Positioning:
The Harley-Davidson Dyna series in 2008 represented a popular segment of cruiser motorcycles, known for their V-twin engine character, classic styling, and comfortable riding ergonomics. This manual serves owners and technicians who require in-depth knowledge for maintaining and repairing these iconic machines.
Competitors:
Competed against models from Indian Motorcycle, Victory Motorcycles, and custom bike builders in the cruiser market. Its V-twin platform and brand heritage provided a strong competitive advantage.
Features:
Dyna models are characterized by their exposed engine and transmission, rubber-mounted powertrain for reduced vibration, and a relatively accessible chassis for customization and maintenance.
Primary Coverage:
Maintenance, Repair, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Electrical Systems, Engine, Transmission, Chassis, Suspension, Brakes, Fuel System, Ignition System, Bodywork, Lubrication, Scheduled Maintenance, Wiring Diagrams, Specifications
Estimated Pages:
Over 700 (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Twin Cam 96 Engine (1584cc), Fuel Injection (EFI) system, Carbureted versions (if applicable to specific sub-models), Ignition system (single fire, dual fire), Lubrication system, Cooling system (air-cooled), Starting system, Charging system
Drivetrain Systems:
Transmission (5-speed constant mesh), Clutch system (wet multi-plate), Primary drive system (chain drive, belt drive variations), Final drive system (belt drive)
Chassis Systems:
Frame, Front suspension (telescopic forks), Rear suspension (twin shock absorbers), Steering system, Wheel bearings, Brake system (front and rear disc brakes, hydraulic actuation), ABS (if equipped)
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams (comprehensive), Lighting system (headlight, tail light, turn signals), Instrumentation, Battery system, Fuses and relays, Ignition switch, Horn, Electrical component testing and troubleshooting
Bodywork And Trim:
Body panels, Fuel tank, Fenders, Seats, Handlebars, Controls, Mirrors, Fairings (if equipped)
Maintenance:
Oil changes, Filter replacements (oil, air), Spark plug replacement, Chain adjustment/lubrication, Brake fluid flush, Battery maintenance, Tire pressure checks, Lubrication points, Scheduled service intervals
Repair:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, Transmission overhaul, Clutch service, Suspension fork seal replacement, Brake caliper rebuild, Wheel bearing replacement, Electrical component replacement, Fuel system diagnostics and repair, Ignition system troubleshooting
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, Symptom-based troubleshooting guides, Fault code interpretation (if applicable), Common problem diagnosis and correction
Diagnostics:
Component testing procedures, Electrical system diagnostics, Fuel system pressure testing, Ignition timing checks
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, Twin Cam 96 V-twin
Displacement:
1584 cc (96 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
3.75 in x 4.38 in (95.25 mm x 111.25 mm)
Compression Ratio:
8.8:1 (typical for Twin Cam 96)
Horsepower:
Approximately 65-70 HP (claimed, dependent on EFI/carburetor tuning)
Torque:
Approximately 86-90 ft-lbs (claimed, dependent on EFI/carburetor tuning)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) or Carbureted (depending on sub-model, e.g., Dyna Low Rider, Dyna Super Glide Custom, etc.)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline, minimum 87 octane
Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson 20W-50 SYN3 or equivalent motorcycle-specific synthetic oil
Oil Capacity:
3.5 US quarts (3.3 liters) with filter change
Ignition Type:
Electronic ignition, Spark Plug Type: NGK DCPR8E or equivalent
Transmission Type:
5-speed Cruise Drive, constant mesh
Gear Ratios:
1st: 9.315, 2nd: 6.651, 3rd: 4.948, 4th: 3.842, 5th: 3.152 (Typical for 5-speed Cruise Drive)
Optional Transmission:
N/A (Standard 5-speed transmission)
Clutch Type:
Wet multi-plate, hydraulic actuation
Primary Drive:
Chain drive (inside primary cover), 34/46 ratio (typically)
Final Drive:
Belt drive, 32/66 ratio (typically)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission & Primary Chaincase Lubricant or equivalent
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
1.0 US quart (0.95 liters)
Overall Length:
Varies by model (e.g., FXDC, FXDL, FXDB), typically 89-91 inches
Wheelbase:
63.7 inches (1618 mm) (typical)
Ground Clearance:
4.7 inches (119 mm) (typical)
Seat Height Laden:
26.5 inches (673 mm) (typical)
Dry Weight:
Approximately 630-670 lbs (286-304 kg) (varies by model)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Typically 1100 lbs (499 kg)
Payload Capacity:
Varies by model, approximately 430-470 lbs
Safety Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycles are not rated by NHTSA or IIHS in the same way as cars)
Braking System:
Dual-action, four-piston front brake caliper, Dual-action, two-piston rear brake caliper. Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on select models.
Tire Specifications:
Front: 100/90-19 57H; Rear: 160/70-17 73V (typical, varies slightly by model)
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED tail light, Incandescent turn signals.
Initial Service:
1,000 miles (1,600 km) or 6 months
Subsequent Service:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months thereafter
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first
Engine Oil:
Harley-Davidson 20W-50 SYN3 or equivalent synthetic motorcycle oil
Transmission Primary Fluid:
Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission & Primary Chaincase Lubricant
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (for hydraulic clutch and brake systems)
Fork Oil:
Harley-Davidson Type E Fork Oil (440 cc per leg) or equivalent
Common Issues:
Potential for starter solenoid failure, early cam chain tensioner wear (though less prevalent on Twin Cam 96 than earlier models), oil leaks from primary or engine seals, occasional EFI sensor issues. Belt tensioner inspection is crucial.
Wear Items:
Drive belt wear, clutch friction plates, brake pads, wheel bearings, tires, fork seals.
Heritage:
Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, is an American motorcycle manufacturer renowned for its cruiser motorcycles, touring motorcycles, and its distinctive V-twin engine sound and styling.
Dynasty Evolution:
The Dyna platform, introduced in 1991, evolved through various iterations. The 2008 models featured the established Twin Cam 96 engine and continued to offer a blend of classic styling with modern amenities. Sub-models like the FXDC (Custom), FXDL (Low Rider), and FXDB (Street Bob) offered distinct aesthetic and ergonomic variations.
Manufacturing Location:
United States