I'm a Harley newbie. I just got a 2004 Heritage Softail, but don't know how to care for it ( no manuals). I consider myself a pretty good mechanic, but I can't even figure out how to remove the seat. I've tried the thumb screws behind and at both sides, but the seat doesnt seem to come free. I' afraid to pull the wrong way and break something. Is the passenger seat separate from the Driver's?
On another topic how many different fluids need to be changed and how often? I see the oil dipstick and the transmission dipstick. Is that it? Where are the drains? What kinds of oils?

 

There are 3 fluids, engine, tranny, and primary. I change my oil every 2000 miles with HD reg 20w-50, primary when ever it looks too dark with HD primary fluid, and trans I haven't done yet. Follow the rubber line coming from the fill side of the oil tank down, there should be a bolt in it, that drains it. Tranny bolt, I think is in between the shocks to drain, and primary drain is the large circle derby cover (5 bolts) on the primary. A service Manual for your bike is your best friend, buy one.

 

Oh yeah the seat, take out the fender screw behind the passenger pad and the driver side bolts and pull up and back, it may just be stuck from not being removed for awhile. The front of the seat has a tab that slides into the frame. Once again service manual, lol. There is also fork oil, but I haven't changed that before either. There are plenty of friendly knowledgeable people on here to help with any questions, If you can't find the answer in a past thread.

 

Sometimes seat removal is a PITA, you should be able after the three screws are backed out to push down and to the side on either side of the seat and it should come free. Be sure when reinstalling the seat that the tongue on the front goes into the slot. After tightening the screws, try to pull up on the front of the seat to make sure it is installed correctly. Ditto on the service manual, best money spent and will save you a lot over the long run.

 

Get yourself a service manual... cheap insurance... it will tell you everything you need to know about your harley

Part # 99482-04 you might find one on eBay

you can get one for 48.00 from kutter hd online spend 100.00 and its free shipping

 

Please buy an Owner's Manual.

 

Try this link for an electronic version of the HD Manual.
Dave
https://www.tradebit.com/filedetail....-repair-manual

 

I also own an 04 Heritage.. End of the day youre gonna NEED and owners manual and if you work on your own bike - definately get a genuine HD service manual. HD also make s a tool kit with just about everything you'll need in a "suit case"..

The seat - you have 3 screws - 1 on each side, one in the back. You need to pull up and back.

Enjoy, welcome to the club and good luck!