🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

Softail Fat Boy Special

Model Code:

FLSTFB

Year:

2015

Product Name:

Harley Davidson SOFTAIL 2015 FLSTFB FAT BOY SPECIAL WSRM

Vin Code Engine:

96 cu in (1584 cc) Twin Cam 96B

Vin Code Model Designation:

FLSTFB

👋 Introduction

Category:

Cruiser Motorcycle

Style:

Retro-styled cruiser with modern performance

Key Competitors Segment:

Other American V-twin cruisers, Japanese cruisers in a similar displacement class.

Signature Styling:

Fat front tire, teardrop fuel tank, chrome accents, low-slung profile.

Engine Variant:

Twin Cam 96B engine known for its torque and character.

Ride Comfort:

Softail chassis with hidden rear suspension for a rigid look and compliant ride.

Manual Value:

Essential for owners and independent repair shops to maintain, diagnose, and repair the FLSTFB correctly and efficiently.

📋 Manual Details

Global Coverage:

Yes

Market Specific Notes:

Some International Markets

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 800-1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete engine disassembly, inspection, assembly, tuning, diagnostics for Twin Cam 96B engine.

Transmission:

6-speed Cruise Drive transmission service, inspection, and repair.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection (EFI) system diagnosis, components, and service.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, ignition system, lighting, starting system, charging system, battery, fuses, relays, ECU diagnostics.

Suspension:

Front fork (Telescopic), rear suspension (Dual shocks), component service, fluid changes, adjustments.

Brakes:

Hydraulic disc brake systems (front and rear), bleeding, pad replacement, caliper service, master cylinder.

Chassis Frame:

Frame inspection, geometry, component mounting, steering head bearing service.

Bodywork Trim:

Fenders, fuel tank, seat, handlebars, controls, lighting, and cosmetic component removal and installation.

Cooling System:

Oil cooling system, oil pump, oil filter service, oil change procedures.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust component inspection, removal, and installation.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, lubrication, filter replacements, inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component repair and replacement.

Rebuild:

Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures.

Diagnostics:

Electrical system diagnostics, engine management diagnostics, use of diagnostic tools (e.g., Harley-Davidson Digital Technician).

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic checks to complete engine/transmission overhauls and advanced diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable (assuming OCR applied)

Printability:

Printable pages

Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, Twin Cam 96B

Displacement:

96 cu in (1584 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

3.75 in x 4.38 in (95.25 mm x 111.25 mm)

Compression Ratio:

9.2:1

Valvetrain:

Pushrod-actuated, overhead valves with 2 valves per cylinder

Torque:

96.1 ft-lb @ 3500 rpm (130 Nm @ 3500 rpm) (approximate)

Horsepower:

Approx. 75-80 HP (not officially rated by Harley-Davidson, based on typical Twin Cam 96 performance)

Induction:

Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)

Fuel Type:

91 octane or higher recommended

Cooling Method:

Air-cooled, with oil cooler

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed Cruise Drive

Gear Ratios:

1st: 9.315, 2nd: 6.453, 3rd: 4.774, 4th: 3.750, 5th: 3.291, 6th: 2.790 (typical for Twin Cam 6-speed)

Primary Drive:

Chain, 34/46 ratio

Final Drive:

Belt, 32/65 ratio

Clutch Type:

Hydraulic, multi-plate wet clutch

Transmission Fluid Type:

Harley-Davidson Formula + (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-90) - consult manual for exact specification and capacity.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

92.1 in (2339.3 mm)

Seat Height Laden:

24.5 in (622.3 mm)

Ground Clearance:

4.4 in (111.8 mm)

Rake Trail:

31.0 degrees / 5.1 in (130 mm)

Dry Weight:

680 lb (308.4 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

1160 lb (526.2 kg)

Fuel Capacity:

5.0 gal (18.9 L)

Front Tire:

140/75 R17

Rear Tire:

200/55 R17

Front Wheel Type:

Cast Aluminum, 17-inch

Rear Wheel Type:

Cast Aluminum, 17-inch

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Safety Ratings:

N/A (Motorcycles typically do not receive standardized crash test ratings like cars)

Braking System:

Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as an optional or standard feature depending on market and specific trim.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, LED tail light, and auxiliary lighting (model dependent).

Chassis Design:

Low center of gravity for stability.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Optional H-D Smart Security System with integrated immobilizer, potentially integrated audio systems depending on specific trim/options.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option on most 2015 Softails, including the Fat Boy Special.

Diagnostic Tools:

Modern Harley-Davidsons utilize CAN bus systems, requiring specific diagnostic tools like the Harley-Davidson Digital Technician II for fault code reading and system analysis.

🔧 Maintenance

Initial Service:

First service typically at 1,000 miles (1,600 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Subsequent Service:

Subsequent services usually every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for specific interval details.

Engine Oil Type:

Harley-Davidson V-Twin 20W-50 (or equivalent API CI-4 or higher specification). Consult manual for exact specification and capacity.

Primary Chain Case Fluid:

Harley-Davidson Formula + (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-90). Consult manual for exact specification and capacity.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Harley-Davidson Formula + (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-90). Consult manual for exact specification and capacity.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Hydraulic Fluid. Consult manual for exact specification.

Fork Oil Type:

Specific viscosity recommended by Harley-Davidson, typically 10W or equivalent. Consult manual for exact specification and quantity.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 3.0 US quarts (2.8 L) with filter change. Refer to manual for precise capacity.

Primary Chain Case Capacity:

Approx. 2.7 US quarts (2.5 L). Refer to manual for precise capacity.

Transmission Capacity:

Approx. 1.0 US quart (0.95 L). Refer to manual for precise capacity.

Twin Cam 96 Common Points:

While generally robust, common points of attention include potential oil leaks from base gaskets, starter drive issues, and cam chain tensioner wear (especially in earlier Twin Cam models, less so in later ones like 2015, but still a consideration).

Fuel System Notes:

Ensuring proper fuel quality and regular cleaning of fuel injectors can prevent performance issues.

Electrical Notes:

Proper battery maintenance is crucial; corrosion on terminals or loose connections can cause various electrical gremlins.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

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

Softail Lineage:

The Softail platform, introduced in 1983, mimics the appearance of a hardtail frame but incorporates concealed rear shock absorbers for a smoother ride. The Fat Boy model, introduced in 1990, became a cultural icon.

Fat Boy Special Distinctiveness:

The FLSTFB Fat Boy Special typically features a darker, more sinister aesthetic compared to the standard Fat Boy, often with blacked-out components and a smaller front fender. The 2015 model continues this tradition.

Manufacturing Location:

Typically manufactured in York, Pennsylvania, USA, and/or Kansas City, Missouri, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Recognition:

The Fat Boy line, in general, has received significant cultural recognition through media appearances and its iconic status in the cruiser motorcycle segment. Specific awards for the 2015 FLSTFB are less commonly published as formal automotive awards.

Customer Satisfaction General:

Harley-Davidson motorcycles generally score well in customer satisfaction surveys, particularly among owners loyal to the brand's heritage and riding experience.