I'm looking to get a service manual for an older biker I purchasee for my son. I've purchased oem manuals in the past but after looking on ebay I seen other brands such as Clymer and Haynes. Are the manuals just as good as the oem or should I stick with an oem?

 

I buy only OEM. But you may not have a choice, then go with one of the others.

 

The HD service manual is the one you want

 

This is one case where OEM is your best option.

 

Ditto on the OEM one.

 

Hd oem. Easy choice.

 

Harley is probably the best if going for one manual.
Helps to also have the parts manual as it shows how parts come together.

I have both the Harley and the Clymer manual.
When I needed a code readout, the Harley manual didn't have the codes listed.
The Clymer manual did list the codes.
Almost like Harley didn't want to tell you what the code read-outs were and how to clear them......

One manual is almost never enough.

 

There is a thread on the forum with all of the fault codes listed

 

here's the codes...
save this page below for your future ref...

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...des-dtc-s.html

 

Of course, depending on how old the "older" bike in question is, this may or may not be an issue. My '94 has no "codes" (thank God!).