softail service manual
I can not testify to them being exactly the same. However there is a 2012 Softail manual listed in the classified section for the low low price of free dollars. Personally I would just get the exact year FSM for your bike.
FYI its not my add and if mentioning it was inappropriate I apologize.
FYI its not my add and if mentioning it was inappropriate I apologize.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,156
Likes: 11,244
From: San Diego, CA
Most likely, most things will be the same.... however....
If there were mistakes corrected, updates added, changes made... between 2012 and 2016, you will never know.... well, at least until you are in the middle of job and can't figure something out... or worse yet, do something the "old way" when a better way has been determined and added to the service manual....
It's up to you, and should be based on how much and what kind fo work you do on your bike....
I have always tried, over the years, to get the proper HD Service Manual, HD Parts Manual, and HD Electrical Diagnostic Manual for each model/year bike I have owned. I then hold onto them as references...
I currently have all three for each of my twin current, cam bikes.... It gives me the confidence to dive into any job I decide to do....
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 190
Likes: 148
From: Essex UK
One of the biggest changes from 2012 Model year to 2016 will be electrical and the introduction of H-D LAN CanBus system, so switch gear, modules and wiring etc.changed and how the system operates and connects.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,156
Likes: 11,244
From: San Diego, CA
I believe the Harley softails went to the canbus system in 2011... so the 2012 and the 2016 will both be canbus bikes....
However, I suspect there would be some updates/changes made in those first 4 years.....
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 190
Likes: 148
From: Essex UK
Spot on, you are correct it was 2011 model year it changed to HD LAN, I got that wrong! 
We went the other way from a 2005 to 2013 to 2016 Softails and eventually ended up getting all the manuals due to various things that had changed!
For day to day capacities and basics if you do not have the Owners handbook you can download that from H-D.com!
We went the other way from a 2005 to 2013 to 2016 Softails and eventually ended up getting all the manuals due to various things that had changed!
For day to day capacities and basics if you do not have the Owners handbook you can download that from H-D.com!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
loosnut
Want To Buy Motorcycles/Parts/Accessories
1
Sep 11, 2012 07:54 AM
