 2.786
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate, diaphragm spring
Transmission Oil Capacity:
0.9 US quarts (0.85 liters)
Transmission Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Formula Plus (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil)
Crash Safety Certification:
Motorcycles are not rated by organizations like NHTSA in the same way as automobiles.
Brakes:
Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear. Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available on some models/trims.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight/brake light, front and rear turn signals
Frame Structure:
Steel frame and swingarm designed for stability and handling
First Service:
1,000 miles (1,600 km) or 6 months (whichever comes first) - includes oil change, filter, primary check, inspection.
Subsequent Service:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months for regular service (oil, filter, inspections). Check manual for detailed schedule.
Drive Belt Tension:
Check and adjust at 2,500 mile intervals or as needed per manual specifications.
Engine Oil:
Harley-Davidson SYN3 (or equivalent API SG, JASO FD, or MIL-PRF-2104G approved synthetic motorcycle oil), 3.0 US quarts (2.8 L) with filter.
Transmission Oil:
Harley-Davidson Formula Plus (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil), 0.9 US quarts (0.85 L).
Primary Chain Case Oil:
Harley-Davidson Primary Chain Case Lubricant (or equivalent HD-97630-90, or HD-36000004) 0.95 US quarts (0.9 L).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (verify specific type in manual).
Fork Oil:
Refer to manual for specific weight and volume; typically SAE 15W or 20W.
Common Concerns:
Potential for oil leaks (especially crankcase seals), charging system issues (stator, regulator), clutch drag, primary chain tensioner wear (on earlier models/styles), brake caliper piston sealing.
Troubleshooting Focus:
The manual is invaluable for diagnosing and resolving these potential issues, providing step-by-step procedures.
Heritage Summary:
Harley-Davidson is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer with a legacy dating back to 1903, renowned for its V-twin engines and distinctive styling.
Softail Lineage:
The Softail platform, introduced in 1983, is characterized by its concealed rear shock absorbers, providing a hardtail appearance with modern suspension comfort.
Night Train Introduction:
The FXSTB Night Train was introduced as a model emphasizing a more contemporary, 'custom' look with blacked-out components, contrasting with the more chrome-heavy models.
Production Years:
The FXSTB Night Train was produced from 2000 to 2009.
Manufacturing Location:
United States (primarily York, Pennsylvania and Kansas City, Missouri)
Model Specific Awards:
While specific awards for the '2009 FXSTB Night Train' are not prominently documented, Harley-Davidson motorcycles, particularly those in the Softail family, have consistently received acclaim for their styling, engineering, and rider experience in enthusiast and industry publications.
Dealer Support:
Harley-Davidson benefits from an extensive and well-established global dealer network, providing professional service and parts availability.