Positioning:
Premium touring motorcycle, designed for long-distance comfort and performance
Competitors:
Other large-displacement touring motorcycles from brands like Honda (Gold Wing), Indian (Chief), and Kawasaki (Voyager).
Features:
Frame-mounted fairing for reduced steering effort, integrated saddlebags, comfortable rider ergonomics, powerful V-twin engine.
Engine:
Twin Cam 88 (1450cc) Engine Systems (carbureted and fuel injected variants covered)
Transmission:
5-Speed Cruise Drive Transmission
Electrical:
Ignition, Lighting, Charging System, Starting System, Instruments, Wiring Diagrams
Chassis:
Frame, Suspension (Front and Rear), Steering, Wheels, Tires, Brakes (Front and Rear)
Fuel System:
Fuel Tank, Fuel Lines, Fuel Pump, Carburetor (Keihin CV) or Fuel Injection System
Exhaust System:
Exhaust Headers, Mufflers, Catalytic Converters (if applicable)
Bodywork:
Fairing, Saddlebags, Fenders, Seat, Handlebars, Controls
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Lubrication, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Troubleshooting and Replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Procedures for Common Issues, Fault Code Interpretation (for FI models)
Assembly Disassembly:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation
Specifications:
Torque Values, Clearances, Fluid Capacities, Electrical Specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic trees and symptom-based troubleshooting for electrical and mechanical issues
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, Twin Cam 88 V-Twin
Displacement:
1450 cc (88 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
3.75 in x 4.00 in (95.25 mm x 101.6 mm)
Horsepower:
Approximately 65-70 HP (est. at rear wheel)
Torque:
Approximately 75-80 lb-ft (est. at rear wheel)
Carbureted Model:
Keihin CV (Constant Velocity) 40mm
Fuel Injected Model:
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Ignition Type:
Electronic Ignition
Cooling Method:
Air-cooled
Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Genuine Formula SAE 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil (or equivalent)
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.5 US quarts (3.3 Liters) with filter change
Overall Length:
Approximately 93.7 inches (2380 mm)
Overall Width:
Approximately 36.2 inches (919 mm)
Overall Height:
Approximately 52.0 inches (1320 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 63.5 inches (1613 mm)
Dry Weight:
Approximately 657 lbs (298 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 1050 lbs (476 kg)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
5.0 US gallons (19 Liters)
Safety Ratings:
Motorcycles are not subject to standardized crash test ratings like automobiles. Safety relies on design, rider skill, and protective gear.
Braking System:
Dual front disc brakes, Single rear disc brake. Specific caliper and rotor specifications are in the manual.
Suspension:
Telescopic front forks, Rear adjustable air shocks for variable load carrying.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals.
Ergonomics:
Rider-friendly seating position and control layout.
Audio System:
Factory-installed AM/FM cassette player with speakers, often with CB/Intercom capability.
Cruise Control:
Electronic cruise control system for highway comfort.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature on the FLTRI model.
Gauges:
Analog speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, voltage meter, and oil pressure indicator.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Primary Chain Tensioner Inspection:
Inspect at 10,000 miles; replace hydraulic tensioner with improved spring-loaded version around 20,000-30,000 miles if worn.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000 miles.
Air Filter Cleaning Replacement:
Inspect every 5,000 miles, clean or replace as needed.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years.
Engine Oil:
Harley-Davidson Genuine Formula SAE 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil
Transmission Oil:
Harley-Davidson Genuine Formula SAE 85W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant
Primary Chain Case Oil:
Harley-Davidson Genuine Formula SAE 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil (or dedicated primary lubricant)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4, Harley-Davidson Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
Fork Oil:
Specific weight and type detailed in manual (e.g., Bel-Ray or Spectro Fork Oil)
Primary Chain Tensioner:
Early Twin Cam models are known for hydraulic primary chain tensioner wear, leading to noise and potential damage. Upgrade to a spring-loaded tensioner is common.
Cam Chain Tensioners:
Inner cam chain tensioners (on TC88 engines) can also wear out, requiring replacement.
Crank Position Sensor:
Failure can lead to stalling or no-start conditions.
Fuel Line Fittings:
Some early fuel line fittings could develop leaks, especially on carbureted models.
Heritage:
Harley-Davidson boasts a rich history dating back to 1903, synonymous with American motorcycle culture and V-twin engines.
Model Lineage:
The Road Glide platform, introduced in 1998, evolved from earlier Harley-Davidson touring models, offering a distinct large-fairing design.
Production Period:
The FLTR Road Glide was produced throughout the early 2000s, with the Twin Cam 88 engine being a significant update.
