Harley Davidson Softail Delux FLSTN BIKE 2011-2015. Service Manual - page 11

2.3

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (V.I.N.)

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

See

. The full 17 digit serial or Vehicle Identification

Number (V.I.N.) is stamped on the steering head. In some
destinations, a printed V.I.N. label will also be affixed to the
right front frame down tube.

An abbreviated V.I.N. is stamped on the left side crankcase at
the base of the rear cylinder.

NOTE

Always give the full 17 digit Vehicle Identification Number when
ordering parts or making any inquiry about your motorcycle.

om00092

Figure 2-1. V.I.N. Stamping Location

1HD 1 BW V 1 3 D B 111000

om00914

Figure 2-2. Typical Harley-Davidson VIN: 2013 Softail Models

Table 2-11. Harley-Davidson VIN Breakdown: 2013 Softail Models

POSSIBLE VALUES

DESCRIPTION

POSITION

1HD=Originally manufactured for sale

within

the United States

World manufacturer identifier

5HD=Originally manufactured for sale

outside

of the United States

932=Originally manufactured in and for sale only in Brazil market
MEG=Originally manufactured in and for sale only in India market

1=Heavyweight motorcycle (901 cm

or larger)

Motorcycle type

See VIN model table

Model

5=Twin Cam 96B

™

, 1585 cm

air-cooled, fuel-injected, balanced

Engine type

V=Twin Cam 103B

™

, 1690 cm

air-cooled, fuel-injected, balanced

HOME

2013 Softail Service: Chassis 2-9

Table 2-11. Harley-Davidson VIN Breakdown: 2013 Softail Models

POSSIBLE VALUES

DESCRIPTION

POSITION

Mid-year or Special Introduction

Normal Introduction

Calibration/configuration, introduc-
tion

2, 4=Domestic (DOM)

1=Domestic (DOM)

5, 6=California (CAL)

3=California (CAL)

B=Canada (CAN)

A=Canada (CAN)

D=HDI

C=HDI

F=Japan (JPN)

E=Japan (JPN)

H=Australia (AUS)

G=Australia (AUS)

K=Brazil (BRZ)

J=Brazil (BRZ)

M=Asia Pacific (APC)

L=Asia Pacific (APC)

P=India (IND)

N=India (IND)

Can be 0-9 or X

VIN check digit

D=2013

Model year

B=York, PA U.S.A.

Assembly plant

D=H-D Brazil-Manaus, Brazil (CKD)
N=Haryana India (Bawal District Rewari)

Varies

Sequential number

Table 2-12. VIN Model Codes: 2013 Softail Models

MODEL

CODE

MODEL

CODE

FLSTC Heritage Softail

Classic Shrine

FXSB Softail

Breakout

™

FXS Blackline

FXST Softail

Standard (Australia only)

FLS Softail

Slim

™

FLSTF Fat Boy

FLSTFB Fat Boy

FLSTC Heritage Softail

Classic

FLSTFB ANV Fat Boy

Lo 110th Anniversary Edition

FLSTC ANV Heritage Softail

Classic 110th

Anniversary Edition

FLSTFB Fat Boy

Special (some international mar-

kets)

FLSTN Softail

Deluxe

HOME

2-10 2013 Softail Service: Chassis

2.4

FRONT WHEEL

REMOVAL

Block motorcycle underneath frame so front wheel is raised
off the ground.

Inspect wheel bearing end play and service bearings if
necessary. See

2.8 SEALED WHEEL BEARINGS

See

Figure 2-3

. Remove brake caliper. Support caliper

using a rubber bungee cord. Be careful not to scratch the
fender paint.

NOTE

Do not operate front brake lever with the front wheel removed
or the caliper piston may be forced out of piston bore.
Reseating the piston requires disassembly of the caliper.

Remove axle nut, lockwasher and washer (3).

Label wheel spacers for location (left or right) and orienta-
tion (fork side or wheel side).

See

Figure 2-4

. Loosen the slider cap fasteners (2) and

pull the axle (1) free.

NOTES

•

If ABS equipped, never pull wheel speed sensor cable
taut or use to retain wheel, axle, or other components.

