Segment:
Cruiser motorcycle, Softail family
Target Audience:
Owners and independent mechanics seeking detailed information for maintenance, repair, and customization
Direct Competitors 2011:
Indian Chief, Victory Kingpin, Yamaha V-Star 1300, Honda Shadow Phantom
Softail Design:
Hidden rear suspension creating a rigid, hardtail appearance with the comfort of modern suspension
Engine Architecture:
Iconic V-twin configuration, air-cooled
Engine:
Twin Cam 96 V-Twin Engine (1584cc), including fuel injection, ignition, lubrication, cooling, and emissions
Transmission:
6-Speed Cruise Drive Transmission (including clutch, gearbox, and primary drive)
Chassis And Suspension:
Softail frame, swingarm, front fork (including telescopic fork and internal components), rear shock absorbers, and related hardware
Brakes:
Front and rear hydraulic disc brakes, including caliper, master cylinder, brake lines, and ABS (if equipped)
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), starting system (starter motor, solenoid), lighting (headlight, taillight, turn signals), ignition system, horn, instrumentation, and wiring diagrams
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, throttle body, and fuel lines
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipes, mufflers, and catalytic converter (if applicable)
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing service, tire replacement, and rim specifications
Bodywork And Trim:
Fenders, fuel tank, seat, handlebars, mirrors, and decorative elements
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, air filter service, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, drive belt inspection and adjustment, tire pressure checks
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides for all major systems
Engine Overhaul:
Top-end and bottom-end engine rebuild procedures, piston and cylinder service, camshaft replacement, valve adjustments
Transmission Repair:
Clutch replacement, gearbox disassembly and reassembly, primary chain and sprocket inspection
Suspension Service:
Front fork seal replacement, fork oil change, rear shock absorber inspection and replacement
Brake System Service:
Brake pad replacement, caliper service, master cylinder overhaul, bleeding procedures
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagram interpretation, component testing, troubleshooting of charging, starting, and ignition systems
Fuel System Service:
Fuel injector cleaning and replacement, throttle body service, fuel pump testing
Wheel And Tire Service:
Wheel bearing replacement, tire mounting and balancing, spoke tensioning (if applicable)
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and troubleshooting.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, Twin Cam 96, V-twin
Displacement:
1584 cc (96 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
3.75 in. x 4.48 in. (95.25 mm x 113.03 mm)
Compression Ratio:
8.9:1 (typical for Twin Cam 96)
Horsepower:
Approximately 70-75 HP (estimated at crankshaft)
Torque:
Approximately 86 ft-lbs @ 3,000 RPM (estimated at crankshaft)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane (91 octane RON+MON/2)
Initial Service:
1,000 miles (1,600 km) or 6 months
Subsequent Service:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months thereafter
Engine Oil:
Harley-Davidson 20W-50 SYN3 (Synthetic) or equivalent SAE 20W-50 motorcycle oil meeting Harley-Davidson specifications.
Transmission Oil:
Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission & Primary Chaincase Lubricant (or equivalent SAE 85W-140 gear oil)
Primary Chaincase Lubricant:
Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission & Primary Chaincase Lubricant (or equivalent SAE 85W-140 gear oil)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 hydraulic fluid
Fork Oil:
Harley-Davidson Silicone Fork Oil (specify viscosity as per manual, typically 10W or 15W)
Twin Cam 96 Potential Issues:
Potential for oil leaks (especially from primary or transmission seals), cam chain tensioner wear (early models, addressed in later revisions/aftermarket upgrades), clutch drag, exhaust pipe discoloration.
Electrical Potential Issues:
Battery charging system issues (regulator/rectifier), loose connections, faulty sensors.
Softail Suspension Notes:
Rear shock absorber bushings and seals can wear over time, leading to a less controlled ride.
Oil Filter Example:
Harley-Davidson OEM Oil Filter: 63796-77 (or equivalent for Twin Cam 96)
Air Filter Example:
Harley-Davidson OEM Air Filter: 29000004 (or equivalent for 2011 Softail models)
Spark Plug Example:
Harley-Davidson OEM Spark Plug: 32312-99 (or equivalent for Twin Cam 96)
Founding:
Founded in 1903 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
Legacy:
Iconic American motorcycle manufacturer known for its V-twin engines and cruiser styling.
Softail Introduction:
The Softail concept, featuring concealed rear suspension, was introduced in 1983.
Flst Series:
The FLST designation represents a specific line within the Softail family, often focusing on classic styling.
Manufacturing Location:
Various Harley-Davidson assembly plants, primarily in the United States.