🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic

Year:

2008

Vin Model Code:

FLSTC

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic is positioned as a retro-styled cruiser, blending classic Harley-Davidson styling with modern V-twin performance.

Competitors:

Competes with other large-displacement cruisers from brands like Indian Motorcycle, and some American-made V-twin motorcycles.

Styling:

Iconic styling with wide handlebars, floorboards, teardrop fuel tank, chrome accents, and white-wall tires.

Engine Type:

Harley-Davidson Twin Cam 96 V-twin engine.

Transmission:

6-speed Cruise Drive transmission.

Suspension:

Softail design with hidden rear shock absorbers for a hardtail look.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Comprehensive service, maintenance, and repair for the 2008 Harley-Davidson FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic.

Estimated Pages:

Refer to specific product listing for exact page count, typically 600+ pages for this type of comprehensive manual.

Type:

Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Print

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, troubleshooting, top-end, bottom-end, cooling system.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel filter, throttle body, evaporative emission control system.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust pipes, mufflers, catalytic converter (if applicable), emission controls.

Transmission:

Clutch, primary drive, transmission case, gears, shifter mechanism, maintenance, and repair.

Drive Train:

Belt drive system, rear pulley, front pulley, belt inspection and replacement.

Frame And Bodywork:

Frame inspection, front and rear suspension, forks, shock absorbers, swingarm, body panels, fenders, fuel tank, seat.

Wheels And Tires:

Wheel bearings, tire inspection and replacement, wheel balancing.

Brakes:

Brake calipers, master cylinders, brake lines, brake pads, brake fluid, bleeding procedures, ABS (if equipped).

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, ignition system, lighting, starter motor, sensors, wiring diagrams, diagnostic codes.

Instrumentation And Controls:

Instrument cluster, gauges, switches, controls, lighting controls.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic tools and procedures.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug service, chain/belt adjustment and lubrication, brake checks.

Engine Repair:

Complete engine overhaul, piston replacement, valve adjustments, camshaft replacement, seal and gasket replacement.

Transmission Repair:

Clutch adjustment and replacement, transmission disassembly and reassembly, bearing replacement.

Suspension Service:

Fork seal replacement, shock absorber servicing, swingarm bearing service.

Brake System Service:

Brake pad replacement, caliper overhaul, master cylinder rebuild, brake line replacement, bleeding.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Battery testing, charging system diagnosis, ignition system troubleshooting, wiring harness repair, sensor replacement.

Bodywork Repair:

Panel removal and installation, fairing repair, fender replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step guides for diagnosing and resolving common and uncommon problems.

Depth:

Extremely detailed, covering everything from basic rider maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Details:

If digital, typically PDF with searchable text and high-resolution diagrams.

Print Quality:

High-quality paper and printing for durability in a workshop environment.

Binding:

Professional binding (e.g., spiral-bound, stitched) to lay flat for ease of use.

Paper Type:

Durable, possibly glossy or semi-gloss paper for clarity of diagrams and resistance to shop grime.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

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)

Compression Ratio:

9.0:1

Valve Train:

Pushrod-actuated, overhead valves with hydraulic lifters

Horsepower:

Estimated 70-75 HP (Specific dyno results may vary)

Torque:

Approximately 90-95 ft-lbs at 3000 RPM (Specific dyno results may vary)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed, Cruise Drive

Primary Drive:

Chain, 34/46 ratio

Final Drive:

Belt, 32/66 ratio

Gear Ratios:

1st: 9.312, 2nd: 6.650, 3rd: 4.943, 4th: 3.876, 5th: 3.307, 6th: 2.790

Clutch:

Leather-wrapped, 9-plate, wet

📐 Dimensions

Length:

92.5 in. (2350 mm)

Width:

37.0 in. (940 mm)

Height:

53.3 in. (1354 mm)

Wheelbase:

64.5 in. (1638 mm)

Seat Height:

27.0 in. (686 mm)

Ground Clearance:

5.2 in. (132 mm)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 720 lbs (326 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not specified, but typically around 1160 lbs (526 kg)

Gvwr:

1160 lbs (526 kg)

Payload Capacity:

Approx. 440 lbs (199 kg)

Fuel Capacity:

5.0 gallons (18.9 L)

Oil Capacity:

3.0 quarts (2.8 L) with filter change

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

Motorcycles are not typically rated by consumer safety organizations like NHTSA for crash tests. Focus is on rider control and active safety features.

Braking System:

Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, optional ABS.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, LED tail light, turn signals.

Frame Construction:

Steel frame and swingarm designed for stability.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Optional AM/FM/WB radio with CD player and handlebar-mounted controls, often integrated into the fairing (if equipped with factory fairing).

Display:

Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, oil pressure, and engine temperature (indicator lights).

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option.

Diagnostic System:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) accessible via specialized tools and the instrument cluster.

🔧 Maintenance

First Service:

1000 miles (1600 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Subsequent Service:

Every 5000 miles (8000 km) or 12 months.

Engine Oil Change:

Every 5000 miles (8000 km) or annually, or more frequently under severe usage.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Check at 1000 miles, then every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 24 months.

Primary Chain Case Fluid Change:

Check at 1000 miles, then every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 24 months.

Engine Oil:

Harley-Davidson Genuine V-Twin 20W-50 (or equivalent API CI-4 or better rated oil).

Transmission Fluid:

Harley-Davidson Genuine Formula + (or equivalent SAE 50 motorcycle transmission oil).

Primary Chain Case Fluid:

Harley-Davidson Genuine Formula + (or equivalent SAE 50 motorcycle transmission oil).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 brake fluid.

Common Issues:

Potential for oil leaks (e.g., primary, transmission), clutch adjustment needs, electrical connector corrosion, regulator/rectifier failure (though less common on Twin Cam 96 compared to earlier models), exhaust header pipe discoloration.

Maintenance Tips:

Regularly inspect for fluid leaks, check belt tension, clean battery terminals, and ensure proper torque on critical fasteners.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer known for its V-twin engines and cruiser-style motorcycles.

Heritage Softail Line:

The Softail platform, introduced in 1983, features a hidden rear suspension system to mimic the look of a hardtail frame. The Heritage Softail (FLST) debuted in 1986, evolving into the FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic with its retro styling cues.

Production Years:

The FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic has been in continuous production since its introduction, with annual updates to features and styling.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily manufactured in the United States.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Market Recognition:

Consistently recognized as a benchmark for retro-styled cruisers, appreciated for its classic styling, V-twin rumble, and comfortable riding position.

Dealer Support:

Extensive Harley-Davidson dealer network provides specialized service and parts support.