Model Variants Covered:
FLSTC (Heritage Softail Classic), FLSTSC (Softail Springer Classic), FLSTF (Fat Boy), FLSTN (Softail Deluxe), FXST (Softail Standard), FXSTB (Night Train), FXSTC (Softail Custom), FXSTD (Softail Duece)
Engine Code:
1584cc (96 cubic inches) Twin Cam 96B
Chassis Codes:
FL for touring chassis, FX for custom chassis
Motorcycle Segment:
Cruiser motorcycle segment
Target Audience:
Harley-Davidson Softail owners and independent service technicians seeking detailed repair and maintenance information.
Competitor Models:
Indian Chief, Victory Kingpin, various Japanese cruisers (e.g., Yamaha Road Star, Kawasaki Vulcan).
Key Features Of Model Line
Styling And Design:
Classic Harley-Davidson styling, rigid suspension look (hidden rear shocks), extensive customization potential.
Powertrain:
Torquey V-twin engines, renowned for their rumble and character.
Brand Loyalty:
Strong brand loyalty and community associated with Harley-Davidson.
Engine Systems:
Engine disassembly, assembly, lubrication, cooling (air-cooled), fuel injection (EFI), ignition system, timing, cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, oil pump, primary drive system.
Transmission And Drivetrain:
5-speed Cruise Drive transmission, clutch operation, primary chain adjustment, drive belt inspection and replacement, final drive.
Suspension And Steering:
Front fork (e.g., Telescopic), rear shock absorbers, steering head bearings, wheel bearings, swingarm and pivot bearings.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system components (calipers, rotors, master cylinders, brake lines), hydraulic system bleeding, ABS (if equipped).
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor, solenoid), ignition system, lighting (headlight, taillight, turn signals), instrumentation, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, EFI control module (ECM).
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, throttle body, fuel pressure regulator (if applicable).
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipes, mufflers, catalytic converters (if applicable), mounting hardware.
Frame And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, body panel removal and installation, fenders, fuel tank mounting, seat assembly.
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine inspections, oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush (if liquid-cooled variants exist, though Softails are primarily air-cooled), lubrication points, battery maintenance, tire pressure checks.
Repair Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of all major and minor components.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for electrical, engine, and mechanical issues.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Procedures for checking engine performance, electrical system integrity, and identifying faults using diagnostic tools (e.g., HD-SPX, CONSULT).
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific repair and maintenance tasks.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and chassis component overhauls.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, Twin Cam 96B 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)
Valve Train:
Overhead valves (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated
Horsepower:
Approximately 70-75 HP (est. at crank, actual varies by model and tuning)
Torque:
Approximately 90-96 ft-lbs @ 3000 RPM (est. at crank, actual varies by model and tuning)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (R+M)/2 recommended
Ignition Type:
Electronic ignition with knock control
Overall Length:
Varies by model (e.g., FLSTC ~94.5 in., FXST ~92.3 in.)
Wheelbase:
Varies by model (e.g., FLSTC ~64.5 in., FXST ~65.2 in.)
Dry Weight:
Varies by model (e.g., FLSTC ~673 lbs, FXST ~648 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Typically around 1160 lbs
Luggage Capacity:
Minimal inherent storage, typically reliant on optional saddlebags and accessories.
First Service:
1000 miles (1600 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Subsequent Service Intervals:
Every 5000 miles (8000 km) or 12 months for routine maintenance.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 5000 miles (8000 km) or 12 months.
Transmission And Primary Chain Case Oil Change:
Every 10000 miles (16000 km) or 24 months.
Engine Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson SYN3 (Full Synthetic) SAE 20W50 or other API CI-4 rated engine oil
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.5 US quarts (3.3 liters) with filter change
Transmission Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Transmission Fluid, Formula + (GL-4, SAE 85W-140) or equivalent
Transmission Oil Capacity:
24 US fluid ounces (0.71 liters)
Primary Chain Case Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Primary Fluid (same as transmission fluid)
Primary Chain Case Oil Capacity:
2.75 US quarts (2.6 liters) for full fill, 2.2 US quarts (2.1 liters) for normal level check
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Heavy Duty
Engine Common Issues:
Potential for oil leaks from seals, occasional issues with the cam chain tensioners (especially earlier Twin Cam 88 models, though improved in 96B), exhaust header pipe leaks, starter clutch wear.
Electrical Common Issues:
Issues with the voltage regulator, stator, and battery charging system are not uncommon in this era. Wiring harness chafing can occur.
Transmission Common Issues:
Clutch drag, neutral finding issues, and occasional starter drive engagement problems.
Suspension Common Issues:
Rear shock absorber leaks or loss of damping, fork seal leaks.
Harley Davidson Legacy:
Founded in 1903, Harley-Davidson is one of the oldest motorcycle manufacturers in the world, known for its distinctive V-twin engines and cruiser styling.
Softail Line Introduction:
The Softail platform was introduced in 1984, designed to mimic the look of a rigid frame with a hidden rear suspension system.
Twin Cam 96B Introduction:
The Twin Cam 96B engine, a derivative of the Twin Cam 88, was introduced around 2007 for many Softail models, offering increased displacement and torque.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary manufacturing for these models was at Harley-Davidson's York, Pennsylvania, and Kansas City, Missouri, plants.
