Category:
Cruiser Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Owners and independent repair shops servicing Harley Davidson FXST Softail Standard models from 2000-2005.
Competitors:
Other cruiser manufacturers with similar displacement V-twin engines (e.g., Indian, some Japanese V-twins).
Vehicle Focus:
The FXST Softail Standard offered a classic, minimalist cruiser design with the signature Harley Davidson V-twin experience.
Manual Value:
Provides comprehensive, factory-level repair and maintenance data for a specific, popular era of Harley Davidson Softail.
Engine:
Complete engine disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair procedures for Twin Cam 88B and Twin Cam 88 engines.
Transmission:
Service and repair of the 5-speed constant mesh transmission, including clutch, primary drive, and final drive components.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, troubleshooting, component testing, lighting, ignition, starting and charging systems, and electronic fuel injection (EFI) systems.
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system diagnostics, fuel pump, injectors, throttle body, and pressure regulator service.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system diagnosis, caliper service, master cylinder repair, fluid flushing, and ABS (if applicable) troubleshooting.
Suspension:
Front fork (including Showa or equivalent) and rear shock absorber service, inspection, and replacement procedures.
Frame And Bodywork:
Chassis inspection, frame integrity checks, body panel removal and installation, fenders, fuel tank, and seat service.
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing inspection and replacement, tire mounting and balancing, and spoke wheel maintenance.
Controls:
Handlebar, grips, levers, foot controls, and cable adjustment and replacement.
Cooling System:
Not applicable for this air-cooled model, but relevant cooling system principles for engine components are covered.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, lubrication, fluid changes, filter replacement, and general upkeep.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon problems.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component repair and replacement.
Rebuild:
Comprehensive engine and transmission rebuild procedures with specifications.
Disassembly Assembly:
Complete instructions for stripping down and reassembling major vehicle systems.
Depth:
In-depth technical information suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Diagnostics:
Advanced diagnostic charts and procedures for electrical and mechanical systems.
Specifications:
Includes all necessary torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, and fluid capacities.
Engine Family:
Harley Davidson Twin Cam 88 / 88B
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin, pushrod OHV
Displacement:
1450 cc (88 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
3.75 in x 4.00 in (95.25 mm x 101.6 mm)
Compression Ratio:
8.8:1 (typical)
Valve Train:
Overhead valves (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated
Horsepower:
Approx. 65-70 HP (at crank, depending on tuning)
Torque:
Approx. 75-80 lb-ft (at crank, depending on tuning)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (USA R+M/2)
System Type:
Electronic ignition with single fire spark.
Type:
5-speed Constant Mesh
Primary Drive:
Double row chain, 1.406 ratio
Final Drive:
Belt drive, 32/66 tooth sprockets (2.06:1 ratio)
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate, diaphragm spring
Transmission Fluid Type:
Harley-Davidson SYN3 (or equivalent SAE 20W-50 API SG, Jaso MA approved motorcycle oil)
Length:
Approx. 93.1 inches (2365 mm)
Width:
Approx. 37.6 inches (955 mm)
Height:
Approx. 48.6 inches (1235 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 64.2 inches (1630 mm)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 620 lbs (281 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1025 lbs (465 kg)
Fuel Capacity:
4.0 gallons (15.1 L)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 5.0 inches (127 mm)
Front Tire:
MT90B16 (or equivalent)
Rear Tire:
130/90B16 (or equivalent)
Wheel Type:
Cast aluminum or laced spoke wheels
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
N/A (Hub-mounted, not bolt-on)
Crash Test Ratings:
Motorcycles are not subjected to standardized crash test ratings in the same manner as automobiles. Safety is primarily dependent on rider skill and adherence to safe riding practices.
Braking:
Dual disc front brakes, single disc rear brake. ABS was not standard or commonly available on this model.
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, LED tail light, incandescent turn signals.
Frame Construction:
Steel cradle frame designed for stability and rider feedback.
Passenger Safety:
Provision for passenger footpegs and seat, though passenger comfort may be limited.
System:
Basic instrumentation: speedometer, tachometer (optional), odometer, trip meter, and indicator lights.
Features:
No modern driver-assistance features like cruise control (unless factory fitted or aftermarket), ABS (rare), or traction control. Focus is on mechanical simplicity and rider control.
Features:
No integrated connectivity or Bluetooth features. Ancillary accessories might add these capabilities.
System:
Harley Davidson's Electronic Control Module (ECM) manages fuel injection, ignition timing, and other engine parameters based on sensor inputs.
Initial Service:
First service typically at 1,000 miles (1,600 km) or 6 months.
Regular Oil Changes:
Every 2,500-5,000 miles (4,000-8,000 km) or annually, depending on usage and oil type.
Major Tune Up:
Recommended every 10,000-15,000 miles (16,000-24,000 km), including spark plug replacement, filter checks, and system inspections.
Engine Oil:
Harley-Davidson SYN3 (SAE 20W-50) or equivalent SAE 20W-50 API SG, Jaso MA approved motorcycle oil. Capacity approx. 4 quarts (3.8 L) with filter.
Transmission Fluid:
Harley-Davidson SYN3 or equivalent SAE 20W-50 motorcycle oil. Capacity approx. 1 quart (0.95 L).
Primary Chain Case Fluid:
Harley-Davidson Primary Chain Case Oil or equivalent SAE 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil. Capacity approx. 1 quart (0.95 L).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 (check specific model recommendations, DOT 5 silicone fluid may also be specified for certain components).
Cam Chain Tensioners:
Early Twin Cam engines (pre-2007) were known to have plastic cam chain tensioners that could wear prematurely, leading to potential engine damage. Upgrade kits are available.
Crank Position Sensor:
Can sometimes fail, leading to intermittent starting or stalling issues.
Oil Leaks:
Common areas for leaks include the primary cover, transmission seal, and rocker box gaskets.
Carburetor Vs Efi:
While the FXSTI is EFI, earlier FXST models used carburetors. This manual covers EFI, which is generally more reliable but can have its own diagnostic challenges.
Legacy:
Harley Davidson has a long-standing heritage of building iconic V-twin motorcycles, synonymous with American freedom and the open road.
Softail Lineage:
The Softail platform, introduced in the early 1980s, is known for its hidden rear suspension, mimicking the look of a rigid frame while providing modern ride comfort.
Twin Cam Introduction:
The Twin Cam 88 engine, introduced in 1999, represented a significant update to Harley Davidson's powertrain, offering increased displacement and improved performance over the Evolution engine.
Manufacturing Location:
United States (Various Harley Davidson facilities)
Production Period:
2000-2005 for this specific manual coverage.
Model Awards:
While specific awards for the 2000-2005 FXST Softail Standard are not widely documented as discrete accolades, the Softail platform itself has been consistently recognized for its styling and riding experience within the cruiser segment.
Reliability Ratings:
Reliability is generally considered good with proper maintenance. Specific ratings vary, but the Twin Cam 88 engine is known for its durability when maintained according to factory recommendations.
Emissions:
Meets EPA and California emissions standards for its model years, with specific tuning and catalytic converter requirements detailed in the manual.
