Category:
Cruiser Motorcycle
Design Philosophy:
Minimalist, raw, bobber-inspired styling
Competitors 2011:
Other American V-twins (e.g., Indian), some Japanese cruisers with similar styling cues.
Engine Layout:
Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103B V-twin
Styling:
Flat drag handlebars, low-profile seat, exposed rear shock absorbers, bobbed fenders.
Transmission:
6-speed Cruise Drive
Wheel Design:
Cast aluminum, 5-spoke wheels.
Instrumentation:
Minimalist, handlebar-mounted speedometer.
Engine:
Yes (V-Twin, air-cooled)
Transmission:
Yes (6-speed Cruise Drive)
Electrical System:
Yes (ignition, lighting, charging, starting)
Fuel System:
Yes (fuel injection, fuel tank, pump)
Suspension:
Yes (front fork, rear shock absorbers)
Brakes:
Yes (front and rear disc brakes, hydraulic system)
Frame And Body:
Yes (chassis, fenders, fuel tank, seat)
Diagnostics:
Yes (troubleshooting charts, DTCs)
Routine Maintenance:
Yes (oil change, filter replacement, chain adjustment, brake inspection)
Engine Overhaul:
Yes (disassembly, inspection, reassembly)
Transmission Repair:
Yes (clutch, gears, shifting mechanism)
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Yes (wiring diagrams, component testing)
Brake System Service:
Yes (bleeding, pad replacement, caliper service)
Suspension Service:
Yes (fork seal replacement, shock absorber adjustment)
Fuel System Diagnosis:
Yes (injector testing, fuel pressure checks)
Wheel And Tire Service:
Yes (balancing, mounting)
Emissions Control Service:
Yes
Bodywork And Trim Removal:
Yes
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using diagnostic tools (e.g., Digital Technician Lite)
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103B
Displacement:
1690 cc (103 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
3.875 in. x 4.375 in. (98.4 mm x 111.1 mm)
Valve Train:
OHV, 2 valves per cylinder, pushrod-actuated
Cooling System:
Air-cooled
Lubrication System:
Dry-sump with oil tank
Horsepower:
Estimated 75-80 HP (typical for Twin Cam 103)
Torque:
Estimated 95-100 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM (typical for Twin Cam 103)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Fuel Type:
91 octane unleaded gasoline recommended
Transmission Type:
6-speed Cruise Drive
Clutch Type:
Multi-plate, wet
Final Drive:
Carbon-reinforced belt drive
Gear Ratios:
1st: 9.593, 2nd: 6.650, 3rd: 4.935, 4th: 3.871, 5th: 3.147, 6th: 2.790 (typical for 6-speed Cruise Drive)
Safety Features:
Harley-Davidson safety is focused on chassis stability and braking performance. ABS was an optional feature for some models/years, but not standard on the 2011 Blackline.
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brakes, front and rear. Dual piston front caliper, single piston rear caliper.
ABS Availability:
Optional
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, LED tail lamp, integrated front and rear turn signals.
Infotainment System:
Minimalist design with a single handlebar-mounted analog speedometer. No integrated infotainment system (radio, navigation) as standard. Designed for a purist riding experience.
ABS:
Optional, not standard equipment on the 2011 FXS Blackline.
Connectivity Features:
None standard. Focus is on mechanical and rider feedback.
First Service:
1000 miles (1600 km) or 6 months
Subsequent Services:
Every 5000 miles (8000 km) or 12 months thereafter (may vary by specific component and usage)
Engine Oil:
Harley-Davidson Genuine V-Twin 20W-50 Synthetic (or equivalent meeting Harley-Davidson specification)
Primary Chain Case Oil:
Harley-Davidson Genuine Primary Chain Lubricant (or equivalent)
Transmission Oil:
Harley-Davidson Genuine Formula + Transmission and Primary Chaincase Lubricant (or equivalent)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific Harley-Davidson specification)
Common Wear Items:
Tires, brake pads, clutch plates, fork seals.
Potential Problems:
While generally reliable, some owners report issues with clutch engagement smoothness, exhaust leaks (especially with aftermarket systems), and occasional electrical gremlins if not properly maintained. The manual would detail diagnostics for these.
Oil Filter Part Number:
63796-77B (or equivalent HD P/N for Twin Cam models)
Air Filter Part Number:
29048-09 (or equivalent HD P/N for Twin Cam models)
Brand Origin:
American motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1903.
Blackline Introduction:
The Blackline (FXS) was introduced in 2011 as part of Harley-Davidson's Dark Custom™ line, emphasizing a minimalist, stripped-down aesthetic.
Engine Platform:
Utilized the Twin Cam 103 engine, a staple for Harley-Davidson touring and Softail models, offering increased torque over earlier engines.
Production Lifecycle:
The Blackline was produced from 2011 to 2013. It was discontinued in favor of other models within the Softail lineup.
Manufacturing Location:
United States (primarily York, Pennsylvania or Kansas City, Missouri)
