🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

FLTR-I Road Glide

Year:

1998

Model Code:

FLTR-I

Engine Code Family:

Evolution (Evo)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size touring motorcycle, heavyweight cruiser

Target Audience:

Long-distance riders, touring enthusiasts, Harley-Davidson loyalists

Competitors 1998:

Honda Gold Wing, Yamaha Royal Star Venture, Kawasaki Voyager

Fairing Design:

Batwing fairing providing significant wind protection and integrated audio system housing.

Touring Capability:

Designed for long-distance comfort with ample storage and rider amenities.

Ease Of Use:

Explicitly designed for easy, step-by-step repair guidance with visual aids.

Accuracy:

Factory-produced manual ensures accuracy of procedures, specifications, and diagrams.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All repairs and servicing

Diagrams Included:

Wiring diagrams

Estimated Pages:

Refer to actual manual content for exact count; typical factory service manuals of this era are substantial (often 500+ pages).

Type:

Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable (assumed digital format like PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of the Evolution V-twin engine, including timing, valve train, lubrication, and cooling systems.

Transmission:

Service and repair of the 5-speed Cruise Drive transmission, including clutch, gear shifting mechanisms, and lubrication.

Electrical System:

Comprehensive coverage of the entire electrical system, including ignition, starting, charging, lighting, instrumentation, and accessory circuits, with detailed wiring diagrams.

Fuel System:

Carburetor (likely Keihin CV) service, adjustment, and overhaul, fuel tank and lines, and fuel pump operation.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake system service, including hydraulic lines, master cylinders, calipers, pads, and rotor inspection/replacement.

Suspension:

Front fork (telescopic) and rear shock absorber service, including oil changes, seal replacement, and spring adjustments.

Frame And Body:

Frame inspection, fairing removal and installation, body panel service, seat, and fuel tank mounting.

Wheels And Tires:

Wheel bearing service, tire replacement, and mounting procedures.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug service, chain adjustment (if applicable, though Road Glides are belt drive), brake fluid checks, and general inspection.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, including symptom-based troubleshooting charts.

Component Overhaul:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for disassembling, cleaning, inspecting, repairing, and reassembling major components.

Wiring Diagram Interpretation:

Guidance on reading and understanding complex electrical schematics for diagnostic purposes.

Depth:

Comprehensive factory-level repair and diagnostic information, suitable for experienced mechanics and dedicated enthusiasts undertaking major repairs and rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (assumed for download)

Searchable:

Likely searchable if a well-produced PDF; crucial for efficient information retrieval.

Print Quality:

High resolution for clear images and diagrams, essential for following repair steps.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin, pushrod-actuated overhead valves

Displacement:

1337 cc (81.8 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke:

3.4375 in. x 4.25 in. (87.31 mm x 107.95 mm)

Compression Ratio:

9.0:1 (typical for this era Evo)

Horsepower Est:

Approximately 65-70 HP (at crankshaft)

Torque Est:

Approximately 80-85 ft-lbs (at crankshaft)

Fuel Delivery:

Carburetor - Keihin CV (Constant Velocity) 40mm

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 90 octane recommended

Ignition Type:

Electronic Ignition (CDI or similar system)

Oil Type:

Harley-Davidson 20W-50 motorcycle oil or equivalent API SG or higher

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter change.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed constant mesh, helical gears

Primary Drive:

Duplex chain, 1.279" width, 51/33 ratio

Final Drive:

Belt drive, 1.125" width, 65/32 ratio (47-tooth rear pulley, 32-tooth front pulley)

Clutch Type:

Wet, multi-plate

Transmission Fluid Type:

Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission Lubricant (or equivalent)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 24 US fl oz (710 ml)

📐 Dimensions

Length Overall:

Approximately 99.0 inches (2515 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 63.5 inches (1613 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approximately 5.0 inches (127 mm)

Dry Weight Est:

Approximately 700 lbs (318 kg)

Wet Weight Est:

Approximately 740 lbs (336 kg)

Gvwr Est:

Approximately 1200 lbs (544 kg)

Fuel Capacity:

5.0 US gallons (18.9 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Certification:

Meets or exceeds all applicable US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for motorcycles.

Brakes Front:

Dual hydraulic disc, 11.5 inch diameter, 4-piston calipers

Brakes Rear:

Single hydraulic disc, 11.5 inch diameter, 4-piston caliper

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, LED tail light, standard turn signals.

Fairing Wind Protection:

Provides significant rider protection from wind blast, reducing fatigue.

Rider Ergonomics:

Designed for comfortable riding posture on long journeys.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed AM/FM cassette stereo system integrated into the fairing. Speakers are typically located within the fairing lowers or dash.

Controls:

Handlebar-mounted controls for radio functions.

Cruise Control:

Not standard on FLTR-I models of this era; typically an aftermarket addition.

Connectivity Features:

Limited to audio input (cassette tape) and basic electrical system functionality. No modern Bluetooth or USB connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

First Service:

1,000 miles (1,600 km) or 1 month, whichever comes first.

Subsequent Service:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months thereafter.

Engine Oil Change:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first.

Transmission Oil Change:

Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or annually.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid

Primary Chain Case Oil:

Harley-Davidson Primary Chain Lubricant (or equivalent)

Primary Chain Case Oil Capacity:

Approximately 1 quart (0.95 liters)

Evolution Engine Common Issues:

Potential for oil leaks from gaskets and seals, lifter noise, cam bearing wear (especially with high-mileage units), and carburetor tuning sensitivities.

Electrical System Common Issues:

Aging wiring insulation, stator/rotor failure, and regulator/rectifier issues can occur with age and mileage.

Suspension Wear:

Fork seals can degrade, leading to leaks; rear shocks can lose damping effectiveness over time.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Legacy:

Harley-Davidson, established 1903, iconic American motorcycle manufacturer known for its V-twin engines and cruiser/touring motorcycles.

Road Glide Introduction:

The Road Glide model line was introduced in 1980 as the FLT, with the 'Glide' moniker signifying its touring focus. The FLTR-I designation specifically refers to the injected version with the characteristic fairing.

Evolution Engine Adoption:

The Evolution (Evo) engine was introduced in 1984, replacing the Shovelhead. The 1337cc (81.8 ci) displacement became standard for large Harley-Davidson touring models by the late 1980s and continued through the early 2000s.

Manufacturing Location:

United States (primarily York, Pennsylvania and Milwaukee, Wisconsin)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motorcycle Awards:

Specific awards for the 1998 FLTR-I Road Glide are not prominently documented. However, the Harley-Davidson touring platform, particularly the Evolution-powered models, consistently received praise for comfort, torque, and the iconic riding experience.

Owner Satisfaction General:

Harley-Davidson models of this era generally enjoy high owner loyalty and satisfaction, particularly among riders who appreciate the brand's heritage and distinct character.