🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

FLHTC-I Electra Glide Classic

Sub Model:

Electra Glide Classic

Model Designation:

FLHTC-I

Vehicle Type:

Motorcycle

Body Style:

Touring Cruiser

Model Years Covered:

1996, 1997, 1998

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The FLHTC-I Electra Glide Classic was Harley-Davidson's flagship touring motorcycle in the late 1990s, designed for long-distance comfort and performance. This manual is essential for owners and independent repair shops servicing this iconic model.

Competitors:

Competed against touring motorcycles from brands like Honda (Gold Wing), Yamaha (Royal Star Venture), and Indian (in its resurgence).

Features:

Full fairing with integrated audio, ample storage (saddlebags and tour-pak), comfortable seating for rider and passenger, cruise control (on some variants), and the iconic Harley-Davidson V-twin engine.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive repair and service for Harley-Davidson FLHTC-I Electra Glide Classic motorcycles, 1996-1998 model years.

Estimated Pages:

Over 800 pages (typical for this era's factory service manuals for touring bikes).

Type:

Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital Format (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine disassembly, assembly, inspection, tuning, troubleshooting, and component replacement (e.g., pistons, cylinders, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train).

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (EFI) diagnosis and repair, fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulator, throttle body, air filter assembly, fuel lines.

Ignition System:

Ignition module, spark plugs, coils, timing, troubleshooting.

Electrical System:

Complete wiring diagrams, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), battery, starting system (starter motor, solenoid), lighting, instrumentation, horn, accessory circuits.

Transmission Drivetrain:

Clutch operation and adjustment, gearbox inspection and repair, final drive (belt drive system), chain and sprockets (if applicable to specific sub-variants).

Braking System:

Hydraulic brake system diagnosis, fluid bleeding, caliper and master cylinder service, brake pads and rotors replacement, parking brake.

Suspension Steering:

Front fork service (oil change, seal replacement), rear shock absorber inspection and replacement, steering head bearing adjustment and service, wheel bearings.

Frame Bodywork:

Frame inspection, fairing removal and installation, body panel repairs, seat assembly, luggage system components.

Wheels Tires:

Wheel installation and removal, tire mounting and balancing, spoke tension (if applicable), wheel balancing.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance tasks, oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, battery maintenance, tire pressure checks.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation for EFI systems.

Repair Rebuild:

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

Diagnostics:

EFI system diagnostics, electrical system fault finding using wiring diagrams, mechanical system diagnosis.

Installation Adjustment:

Component installation procedures, cable adjustments, electrical connector servicing, torque specifications for all fasteners.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic scheduled maintenance and adjustments to complete engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system diagnostics, and frame-off repairs.

Diagrams:

Includes detailed, easy-to-read wiring diagrams and exploded views for component identification and assembly.

Illustrations:

Features step-by-step photographs and illustrations to clarify complex procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

High-resolution for clear printing of text and diagrams.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, Evolution (Evo) V-twin

Displacement:

1337 cc (82 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke:

3.498 in x 4.250 in (88.8 mm x 107.95 mm)

Compression Ratio:

8.5:1 (typical for Evo Big Twin)

Horsepower:

Approx. 60-65 HP (estimated, factory figures vary)

Torque:

Approx. 75-80 ft-lbs (estimated, factory figures vary)

Peak Rpm:

Redline typically around 5500 RPM.

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 89 octane (87 octane may be acceptable per manual, check specific recommendations).

Fuel Tank Capacity:

5.0 US gallons (18.9 L)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed constant mesh, manual

Optional Transmission:

N/A (Standard 5-speed manual)

Clutch Type:

Wet, multi-plate, diaphragm spring

Final Drive:

Belt drive (48-tooth pulley to 32-tooth front sprocket, typical ratios)

Transmission Fluid:

Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission & Primary Fluid, or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 80W-90 gear oil for primary and transmission. Separate engine oil.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 103.4 inches (2626 mm)

Width:

Approx. 38.0 inches (965 mm)

Height:

Approx. 55.1 inches (1400 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 63.5 inches (1613 mm)

Saddlebag Capacity:

Approx. 2.2 cubic feet total

Tour Pak Capacity:

Approx. 2.5 cubic feet (variable by model variation)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 765 lbs (347 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 1200 lbs (544 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

Motorcycle safety is primarily based on rider skill and adherence to traffic laws. No formal crash test ratings like automobiles.

Active Features:

Dual disc front brakes, single disc rear brake, integrated lighting, mirrors.

Passive Features:

Sturdy frame construction, full fairing for weather protection, comfortable seating position for rider focus.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-equipped AM/FM radio with cassette player and CB/Intercom capabilities (standard on Classic Touring models). Often integrated into the fairing.

Speakers:

Fairing-mounted speakers.

Cruise Control:

Available as an option or standard on certain configurations of the FLHTC-I.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by modern standards; primarily analog systems. No Bluetooth or advanced smartphone integration.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specification).

Primary Chain Tensioner:

Inspection recommended at 10,000-15,000 mile intervals; replacement with updated hydraulic tensioner often recommended as a preventative measure.

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 10,000-15,000 miles (check manual for specific type and gap).

Air Filter:

Inspect every 5,000 miles, clean or replace as needed.

Engine Oil:

Harley-Davidson 20W-50 V-Twin Motorcycle Oil, or equivalent API CI-4 rated diesel oil or API SG/SH/SJ rated motorcycle oil. Capacity approx. 4 US quarts (3.8 L) with filter.

Primary Transmission Fluid:

Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission & Primary Fluid, or equivalent API GL-4 SAE 80W-90 gear oil. Capacity approx. 1 US quart (0.95 L).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.

Fork Oil:

Harley-Davidson Type E or Type B fork oil (viscosity varies by application, typically around 10W). Capacity 10.9 US fl oz (322 ml) per fork leg.

Primary Chain Tensioner:

The stock spring-loaded primary chain tensioner is known to wear out, potentially leading to chain slap and premature damage to the primary chain and other components. Upgrade to a hydraulic tensioner is a common and recommended modification.

Carburetor Vs Efi:

While this model is fuel-injected (EFI), previous models used carburetors. EFI systems are generally more reliable but require specialized diagnostic tools for certain issues.

Cam Chain Tensioners:

Similar to the primary chain tensioner, the cam chain tensioners on Evolution engines can also wear. Periodic inspection and replacement are advised.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Harley-Davidson has a long and storied history dating back to 1903, synonymous with American motorcycle culture and freedom. The Electra Glide line represents their commitment to the touring segment.

Evolution:

The Electra Glide series evolved from the Shovelhead era into the Evolution (Evo) Big Twin platform in 1984. The 'I' designation signifies fuel injection, introduced on touring models in the mid-1990s.

Manufacturing Location:

York, Pennsylvania, USA (typical for this era).

Production Period:

The FLHTCI (fuel-injected version) was introduced in the mid-1990s, with the FLHTC-I covering the 1996-1998 period, before the introduction of the Twin Cam engine platform in 1999.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Market Recognition:

The Electra Glide Classic is a consistently popular model within the touring segment, recognized for its comfort, classic styling, and long-distance capabilities.

Consumer Ratings:

Praised for its ride quality and rider/passenger comfort, though often criticized for weight and handling at low speeds compared to some competitors.

Certifications:

Manufactured to meet all applicable US federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) for motorcycles.