Whats up everyone. I'm hoping someone can recommend a service manual and parts manual for my first bike, a 2005 Sportser 1200XLC . I have seen various manuals online, however most include other model Sportsters, 883, 1200, low, etc..Do they sell the manual solely for my specific bike? If so, is that the one I should be getting vs the manuals including other Sportsters? Oh I believe these are all Official HD service manuals (Blue cover)? Appreciate any feedback, links etc. Or advice where to get them. I just want to make sure I get the best manual to wrench on my new bike. (Zero experience). This is gonna be a cool, fun project with Dad. He's been blessed with 73 years so far!! Wanna share this entire experience with him. Ride safe everyone!

 

the hd manuals are best but really laid out assuming you have basic knowledge. it is best to get the electrical book also, trouble trees are a big help. aftermarket come and go but remember, they all can have mistakes. i have the 01 set and it includes the BT's as well. even though it is year specific, it will apply to several years as the tech doesn't change that often.
if you get aftermarket, you can tab the sections that apply to your machine and highlight wording. getting them on disk is even better, print and archive what you use in a binder. that way, you can bring to work site.

 

Thanks for the reply. I would like to get whatever manual is best with diagrams/ instructions/ease of use, etc while I'm wrenching on her. I would think mistakes in a manual would be annoying especially after buying parts. Are these mistakes only with aftermarket manuals like Clymer or also in HD official manuals? So I should get the 2005 HD Sportster Service manual which covers the 883, 1200, the Electrical book for 2005 Sportsters and a Parts Manual? .

 

Yes, get all three. If you don't have a lot of mechanical knowledge / experience, you'll find using the parts manual in conjunction with the service manual a great help when identifying parts, assembly sequences and orientation of said parts.