Vehicle Segment:
Cruiser Motorcycle
Brand Focus:
Harley-Davidson's entry-level to mid-range performance cruiser.
Competitors 1998:
Yamaha Virago, Honda Shadow, Kawasaki Vulcan, Suzuki Intruder.
Engine Configuration:
Air-cooled, Evolution V-twin engine.
Design Philosophy:
Classic Sportster styling with a focus on performance and customization.
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for accurate diagnostics, maintenance, and repair, ensuring optimal performance and longevity of the 1998 Sportster.
Engine Service:
Complete engine overhaul, carburetor tuning, ignition system diagnostics, oil and filter changes, top-end repairs.
Transmission Service:
Clutch adjustment and replacement, gear shifting mechanisms, transmission fluid changes, internal component inspection.
Chassis And Suspension:
Front fork service, rear shock absorber replacement, steering head bearing maintenance, frame inspection and repair.
Braking System:
Brake pad replacement, caliper service, master cylinder overhaul, brake fluid bleeding and replacement, hydraulic line inspection.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system troubleshooting, battery maintenance, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor service, ignition coil testing.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank service and cleaning, fuel petcock operation and repair, fuel line inspection and replacement, carburetor service (Keihin CV).
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipe and muffler inspection, gasket replacement, exhaust system mounting and repair.
Bodywork And Trim:
Fender removal and installation, fuel tank painting and preparation, seat removal and reinstallation, handlebar and control lever adjustments.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Detailed troubleshooting charts and procedures for common and uncommon issues across all systems.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, drive belt inspection, chain lubrication and adjustment (if applicable to specific sub-models).
Component Rebuilds:
Engine internal component rebuilds (piston, rings, valves), carburetor rebuilding, brake caliper and master cylinder overhauls.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all circuits.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for critical fasteners throughout the motorcycle.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Digital Format:
Typically PDF (if digital), often with searchable text and high-resolution images.
Print Quality:
High-quality paper and printing for clarity of diagrams and text (for printed versions).
Binding Type:
Likely perfect bound or spiral bound for ease of use in a workshop setting (for printed versions).
Paper Type:
Durable paper stock designed to withstand workshop conditions (for printed versions).
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin
Engine Displacement Cc:
1200
Engine Displacement Ci:
73.2
Bore X Stroke:
3.500 in x 3.8125 in (88.9 mm x 96.8 mm)
Compression Ratio:
8.8:1 (typical)
Valve Train:
OHV, 2 valves per cylinder
Horsepower Hp:
Approximately 65-70 hp (estimated for this era, not explicitly stated in product info)
Torque Ft-Lbs:
Approximately 70-75 ft-lbs (estimated for this era, not explicitly stated in product info)
Fuel Delivery:
Keihin CV (Constant Velocity) Carburetor
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 91 octane or higher recommended
Ignition Type:
Electronic Ignition
Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson recommended motorcycle oil (e.g., SAE 20W50 API SG)
Oil Capacity Quarts:
Approximately 3.0 US quarts (2.8 liters) with filter change
Length Inches:
Varies by specific Sportster model (e.g., XLH883 vs. XLH1200, seat type), typically around 85-88 inches.
Dry Weight Lbs:
Approximately 510-530 lbs (depending on exact model configuration).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Lbs:
Typically around 900-950 lbs.
Front Tire Size:
Typically 100/90-19 M/C 57H
Rear Tire Size:
Typically 130/90-16 M/C 67H
Wheel Type:
Spoked wheels (standard), some models may have alloy options.
Safety Certifications:
Meets relevant US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for motorcycles.
Braking System Type:
Hydraulic disc brakes, front and rear.
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals.
First Service Miles:
Typically 1,000 miles (for oil change, chain adjustment if applicable).
Regular Oil Change Miles:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Spark Plug Replacement Miles:
Approximately every 10,000 miles.
Brake Fluid Flush Miles:
Every 2 years or 20,000 miles.
Primary Chain Case Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson primary fluid or equivalent
Primary Chain Case Oil Capacity Quarts:
Approximately 1.0 US quart (0.95 liters)
Transmission Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson transmission lubricant or equivalent (e.g., SAE 80W-90 GL-5)
Transmission Oil Capacity Quarts:
Approximately 0.8 US quarts (0.75 liters)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, brake pads, wheel bearings, steering head bearings, drive belt, fork seals.
Engine Specific Notes:
Evolution engines are generally robust but can develop issues with oil leaks from the crankcase seals, valve stem seals, and primary drive seals. Carburetor tuning (Keihin CV) can be sensitive to altitude and atmospheric changes.
Electrical Common Failures:
Regulator/rectifier failure, stator winding degradation, battery issues, and corroded connections are not uncommon.
Brand Origin:
Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, in 1903.
Sportster Lineage:
The Sportster line originated in 1957, evolving significantly over decades. The 1998 models represent the Evolution engine era, a major technological leap from earlier Ironhead Sportsters.
Engine Transition:
The 'Evolution' engine (or 'Evo') was introduced in 1986, replacing the Panhead and Shovelhead engines in Big Twins, and the Ironhead engine in Sportsters.
Manufacturing Location:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
