Segment:
Cruiser Motorcycle
Target Customer:
Riders seeking iconic styling, comfortable cruising, and the Harley-Davidson experience.
Competitors:
Other cruiser motorcycles from manufacturers like Indian, Victory (discontinued), and Japanese brands with cruiser offerings.
Design Philosophy:
Classic styling with modern engineering, known for its 'Fat' front tire and solid rear wheel appearance.
Riding Experience:
Relaxed, comfortable ride ideal for cruising.
Powertrain:
Engine (Evolution V-Twin), Transmission, Drivetrain
Chassis:
Frame, Suspension (Front and Rear), Steering
Brakes:
Front and Rear Brake Systems, Hydraulic Components
Electrical:
Ignition System, Lighting, Gauges, Battery, Charging System, Starter
Fuel System:
Carburetor (CV), Fuel Tank, Fuel Lines
Bodywork And Trim:
Body Panels, Fenders, Seat, Handlebars, Controls
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Lubrication, Inspections
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine Rebuild, Transmission Overhaul, Fork Seal Replacement, Brake Pad Replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Flowcharts, Common Fault Diagnosis
Adjustments:
Carburetor Tuning, Clutch Adjustment, Cable Adjustments
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete Electrical System Schematics
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Target Audience:
Professional Technicians and Skilled DIY Mechanics
Engine Type:
Harley-Davidson Evolution V-Twin (known as the 'Evo' engine)
Displacement:
1337.8 cc (82 cubic inches)
Configuration:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin
Bore X Stroke:
3.499 in x 4.250 in (88.88 mm x 107.95 mm)
Compression Ratio:
8.3:1 (typical for this era)
Horsepower Est:
Approximately 60-65 HP at the crankshaft (manufacturer figures often not stated directly)
Torque Est:
Approximately 75-80 lb-ft at 3000 RPM (crankshaft)
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor: Keihin CV (Constant Velocity) 40 mm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane
Ignition Type:
Electronic Ignition
Exhaust Type:
Dual exhaust with mufflers
Transmission Type:
5-speed constant mesh
Gear Ratios:
1st: 9.312, 2nd: 6.751, 3rd: 4.714, 4th: 3.751, 5th: 3.173 (typical values for this era)
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate, diaphragm spring
Primary Drive:
Duplex chain, 1.234:1 ratio
Final Drive:
Belt drive, 3.15:1 ratio
Fluid Type:
Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission/Primary Chaincase Lubricant (or equivalent API GL-5 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil)
Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 24-28 oz (0.7 - 0.8 L) for transmission and primary
Safety Certification:
Meets applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for motorcycles of its class.
Braking System:
Hydraulically operated disc brakes, front and rear.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED tail light and stop light, amber front and rear turn signals.
Frame Construction:
Steel, tubular frame with steel swingarm
Rider Ergonomics:
Low seat height and swept-back handlebars contribute to rider control and comfort.
Initial Service:
First service at 1,000 miles (1,600 km)
Subsequent Service:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first (engine oil and filter).
Transmission Service:
Check and top off primary chaincase and transmission oil every 5,000 miles; change every 10,000 miles (16,000 km).
Other Checks:
Regular checks of tire pressure, brake pads, lights, and drive belt tension.
Engine Oil:
Harley-Davidson Genuine V-Twin Oil SAE 20W-50 (or equivalent API CI-4 rated synthetic motorcycle oil)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (or specified Harley-Davidson equivalent) for hydraulic brake system.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4 US quarts (3.8 L) with filter change.
Carburetor Tuning:
CV carburetor can sometimes require fine-tuning for optimal performance, especially at altitude or with modifications.
Evolution Engine Reliability:
Generally reliable, but may exhibit oil leaks from common points (e.g., cam cover, primary cover) with age. Piston cooling might be less efficient than later Twin Cam engines under extreme conditions.
Electrical Connections:
Older wiring harnesses and connectors can degrade over time, potentially leading to intermittent electrical issues. Thorough inspection and dielectric grease application are recommended.
Oil Filter Part Number:
Harley-Davidson 63796-77A (or equivalent aftermarket)
Harley Davidson Legacy:
Established in 1903, Harley-Davidson is an American icon renowned for its V-twin engines and distinctive motorcycle designs.
Softail Platform:
The Softail chassis, introduced in the early 1980s, mimics the appearance of a hardtail frame while incorporating hidden rear suspension for improved ride comfort.
Fat Boy Introduction:
The Fat Boy model, initially introduced in 1990, quickly became a flagship model with its unique styling cues.
Model Year Focus:
This manual specifically covers the FLSTF Fat Boy models from the 1997 and 1998 model years, representing a mature iteration of the Evo engine platform.