•

Always keep the wheel speed sensor and ABS encoder
bearing away from magnetic fields. Items such as magnetic
parts trays, magnetic base dial indicators, alternator rotors,
etc. will damage sensor.

Remove wheel from forks.

NOTE

On FLSTC models, the hub cap will come off with the wheel.

DISASSEMBLY

Disc Wheel

NOTE

See

2.9 TIRES

to service tire or valve stem assembly.

If necessary, remove brake disc (6). On left side of wheel,
remove five screws (10) to detach brake disc. Discard screws.

Laced Wheel

See

Figure 2-6

If necessary, remove brake disc (7). On

left side of wheel, remove five screws (11) to detach left
brake disc. Discard screws.

To disassemble FLSTC hub cap, remove retaining ring
from hub spacer. Discard retaining ring.

sm03915

1. Long mounting bolt (metric)
2. Short mounting bolt (metric)
3. Axle nut, lockwasher, and washer

Figure 2-3. Front Caliper and Axle Mounting (Left Side)

sm03123

1. Axle
2. Slider cap fasteners and washers

Figure 2-4. Front Wheel Mounting

HOME

2013 Softail Service: Chassis 2-11

sm3124a

Washer

Axle

Right bearing spacer

Axle nut

10.

Screw (5)

Bearing (2)

11.

Sleeve

Cable clip

12.

Clip bracket

Disc wheel

13.

Brake disc

Wheel speed sensor

14.

ABS encoder bearing

Left bearing spacer

Figure 2-5. Disc Front Wheel: FLSTF/B

HOME

2-12 2013 Softail Service: Chassis

sm03125a

Washer

Axle

10.

Hub spacer, hub cap and retaining ring (FLSTC
only)

Axle nut

11. Screw (5)

12.

Right bearing spacer (all but FLSTC)

Cable clip

13.

Clip bracket

Bearing (2)

14.

Sleeve

Wheel speed sensor

15.

ABS encoder bearing

Laced wheel

7. Brake disc
8. Left bearing spacer

Figure 2-6. Laced Front Wheel: All but FLSTF/B

CLEANING AND INSPECTION

Inspect all parts for damage or excessive wear. If sealed
wheel bearings must be serviced, see

2.8 SEALED

WHEEL BEARINGS

Always replace brake pads in complete sets for correct
and safe brake operation. Improper brake operation could
result in death or serious injury. (00111a)

Inspect brake disc and pads. See

1.16 BRAKE PADS AND

DISCS

ASSEMBLY

TORQUE VALUE

FASTENER

21.7-32.5 Nm

16-24 ft-lbs

Brake disc screws, front

21.7-32.5 Nm

16-24 ft-lbs

Brake disc screws, front

Be sure that brake fluid or other lubricants do not contact
brake pads or discs. Such contact can adversely affect
braking ability, which could cause loss of control, resulting
in death or serious injury. (00290a)

Disc Wheel

Verify that wheel and tire are true. See

2.7 CHECKING

AND TRUING WHEELS

HOME

2013 Softail Service: Chassis 2-13

Do not re-use brake disc/rotor screws. Re-using these
screws can result in torque loss and damage to brake
components. (00319c)

See

Figure 2-5

. If removed, install brake disc (6). Verify

that brake disc is clean. Install five

new

screws (10) to

attach brake disc. Tighten screws to 16-24 ft-lbs (21.7-
32.5 Nm).

Laced Wheel

If hub and rim were disassembled, see

2.6 WHEEL

LACING

Verify that wheel and tire are true. See

2.7 CHECKING

AND TRUING WHEELS

On FLSTC models, attach hub cap to spacer with

new

retaining ring.

Do not re-use brake disc/rotor screws. Re-using these
screws can result in torque loss and damage to brake
components. (00319c)

See

Figure 2-6

. If necessary, install brake disc in its ori-

ginal position. Verify that brake disc is clean. Install five

new

screws (11) to attach brake disc (7). Tighten screws

to 16-24 ft-lbs (21.7-32.5 Nm).

