Market Segment:
Cruiser/Custom Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Harley-Davidson FXST Softail owners, independent repair shops, motorcycle enthusiasts performing their own maintenance and repairs
Competitive Era:
Competed against other American V-twin cruisers and custom motorcycles of the era, distinguishing itself with its distinctive Softail rear suspension design.
Vehicle Usp:
Iconic Softail styling with a hidden rear suspension system, rigid frame appearance, powerful V-twin engine, and customizability.
Value:
Provides essential factory-authorized information for maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing the FXST Softail, saving time and money compared to dealership service.
Completeness:
Covers all aspects of the motorcycle, ensuring users have the resources for any repair or maintenance task.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, tuning, carburetor, ignition system, lubrication system, cooling system (air-cooled)
Transmission:
4-speed manual transmission (4-speed Cruise Drive), clutch, shifting mechanisms, maintenance, and repair
Drivetrain:
Primary drive, belt drive system, final drive, wheel bearings, sprocket maintenance
Frame And Suspension:
Softail frame construction, swingarm, rear shock absorbers, front forks (Showa or Showa-style), steering head bearings, alignment
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, hydraulic systems, brake calipers, master cylinders, brake fluid specifications and bleeding procedures
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, ignition system (points or electronic), starter motor, battery, charging system (generator/alternator), fuses, switches, instrumentation
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel filter, carburetor (e.g., Keihin CV carburetor), choke operation, fuel delivery
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipes, mufflers, mounting, and inspection
Bodywork And Trim:
Fenders, fuel tank, seat, handlebars, controls, fairings (if applicable), body panel removal and installation
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment (if applicable), brake adjustments, tire pressure checks, spark plug replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common electrical and mechanical issues, symptom-based troubleshooting charts
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major components, including engine rebuilding, transmission overhauling, suspension work, and electrical system repairs
Disassembly And Assembly:
Complete instructions for component disassembly and reassembly, with torque specifications
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive, often color-coded, wiring diagrams for all electrical systems
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, and dimensional data
Depth:
Full factory-level technical information, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin Evolution (often referred to as 'Evo')
Displacement:
1338cc (82 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
3.50 in x 4.25 in (88.9 mm x 108.0 mm) - Typical for Evo Big Twin
Compression Ratio:
Approximately 8.5:1 to 9.0:1 (can vary slightly by model year and specific configuration)
Valve Train:
Overhead valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder, operated by pushrods and rocker arms
Horsepower:
Estimated 55-65 HP (at the crank) – specific figures vary by year and tuning
Torque:
Estimated 70-80 ft-lbs (at the crank) – specific figures vary by year and tuning
Carburetor:
Typically Keihin CV (Constant Velocity) carburetor, often 40mm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane (AKI)
Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson 20W50 motorcycle oil, or equivalent API SG, SF, or SE rated oil with a JASO MA rating.
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.0 US quarts (2.8 liters) with filter change.
Ignition Type:
Battery ignition, points or electronic (CDI) depending on the specific year and model configuration within this range.
Spark Plug Type:
Typically Champion RN57YC or equivalent (refer to manual for exact spec)
Engine Family Code:
Evolution (Evo)
Transmission Type:
4-speed constant mesh, manual, foot-shifted, hand-clutched
Optional Transmission:
N/A for this specific model and year range
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate, cable-actuated
Primary Drive:
Duplex primary chain
Transmission Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson primary chaincase lubricant, or equivalent SAE 80W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approximately 24 US fluid ounces (0.71 liters)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 62.8 inches (1595 mm)
Length:
Approximately 90.2 inches (2291 mm)
Dry Weight:
Approximately 550-575 lbs (250-260 kg) - varies by exact configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 850 lbs (386 kg)
Front Tire Size:
Typically MT90-16 (or 130/90-16)
Rear Tire Size:
Typically MU85-16 (or 140/90-16)
Wheel Type:
Spoked or cast alloy wheels, typically 16-inch diameter
Safety Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycles typically do not receive NHTSA crash test ratings like cars)
Braking System:
Dual disc front brakes, single disc rear brake. Hydraulic actuation.
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals, license plate light.
Frame Construction:
Steel tube frame with Softail concealed rear suspension.
Infotainment System:
N/A (This era of motorcycle did not feature integrated infotainment systems. Audio systems were aftermarket additions.)
ABS:
N/A (ABS was not a standard or common option for this model and year range.)
Connectivity Features:
N/A (No built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or app connectivity.)
Instrumentation:
Analog speedometer, tachometer (optional or standard depending on trim), odometer, trip meter, indicator lights for oil pressure, neutral, turn signals, high beam.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 2,500 - 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Consult the manual for exact recommendations based on usage.
Primary Fluid Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 10,000 miles or 12 months. Consult the manual.
Belt Tension Check:
Regularly, typically every 5,000 miles or as per manual recommendations. Proper tension is critical for belt drive longevity.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years or as recommended, due to hygroscopic nature of brake fluid.
Engine Oil Spec:
20W50 Harley-Davidson motorcycle oil or equivalent (API SG/SH/SJ, JASO MA)
Primary Chaincase Fluid Spec:
SAE 80W-90 gear oil or Harley-Davidson Primary Chaincase Lubricant
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (for most models of this era)
Carburetor Tuning:
Keihin CV carburetors can require periodic tuning or adjustments for optimal performance, especially with altitude or atmospheric changes.
Rear Shock Seals:
While hidden, rear shock seals can degrade over time, leading to fluid leaks and reduced damping.
Belt Drive Wear:
Improper belt tension or alignment can lead to premature wear of the drive belt and sprockets.
Electrical Connections:
Corrosion or loose connections in older electrical systems can lead to intermittent issues.
Oil Leaks:
Typical for older V-twins; common leak points include primary and secondary seals, rocker boxes.
Brand Heritage:
Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, is an American motorcycle manufacturer known for its cruiser, touring, and custom motorcycles. The brand is synonymous with American motorcycle culture and freedom.
Softail Introduction:
The Softail line was introduced in 1983 (model year 1984) with the FXST Softail Standard, featuring a revolutionary design that mimicked the look of a hardtail frame while incorporating hidden rear suspension.
Fxst Significance:
The FXST Softail Standard was the foundational model of the Softail family, establishing the distinctive styling and engineering that would define Harley-Davidson's cruiser offerings for decades.
Production Period:
The FXST Softail was produced continuously from 1984 through the early 2000s, with various iterations and sub-models within the Softail family.
Engine Transition:
The 1984-1990 models represent the era of the Evolution engine, a significant upgrade from the Shovelhead and Ironhead engines of previous generations.
