Positioning:
The Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider (FXDL) in 2004 was positioned as a classic cruiser with a more performance-oriented stance than some of its stablemates, appealing to riders seeking a blend of iconic styling and accessible V-twin performance.
Competitors:
Competed against models from Indian, Victory, and custom builders, as well as Japanese cruisers offering similar displacement and V-twin configurations.
Engine Configuration:
Air-cooled, Twin Cam 88 V-twin engine.
Suspension:
Low rider styling with typically lowered front forks and rear suspension.
Design Philosophy:
Emphasis on classic Harley-Davidson aesthetics with a focus on rider comfort and a capable powertrain for cruising.
Utility:
Essential for owners and technicians performing maintenance, repairs, and diagnostics on the 2004 FXDL Dyna Low Rider.
Engine:
1450cc Twin Cam 88 V-Twin engine (carbureted models).
Fuel System:
Carburetor (Mikuni HSR42 or equivalent), fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump (if applicable).
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition, spark plugs, coils, wiring.
Transmission:
5-speed constant mesh transmission, clutch, primary drive, final drive.
Chassis Frame:
Frame inspection, welding, alignment, steering head bearings.
Suspension:
Front fork (telescopic, Showa), rear shock absorbers, linkage (if applicable).
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, brake calipers, master cylinders, brake lines, hydraulic fluid specifications.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), lighting (headlight, taillight, turn signals), starter motor, horn, electrical diagrams.
Bodywork Fenders:
Fenders, fuel tank, seat, handlebars, controls, wiring harness routing, fairings (if equipped).
Wheels Tires:
Wheel bearings, tire pressure, tire replacement, wheel balancing.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, chain adjustment (if applicable), belt inspection.
Engine Rebuild:
Top-end rebuild (cylinder heads, pistons), bottom-end overhaul (crankshaft, connecting rods), gasket replacement.
Transmission Repair:
Clutch adjustment and replacement, gear inspection and replacement, bearing services.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for charging system, ignition, lighting, and starting circuits.
Brake Service:
Brake pad replacement, caliper service, brake bleeding, master cylinder overhaul.
Suspension Service:
Fork seal replacement, fork oil change, rear shock absorber replacement.
Carburetor Overhaul:
Disassembly, cleaning, reassembly, and adjustment of Mikuni HSR42 carburetor.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including in-depth troubleshooting and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, Twin Cam 88 V-twin
Displacement:
88 cubic inches (1450 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
3.75 in. x 4.00 in. (95.25 mm x 101.6 mm)
Valve Train:
Overhead valves (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder.
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor (Mikuni HSR42 for most markets)
Horsepower:
Approx. 65-70 HP (estimated, varies with tuning and dyno).
Torque:
Approx. 75-80 ft-lbs (estimated, varies with tuning and dyno).
Fuel Tank Capacity:
4.9 US gallons (18.5 L)
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.0 US quarts (2.8 L) with filter change.
Engine Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Genuine V-Twin Oil SAE 20W-50 or equivalent API CG-4 rated oil.
Primary Chain Case Oil:
Harley-Davidson Genuine Primary Chain Lubricant or equivalent.
Overall Length:
Approx. 90.5 in. (229.9 cm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 63.5 in. (161.3 cm)
Seat Height Laden:
Approx. 26.5 in. (67.3 cm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 4.25 in. (10.8 cm)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 630 lbs (285.8 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Not typically specified, but refers to maximum allowable loaded weight.
Crash Test Results:
Motorcycles are not subject to standardized crash testing like automobiles. Safety relies on design and rider skill.
Braking System:
Dual-disc front brakes, single-disc rear brake for stopping power.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight, amber front/rear turn signals.
Frame Construction:
Steel frame providing structural integrity.
Ergonomics:
Low rider ergonomics designed for rider comfort and control.
First Service:
Typically around 1,000 miles (1,600 km) for initial oil and filter change, inspection of all fasteners and controls.
Subsequent Service:
Recommended every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first, for major services including engine oil, primary, and transmission fluid changes, and thorough inspections.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended every 10,000-15,000 miles (16,000-24,000 km).
Drive Belt Inspection:
Inspect for wear and proper tension at every service interval.
Fork Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Suspension Fluid (Type 1) or equivalent Harley-Davidson approved fork oil.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Twin Cam 88 Oil Breather:
Early Twin Cam 88 engines could experience oil blow-by. The manual will detail procedures for checking and potentially modifying the breather system.
Carburetor Tuning:
Mikuni HSR42 can require periodic adjustment for optimal performance and emissions.
Clutch Adjustment:
Clutch lever play may need adjustment over time due to cable stretch and clutch plate wear.
Harley Davidson Legacy:
Harley-Davidson boasts a long and storied history dating back to 1903, renowned for its V-twin engines and iconic cruiser styling.
Dyna Platform Introduction:
The Dyna platform was introduced in 1991, offering a rubber-mounted engine for reduced vibration compared to earlier rigid-mount frames. The FXDL (Dyna Low Rider) variant became a popular model within this line.
2004 Model Year:
The 2004 model year represented an evolution of the Twin Cam engine and Dyna platform, incorporating refinements and styling cues characteristic of the era.