1988 Harley-Davidson FLSTC

The 1988 Harley-Davidson FLSTC motorcycle had an 80-cubic-inch overhead-valve Evolution V2 engine that provided plenty of smooth power.

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When introduced during the 1986 model year, the Harley-Davidson FLSTC motorcycle was an instant hit. While it wasn't the first of Harley's retro-styled designs, it certainly set new standards for "Back to the Future" models.

Chief among its new retro features was Harley's Softail frame. Introduced in 1984, it looked like hardtail frames of old yet incorporated modern rear-suspension technology.

Other styling cues included beefy Hydra-Glide forks and skirted fenders, old-style tank lettering, "fishtail" muffler, frame-mounted tool box, front and rear fender lights, and studded seat and saddle bags.

In 1984, Harley-Davidson introduced the sixth generation of its Big Twin motor, the new arrival being called the Evolution V2. Replacing the "Shovelhead," which had been in use since 1966, the "Evo" (as it came to be called) remained an 80-cubic-inch overhead-valve design, but incorporated many refinements that made it smoother, more reliable, and more powerful.

Only selected models got the Evo in 1984 -- some continued with the Shovelhead -- but all had it the following year.

In deference to its retro theme, the FLSTC (which, deciphered, meant FL frame and forks, SofTail frame, Classic styling), was dubbed the Heritage Softail. The model was been so popular that a similar Heritage became a staple of the Harley lineup into the 21st Century.

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