Target Audience:
Harley-Davidson owners, independent repair shops, custom builders.
Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, professional-level repair and maintenance information for a critical period of Softail evolution.
Distinction:
Covers both FLST (Heritage Softail, etc.) and FXST (Custom, Springer, etc.) variations, offering broad applicability within the Softail family for these years.
Completeness:
Advertised as 'real deal' and covering repairs A-Z, indicating a high level of detail.
Visuals:
Emphasis on detailed pictures and diagrams enhances usability for visual learners and complex tasks.
Primary Coverage:
All FLST and FXST Softail Models
Repair Scope:
Comprehensive A-Z (Mechanical & Electrical)
Estimated Pages:
Extensive (specific count not provided, but implied to be comprehensive for A-Z coverage)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Printable (likely digital format like PDF)
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, tuning, diagnostics, carburetion, fuel injection (if applicable), oil systems, cooling (if applicable).
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, charging system, starting system, lighting, sensors, wiring diagrams.
Transmission:
Clutch, gearbox (5-speed or other), primary drive, final drive, lubrication.
Chassis:
Frame, suspension (front forks, rear shocks), steering, wheels, brakes (front and rear), final drive belt/chain.
Bodywork:
Fenders, fuel tank, seat, handlebars, controls, instrumentation, lighting fixtures.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting electrical faults, wiring harness inspection, component testing.
Maintenance:
Regular servicing, lubrication, fluid changes, filter replacement, inspection points.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnosis of common and uncommon problems, fault codes (if applicable).
Repair And Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly.
Component Replacement:
Detailed guidance on replacing wear items and failed components.
Depth:
Expert level - covers complete rebuilds, advanced diagnostics, and specialized procedures.
Illustrations:
Tons of detailed pictures and diagrams
Engine Family:
Evolution (Evo) V-Twin
Engine Displacement Common:
1340cc (81.9 cubic inches)
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, OHV, V-twin
Bore Stroke 1340Cc:
3.494 in x 4.250 in (88.75 mm x 107.95 mm)
Horsepower Estimated 1340Cc:
Approximately 65-70 HP (crank)
Torque Estimated 1340Cc:
Approximately 86-90 ft-lbs @ 3200 RPM (crank)
Carburetor Standard:
Keihin CV (Constant Velocity) 40mm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane minimum recommended
Oil Type Recommendation:
Harley-Davidson 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil or equivalent (refer to manual for exact spec)
Oil Capacity Engine Primary:
Approximately 3.0 US quarts (2.8 liters) for engine/primary system
Ignition System Type:
Electronic Ignition (Single Fire or Dual Fire depending on model variant)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Constant Mesh
Transmission Primary Drive:
Enclosed primary drive with wet clutch
Transmission Final Drive:
Belt Drive
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate
Transmission Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission & Primary Chaincase Lubricant (or equivalent HD spec oil)
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approximately 1.0 US quart (0.95 liters) for transmission/primary
Wheelbase Typical:
Approx. 64.5 - 65.5 inches (1638 - 1664 mm), varies by specific Softail model (e.g., Springer vs. standard)
Dry Weight Typical:
Approx. 600 - 650 lbs (272 - 295 kg), varies by specific Softail model
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Typical:
Approx. 975 - 1000 lbs (442 - 454 kg)
Fuel Capacity:
Typically 4.0 - 5.0 US gallons (15.1 - 18.9 liters), depending on fuel tank size
Safety Ratings:
Not applicable (Motorcycle safety is typically assessed through independent tests and industry standards, not government ratings like cars).
Brakes Front:
Dual-action, four-piston caliper, mechanical expanding brake on disc. (Specifics vary by model, e.g., FXST Springer may have different front brake setups).
Brakes Rear:
Dual-action, four-piston caliper, mechanical expanding brake on disc.
Tires Front:
Typically 100/90-19 or similar
Tires Rear:
Typically 130/90-16 or similar
Lighting:
Headlight, tail light, brake light, turn signals
Instrumentation:
Speedometer, tachometer (on some models), fuel gauge, indicator lights
Infotainment System:
Primarily analogue instrumentation. No complex infotainment systems were standard. Aftermarket audio systems were common options.
Driver Assistance Features:
None standard. Relies on rider input and basic safety features like brakes and lighting.
Connectivity Features:
None standard. Basic electrical connections for lights, ignition, and charging.
Initial Service:
Typically 1,000 miles (1,600 km) - includes engine oil and filter change, primary chaincase oil change, inspection of all critical fasteners and systems.
Subsequent Service:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or annually - includes engine oil and filter change, primary chaincase oil change, inspection and lubrication of controls, cables, and chassis components.
Major Service Items:
Spark plugs, air filter, transmission oil, brake fluid flush, drive belt inspection/tensioning typically at higher mileage intervals (e.g., 10,000-15,000 miles).
Engine Oil:
Harley-Davidson 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil or equivalent meeting HD-360 specification.
Primary Chaincase Oil:
Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission & Primary Chaincase Lubricant (or equivalent HD spec oil).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Heavy Duty Brake Fluid (refer to manual for specific caliper requirements, but DOT 4 is standard for this era).
Evo Engine Longevity:
Generally reliable, but like all air-cooled engines, sensitive to overheating and oil levels. Oil leaks can occur over time from seals and gaskets.
Carburetor Tuning:
Keihin CV carburetors can require periodic adjustment or cleaning for optimal performance, especially with changes in altitude or fuel quality.
Drive Belt Wear:
The drive belt requires regular inspection for wear and proper tension. Replacement is a significant maintenance item.
Electrical Connections:
Corrosion and loose connections in wiring harness and connectors can lead to intermittent electrical faults.
Suspension Wear:
Fork seals and rear shock absorbers can degrade over time, affecting ride quality and handling.
Heritage:
Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer renowned for its V-twin engines and distinctive styling.
Softail Lineage:
The Softail platform, introduced in 1983, is characterized by its hidden rear suspension, mimicking the look of a hardtail frame while providing rider comfort. The FLST and FXST designations represent different sub-models within the Softail family, often differing in styling, forks (e.g., Springer forks), and features.
1997 1998 Era:
This period represents the later years of the Evolution (Evo) engine, a highly regarded and robust powerplant that powered Harley-Davidson for over a decade. These models are considered classic, sought-after machines.
Manufacturing Location:
York, Pennsylvania, USA and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA (assembly plants for Harley-Davidson during this era).