INSTALLATION

TORQUE VALUE

FASTENER

95.0-101.8

Nm Nm

70-75 ft-lbs

Axle nut, front

14.9-20.3 Nm

132-180

in-lbs

Axle slider cap fasteners, front

38.0-51.5 Nm

28-38 ft-lbs

Brake caliper mounting bolt,
front

Apply a light coat of ANTI-SEIZE LUBRICANT to the axle,
bearing bores, and bore of inner sleeve.

Place wheel into front fork and install axle. Verify that axle
spacers on right and left side and wheel speed sensor (if
ABS equipped) are properly installed.

See

Figure 2-7

. If ABS equipped, rotate front wheel speed

sensor counterclockwise until index pin makes contact
with shoulder on left fork slider.

See

Figure 2-3

. Install the washer and axle nut (3). Insert

screwdriver or steel rod through hole in axle on right side
of vehicle. While holding axle stationary, tighten axle nut
to 70-75 ft-lbs (95.0-101.8 Nm Nm).

NOTE

In next step, make sure front and rear gaps between slider cap
and slider is even.

See

Figure 2-4

. Tighten the slider cap nuts to 132-180

in-lbs

(14.9-20.3 Nm).

NOTE

See

Figure 2-5

Figure 2-6

. If ABS equipped, install wheel

speed sensor cable bracket (12 or 13) when installing brake
caliper. Secure wheel speed sensor cable to clip bracket with
cable clip (11 or 12).

See

Figure 2-3

. Install the brake caliper and clip bracket,

if ABS equipped, to the fork leg using the long mounting
bolt (1) (metric) in top hole and the short mounting bolt (2)
(metric) in bottom hole on fork leg.

Tighten fasteners to 28-38 ft-lbs (38.0-51.5 Nm).

If ABS equipped, make sure wheel speed sensor cable is
properly secured to brake line with all three retainer clips
and both cable straps.

Whenever a wheel is installed and before moving the
motorcycle, pump brakes to build brake system pressure.
Insufficient pressure can adversely affect brake perform-
ance, which could result in death or serious injury. (00284a)

Pump brake hand lever to move pistons out until they
contact both brake pads. Verify piston location against
pads.

sm04027

Figure 2-7. Front Wheel Speed Sensor Index Pin (ABS

Equipped)

HOME

2-14 2013 Softail Service: Chassis

2.5

REAR WHEEL

REMOVAL

Block motorcycle underneath frame so weight of motor-
cycle is off of rear wheel.

Remove saddlebags if equipped.

Remove belt guard and debris deflector from rear fork.
See

2.18 BELT GUARD AND DEBRIS DEFLECTOR

Inspect wheel bearing end play and service bearings if
necessary. See

2.8 SEALED WHEEL BEARINGS

Label wheel spacers for location (left or right) and orienta-
tion (fork side or wheel side).

ABS equipped:

Cut cable strap to release rear wheel

speed sensor cable from rear brake hose.

Remove rear brake caliper from caliper mount and support
using an elastic cord or similar. See

2.14 REAR BRAKE

CALIPER

All but FXSB:

See

Figure 2-8

. Remove e-clip (1). Loosen

rear axle nut (2).

FXSB:

See

Figure 2-9

. Loosen rear axle nut (2).

10. Loosen both axle adjuster screws (3) an equal number of

turns to remove tension from drive belt.

NOTES

•

If ABS equipped, never pull wheel speed sensor cable
taut or use to retain wheel, axle or other components.

•

Always keep the wheel speed sensor and ABS encoder
bearing away from magnetic fields. Items such as magnetic
parts trays, magnetic base dial indicators, alternator rotors,
etc. will damage sensor.

•

Support rear wheel from underneath during removal.

11. Tap axle towards right side and remove. Remove spacers,

caliper mounting bracket, and rear wheel speed sensor
(if ABS equipped).

12. Move wheel forward and slip belt off sprocket.

13. Raise motorcycle to allow enough clearance for removal

of rear wheel.

