Segment:
Cruiser Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts and owners seeking in-depth knowledge for maintenance and repair of their FXSTS Springer Softail.
Competitors In Era:
Other Harley-Davidson Softail models, custom choppers, other American V-twin cruisers.
Model Distinction:
Iconic Springer front fork, Softail hidden rear suspension, classic cruiser styling.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides factory-level repair and maintenance procedures, ensuring accuracy and completeness for owners and technicians.
Primary Coverage:
Service, Repair, Workshop
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 500-700 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Format:
Print (Original Factory Publication)
Engine Service:
Engine disassembly, assembly, tuning, lubrication, cooling system (air-cooled).
Fuel System:
Carburetor (CV Carburetor) service, fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump (if applicable).
Transmission And Drivetrain:
Primary drive, clutch, transmission case, gears, shift mechanism, final drive belt inspection and adjustment.
Electrical System:
Ignition system, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), lighting, starting system, battery, wiring diagrams, fuse/relay locations.
Suspension And Steering:
Front Springer fork service, rear shock absorber replacement, steering head bearing adjustment, wheel alignment.
Braking System:
Front and rear brake caliper service, master cylinder overhaul, brake fluid replacement, rotor inspection.
Chassis And Frame:
Frame inspection, mounting points, bodywork removal and installation (fenders, tank, covers).
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing service, tire mounting and balancing, spoke tensioning (if applicable).
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, chain adjustment (if applicable), lubrication points.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common symptoms, fault finding procedures.
Component Rebuilds:
Detailed instructions for overhauling engine, transmission, carburetors, brakes, and suspension components.
Diagnostic Tests:
Compression testing, ignition timing checks, electrical system diagnostics.
Adjustment Procedures:
Carburetor jetting, clutch adjustment, primary chain tension, steering head adjustment.
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds).
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced, including detailed wiring diagrams and troubleshooting flowcharts.
Repair Complexity:
Suitable for experienced DIY mechanics and professional technicians.
Digital Format Quality:
N/A (Assuming printed original - if digital, would specify PDF clarity, searchability)
Print Quality:
Original factory print quality (typically clear line drawings, legible text).
Binding:
Original factory binding (likely stitched or perfect bound, designed for workshop use).
Paper Quality:
Durable paper stock, designed to withstand workshop environments.
Engine Family:
Evolution (Evo) V-Twin
Displacement:
1337.8 cc (81.7 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
3.4375 in x 4.25 in (87.3 mm x 108 mm)
Configuration:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin
Valvetrain:
Overhead valves (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder
Compression Ratio:
9.0:1 (Typical for this era Evo)
Horsepower Estimate:
Approximately 55-60 HP (at crankshaft)
Torque Estimate:
Approximately 70-75 lb-ft (at crankshaft)
Carburetor Model:
Keihin CV (Constant Velocity) Carburetor, 40mm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
4.0 US gallons (15.1 liters)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 64.7 inches (1643 mm)
Length:
Approximately 92.4 inches (2347 mm)
Width:
Approximately 34.3 inches (871 mm)
Seat Height:
Approximately 26.5 inches (673 mm)
Dry Weight:
Approximately 625 lbs (283 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approximately 1035 lbs (470 kg)
Crash Test Results:
N/A (Motorcycles are not subject to the same government crash testing as passenger cars).
Braking System:
Dual-piston front caliper, single-piston rear caliper, vented discs.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals.
Frame Construction:
Steel tubing frame for rigidity.
Suspension:
Springer front fork (leading link), adjustable rear shock absorbers (preload).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 2,500-3,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.
Primary Chain Tension Check:
Every 1,000-1,500 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 10,000-15,000 miles (refer to manual for specific type).
Belt Drive Inspection:
Regular inspection for wear and tension (adjust as needed).
Engine Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson genuine V-Twin oil (20W-50 or equivalent SAE 50 API SG or higher).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.0 US quarts (2.8 liters) with filter change.
Primary Chain Case Oil:
Harley-Davidson Formula + (or equivalent transmission fluid).
Primary Chain Case Oil Capacity:
Approximately 24 US fluid ounces (0.71 liters).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (non-silicone based).
Transmission Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Formula + (or equivalent transmission fluid).
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approximately 32 US fluid ounces (0.95 liters).
Carburetor Tuning:
CV carburetor can require fine-tuning for optimal performance across different altitudes/temperatures.
Harley Davidson Evolution Engine:
Known for reliability, but can experience oil leaks if seals are neglected; lifter noise is common.
Belt Drive Wear:
Belt can wear prematurely if misaligned or if tension is incorrect.
Electrical Connections:
Older wiring harnesses can develop issues with corrosion or loose connections over time.
Harley Davidson Legacy:
Founded in 1903, renowned for V-twin engines, iconic styling, and a distinct riding experience.
Softail Lineage:
The Softail platform, introduced in 1983, mimicked the look of rigid frames while incorporating hidden rear suspension for improved ride comfort.
Springer Fork Heritage:
The Springer front fork is a nostalgic design element, harkening back to early motorcycle designs, reintroduced by Harley-Davidson for stylistic appeal.
Production Period:
The FXSTS Springer Softail was produced from 1988 through 2006, with the 1997-1998 models representing a specific iteration.
Manufacturing Location:
York, Pennsylvania, USA; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA (engine assembly often separate).
