Do you have the service manual?

[Maxwell#256]

Originally Posted by Toejam503

Most of the mechanics of old are gone now, or memories have faded and the internet and forums like this, are our new teachers. It's not easy finding someone in your neighborhood who can help solve a problem or instruct you on some of the pitfalls you'll run into.

Your comment about old mechanics gave me a flashback to younger days. Simon Harley of Plainfield, NJ in the 50’s, Williams Harley of Bound Brook, NJ. up to the very early 20000’s, all gone except in my mind.

A sure sign of age when time does not alter the image of those in it.

#256

[revjen45]

I have the manual with additions for the modifications like S&S Carb, balance sheet for the stroker kit, Dyna Ignition. I also have all the service and maintenance records back to getting it in '90.

[5mel42]

I picked up a 1959 - 1969 Sportster Service Manual recently from a local seller and inside was a booklet type manual for the K model. It is missing the cover and back page, but the rest is complete and in good condition. Interesting reading!

[Sydney]

I do not. Will probably get one but my friend who is mega into Sportsters told me she got more out of the parts manual. She has an '06 so we share, but I do want to get my own. There is a lot of stuff online, but I like the paper books. Plus I go back to online resources like this place.

[Brad]

Probably posted before. I would advise Parts, then Service, then Electrical. All are good. But also leverage your local community. When I was back east, Screw Loose Dan, ParrotHead, and many more had resources they were willing to share.

[armstrong001]

I'm new to motorcycles, and just got a 2006 Sportster 1200 in a trade. Will any year manuals between 2004-2006 do, or is year specific important? It seems as though those 3 years are kind of niche from what I've read. Do people have hard copies, or digital? Buy digital and then have it printed?

[Graywolf]

Originally Posted by armstrong001

I'm new to motorcycles, and just got a 2006 Sportster 1200 in a trade. Will any year manuals between 2004-2006 do, or is year specific important? It seems as though those 3 years are kind of niche from what I've read. Do people have hard copies, or digital? Buy digital and then have it printed?

Some of the manuals cover several years, depending on changes in those years. The manual will have the specific year changes specified. You can get either printed softcover or digital for most years and models. There are also several different manual suppliers. I have found the "official" Harley Davidson service manual is the most accurate and easiest to follow. If you are doing your own work, you probably need to also get the "official" Harley Davidson Parts Manual for your specific scooter. It will have blow up diagrams of every part, with numbered parts in the diagram and the Harley part numbers on the pages after each diagram. It is very helpful in being sure you get the correct part the first time............specially if the bike you are working on has had parts substituted before you got it.

[Crusty]

For parts, go to Ronnie's H-D Parts Finder. They have parts drawings, numbers and even prices for bikes from 1979 to present.

http://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche.....asp?make=hdmc

[Maxwell#256]

Ordered & received the 2018 manual from Harley in print form. Was not cheap but everything is there. Was worth it.

Maxwell

[RandallM]

Just picked up the official '95 XLH manual for my bike for $21, so now I have that and the matching parts manual. Thanks Brad!