14. Pull wheel with belt sprocket from rear fork.

NOTE

Do not operate rear brake pedal with the rear wheel removed
or the caliper piston may be forced out of piston bores.
Reseating the piston requires disassembly of the caliper.

DISASSEMBLY

If necessary, remove brake disc and/or rear sprocket.

Remove five screws (18) to detach rear sprocket (13).
Discard screws.

Remove five screws (5) to remove rear brake disc
(6). Discard screws.

sm02594a

1. E-Clip
2. Axle nut
3. Axle adjuster

Figure 2-8. Axle Adjusters

smo3882

1. Retainer
2. Axle nut
3. Axle adjuster

Figure 2-9. Axle Adjusters: FXSB

HOME

2013 Softail Service: Chassis 2-15

sm03165b

10.

Laced wheel hub and rim

Axle

11.

Right bearing spacer, short

Disc wheel

12.

Bearing

Right bearing spacer, long (non-ABS)

13.

Wheel speed sensor (ABS)

Rear sprocket

14.

Left bearing spacer

Screw (5)

15.

Rear brake disc

Washer

16.

Axle nut

Bearing (non-ABS)

17.

Encoder bearing (ABS)

Retainer

18.

Screw (5)

Sleeve

Figure 2-10. Rear Wheel/Hub (typical)

CLEANING AND INSPECTION

Inspect all parts for damage or excessive wear.

Inspect brake disc and pads. See

1.16 BRAKE PADS AND

DISCS

Inspect drive belt and sprocket. See

1.12 DRIVE BELT

AND SPROCKETS

ASSEMBLY

TORQUE VALUE

FASTENER

40.7-61.0 Nm

30-45 ft-lbs

Brake disc screws, rear

81.4 Nm

60 ft-lbs

Belt sprocket screws, 1st
torque

104.5-112.6

77-83 ft-lbs

Belt sprocket screws, final
torque

See

Figure 2-10

. If laced wheel (10) was disassembled,

see

2.6 WHEEL LACING

HOME

2-16 2013 Softail Service: Chassis

Do not re-use brake disc/rotor screws. Re-using these
screws can result in torque loss and damage to brake
components. (00319c)

Using

new

screws (5), install brake disc (6) if removed.

Tighten screws to 30-45 ft-lbs (40.7-61.0 Nm).

Do not re-use sprocket mounting screws. Re-using
sprocket mounting screws can result in torque loss and
damage to the sprocket and/or belt assembly. (00480b)

Using

new

screws (18), install belt sprocket (13) if

removed. Tighten screws using the following sequence:

Tighten screws (18) to an initial torque of 60 ft-lbs
(81.4 Nm).

Back screws off 1/2 turn (180 degrees).

Tighten screws to a final torque of 77-83 ft-lbs (104.5-
112.6 Nm).

Verify that wheel and tire are true. See

2.7 CHECKING

AND TRUING WHEELS

INSTALLATION

TORQUE VALUE

FASTENER

128.8-142.5

95-105 ft-lbs

Rear axle nut

See

Figure 2-10

. Apply a light coat of ANTI-SEIZE LUB-

RICANT to the axle (1), bearing bores, and the bore of
the inner sleeve (9).

Roll wheel into rear fork and slide drive belt over drive
sprocket.

Position left bearing spacer (14) between wheel and fork.

From right side, carefully insert axle through right rear fork,
short spacer (3), rear caliper mounting bracket, wheel
speed sensor (4) (if ABS equipped) or long spacer (3) and
into bearing bore.

Continue sliding axle through wheel hub sleeve, left side
spacer and left rear fork.

Install washer (15) and axle nut (16). Do not tighten axle
nut at this time.

See

Figure 2-11

. If ABS equipped, rotate rear wheel speed

sensor counterclockwise until index pin makes contact
with caliper bracket at point shown.

Verify correct axle alignment (see

2.10 VEHICLE ALIGN-

MENT

) and check belt deflection (see

1.12 DRIVE BELT

AND SPROCKETS

Check wheel bearing end play after tightening axle nut to
specified torque. Excessive end play can adversely affect
stability and handling and can cause loss of control, which
could result in death or serious injury. (00285b)

Tighten axle nut to 95-105 ft-lbs (128.8-142.5 Nm).

