I am installing a HD engine guard on my 2011 Sportster Low. It appears simple BUT wanted to find out from those that have removed the engine mount bolts connected to the horn which are the same bolts used to secure the top bracket on the engine guard.

I can see two engine mount brackets which may be stabilizers attached to the horn bracket. When the two bolts are removed, will the engine mount brackets move out of alignment or will they stay in place i.e. will the bolts come off without having to hold everything in position?

Thank you

 

Mine stayed in place with no problem and everything lined up great.

 

Thanks Guzzi...just wanted to avoid issues having to reinstall the engine mounts. Did you have any issues breaking those screws...I read in some older threads that it would not come loose even with long breaker bars.

 

No problem at all, but then again I'm not on a island surrounded by saltwater.
HD has the instructions online in the products page for the guards.
They list instructions for most parts in their online catalog in fine print.

 

My only advice is make sure you have order of the mounting plate for the horn and for the engine guard right. I initially had it swapped and the bolt holes didn't align on the bottom. Also obtaining an extra set of hands helps while bolting everything into place.

 

Guzzi - thanks for the heads up on the instructions. Did not know they had instructions online.

Nathan - What is the right order? Sorry need to install myself...can't ask the wife since she doesn't know I bought the crash bars among other things....LOL. Got if off CL for $50 in like-new condition. Thanks

 

I can't recall the order (sorry) and I can't go look since it's garaged in a different state for the winter. But my advice would be to softly bolt the lower part and see where things line up and then you'll be able to tell if the horn mount goes between the frame and the engine guard or not.

 

Not necessary - thanks. I just pulled the instructions from the Harley site as suggested by Guzzi, and it was good enough. It indicated the guard bracket goes between the horn bracket and the upper tie-link bracket.

Thanks for the heads up.

 

i have a 2010 sportster and i installed an HD engine guard. I had a real problem cracking the bolts, but then i'm not that strong and didnt have the right tools. I was more afraid i would knock the bike over while trying to crack the bolts. I don't have a lift or any chocks for the bike. I ended up calling a muscleman type of guy i work with. He even had trouble but managed to loosen them for me while i held the handlebars and position ed myself so the bike wouldn't topple over. You might want to have someone to help you. I think the guy put some type of grease on the bolts...can't remember what it was...dielectric or silicone ... whatever the case he tightened the bolts well for me.

 

It is not in the instructions but the horn or horn bracket needs to be removed in order to give you more space to access the two bolts in the upper tie-in bracket. I chose to remove the horn (one screw) instead of the horn mounting bracket (three screws). Also replaced the torque screws with 1 1/2" hex bolt to minimize chances of stripping.