Positioning:
The FXSTDI Softail Deuce was positioned as a premium cruiser in Harley-Davidson's Softail lineup, offering a blend of classic styling with modern features, targeting riders who appreciated custom aesthetics and comfortable long-distance riding.
Competitors:
Competed with other large-displacement cruisers from manufacturers like Indian, and custom-oriented models from Japanese manufacturers.
Styling:
Distinctive drag-style handlebars, raked-out front end, extended front fork, custom wheels, and a swept-back exhaust system.
Engine Platform:
Utilized the proven Twin Cam 88B engine, known for its torque and reliability, featuring counterbalancers for smoother operation.
Ride Comfort:
Softail frame design with hidden rear suspension provides a rigid frame appearance with improved ride comfort compared to earlier rigid frames.
Engine:
Twin Cam 88B, carbureted and fuel-injected variants (specific to 2006 FXSTDI which is fuel injected), disassembly, assembly, diagnosis, performance tuning.
Transmission:
5-speed Cruise Drive transmission, internal components, clutch, final drive, lubrication, repair, and overhaul procedures.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (EFI - Electronic Fuel Injection), fuel pump, injectors, throttle body, sensors, diagnostic codes, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Electrical System:
Ignition system, charging system (alternator/stator, regulator/rectifier), starting system (starter motor, solenoid), battery, lighting, switches, relays, fuses, wiring diagrams, diagnostics, troubleshooting.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, hydraulic lines, calipers, master cylinders, rotors, pads, bleeding procedures, service, and repair.
Suspension:
Front telescopic forks (including internal components, seals, and oil), rear shock absorbers, swingarm, wheel bearings, service, and adjustment.
Chassis Frame:
Frame structure, steering head, wheelbase, geometry, maintenance, and inspection.
Bodywork Fittings:
Fuel tank, fenders, seat, handlebars, controls, instrumentation, mirrors, lighting components, fairings (if applicable), and trim.
Wheels Tires:
Wheel types, tire specifications, inflation pressures, balancing, wheel bearing service, and replacement.
Maintenance:
Routine service intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, chain adjustment (if applicable, though Deuce is belt-driven), brake fluid changes, coolant flush (if applicable, though typically air-cooled).
Troubleshooting:
System-specific fault finding, diagnostic procedures, common problems, and corrective actions based on symptoms.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, reassembly, and adjustment for all major vehicle systems.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures for electrical and electronic systems, including reading diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and interpreting sensor data.
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures, including specifications for critical wear components.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds.
Detail Level:
Detailed diagrams, torque specifications, clearances, wiring schematics, and component identification.
Engine Type:
Harley-Davidson Twin Cam 88B 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)
Valve Train:
Overhead valves (OHV), pushrod actuated, 2 valves per cylinder
Cooling System:
Air-cooled
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.5 US quarts (3.3 Liters) with filter change.
Engine Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson recommended V-Twin 20W-50 synthetic or semi-synthetic motorcycle oil.
Horsepower:
Approximately 65-70 HP (figures vary slightly based on measurement and specific tuning).
Torque:
Approximately 86 lb-ft (116 Nm) at 3500 RPM.
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended).
Fuel Tank Capacity:
4.0 US gallons (15.1 Liters).
Transmission Type:
5-speed constant mesh, helical gears
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate, diaphragm spring
Final Drive:
Belt drive, 140 tooth primary belt, 32 tooth final drive sprocket
Gear Ratios:
1st: 9.312, 2nd: 6.448, 3rd: 4.717, 4th: 3.811, 5th: 3.154
Transmission Fluid Type:
Harley-Davidson recommended SYN3 Synthetic Motorcycle Lubricant or equivalent (check manual for specific HD part number/spec).
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 1.0 US quart (0.95 Liters).
Overall Length:
Approximately 97.8 inches (2484 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 66.5 inches (1689 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approximately 5.1 inches (130 mm)
Seat Height Laden:
Approximately 27.4 inches (696 mm)
Handlebars Width:
Approximately 37.0 inches (940 mm)
Dry Weight:
Approximately 660 lbs (299 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Not explicitly stated in basic specs, but typical for this class around 900-1000 lbs.
Initial Service:
500 miles (800 km) - Includes oil and filter change, inspection of all controls, cables, and fasteners.
Subsequent Service:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or annually - Includes engine oil and filter change, inspection of primary drive, transmission, brakes, tires, and chassis components.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or as needed based on condition (e.g., Harley-Davidson 6R12).
Brake Fluid:
Flush and replace every 2 years or as per manual recommendation.
Engine Oil:
Harley-Davidson V-Twin 20W-50 (SYN3 recommended) or SAE 20W-50 motorcycle oil meeting Harley-Davidson specifications.
Transmission Oil:
Harley-Davidson SYN3 Synthetic Motorcycle Lubricant or a compatible SAE 85W-140 hypoid gear oil.
Primary Chain Case Oil:
Harley-Davidson primary lubricant or a compatible SAE 85W-140 hypoid gear oil.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.
Common Problems:
Potential issues include early style cam chain tensioner wear (though improved in later models), oil leaks from gaskets and seals, stator failure (leading to charging issues), and some electrical gremlins. The manual provides diagnostic procedures for all these.
Oil Filter Example:
Harley-Davidson Part Number: 63796-77A (or equivalent aftermarket).
Spark Plug Example:
Harley-Davidson Part Number: 6R12 (or equivalent).
Heritage:
Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, boasts over a century of motorcycle manufacturing, establishing itself as an iconic American brand synonymous with freedom and custom culture.
Softail Lineage:
The Softail platform, introduced in 1983, revolutionized cruiser design by mimicking the look of a hardtail frame while incorporating hidden rear suspension for improved ride comfort. The Deuce model, introduced in 1999, evolved this platform with a more custom, stretched-out aesthetic.
Fxstdi Specifics:
The 2006 FXSTDI represented a refinement of the Deuce model, featuring the Twin Cam 88B engine and fuel injection, and contributing to Harley-Davidson's dominance in the cruiser market.
Manufacturing Location:
United States (e.g., York, Pennsylvania; Milwaukee, Wisconsin).
Production Years Deuce:
1999-2007