Segment:
Cruiser Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Harley-Davidson owners seeking to perform maintenance and repairs themselves, as well as independent repair shops
Competitors In Class:
Indian Chief, Victory Cross Country
Styling:
Retro styling with wide whitewall tires, chrome accents, leather-look saddlebags, and a large windshield
Comfort:
Comfortable seating position, ample legroom, and passenger accommodations
Value Proposition:
Empowers owners with the knowledge to maintain and repair their motorcycle, saving time and money on dealership services.
Primary Coverage:
Service, Repair, Maintenance, Troubleshooting
Diagnostic Coverage:
Includes diagnostic procedures and fault code interpretation
Estimated Pages:
Approx. 600-800 (typical for comprehensive service manuals)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Primary Language:
English
Digital Format:
PDF (Instant Download)
Powertrain:
Engine (Twin Cam 103B), Transmission (6-speed Cruise Drive), Primary Drive, Final Drive
Chassis:
Frame, Suspension (Front & Rear), Wheels, Tires, Brakes (Front & Rear), Steering
Electrical:
Ignition, Lighting, Gauges, Starting System, Charging System, Battery, EFI System, Security System
Bodywork And Trim:
Body Panels, Fenders, Fuel Tank, Seat, Saddlebags, Handlebars, Controls, Windshield
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission disassembly/reassembly, brake system repair, electrical component replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, common issue diagnosis
Adjustments:
Clutch adjustment, throttle cable adjustment, brake lever adjustment
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostics
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using Harley-Davidson diagnostic tools (e.g., Digital Technician Lite)
Engine Family:
Twin Cam 103
Displacement:
1690 cc (103 cubic inches)
Configuration:
Air-cooled V-twin
Bore X Stroke:
3.875 in. x 4.375 in. (98.4 mm x 111.1 mm)
Valvetrain:
Pushrod-actuated, overhead valves with two valves per cylinder
Torque Rating:
Approx. 102 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM (literature spec for Twin Cam 103)
Horsepower Rating:
Not officially published by Harley-Davidson for this model year, but estimated in the 70-80 HP range.
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 89 octane (premium) recommended
Engine Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson SYN3 (Synthetic) SAE 20W50, or equivalent API CI-4 rated synthetic motor oil
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.0 US qt (2.8 L) with filter change
Primary Chain Case Fluid Type:
Harley-Davidson Primary Chain Case Oil or Formula + Transmission Drive Lube
Primary Chain Case Fluid Capacity:
1 US qt (0.95 L)
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Cruise Drive
Gear Ratios:
1st: 9.593, 2nd: 6.650, 3rd: 4.774, 4th: 3.760, 5th: 3.170, 6th: 2.790 (typical for 6-speed)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic, multi-plate wet clutch
Overdrive:
Includes an overdrive 6th gear for relaxed highway cruising
Crash Test Ratings:
Not applicable for motorcycles in the same way as automobiles.
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear; Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) may be available.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight and stoplight, front and rear turn signals
Security:
Factory-installed, integrated security system with siren and immobilizer
Audio System:
Optional 4-speaker AM/FM/WB audio system with CD player and auxiliary input (may vary by specific trim/options)
Display:
Analog speedometer and tachometer with a digital odometer, trip meter, and fuel gauge
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Optional feature
Cruise Control:
Electronic cruise control
Efi System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for optimized performance and emissions, requiring diagnostic tools for advanced troubleshooting.
First Service:
1,000 miles (1,600 km) or 6 months
Subsequent Service:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months thereafter
Engine Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (for ABS and non-ABS models)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Harley-Davidson SYN3 (Synthetic) SAE 20W50 or Formula + Transmission Drive Lube
Common Wear Items:
Clutch friction plates, brake pads, tires, wheel bearings
Potential Electrical Quirks:
Occasional issues with security system false alarms or indicator lights, typically resolvable with software updates or component checks.
Engine Performance Notes:
Some owners report oil consumption, which is considered within normal parameters for air-cooled V-twins of this era.
Brand Identity:
Iconic American motorcycle manufacturer known for its V-twin engines and cruiser styling.
Softail Introduction:
The Softail platform, featuring a hidden rear suspension, was introduced in 1983.
Heritage Softail Introduction:
The Heritage Softail model, characterized by its classic styling cues, debuted in 1986.
Manufacturing Location:
United States (Various Harley-Davidson plants)
Motorcycle Of The Year Awards:
While specific model awards are rare, the Softail platform consistently receives high marks for its classic styling and riding experience.
Owner Satisfaction:
Generally high owner satisfaction for its iconic status, comfort, and V-twin character.
