Brand Positioning:
Premium American cruiser motorcycle manufacturer with a strong heritage.
Model Segment:
Cruiser motorcycle, Softail platform known for its classic styling and comfortable ride.
Key Competitors:
Indian Motorcycle, select Japanese cruisers (e.g., Yamaha V-Star, Honda Shadow series).
Distinctive Styling:
Hidden rear suspension for a rigid hardtail look, classic chrome accents, iconic V-twin engine.
Rider Ergonomics:
Low seat height, forward-mounted foot controls, relaxed riding posture.
Utility:
Essential for owners and technicians performing maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs.
Engine:
V-Twin, Evolution (Big Twin), Twin Cam 88B (specific to model variants)
Transmission:
5-speed Cruise Drive (manual)
Electrical:
Ignition, charging system, lighting, instrumentation, starting system, wiring diagrams
Fuel System:
Carbureted (Keihin CV40), Fuel Injection (EFI) systems
Suspension:
Front forks (telescopic, cartridge or air-assisted), Rear shock absorbers (emulsion, adjustable)
Brakes:
Front and rear hydraulic disc brakes, ABS (if equipped)
Chassis:
Frame construction, swingarm, steering head, bearings
Bodywork:
Fenders, fuel tank, seat, fairings, saddlebags (if equipped)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, adjustments
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, electrical fault finding, engine performance problems
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension repair, brake system servicing, electrical component replacement
Disassembly Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal and reinstallation
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid types, pressure specifications
Depth Level:
Comprehensive factory-level diagnostics and repair procedures
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on specific Harley-Davidson diagnostic tools (e.g., Digital Technician Lite)
Engine Family:
Evolution (Big Twin)
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin
Displacement:
1450cc (88 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
3.75 in x 4.00 in (95.25 mm x 101.6 mm)
Compression Ratio:
8.8:1 (Typical for Evolution Big Twin)
Horsepower:
Approx. 65-70 HP (Estimated, specific to model variant)
Torque:
Approx. 75-80 lb-ft (Estimated, specific to model variant)
Carburetor:
Keihin CV40 (Constant Velocity, 40mm)
Fuel Injection:
Optional Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) for some models
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition, single spark per cylinder
Oil System:
Dry-sump lubrication system with integrated oil tank
Transmission Type:
5-speed Constant Mesh, Manual
Gear Ratios:
1st: 9.315, 2nd: 6.726, 3rd: 5.024, 4th: 4.141, 5th: 3.407 (Typical for this era)
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate, diaphragm spring
Primary Drive:
Hylic chain, compensator sprocket
Final Drive:
Belt drive, 1.12:1 ratio
Transmission Fluid:
Harley-Davidson Formula+ Transmission Oil or Syn3
Wheelbase:
Approx. 64.5 - 65.5 inches (163.8 - 166.4 cm) depending on model variant
Seat Height:
Approx. 26.5 inches (67.3 cm) unladen
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 4.5 - 5.0 inches (11.4 - 12.7 cm)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 600-650 lbs (272-295 kg) depending on model variant
Fuel Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 - 5.0 gallons (15.1 - 18.9 L) depending on tank size
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycles are not typically rated by organizations like NHTSA or IIHS in the same way as cars).
Braking System:
Dual-piston front caliper with 292mm disc, single-piston rear caliper with 292mm disc. ABS was optional on some models.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight, amber turn signals.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 2,500-5,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first (check manual for specifics).
Primary Chain Tensioner:
Inspection and adjustment recommended at regular intervals (hydraulic tensioner on Twin Cam).
Spark Plugs:
Replacement typically at 10,000-15,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
Harley-Davidson 20W-50 SYN3 or equivalent motorcycle-specific oil.
Primary Fluid:
Harley-Davidson Formula+ Transmission/Primary Fluid or Syn3.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (for hydraulic systems).
Fork Oil:
Specify weight based on fork type (e.g., 10W or 15W for standard forks).
Cam Chain Tensioner:
Hydraulic cam chain tensioners on Twin Cam engines can wear over time, requiring replacement with updated components.
Carburetor Adjustment:
Keihin CV40 carburetors may require periodic tuning and adjustment for optimal performance.
Primary Chain Adjustment:
Early models with manual primary chain adjusters could require more frequent attention.
Founding:
Founded in 1903 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Harley-Davidson is one of the oldest motorcycle manufacturers in the world.
Softail Introduction:
The Softail platform was introduced in 1984, featuring a hidden rear suspension system that mimicked the look of a rigid frame while providing rider comfort.
2003 Updates:
2003 marked Harley-Davidson's 100th Anniversary, with many models featuring special badging and paint schemes. The Softail line continued to evolve with the introduction of the Twin Cam 88B engine in some variants alongside the Evolution engine.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily United States (Milwaukee, WI; York, PA; Kansas City, MO).
