🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

FLSTN Softail Deluxe

Year:

2008

Model Code:

FLSTN

Vin Character Position 4 5:

60

Vin Character Position 10:

8

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Cruiser Motorcycle, Retro Styling

Competitors:

Competes with other Harley-Davidson Softail models, Indian Motorcycles, and various retro-styled cruisers from Japanese manufacturers.

Design Philosophy:

Emphasizes classic Harley-Davidson styling with modern technology, featuring whitewall tires, ample chrome, and sculpted fenders.

Target Audience:

Riders seeking a stylish, comfortable cruiser with iconic Harley-Davidson heritage.

📋 Manual Details

Product Name:

2008 Harley Davidson FLSTN SOFTAIL DELUXE Service Repair Manual

Coverage:

Maintenance and repair procedures for the 2008 Harley-Davidson FLSTN Softail Deluxe

Page Count Estimated:

Approximately 800-1200 pages (typical for this level of detail)

Manual Type:

Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed coverage of the Twin Cam 96 V-Twin engine, including disassembly, assembly, diagnostics, and tuning.

Transmission:

Service and repair of the 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, including clutch, primary drive, and internal components.

Chassis:

Coverage of the Softail frame, suspension (front forks and rear shock absorbers), steering system, and wheels.

Electrical:

Comprehensive electrical system diagnostics, wiring diagrams, ignition, lighting, charging system (stator, regulator), starter, and instrumentation.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (EFI), fuel pump, injectors, throttle body, and fuel tank servicing.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake system servicing, including master cylinders, calipers, rotors, brake lines, and bleeding procedures.

Bodywork:

Fender, tank, seat, handlebars, and other body component removal, installation, and repair.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic codes (DTCs), and procedures for identifying and resolving common problems.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed service intervals and procedures for all routine maintenance tasks.

Engine Rebuild:

Complete engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly instructions.

Transmission Overhaul:

Step-by-step procedures for transmission inspection, repair, and rebuild.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Systematic approach to diagnosing and fixing electrical faults.

Suspension Adjustment:

Procedures for fork and shock absorber adjustment and servicing.

Brake Bleeding:

Proper methods for bleeding the hydraulic brake system.

Component Replacement:

Instructions for replacing major and minor components across the motorcycle.

Depth:

Comprehensive from basic inspections to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if professionally created, enabling quick information retrieval.

Image Resolution:

High resolution recommended for clear display of diagrams and illustrations.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, Twin Cam 96 V-Twin

Displacement:

96 cubic inches (1584cc)

Bore X Stroke:

3.75 in. x 4.38 in. (95.3 mm x 111.3 mm)

Compression Ratio:

8.9:1

Fueling:

Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)

Torque Peak:

Approx. 96 ft-lbs (130 Nm) @ 3000 RPM (specifications may vary slightly by source)

Horsepower Peak:

Approx. 70-75 HP (estimate, Harley-Davidson typically quotes torque figures)

Fuel Type:

Premium unleaded gasoline, 91 octane or higher recommended

Fuel Tank Capacity:

5.0 US gallons (18.9 L)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed Cruise Drive

Clutch Type:

Hydraulic, multi-plate wet clutch

Primary Drive:

Duplex chain, 34/46 ratio

Final Drive:

Belt drive, 32/66 ratio

Transmission Fluid Type:

Harley-Davidson Formula+ (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 80W-90 gear oil for primary/transmission)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

96.5 inches (2450 mm)

Width:

38.0 inches (965 mm)

Height:

57.7 inches (1465 mm)

Seat Height:

26.0 inches (660 mm) (laden)

Ground Clearance:

4.4 inches (112 mm)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 700 lbs (318 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Not explicitly stated, but typically around 1200 lbs for this platform.

Front Wheel Size:

16-inch

Rear Wheel Size:

16-inch

Front Tire Size:

MT90B16 72H

Rear Tire Size:

150/80B16 77H

Wheelbase:

64.2 inches (1630 mm)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

N/A (Motorcycle safety is typically assessed through specific industry standards and rider experience, not standardized crash tests like cars.)

Brakes:

Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an option in 2008.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, LED tail light, integrated front and rear turn signals.

💡 Technology Features

Instrumentation:

Analog speedometer and tachometer, digital odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge, and indicator lights. Some models may have a basic information display.

ABS Option:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature for the 2008 FLSTN.

Audio System:

No integrated audio system on standard FLSTN models of this era; aftermarket solutions are common.

🔧 Maintenance

First Service:

1,000 miles (1600 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (includes oil change, primary chain adjustment, inspection).

Subsequent Oil Changes:

Every 5,000 miles (8000 km) or 12 months.

Drive Belt Tension:

Check and adjust at 2,500 miles (4000 km) and every 5,000 miles (8000 km) thereafter.

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 10,000-15,000 miles (16,000-24,000 km) or as needed.

Brake Fluid:

Flush and replace every 24 months or as per condition.

Engine Oil Type:

Harley-Davidson SYN3 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (20W-50) or equivalent API CI-4/SL 20W-50.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 3.5 US quarts (3.3 L) with filter change.

Primary Chain Case Fluid:

Harley-Davidson Formula+ (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 80W-90 gear oil).

Primary Chain Case Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 1 US quart (0.95 L).

Transmission Fluid:

Harley-Davidson Formula+ (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 80W-90 gear oil).

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 20-24 US fluid ounces (590-710 ml).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (for ABS models, consult specific documentation as DOT 5.1 might be specified for certain circuits).

Primary Chain Tensioner:

Early Twin Cam models used a plastic shoe for the primary chain tensioner that could wear and cause noise or damage. Hydraulic tensioners are a common upgrade.

Cam Chain Tensioner:

Similar to the primary chain, the cam chain tensioners (inside the engine) can also wear on older Twin Cam models, leading to noise and potential damage. Upgraded hydraulic tensioners are recommended.

Harley Diagnostics Tools:

Dealer-level diagnostic tools (like the Digital Technician) are often required for advanced troubleshooting and system resets, which this manual might detail how to interpret.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Established:

1903

Brand Reputation:

Iconic American motorcycle manufacturer known for its V-twin engines and cruiser styling.

Softail Platform Introduction:

The Softail chassis, featuring a hidden rear suspension, was first introduced in 1984.

Flstn Introduction:

The FLSTN Softail Deluxe was introduced in the early 1990s, designed to evoke the styling of 1940s Harley-Davidsons.

2008 Updates:

For 2008, the FLSTN received the Twin Cam 96 engine and the 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, along with styling refinements like the distinctive chrome frame skirts and wire-spoke wheels.

Manufacturing Location:

United States (York, Pennsylvania and Milwaukee, Wisconsin plants historically)