Why the Parts Manuals?
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,195
Likes: 299
From: midwest
Why the Parts Manuals?
I’ve always bought Harleys’ Service and Electrical diagnostic manuals, but never understood the need for a parts manual. What’s not online, the dealer can find. If the dealer can’t, then you’re probably dealing with a older bike, which there should be an abundance of knowledge on. What really piques my interest are those that buy the Service and Parts manuals only. I don’t get why the Electrical wouldn’t be the home mechanics go to, rather than a parts book.
No criticism; I just don’t understand it...
No criticism; I just don’t understand it...
Popular Reply
Oct 1, 2020, 11:16 AM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 10,755
Likes: 7,381
From: OH
Aside from saving time when ordering parts, the parts manual exploded views give a clear picture of how everything is assembled.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 10,833
Likes: 6,485
From: Canada Flats
One of the very first things I ordered was the service manual , haven't needed the electrical yet , but I just don't see a need for the parts one . With all the sites that offer the "fish " why would you , or a simple call to the dealer would do it .
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 3,333
Likes: 1,280
From: Ky
Too many parts guys don’t know how to look up parts. It’s proved more accurate and a time saver for me when I call the dealer and just say “can you check this part number?”
And I thought there was a wiring diagram in the back of the service manual
And I thought there was a wiring diagram in the back of the service manual
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 1,643
Likes: 677
From: Arm pit of America, S.D.
Lots of people say don't spend money on parts catalog cause you can see it online for free (and thats fine) but I find it priceless to compaire & identify factory parts quick and easier to make sure when ordering factory parts (in person or over phone) when asking a counter sales idiot (AKA f'n know it all) about parts --- This Is What I Want and This is the Part Number !!!
Bottom line it makes a great side by side with factory manual
Bottom line it makes a great side by side with factory manual
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
Agree with most of the above....service manual is a must, and parts manual has exploded views that are really helpful. Plus all the part numbers, because there is nothing I hate worse that the parts nut ordering me the wrong part number!! I have the electric schematic in back of service manual, I don't know what's in the electric manual...thought it would be similar.... bunch of wiring schematics. Plus (knock on wood) I've not needed anything complicated in the electric side.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,076
Likes: 3,293
From: Plover, WI
I use HD's SIP to view parts manuals. Information is up to date. A printed manual was up to date at time of printing, but oftentimes parts and part numbers are updated after printing.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 10,186
Likes: 17,837
From: In a van down by the river
Good luck finding a part number to look up once the part isn't in the manual. Not in the manual? Not on the web page either usually. I ran into that problem when i finally decided to try to buy the accessory light bar for my Crossbones. Discontinued part that didn't come up on the web page, none of the service guys knew what I was talking about and couldn't find it. Wasn't until I remembered I had the parts book for the year my bike came out with the sales paperwork.
Found the part number. Didn't help, discontinued part and no one has them in stock, but finally had a part number to go looking with.
Found the part number. Didn't help, discontinued part and no one has them in stock, but finally had a part number to go looking with.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
I took my manuals up to Office Depot and had them put on a spiral binder, clear plastic front cover and a black plastic back cover. Makes it a whole lot easier to lay flat on the work bench when I'm using them!!
