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My dad recently passed away and I have inherited his 2004 Heritage Softail. He kept it in excellent condition and I'm grateful it will now become part of my life.
It's been many years since I have ridden a motorcycle (my old KZ750 which was too small for me). My plan is to take a refresher course out of respect for dad and the bike before riding the Harley.
Now I stand before something pretty special, yet intimidating. I'm not a mechanic, but I'm willing to learn what I need to do to take care of his bike and hopefully ride it for years to come.
Before riding the bike, I want to protect it and therefore I would like to add an engine guard, rear saddlebag guard and maybe even exhaust guards if they have them.
The Harley site has three chrome engine guards for dads particular bike and year. I'm not sure if one is better than the others.
I have learned the bike has what I believe to be Long Adjustable Highway Pegs mounted to the Footboards. Does anyone recognize the style/brand, as well as the pegs, and do these need to be removed before adding an engine guard?
Also there is a cable (clutch?) attached to the front frame. Will this be in the way when I install an engine guard?
It appears there is a single top bolt and two bolts below to install the guards. Would I need to use Loctite to install? Do I need to torque the bolts? If so, how do I determine the torque amount?
Is there a service manual for this bike that you would recommend for someone who is not a mechanic, but is willing to learn?
I've attached pictures to show what I am working with.
I have many more questions and I appreciate you taking the time to read them.
My sincere condolences on the loss of your father. He left you a beautiful Harley that you have an interest in. When you ride it your father will be with you.
Welcome to the forum from central Texas. Since it has been a while since you have ridden a motorcycle, a riding course is a very good idea.
Most everyone here would recommend the Harley Davidson Factory Service Manual for your 2004 Softail; part number 99842-04. You can get it from a dealer or search online such as eBay. Be aware that H-D only prints paper service manuals. They do not have digital versions of their official service manuals.
As far as the engine guard is concerned, if there are three of them choose the one that appeals to you. They will all serve the same function. The engine and saddlebag guards should protect the exhaust. There are no formal exhaust guards. The engine guard is installed with a single top bolt and two lower bolts. Use blue Loctite when installing the bolts. The torque specs are specified in the installation instructions for the part.
The highway pegs attached to the footboards will need to be removed. Off hand, I do not know what brand they are. I would guess Harley-Davidson since they match the shifter pegs but that is only a guess. Also, that is the clutch cable attached to the frame tab. It too will need to be removed. You can reattach it to another location after the engine guard has been installed.
It looks like your father took great care of the bike. Do you know when the bike was serviced last (fluid changes)? If it has been longer than a year or you are in doubt you should change all fluids (engine oil, primary oil, transmission fluid and brake fluid).
Again, that is a great looking Heritage. I am very sorry for the loss of your father. Don't hesitate to ask questions. There is a wealth of information that can be garnered by asking questions. Here's a word of advice.... just don't ask what is the best oil to use for your bike .
My dad recently passed away and I have inherited his 2004 Heritage Softail. He kept it in excellent condition and I'm grateful it will now become part of my life. Sorry for your loss... he left you a great gift to remember him by....
The Harley site has three chrome engine guards for dads particular bike and year. I'm not sure if one is better than the others.
I bought this engine guard back in 2006, and installed it on my 2003 Heritage. I got hit broadside at slow speed. The engine guard protected my fender & tank.. no damage to any paint. I replaced it with the same one after the accident in 2014. I never added bag guards (In my accident, my leather bags got a good gouge in them but it's not obvious). I am unaware of any exhaust guards ... other than the heat shields.
I have learned the bike has what I believe to be Long Adjustable Highway Pegs mounted to the Footboards. Does anyone recognize the style/brand, as well as the pegs, and do these need to be removed before adding an engine guard?
There are a couple brands with highway pegs that attach to the footboards. Ciro is one, but they attach to the outside of the footboard. Another company, Aeromach Cruzing Pegs mount to the inside of the foot boards, if I remember correctly. I've never owned/installed a set of either brand. Not sure if they can be made to fit with the engine guard.
Also there is a cable (clutch?) attached to the front frame. Will this be in the way when I install an engine guard?
The clutch cable did not interfere with the installation of my engine guard.
It appears there is a single top bolt and two bolts below to install the guards. Would I need to use Loctite to install? Do I need to torque the bolts? If so, how do I determine the torque amount?
The Harley engine guards come with install instructions and were an easy install on my 2003 Heritage. I use blue locktite (#243) on almost any bolt on my bikes... unless the service manual calls for red locktite (#271).
Is there a service manual for this bike that you would recommend for someone who is not a mechanic, but is willing to learn?