Install retainer (17).

10. Install belt guard and debris deflector. See

2.18 BELT

GUARD AND DEBRIS DEFLECTOR

11. Install brake caliper and pads. See

2.14 REAR BRAKE

CALIPER

12. If ABS equipped, secure wheel speed sensor cable to rear

brake line near brake caliper with a cable strap.

13. Install saddlebags, if equipped.

14. Pump brake pedal to move pistons out until they contact

both brake pads. Verify piston location against pads.

sm06982

Figure 2-11. Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Index Pin (ABS

Equipped)

HOME

2013 Softail Service: Chassis 2-17

2.6

WHEEL LACING

WHEEL LACING: ANGLE FLANGE HUB

NOTES

•

See

Figure 2-12

. The following procedure is valid for

wheels that use an angle flange hub regardless of rim
style or diameter.

•

The primary brake side of the hub has one or two grooves
cut into the disc mounting surface.

sm06505

1. Outer spoke hole
2. Inner spoke hole

Figure 2-12. Angle Flange Hub

Place hub on workbench:

Front:

primary brake side up.

Rear:

brake side down.

Install all spokes in the lower flange.

See

Figure 2-13

. Flip hub over. Gather all outer spokes

and hold upright with a rubber band. Repeat with the inner
spokes using a second rubber band.

Install spokes in remaining flange.

Rotate the lower flange spokes as far as they will go:

Outer spokes clockwise.

Inner spokes counterclockwise.

Center the rim over the hub and spokes assembly and
support on wooden blocks approximately 1.5 in (38.1 mm)
thick.

If valve is not located in the center of the rim, place
valve hole facing up.

If the valve located in the center of the rim can be
placed either side up.

NOTE

Install nipples until approximately 1/8 in (3.2 mm) of spoke
thread shows.

sm06503

1. Outer spoke
2. Inner spoke

Figure 2-13. Spokes Gathered

Install lower flange outer spokes and loosely install spoke
nipples:

Rim with side valve hole:

See

Figure 2-14

. Start at

the valve stem hole (1).

Rim with center valve hole:

See

Figure 2-15

. Start

at the first hole counterclockwise (1) from valve stem
hole.

Install remaining outer spokes in every 4th hole.

Install lower flange inner spokes and loosely install spoke
nipples:

Starting at the 2nd hole counterclockwise (2) from
first spoke installed, install inner spoke.

Install remaining inner spokes in every 4th hole.

10. Carefully release upper flange inner spokes and fan out

around rim, rotating them clockwise.

11. Starting at the first hole counterclockwise (3) from first

spoke installed, install inner spoke. Install all remaining
inner spokes in every 4th hole.

12. Carefully release upper flange outer spokes and fan out

around rim, rotating them counterclockwise.

13. Install outer spokes in remaining holes (4).

14. Verify spoke heads are seated. See

2.7 CHECKING AND

TRUING WHEELS

Evenly hand-tighten spoke nipples until snug.

Only tighten until slack is removed.

Proper torque will be applied when the wheel is trued.

Adjust offset and true the wheel.

HOME

2-18 2013 Softail Service: Chassis

sm06506

Figure 2-14. Side Valve Rim

sm06507

Figure 2-15. Center Valve Rim

HOME

2013 Softail Service: Chassis 2-19

2.7

CHECKING AND TRUING WHEELS

GENERAL

Check wheels for lateral and radial runout before installing a

new

tire, tube or rim seal. Checking cast or laced wheels is

performed using the same procedure.

Laced wheels having excess runout can be trued. However,
cast wheels must be replaced. Never attempt to straighten cast
wheels.

Always check condition of the wheel bearings before checking
or adjusting wheel runout. See

1.8 TIRES AND WHEELS,

Wheel Bearings

CHECKING WHEEL RUNOUT

TOOL NAME

PART NUMBER

WHEEL TRUING AND BALANCING
STAND

HD-99500-80

Check wheels for both radial runout and lateral runout. If either
measurement is not within specification:

•

Cast wheel:

Replace the wheel.

