Service Manual Question
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,146
Likes: 12,713
From: South Carolina
Smart, experienced mechanics use a proper service manual, be it car, aircraft, boat, motorcycle, or any other type of machinery.
Some think they know it all...Then they come here after the kludge something up.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; May 5, 2024 at 06:30 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 910
Likes: 647
From: west coast
Agree on manuals, and the HD factory ones are excellent...plus some of the YouTube HD repair/maintenance posters are really sharp while some others exude confidence but are beyond clueless and dispense info that is downright dangerous to the health of the bike and rider, like telling people to pound wheel bearings in with a block of wood, etc...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,104
Likes: 7,632
From: Poolville
You learn eventually..
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,148
Likes: 11,221
From: San Diego, CA
And the above post is why for years I refused to buy used bikes....
Recently, I have purchased a couple. But I went over them with a fine tooth comb. Yet still I knew it could be a crap shoot, because of prior owners like the one above..
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,053
Likes: 19,189
From: The Wasteland
I've used the Clymers for years. Now I'm not splitting the cases and doing a bottom up rebuild, but for oil changes, small jobs, repairs, and routine maintenance, they have served me well.
Novice
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 23
Likes: 9
From: Richlands, NC
I downloaded my service manual from the HD website, put it in a nice binder with page protectors, and keep it in the garage. I watch a lot of YouTube for "how-to" stuff, but always refer to the manual for torque specs and making sure everything is proper.
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Novice
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 23
Likes: 9
From: Richlands, NC
Just to correct myself, I downloaded the Owner's manual from the HD website. It contains a lot of torque specs and fluid capacities. I wasn't able to download the actual service manual.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 85
Likes: 24
From: Michigan
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Do a google search and you should see a link to a PDF manual. I believe its Rat Bike Service or something like that. Its free and I dont really feel bad that HD isnt getting the $$ for something they should have included with the bike.