Positioning:
The 2003 Harley-Davidson FL Touring models represent the pinnacle of American cruiser touring, offering comfort, style, and long-distance capability. This manual serves owners and independent technicians maintaining these iconic motorcycles.
Competitors:
Competes with other large-displacement touring motorcycles from brands like Honda (Gold Wing), Kawasaki (Voyager), Yamaha (Venture), and Indian (Chief).
Vehicle Features:
Large fairings for weather protection, comfortable seating for rider and passenger, ample luggage capacity (saddlebags, optional Tour-Pak), powerful V-twin engines, cruise control (on some models), advanced infotainment systems (on some models).
Value:
Provides essential, detailed information for DIY maintenance, repairs, and diagnostics, saving owners time and money compared to dealership service. Enables on-the-go troubleshooting via smartphone.
Engine:
Twin Cam 88, Twin Cam 88B (details on operation, disassembly, assembly, troubleshooting)
Fuel System:
Carburetor (Keihin CV40 or similar), Fuel Injection (EFI - Delphi Electronic Fuel Injection) systems, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter
Lubrication And Cooling:
Oil pump, oil filter, oil passages, oil pressure, lubrication system diagnostics, oil cooler (where applicable)
Transmission:
5-speed Cruise Drive transmission, clutch operation, gear shifting mechanisms, transmission fluid
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), ignition system (ignition module, coil, spark plugs), lighting system (headlight, taillight, turn signals), starter system, instrument cluster, wiring diagrams, fault codes
Steering And Suspension:
Front forks (telescopic, cartridge types), rear shock absorbers, swingarm, bearings, steering head bearings, alignment
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (hydraulic disc brakes), brake pads, calipers, master cylinders, brake fluid, ABS (where equipped)
Bodywork And Trim:
Fairings, saddlebags, tour-pak, fenders, fuel tank, seat assembly, mounting hardware, cosmetic repairs
Intake And Exhaust:
Air cleaner assembly, intake manifold, exhaust pipes, mufflers, catalytic converters (where applicable)
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, air filter cleaning/replacement, spark plug checks, tire pressure, chain adjustment (if applicable to specific model variant, though most FLs are belt-driven), battery maintenance
Engine Overhaul:
Engine removal and installation, cylinder head removal/installation, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft and camshaft inspection/replacement, internal engine component torque specifications
Transmission Service:
Transmission disassembly and reassembly, gear inspection, bearing replacement, clutch adjustment and replacement
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting electrical faults using wiring diagrams, testing components (sensors, actuators, modules), clearing diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Suspension And Steering:
Fork seal replacement, fork oil changes, shock absorber replacement, steering head bearing adjustment and replacement
Brake System Maintenance:
Brake bleeding, pad replacement, caliper service, master cylinder overhaul
Bodywork Repair:
Saddlebag repair, fairing installation/removal, mounting hardware torque values, trim piece replacement
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed troubleshooting guides and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin, pushrod overhead valves
Engine Family:
Twin Cam 88 / Twin Cam 88B
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:
8.3:1 or 8.8:1 (depending on specific model/tune)
Torque:
Approx. 78-85 ft-lbs @ 3000-3500 RPM (varies by model and tune)
Horsepower:
Approx. 65-70 HP @ 5000-5500 RPM (varies by model and tune)
Fuel Delivery:
Carbureted (Keihin CV40 for most models) or Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 91 octane (AKI) or higher recommended
First Service:
1,000 miles (1,600 km) or 12 months (whichever comes first): Oil and filter change, primary chain case check, belt alignment, chassis lubrication, general inspection.
Subsequent Service:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months: Similar to first service, plus transmission oil change, spark plug inspection/replacement, air filter service, brake fluid check.
Engine Oil:
Harley-Davidson 20W50 SYN3 or equivalent (refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Transmission Fluid:
Harley-Davidson Formula+ or equivalent.
Primary Chain Case Fluid:
Harley-Davidson Formula+ or equivalent.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific type and replacement intervals).
Cam Chain Tensioners:
Early Twin Cam models (pre-2007) had less robust cam chain tensioners which could wear out. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.
Rear Main Seal:
Occasional leaks from the rear main seal can occur over time, requiring engine disassembly to replace.
Idle Speed Control:
EFI models may experience rough idle or stalling issues related to the idle air control (IAC) motor or throttle body cleaning.