•

Laced wheel:

Adjust spokes to true the wheel. See steps

in this section.

Checking Radial Runout

See

Figure 2-16

. Mount wheel in WHEEL TRUING AND

BALANCING STAND (Part No. HD-99500-80).

Adjust gauge rod or dial indicator to the rim's tire bead
safety hump.

Rotate wheel and measure distance at several locations.
Runout must not exceed 0.030 in (0.76 mm).

sm03117

1. Wheel truing and balancing stand
2. Radial runout
3. Gauge rod
4. Bead safety hump

Figure 2-16. Checking Radial Runout

Checking Lateral Runout

See

Figure 2-17

. Mount wheel in WHEEL TRUING AND

BALANCING STAND (Part No. HD-99500-80).

NOTE

Dial indicators are more accurate than gauge rods.

Place a gauge rod near, or dial indicator on the rim bead
flange.

Measure distance at several locations. Lateral runout must
not exceed 0.030 in (0.76 mm).

HOME

2-20 2013 Softail Service: Chassis

sm03115

1. Wheel truing and balancing stand
2. Lateral runout
3. Gauge rod

Figure 2-17. Checking Lateral Runout

LACED WHEEL RIM OFFSET

TOOL NAME

PART NUMBER

SPOKE NIPPLE WRENCH

HD-94681-80

WHEEL TRUING STAND

HD-99500-80

See

Figure 2-18

. Place a piece of tape to mark the center

of each group of four spokes as shown. The groups should
be directly opposite one another and approximately 90
degrees apart. Using different colors of tape or numbering
each group is helpful.

sm01235

Figure 2-18. Marking Spoke Groups

See

Figure 2-19

. Mount wheel in WHEEL TRUING STAND

(Part No. HD-99500-80) using truing arbor. Tighten arbor
nuts so hub will turn on its bearings.

NOTE

The primary brake disc side of the hub has one or two grooves
cut into the disc mounting surface.

Lay a straightedge across the primary brake disc mounting
surface of hub and one of the marked spoke groups.

See

Figure 2-20

. Measure the distance from the

straightedge to the location shown, based on rim design,
to determine distance A. Refer to

Table 2-13

NOTES

•

Always loosen the appropriate spokes before tightening
the other two. Reversing this procedure will cause the rim
to become out-of-round.

•

Tighten or loosen spokes one flat at a time and recheck
measurement.

•

Always work on groups that are opposite each other to
maintain radial runout.

If the dimension is not correct, adjust the four spokes using
SPOKE NIPPLE WRENCH (Part No. HD-94681-80). For
example: if the

right

side is

less

than specification,

loosen

the two spokes on the hub

right

side. Then

tighten

the

two spokes attached to the hub

left

side. Turn all four

spokes an equal number of turns until offset is to specific-
ation.

Repeat the previous step for all groups on the wheel. Verify
the offset.

True the wheel. See

2.7 CHECKING AND TRUING

WHEELS, Truing Laced Wheels

HOME

2013 Softail Service: Chassis 2-21

sm03223

Figure 2-19. Checking Wheel Hub Offset Dimension

(typical)

Table 2-13. Wheel Offset Dimensions

WHEEL

SIZE

MODEL

RIM TYPE

42.16-42.93

1.660-1.690

Front

21 x 2.15

FXST

Steel Laced (1)

32.18-32.94

1.267-1.297

Front

16 x 3

FLSTC, FLSTN, FLS

35.23-35.99

1.387-1.417

Rear

16 x 3

FLSTC, FLSTN, FLS

42.93-43.69

1.690-1.720

Front

21 x 2.15

FXS

Aluminum Profile
Laced (2)

28.02-28.78

1.102-1.133

Rear

16 x 3

FXS

25.46-26.22

1.002-1.032

Front

16 x 3

FLSTC, FLSTN

28.52-29.28

1.123-1.153

Rear

16 x 3

FLSTC, FLSTN

sm04390

1. Steel rim
2. Aluminum profile rim

Figure 2-20. Laced Wheel Hub Offset Dimensions

HOME

2-22 2013 Softail Service: Chassis

TRUING LACED WHEELS

TOOL NAME

PART NUMBER

SPOKE TORQUE WRENCH

HD-48985

SPOKE NIPPLE WRENCH

HD-94681-80

WHEEL TRUING STAND

HD-99500-80

TORQUE VALUE

FASTENER

6.2 Nm

in-lbs

Spoke nipple

NOTES

•

Dial indicators are more accurate than gauge rods.

