Positioning:
The Harley-Davidson Softail represented the classic cruiser segment, offering a blend of traditional styling and modern (for the era) V-twin performance.
Competitors:
Competed against other American V-twins and large-displacement cruisers from Japanese manufacturers.
Chassis Design:
Softail frame design mimics the look of a hardtail frame with hidden rear shock absorbers for improved ride comfort.
Engine Heritage:
Built around the iconic Harley-Davidson Evolution V-twin engine, known for its torque and distinctive sound.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive service and repair for all Harley-Davidson Softail models from 1997-1998.
Secondary Coverage:
Includes diagnostics, troubleshooting, maintenance, adjustments, and complete disassembly/reassembly procedures.
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (specific count not provided, but typical for factory manuals)
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual
Engine:
Evolution (Big Twin) engine, including disassembly, assembly, tuning, and component diagnostics.
Transmission:
5-speed Cruise Drive transmission, including clutch, primary drive, and internal components.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, ignition system, lighting, starter, charging system, and accessory installation.
Fuel System:
Carbureted fuel systems (likely Keihin CV carburetor), fuel tank, fuel lines, and fuel pump (if applicable).
Brakes:
Front and rear braking systems, including hydraulic components, pads, rotors, and bleeding procedures.
Suspension:
Front fork (likely Showa or similar), rear shock absorbers, and associated components.
Frame And Bodywork:
Frame, fenders, fuel tank, seat, handlebars, and other body components.
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing maintenance, tire replacement, and spoke tension (if applicable).
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, and lubrication.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex issues.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly.
Adjustments:
Carburetor tuning, clutch adjustment, brake adjustments, and suspension settings.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for critical fasteners, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, and diagnostic data.
Depth:
Full factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics.
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on diagnostic procedures, though specific diagnostic tools for this era might be limited to basic multimeters and shop manuals.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if a good quality scan or digital original.
Printability:
Designed for printing, allowing users to create a physical copy.
Binding Type:
Not applicable (Digital PDF)
Paper Type:
Not applicable (Digital PDF)
Engine Family:
Harley-Davidson Evolution (Big Twin)
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin, OHV (Overhead Valve)
Displacement Variants:
Primarily 80 cubic inches (1340cc). Some models may have had 74 cubic inches (1200cc) or later 88 cubic inches (1450cc) Evolution engines, but for '97-'98 Softail, 80ci is most common.
Horsepower Estimate:
Approx. 60-70 HP (Varies by specific model and tuning).
Torque Estimate:
Approx. 70-80 ft-lbs @ 3000-3500 RPM (Varies).
Carburetor Type:
Keihin CV (Constant Velocity) carburetor, typically 40mm.
Fuel Requirement:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended).
Wheelbase:
Approximately 64.5 inches (1638 mm) - Varies slightly by model.
Seat Height:
Approximately 26-27 inches (660-686 mm) (unladen) - Varies by model.
Dry Weight:
Around 600-650 lbs (272-295 kg) - Varies by model.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 1000 lbs (454 kg).
Cargo Capacity:
Minimal, primarily limited to saddlebags or aftermarket luggage (if equipped).
Crash Test Ratings:
Motorcycles of this era were not subject to standardized crash test ratings like automobiles.
Braking System:
Disc brakes front and rear, hydraulically operated.
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals, and running lights for visibility.
Infotainment Systems:
Base models typically had no integrated infotainment. Aftermarket stereo systems were common upgrades.
Driver Assistance Features:
None. Modern driver assistance systems were not present.
Connectivity Options:
None. Standard electrical system.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 2,500-5,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specification).
Primary Chain Tensioner:
Check and adjust as needed during regular service; hydraulic tensioners were introduced later, early models may have spring-loaded or adjustable mechanical tensioners.
Spark Plugs:
Inspect/replace every 5,000-10,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
Viscosity grade typically 20W-50 or 10W-40 (Harley-Davidson branded or equivalent API SG or higher rated motorcycle oil).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3 quarts (2.8 liters) with filter change (refer to manual for precise capacity).
Primary Chain Case Oil:
Harley-Davidson primary lubricant or equivalent.
Transmission Oil:
Harley-Davidson transmission lubricant or equivalent SAE 80W-90 gear oil.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 hydraulic fluid.
Primary Chain Tensioner:
Early hydraulic tensioners could fail, leading to chain noise and potential damage. Later models used more robust tensioners or improved designs.
Carburetor:
Keihin CV carburetors can require periodic adjustment or cleaning for optimal performance.
Rear Shocks:
Original rear shocks may lose damping effectiveness over time.
Cam Chain Tensioners:
While the primary focus is Evolution Big Twin, earlier versions of Evolution engines (e.g., Sportster) had notorious cam chain tensioner issues; for Big Twin Evolution, this is less common but still worth noting for any vintage engine.
Legacy:
Harley-Davidson boasts a long and storied history in American motorcycling, dating back to 1903.
Softail Introduction:
The Softail platform was introduced in 1984, designed to replicate the hardtail look with a more comfortable ride.
Production Period:
The Evolution engine remained in production for many years, and the Softail platform continues to evolve.
