Market Position:
Cruiser Motorcycle
Competitors:
Indian Chief, Victory Kingpin, Yamaha V-Star, Honda Shadow
Key Features:
Retro styling, comfortable ride, powerful V-twin engine, chrome accents, classic cruiser aesthetics
Target Audience:
Riders seeking a classic American cruiser experience, often for touring and leisure riding
Engine Systems:
Fuel System, Ignition System, Lubrication System, Cooling System (if applicable), Intake & Exhaust Systems, Engine Overhaul Procedures
Transmission Drivetrain:
Clutch, Transmission (5-Speed Cruise Drive), Primary Drive, Final Drive (Belt Drive)
Electrical Systems:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting System, Instruments & Gauges, Audio System (if equipped), Security System
Chassis Suspension:
Frame, Front Suspension (Telescopic Forks), Rear Suspension (Swingarm with Shock Absorbers), Steering System
Braking System:
Front and Rear Disc Brakes, Brake System Diagnosis and Repair, Fluid Replacement
Body And Trim:
Body Panels, Fenders, Fuel Tank, Seats, Handlebars, Controls, Fairing (if equipped), Chrome Components
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing inspection and replacement, tire inspection and replacement, spoke wheel maintenance (if applicable), wheel alignment.
Instrumentation And Gauges:
Speedometer, tachometer (if equipped), indicator lamps, diagnostic codes, troubleshooting faulty gauges.
Security System:
Factory installed security system diagnosis and troubleshooting, key fob procedures.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication, Tire Pressure Checks, Chain/Belt Adjustment (if applicable), Brake Pad Replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine Disassembly and Reassembly, Transmission Overhaul, Fork Seal Replacement, Brake Caliper Rebuild, Electrical Component Troubleshooting and Replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Flowcharts, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting, Common Issue Resolution
Special Tools:
Identification and Usage of Harley-Davidson Specific Tools
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, color-coded wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, crucial for diagnostics.
Torque Specifications:
Comprehensive list of torque specifications for all critical fasteners across all systems.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive; Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and drivetrain rebuilds, including detailed electrical diagnostics and wiring diagrams.
Diagnostic Procedures:
In-depth diagnostic procedures for engine, transmission, electrical, and chassis issues, including methods for checking sensor readings and actuator functions.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, Twin Cam 96B V-twin
Displacement:
96 cubic inches (1584 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
3.75 in. x 4.38 in. (95.25 mm x 111.25 mm)
Torque Peak:
92.6 ft-lbs @ 3000 RPM (approximate)
Valve Train:
Pushrod actuated, overhead valves with hydraulic lifters
Cooling System:
Air-cooled
Horsepower Peak:
Not officially rated, but typically in the 60-70 HP range
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
5.0 US gallons (18.9 L)
Initial Service:
1,000 miles (1,600 km) or 6 months
Subsequent Service:
5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months (whichever comes first)
Engine Oil Change Interval:
5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months
Transmission And Primary Oil Change Interval:
10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 24 months
Engine Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Genuine V-Twin 20W-50 Synthetic or equivalent
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.7 US quarts (3.5 L) with filter change
Transmission Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Genuine Formula + (or Syn3 if specified for transmission use)
Transmission Oil Capacity:
2.7 US quarts (2.6 L)
Primary Chain Case Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Genuine Formula + (or Syn3 if specified for primary use)
Primary Chain Case Oil Capacity:
1.0 US quarts (0.95 L)
Fork Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Type E (3-in-1) Fork Oil or equivalent
Common Issues:
Primary chain tensioner wear (especially early hydraulic tensioners), potential exhaust leaks, clutch drag, occasional electrical gremlins. The manual addresses these with specific diagnostic and repair steps.
Maintenance Tips:
Regular cleaning and lubrication of controls, proper torquing of fasteners, keeping battery charged, and following scheduled maintenance are crucial.
Brand Heritage:
Harley-Davidson is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer with a legacy dating back to 1903, known for its V-twin engines and cruiser lifestyle.
Model Lineage:
The Softail platform, introduced in 1983, mimics the appearance of a hardtail frame with hidden rear suspension. The FLSTN Deluxe variant emphasizes retro styling and comfort.
Production Era:
The Softail Deluxe model has been in continuous production, evolving with Harley-Davidson's engine and technology updates.