•

Radial truing should be performed before lateral truing.

Radial Runout

See

Figure 2-21

. With the wheel mounted in WHEEL

TRUING STAND (Part No. HD-99500-80), adjust the truing
stand gauge (3) near to the rim's tire bead safety hump
(4). If using a dial indicator, place the tip on the safety
bead hump.

If working with a straight flange hub, seat each spoke head
in the hub flange using a flat nose punch and mallet.

NOTES

•

Always loosen the appropriate spokes, using SPOKE
NIPPLE WRENCH (Part No. HD-94681-80), before tight-
ening the other two. Reversing this procedure will cause
the rim to become out of round.

•

Tighten or loosen spoke, one flat at a time, and recheck
measurement. Small changes in the spokes can make
large changes in the runout.

•

Always work on groups that are opposite each other to
maintain radial runout.

Spin the rim slowly and check distance (2). The rim should
be true within 0.030 in (0.76 mm).

If the rim contacts the gauge on or near a marked
group of spokes, loosen the spokes in the group on
the opposite side of the rim. Then tighten the spokes
in the group where the rim makes contact an equal
number of turns.

If the rim contacts the gauge between two marked
groups, loosen the spokes in both groups on the
opposite side of the rim. Then tighten the spoke
groups on the side of the rim that makes contact an
equal number of turns.

When the wheel is centered and trued, start at the valve
stem hole and tighten any loose spoke nipples one turn
at a time until they are snug.

Working alternately across the wheel, use SPOKE
TORQUE WRENCH (Part No. HD-48985) evenly tighten
all spokes to specification listed in

Table 2-14

If working with a straight flange hub, verify each spoke
head is seated in the hub flange using a flat nose punch
and mallet.

Verify radial runout is still within specification.

After you have verified that radial runout is still within
specification, proceed to lateral runout.

Spokes that are too tight can draw nipples through the rim
or distort hub flanges. Spokes that are too loose can
continue to loosen when put in service. Either condition
can adversely affect stability and handling, which could
result in death or serious injury. (00286a)

sm03117

1. Wheel truing and balancing stand
2. Radial runout
3. Gauge rod
4. Bead safety hump

Figure 2-21. Checking Radial Runout

Table 2-14. Spoke Nipple Torque Specification

MINIMUM TORQUE

RIM TYPE

in-lbs

(6.2 Nm)

All

Lateral Runout

NOTE

Dial indicators are more accurate than gauge rods.

See

Figure 2-22

. With the wheel mounted in WHEEL

TRUING STAND (Part No. HD-99500-80), adjust the
gauge rod (3) near the rim bead flange.

Rotate the rim slowly and check lateral runout (2). If runout
exceeds 0.030 in (0.76 mm), adjust spokes as follows.

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2013 Softail Service: Chassis 2-23

NOTES

•

Always loosen the appropriate spokes before tightening
the other two. Reversing this procedure will cause the rim
to become out of round.

•

Tighten or loosen spoke, one flat at a time, and recheck
measurement. Small changes in the spokes can make
large changes in the runout.

Again working in groups of four, loosen two spokes on the
tight side and tighten the two spokes on the loose side.

Repeat with each group until wheel is within specification.

Verify all spoke nipples are tightened to the specification.
Refer to

Table 2-14

If the tire is removed from the rim, file or grind off ends of
spokes that protrude through the nipples to prevent
puncturing tube or rim seal when tire is mounted.

NOTE

After installation, verify the wheel is approximately centered
between the fork fender bosses.

sm03115

1. Wheel truing and balancing stand
2. Lateral runout
3. Gauge rod

Figure 2-22. Checking Lateral Runout

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