Segment:
Cruiser Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Harley-Davidson FXDL Low Rider Dyna owners, independent repair shops, and motorcycle enthusiasts.
Competitors:
Other cruiser motorcycles of the era, such as Indian Chief, Victory Kingpin, and various Japanese cruisers.
Model Essence:
The Low Rider Dyna is a classic American cruiser known for its comfortable riding position, V-twin engine, and customizable styling.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential knowledge for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing the 2008 Harley-Davidson FXDL Low Rider Dyna, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Engine:
Twin Cam 96 (1584cc), including disassembly, assembly, inspection, and tuning.
Fuel System:
EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) system, throttle body, injectors, fuel pump, and pressure regulation.
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition Module (EIM), coil, spark plugs, and timing.
Transmission:
6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, clutch, primary drive, and final drive.
Chassis:
Frame, suspension (front fork and rear shocks), steering, and wheels.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, including calipers, rotors, master cylinders, and brake lines.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), starter, lighting, and accessories.
Instrumentation And Controls:
Gauges, switches, and handlebar controls.
Bodywork And Trim:
Fenders, fuel tank, seat, and other cosmetic components.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipes, mufflers, and mounting hardware.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, and inspection schedules.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts and symptom-based problem solving for various systems.
Component Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for disassembly, repair, and reassembly of major components.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, and fault finding for the electrical system.
Engine Rebuild:
Instructions for engine overhaul, including piston and cylinder replacement, crankshaft and camshaft service.
Suspension Service:
Fork seal replacement, fork oil changes, and rear shock absorber servicing.
Brake Bleeding:
Proper procedures for bleeding the hydraulic brake system.
Wheel And Tire Service:
Tire mounting, balancing, and wheel bearing maintenance.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostic Level:
Advanced, including specifications for critical measurements and testing procedures.
Rebuild Instructions:
Detailed instructions suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, Twin Cam 96 V-twin
Displacement:
1584 cc (96 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
3.75 in x 4.38 in (95.25 mm x 111.25 mm)
Valvetrain:
Overhead valves (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder
Fueling:
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Horsepower:
Approx. 70-75 HP (manufacturer's rating varies by region and tuning)
Torque:
Approx. 86-90 ft-lbs @ 3000 RPM (manufacturer's rating varies by region and tuning)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
4.9 US gallons (18.5 liters)
Safety Certification:
Meets all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for motorcycles.
Braking System:
Dual-disc front brakes, single-disc rear brake with hydraulic actuation.
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, LED tail light, and standard turn signals.
Frame Construction:
Steel frame and swingarm for robust structural integrity.
Tire Design:
Tubeless tires for reduced risk of sudden deflation.
Audio System:
Optional factory-installed or dealer-installed radio and speaker systems were available, often with AM/FM and CD functionality.
Display:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, and oil pressure. Indicator lights for turn signals, high beam, and low oil pressure.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature for this model year.
Diagnostic Port:
Features a diagnostic connector for accessing engine control module (ECM) data and troubleshooting.
Initial Service:
First service typically at 1,000 miles (1,600 km) or 6 months.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Primary Chain Tensioner Inspection:
Inspect every 10,000 miles (16,000 km); hydraulic tensioner requires periodic replacement.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 15,000-20,000 miles (24,000-32,000 km).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Recommended every 24 months, regardless of mileage.
Engine Oil:
Harley-Davidson SYN3 (Synthetic) SAE 20W-50 or other API CG-4 certified motorcycle oil.
Transmission Fluid:
Harley-Davidson Formula+ or SAE 50 motorcycle gear oil.
Primary Chain Case Fluid:
Harley-Davidson Formula+ or Harley-Davidson primary chain case lubricant.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Primary Chain Tensioner:
The early hydraulic primary chain tensioners were known to wear prematurely, leading to potential noise and chain slack. Replacement with an updated or manual tensioner is common.
Cam Chain Tensioners:
The Twin Cam engines also utilize cam chain tensioners that can wear, though less critically than the primary. Inspection and potential replacement are part of scheduled maintenance.
Rear Cylinder Overheating:
Like many air-cooled V-twins, the rear cylinder can run hotter, especially in stop-and-go traffic or hot weather. Proper tuning and airflow are key.
Manufacturer History:
Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer with a rich history of V-twin motorcycles.
Dyna Lineage:
The Dyna platform, introduced in 1991, is characterized by its rubber-mounted engine for reduced vibration and a classic, rigid look.
Low Rider Concept:
The Low Rider designation historically signifies a motorcycle with a lower seat height and often ape hanger handlebars for a distinctive riding style.
Production Era:
The Dyna line, including the FXDL Low Rider, was produced from 1991 to 2017 before being succeeded by the Softail platform.