🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

FLT

Engine Variant:

Twin Cam 88, Twin Cam 103

Year:

1999

Product Code Reference:

FLT Twin Cam 88 103 1999 Repair Service

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Owners, independent repair shops, professional Harley-Davidson technicians

Value Proposition:

Enables accurate maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair for 1999 Harley-Davidson FLT models equipped with Twin Cam 88 and Twin Cam 103 engines, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.

Availability:

Essential reference for maintaining a specific generation of Harley-Davidson touring motorcycles, offering direct factory information.

Content Focus:

Detailed diagrams, step-by-step instructions, specifications, and troubleshooting guidance for all major motorcycle systems.

Currency:

Covers specific updates and configurations for the 1999 model year and the introduction of the Twin Cam 103 variant.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service and Repair

Estimated Page Count:

400-600 (typical for this era and scope)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Twin Cam 88 & Twin Cam 103 disassembly, assembly, tuning, diagnostics, fuel system (carburetor/EFI), ignition system, lubrication, cooling (oil), exhaust system

Transmission:

5-speed Cruise Drive transmission service, inspection, repair, clutch operation, gearbox components, shifter linkage

Drivetrain:

Primary drive, secondary belt drive, final drive maintenance and inspection, pulley and belt wear assessment

Chassis:

Frame, swingarm, fork (front suspension), rear shock absorbers, wheel bearings, steering head bearings, alignment

Brakes:

Front and rear brake system service, hydraulic lines, master cylinders, calipers, brake pads, rotor inspection, bleeding procedures

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), starting system (starter motor), lighting, instrumentation, ignition switch, security system (if applicable)

Bodywork And Fittings:

Fairing removal/installation, fuel tank, seat, fenders, saddlebags, console, controls (handlebars, levers, cables)

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnosis, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for EFI models (if applicable for the year)

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, spark plug service, chain/belt adjustment, lubrication points

Major Repairs:

Engine rebuilds (top and bottom end), transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuilds, electrical component testing and replacement

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step guides for common and uncommon malfunctions, including electrical faults, engine performance issues, and mechanical failures

Special Tools:

Listing and usage instructions for Harley-Davidson specific tools required for certain procedures

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls), suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable (depending on PDF conversion quality)

Printability:

Designed for digital viewing and printing of individual pages or sections

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family:

Harley-Davidson Twin Cam

Engine Displacement 1:

88 cubic inches (1450cc)

Engine Displacement 2:

103 cubic inches (1690cc) - Factory Big Bore Kit or Dealer Option for 1999 models

Engine Configuration:

V-twin, pushrod-actuated overhead valves, air-cooled

Bore Stroke Tc88:

3.75 in x 4.00 in (95.25 mm x 101.6 mm)

Bore Stroke Tc103:

3.928 in x 4.375 in (99.75 mm x 111.1 mm) - typical for later 103ci conversions/models

Compression Ratio Tc88:

8.9:1 (approximate)

Horsepower Tc88:

65-70 HP (approximate at crank)

Torque Tc88:

75-80 ft-lbs (approximate at crank)

Fuel Delivery Type:

Carburetor (Keihin CV 40mm standard) or Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) depending on specific FLT model variant for 1999

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline, Minimum 87 Octane

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual

Gear Ratios 1St:

9.312

Gear Ratios 2Nd:

6.420

Gear Ratios 3Rd:

4.795

Gear Ratios 4Th:

3.870

Gear Ratios 5Th:

3.150

Type:

N/A for standard FLT models in 1999 (5-speed was the standard)

Clutch Type:

Wet, multi-plate, manual operation

Transmission Fluid Type:

Harley-Davidson transmission lubricant or equivalent (e.g., Syn3 Full Synthetic)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 24 US fl oz (0.71 L)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

63.5 inches (1613 mm)

Overall Length:

93.3 inches (2370 mm)

Seat Height Laden:

27.0 inches (686 mm)

Dry Weight:

Approximately 720-750 lbs (327-340 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

N/A (typical for motorcycles, but implies rider+luggage limit)

Saddlebag Capacity:

Integrated hard saddlebags with significant storage volume

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

N/A (Motorcycles are not subject to standardized crash testing like automobiles)

Braking System:

Dual 32mm, 4-piston calipers with 11.5-inch (292mm) discs front and rear

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, full array of front/rear/side marker lights, brake lights

Chassis Design:

Robust steel frame designed for stability and rider control

Ride Control:

Harley-Davidson's engineering for stable handling characteristics at various speeds.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Optional AM/FM radio with cassette or CD player, integrated into fairing console (varies by specific FLT sub-model like FLHTC, FLHTCU)

Speakers:

Integrated fairing speakers

Cruise Control:

Optional on many FLT models for 1999

Communication System:

Provision for rider/passenger intercom systems on some higher trim models (e.g., FLHTCU).

Fault Detection:

Onboard diagnostics for EFI models, with fault codes accessible via diagnostic port or specific procedures outlined in the manual.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 2,500 miles (4,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first

Primary Drive Fluid:

Check every 5,000 miles (8,000 km), change as needed or per manual recommendation.

Transmission Fluid:

Change every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months

Spark Plugs:

Inspect every 5,000 miles (8,000 km), replace as needed (typically 10,000-15,000 miles)

Belt Drive Tension:

Inspect and adjust every 5,000 miles (8,000 km)

Engine Oil:

Harley-Davidson 20W-50 Synthetic or Mineral Oil (e.g., Harley-Davidson Premium Performance 20W-50)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.0 US quarts (3.8 L) with filter

Primary Drive Fluid:

Harley-Davidson Primary Chaincase Lubricant or equivalent

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid

Cam Chain Tensioners:

Early Twin Cam models (pre-2007) are known to have cam chain tensioner shoe wear, requiring monitoring and potential replacement with upgraded hydraulic tensioners.

Crankshaft Runout:

Some early Twin Cams experienced issues with crankshaft runout, though this is a more serious internal defect.

Oil Leaks:

Common potential leak points include primary and secondary chaincase seals, rocker box gaskets, and oil filter adapter seals.

Carburetor Tuning:

Keihin CV carburetors can require periodic adjustment for optimal performance due to altitude or atmospheric changes.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Origin:

Founded in 1903, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. Pioneering manufacturer of V-twin motorcycles.

Flt Introduction:

The FLT platform was introduced in 1979 as Harley-Davidson's first full-dresser touring motorcycle with a monocoque frame and rubber-mounted engine for improved comfort. This 1999 model represents an evolution of that platform.

Twin Cam Introduction:

The Twin Cam 88 engine was introduced in 1999, marking a significant technological advancement over the Evolution Big Twin engines it replaced. The Twin Cam 103 became available as an upgrade or in specific models shortly thereafter.

Production Period:

1999 model year for FLT series with Twin Cam 88/103.

Key Markets:

North America (USA, Canada), Europe, Japan, Australia

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Brand Recognition:

Harley-Davidson motorcycles, especially the FLT touring platform, are iconic and widely recognized for their comfort, styling, and long-distance capability. While specific awards for the 1999 model are not typically highlighted like car models, the platform itself is a benchmark in the touring motorcycle segment.

Reliability Perception:

While known for requiring diligent maintenance, Twin Cam engines are generally perceived as robust and capable of high mileage when properly cared for. This manual is crucial for ensuring that care.