Segment:
Cruiser Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Harley-Davidson Softail FLSTC owners, independent repair shops, and motorcycle enthusiasts seeking detailed technical information.
Vehicle Segment Competitors:
Other cruiser motorcycles from brands like Indian Motorcycle, Victory Motorcycles (discontinued but relevant for used market), and custom builders.
Model Identity:
The FLSTC (Heritage Softail Classic) is renowned for its classic styling, featuring retro details like a large chrome headlight, a windscreen, wire-spoke wheels, and whitewall tires.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential, in-depth knowledge for maintaining and repairing the 2016 Softail FLSTC, empowering owners and technicians to perform tasks accurately and efficiently.
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, disassembly, inspection, assembly, and troubleshooting for the Twin Cam 103 engine (and potential variants).
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (EFI), fuel pump, injectors, throttle body, fuel tank, and related components.
Ignition System:
Spark plugs, ignition coils, ignition module, and related wiring.
Transmission:
Clutch, primary drive, transmission case, gears, shift mechanism, and related maintenance.
Drivetrain:
Belt drive system, rear sprocket, primary drive system, and troubleshooting.
Chassis:
Frame, front suspension (forks), rear suspension (shocks), wheels, tires, and steering.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, hydraulic components, calipers, rotors, master cylinders, and bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor), lighting (headlight, taillight, turn signals), gauges, horn, and wiring diagrams.
Bodywork And Trim:
Fenders, fuel tank, seat, handlebars, fairings (if applicable), and related body panels.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting common problems, diagnostic codes (DTCs), and diagnostic procedures using H-D proprietary tools or methods.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, chain/belt adjustments, tire pressure checks, and general inspection.
Engine Repair:
Top-end rebuilds (cylinder heads, pistons), bottom-end rebuilds (crankshaft, connecting rods), valve adjustments, and timing procedures.
Transmission Overhaul:
Complete disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of the transmission and primary drive.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting electrical faults, testing components, and interpreting wiring diagrams.
Suspension And Steering Service:
Fork seal replacement, shock absorber service, wheel bearing replacement, and steering head bearing adjustment/replacement.
Brake System Service:
Brake fluid flush, caliper overhaul, master cylinder replacement, and pad/rotor replacement.
Fuel System Service:
Fuel injector cleaning, throttle body cleaning, fuel pump testing, and fuel line inspection.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system troubleshooting and chassis component overhauls.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103B™
Displacement:
1690 cc (103 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
3.875 in. x 4.380 in. (98.4 mm x 111.3 mm)
Compression Ratio:
9.0:1 (typical for Twin Cam 103)
Valve Train:
Pushrod-actuated, overhead valves with hydraulic lifters
Cooling System:
Air-cooled
Torque Peak:
98.4 ft-lbs @ 3500 RPM (133 Nm @ 3500 RPM) (typical for Twin Cam 103)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium unleaded gasoline, 91 octane or higher recommended
Type:
6-speed Cruise Drive
Gear Ratios:
1st: 9.593, 2nd: 6.650, 3rd: 4.938, 4th: 3.810, 5th: 3.150, 6th: 2.790 (typical for 6-speed Cruise Drive)
Primary Drive:
Plated, heavy-duty, rubber-mounted chain drive; 34/46 ratio
Final Drive:
Carbon-dioxide vulcanized, single-side belt, 32/66 ratio
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated, 9-plate, wet clutch
Transmission Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission and Primary Chaincase Lubricant
Instrumentation:
Analog speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge, and a multi-function LCD display for odometer, trip meters, clock, and gear indicator.
Audio System:
Optional factory-installed or aftermarket audio systems are common.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Diagnostic Ports:
Features diagnostic connectors for service tools to retrieve trouble codes and monitor engine parameters.
First Service:
Typically 1,000 miles (1,600 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (includes oil change, filter, primary check, and general inspection).
Subsequent Service:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months for regular service intervals (oil change, filter, inspections). More in-depth checks at higher mileage intervals (e.g., 10,000, 20,000 miles).
Engine Oil:
Harley-Davidson 20W-50 SYN3 (Synthetic) or equivalent motorcycle-specific 20W-50 oil.
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.7 US quarts (3.5 L) with filter change.
Primary Chaincase Oil:
Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission and Primary Chaincase Lubricant.
Primary Chaincase Oil Capacity:
1 US quart (0.95 L).
Transmission Oil:
Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission and Primary Chaincase Lubricant.
Transmission Oil Capacity:
22 US fl oz (0.65 L).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates (especially with aggressive riding), drive belt wear, brake pads, tires, wheel bearings, and fork seals.
Twin Cam 103 Considerations:
While generally reliable, potential issues can include cam chain tensioner wear (especially on earlier Twin Cam generations, though improved by 2016), oil leaks, and occasional electronic sensor faults.
Electrical Common Faults:
Issues with the battery charging system (regulator/stator), starter solenoid, and sensor failures (e.g., crankshaft position sensor) can occur over time.
Brand Legacy:
Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer with a rich history in cruiser, touring, and performance motorcycle segments.
Softail Platform:
The Softail chassis, introduced in 1983, mimics the look of a hardtail frame but incorporates a 'hidden' rear suspension system for improved comfort and rideability. The FLSTC variant specifically emphasizes a classic aesthetic.
Manufacturing Location:
Typically assembled in York, Pennsylvania, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.