Market Segment:
Full-size touring motorcycles.
Target Audience:
Harley-Davidson FLH owners and independent mechanics specializing in Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Competitors:
Other touring motorcycles of the era, such as Indian, BMW R Series, Honda Gold Wing, and some Japanese V-twin cruisers adapted for touring.
Vehicle Identity:
The FLH series represents Harley-Davidson's flagship touring platform, known for its comfort, carrying capacity, and iconic V-twin rumble.
Manual Value:
Essential resource for owners and technicians to maintain, repair, and optimize the performance and longevity of these classic touring machines.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete disassembly, assembly, and tuning of Twin Cam 88 and Twin Cam 103 engines, including top-end (cylinder heads, valves, cams) and bottom-end (crankcase, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, cylinders).
Fuel System:
Carburetor (Keihin CV) overhaul and adjustment, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank maintenance and cleaning, EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) systems for Twin Cam 103 models (if applicable to specific FLH variants of this year).
Ignition System:
Ignition module, coil, spark plugs, wiring, timing adjustments.
Transmission:
5-speed Cruise Drive transmission: disassembly, assembly, gear inspection, shift drum and fork maintenance, clutch operation and adjustment, transmission fluid specifications.
Drivetrain:
Primary drive, clutch assembly, final drive belt inspection and tensioning, rear sprocket, wheel bearings.
Electrical System:
Battery maintenance, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor, lighting (headlight, taillight, turn signals), horn, instrument panel, wiring diagrams, diagnostic codes.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems: hydraulic system, calipers, master cylinders, brake pads, rotors, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures.
Suspension:
Front fork (tele-glide): disassembly, seal replacement, oil levels, and types. Rear shock absorbers: inspection, replacement, and adjustment.
Frame And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, fairing removal and installation, saddlebag mounting, body panel alignment, seat assembly.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes (engine, transmission, primary), filter replacements, spark plug service, air filter cleaning/replacement, drive belt inspection, brake fluid checks.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common issues related to engine performance, electrical systems, starting problems, and braking issues.
Component Repair:
Detailed instructions for repairing or replacing individual components such as cylinder heads, pistons, valves, carburetor, starter, alternator, brake calipers, and suspension components.
Assembly Disassembly:
Complete instructions for disassembling and reassembling major vehicle sub-assemblies and components, including torque specifications.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair and maintenance procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and major component overhauls.
Engine Type:
V-Twin, Air-Cooled
Engine Displacement Cc 88:
1449
Engine Displacement Cc 103:
1690
Bore Stroke 88:
3.75 in x 4.00 in (95.25 mm x 101.6 mm)
Bore Stroke 103:
4.00 in x 4.125 in (101.6 mm x 104.78 mm) (typical for 103 ci Big Bore kits)
Compression Ratio 88:
8.8:1 (typical)
Compression Ratio 103:
9.0:1 - 9.7:1 (depending on kit/configuration)
Horsepower 88:
Approx. 70-75 HP (crank)
Torque Ft Lbs 88:
Approx. 85-90 ft-lbs @ 3500 RPM (crank)
Carburetor Type:
Keihin CV (Constant Velocity) 40mm for Twin Cam 88; EFI for Twin Cam 103 variants.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane.
Fuel Tank Capacity:
5.0 US gallons (18.9 liters)
Length:
Approx. 93.5 inches (2375 mm)
Width:
Approx. 36 inches (914 mm)
Height:
Approx. 58 inches (1473 mm) (model dependent)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 63.5 inches (1613 mm)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 730-750 lbs (331-340 kg) (model dependent)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1200 lbs (544 kg)
Saddlebag Capacity:
Significant, integrated hard saddlebags (volume varies by specific FLH model).
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycles are not typically rated by agencies like NHTSA in the same way as cars).
Braking System:
Dual disc front brakes, single disc rear brake with hydraulic actuation.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, incandescent tail and brake lights, amber front and rear turn signals.
Frame Construction:
Steel, double-cradle frame for stability and rigidity.
Ride Stability:
Low center of gravity and well-engineered chassis contribute to rider stability.
Audio System:
Many FLH models from this era offered an optional AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player, often with handlebar-mounted controls and CB/intercom integration.
Display:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, voltage, and fuel level. Indicator lights for turn signals, high beam, and oil pressure.
Cruise Control:
Available as an option on many FLH models, typically electronic.
Connectivity Features:
Limited to optional integrated CB radio and intercom systems for rider-passenger communication.
Initial Service:
Typically at 1,000 miles (1600 km) for break-in service, including oil and filter change, clutch adjustment, and inspection.
Routine Oil Change:
Every 2,500 - 5,000 miles (4,000 - 8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on riding conditions and oil type used. The manual will specify exact intervals.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Typically every 10,000 - 20,000 miles (16,000 - 32,000 km).
Primary Chain Case Fluid Change:
Often concurrent with engine oil changes or as specified (e.g., 5,000 - 10,000 miles).
Engine Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson SYN3 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil or equivalent V-Twin specific motorcycle oil (e.g., SAE 20W-50).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4 US quarts (3.8 liters) with filter change.
Fork Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Fork Oil or specific weight motorcycle fork oil (e.g., 10W or 15W, depending on preference/application).
Common Issues:
Potential issues can include cam chain tensioner wear (especially on earlier Twin Cam models), primary compensator sprocket wear, oil leaks, carburetor tuning issues, and charging system component failures (regulator/rectifier).
Maintenance Recommendations:
Proactive inspection of cam chain tensioners and primary drive components is highly recommended.
Heritage:
Harley-Davidson boasts a rich history dating back to 1903, synonymous with American motorcycling culture.
Evolution:
The FLH designation has been used for Harley-Davidson's large touring motorcycles for decades. The introduction of the Twin Cam engine in 1999 marked a significant evolution in performance and reliability over the previous Evolution Big Twin engines.
Twin Cam Introduction:
The Twin Cam 88 engine debuted in 1999, and by 2000, it was standard across the FLH touring line. The Twin Cam 103 was introduced later as an optional upgrade or for specific models, often through aftermarket kits or as a factory option in later years.
Manufacturing Location:
USA (primarily Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
Production Era:
The FLH series with Twin Cam 88 engines were produced from 1999 onwards. The 2000 model year represents an early adoption of this platform.