🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

FXST Softail Standard

Year:

2008

Vin Prefix:

1HD

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Cruiser Motorcycle Segment

Target Audience:

Owners and technicians requiring detailed maintenance and repair information for the 2008 FXST Softail Standard

Competitors:

Other large-displacement V-twin cruisers from brands like Indian Motorcycle, and potentially some Japanese manufacturers offering V-twin cruisers.

Design Philosophy:

Classic Harley-Davidson styling with modern engineering, focusing on ride comfort and iconic V-twin performance.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides factory-accurate information to ensure proper maintenance, diagnosis, and repair, safeguarding the motorcycle's performance and longevity.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

2008 Harley-Davidson FXST Softail Standard

Engine Coverage:

Twin Cam 96 (1584cc) V-Twin

Transmission Coverage:

6-speed Cruise Drive

Estimated Pages:

500-700 (typical for factory service manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Disassembly, inspection, assembly, diagnosis of Twin Cam 96 engine components (pistons, rings, cylinders, crankshaft, camshafts, valves, heads, etc.)

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (EFI), fuel pump, injectors, throttle body, fuel lines, fuel tank, pressure testing and diagnostics

Ignition System:

Ignition module, spark plugs, coils, crankshaft position sensor, ignition timing diagnostics

Transmission And Drivetrain:

Clutch operation and adjustment, transmission disassembly/assembly (gear sets, shift mechanism), primary drive, final drive belt maintenance and adjustment

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), starting system (starter motor, solenoid), lighting, switches, fuses, relays, diagnostic connectors (e.g., HD-LAN)

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (hydraulic), caliper service, master cylinder overhaul, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, ABS (if equipped)

Suspension:

Front fork (e.g., telescopic) service, oil changes, seal replacement, rear shock absorber inspection and replacement

Steering:

Steering head bearings, inspection, lubrication, and adjustment

Frame And Bodywork:

Frame inspection, body panel removal/installation, fenders, fuel tank mounting, seat assembly

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug service, drive belt tension checks, tire pressure, brake fluid checks

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting for common electrical and mechanical issues

Component Overhaul:

Complete rebuild procedures for engine, transmission, and brake systems

Electrical Diagnostics:

Using multimeters, diagnostic tools, interpreting wiring diagrams for fault finding

Suspension Service:

Fork seal replacement, oil levels, rear shock servicing

Chassis Adjustments:

Steering head bearing adjustment, drive belt tensioning

Depth:

Comprehensive factory-level technical detail, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts

Diagnostic Focus:

In-depth diagnostic procedures, fault codes, and repair strategies

Rebuild Focus:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for complete engine, transmission, and component rebuilds

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF, allowing quick access to specific information

Printability:

Designed for digital viewing, but printable for workshop use

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine 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:

9.0:1

Fuel System:

Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)

Engine Oil Capacity:

3.5 U.S. quarts (3.3 Liters)

Torque Rating:

92 ft-lbs @ 3,000 rpm (approximate)

Horsepower Rating:

Not officially stated by Harley-Davidson, but typically in the 60-70 HP range.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed Cruise Drive

Gear Ratios:

1st: 9.593, 2nd: 6.650, 3rd: 4.948, 4th: 3.817, 5th: 3.130, 6th: 2.790

Transmission Oil Type:

Harley-Davidson Formula+ (or equivalent, e.g., Syn3)

Transmission Oil Capacity:

2.7 U.S. quarts (2.5 Liters)

Primary Drive:

Plated, heavy-duty, center-adjustable, chain primary drive

Final Drive:

Belt drive, 32/66 ratio

📐 Dimensions

Length:

92.3 in. (2344 mm)

Width:

35.0 in. (889 mm)

Height:

47.2 in. (1199 mm)

Wheelbase:

64.5 in. (1638 mm)

Ground Clearance:

4.5 in. (114 mm)

Dry Weight:

659 lbs (299 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

N/A (Motorcycle specification)

Payload Capacity:

N/A (Motorcycle specification)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

N/A (Motorcycles are not subjected to automotive crash test ratings like NHTSA or IIHS)

Braking System:

Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear. ABS was an optional feature for some 2008 Softail models, confirm if equipped.

Lighting:

Halogen headlamp, LED tail lamp, incandescent turn signals.

💡 Technology Features

Features:

The 2008 Softail Standard typically features a simpler, analog instrument cluster, focusing on essential riding information like speedometer, tachometer, odometer, fuel gauge, and warning lights. Advanced infotainment systems are not standard on this model.

Features:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was an optional feature and would be detailed if present. Other driver assistance technologies are not typically found on this model.

Features:

No integrated smartphone connectivity or advanced electronic rider aids are standard. Diagnostics are performed via proprietary Harley-Davidson connectors and software.

🔧 Maintenance

First Service:

1,000 miles (1,600 km) or 6 months

Subsequent Services:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (for oil/filter, primary oil, transmission oil, inspections)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)

Engine Oil:

Harley-Davidson 20W-50 SYN3 (Synthetic) or equivalent motorcycle-specific 20W-50 oil meeting Harley-Davidson specifications.

Primary Chain Case Oil:

Harley-Davidson Formula + or SYN3 (same as transmission)

Transmission Oil:

Harley-Davidson Formula + or SYN3 (same as primary)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4

Twin Cam Historicals:

While the Twin Cam 96 is generally robust, early models sometimes experienced issues like oil leaks around pushrod tubes, cam bearing wear (especially with the older style), and clutch release bearing noise. The manual will cover diagnostics and fixes for these.

Electrical Commonalities:

General motorcycle electrical issues can include faulty switches, corroded connectors, and battery charging problems. Specific Harley-Davidson electrical diagnostics will be detailed.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Harley-Davidson, established in 1903, is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer renowned for its V-twin engines and cruiser styling.

Softail Lineage:

The Softail platform, introduced in 1984, features a hidden rear suspension system designed to mimic the look of a hardtail frame. The FXST Softail Standard is a foundational model in this line, emphasizing classic aesthetics and performance.

2008 Updates:

For 2008, Harley-Davidson continued to refine the Twin Cam engine. Key updates for the Softail line often included subtle styling tweaks, potential new color options, and ongoing powertrain enhancements.

Manufacturing Location:

United States

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Specific Awards:

Specific model awards for the FXST Softail Standard are less common than broader category recognition for Harley-Davidson's cruiser segment.

Brand Reputation:

Harley-Davidson is consistently recognized for its brand loyalty, iconic styling, and the cultural impact of its motorcycles.

Manual Certification:

This is a factory-produced service manual, adhering to Harley-Davidson's internal technical documentation standards.