I would strongly suggest getting only the Harley Davidson Service Manual for your bike. The other brands, Chiltons/Clymer/Haynes I have found to be sorely lacking... I always pick up an HD Service Manual, HD Parts Manual, and HD Electrical Diagnostic Manual for each model/year Harley I own. I find them invaluable for working on my Harleys. I use the Service Manual all the time. I use the Parts Manual to identify parts I need (to check online or so the dealer parts counter guy doesn't get it wrong). I also use the exploded diagrams in the parts manual to assist me, along with the service manual, when I am doing a job for the first time. I am a visual learner, so those diagrams are a good addition to the service manual. I use the Electrical Diagnostic Manual the least, but when I need it... it's worth it's weight in gold! Since it appears you will be keeping this bike for awhile, I'd invest in all three. In the back of the Owner's Manual (available online if you don't have it for your bike) it will list the HD part number for each of the HD manuals for your bike. Check with an online vendor first, as some old manuals are still available from the MoCo. Then check eBay for used/new manuals... beware some guys sell slightly used service manuals on eBay for more than you can get them new..
I have many more questions and I appreciate you taking the time to read them.
Thanks!
Elliott
Again, sorry for your loss... but he left you a great bike. I own and maintain 3 twin cam Harleys. One is a 2003 Heritage that I have had since new... I love that bike!
I answered your questions, based on my experience, in red print, within your quoted post above.
Enjoy the bike!
Last edited by hattitude; May 24, 2020 at 06:33 PM.
Thank you everyone for the replies. Aside from asking questions in regards to taking care of the bike, I needed to reach out and be part of a community associated with Harley Davidson and dad.
Everyone - Had a pretty awesome weekend. As I began searching the Internet for the Harley Davidson Factory Service Manual, I was quickly learning the manual was going to be expensive. Yesterday, the wife and I continued to go through some of dad's belongings and as we went through one box of books, what do you know, his 2004 Harley Davidson Softail Models Service Manual and Parts Catalog! Man, the smile on my face. Way to go dad!
Bone Doc - I will pick up some of that blue Loctite for bolt installation and work on removing the footboard adjustable mounted highway pegs. It appears I will need to remove the footboard inserts which will give me access to the two bolts which secure the highway peg arms to the footboard. Once disconnected, I will simply reattach the inserts and I should be good to go.
I found paperwork showing he had his 15,000 mile maintenance done on 5/9/19. I know the bike has 15,144 miles on it now. I have not found additional paperwork to show any other fluid changes so I will get the engine oil, primary oil, transmission fluid and brake fluid changed. I will read the manual to see if it is something I am comfortable doing right off the bat.
Also, what is the best...
Hattitude - I checked out Ciro and Aeromach, but didn't find them. I appreciate you giving the company names.
I'm hoping I do not need to disconnect the clutch and at the most just move the cable to another location and reclamp.
Finding the manuals above was amazing. Hopefully I will find the Electrical Diagnostic Manual. If not, I will purchase one.
Thanks again everyone for the replies!
We've brought up torquing multiple times. Is there a recommended torque wrench and if so, are there certain "must have" size attachments?
I seriously doubt you will have to move your clutch cable for an engine guard. My engine guard has the bar extending horizontally from the top bolt mount hole... As you can see in this pic, the OEM location (yellow arrow) is aft the bar.. no problem... Unless you buy a bar that curves towards the rear of the bike, right from the top mount hole... you'll be fine
I have a tool box drawer full of torque wrenches..
I have four of the five types..
I have a beam or deflection scale torque wrench... 40 years old and still works, just awkward to read.
I have three clicker style torque wrenches... I believe the best bang for the buck. If you release the tension in between use, the calibration should remain accurate for many years. I have a 1/4" drive for inch pounds, a 3/8" drive for mow-mid range foot pounds, and a 1/2" drive to high foot pounds (to 250 ft lbs)
I have an expensive 1/2" drive digital torque wrench that measures both torque and angle... it flashes and beeps and tells you exactly what your finished torque application was... very nice wrench.
I have two screwdriver type torue wrenches that cover from 3"lbs to 40"lbs of torque
I also have a wheel spoke torque wrench...
My Dad has a 50 year old dial indicator torque wrench for inch pounds... Very solid, well built wrench... but I won't use it/ trust it's calibration due to age and he stored it in the bottom od a box full of tools..
If I could only have one type, it would be the three different drive sizes/scales of the clicker style torque wrenches... but I would buy quality wrenches like CDI ... who makes the torque wrenches for Snap-On tools, but sells their own versions for less money....
Good luck and enjoy the bike....!
Last edited by hattitude; May 26, 2020 at 01:16 PM.
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2004 Heritage Softail / Highway pegs / Engine Guards and Hello!
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