Sportster Models 883, 883 Custom, 1200 Custom, 883L, 1200L, 1200S, 1200 Roadster, XR1200, and the Nightster.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Engine Guard Install?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 7, 2016 | 12:19 PM
  #1  
TyesonAnthony's Avatar
TyesonAnthony
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Default Engine Guard Install?

Hello! I bought a 2016 Iron 883 this Sunday. The first thing I figured I should add is an engine guard for that little bit of extra protection in the unfortunate event of me dropping the bike, as I'm fairly new to riding.

The local dealership wanted a bit much for installation, so I figured I'd ask if anyone knew the specifics of putting one on.
From just eyeballing the bike, it looks like I'll have to detach the horn and bolt it back on top of the guard.

Do you think this installation is easy or are there any other things I should know or extra steps I should take?
Thanks in adance.
 
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2016 | 01:00 PM
  #2  
hexnut's Avatar
hexnut
Banned
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,127
Likes: 226
From: middle Tennessee
Default

Yeah Its real easy. Should not be a problem. I put one on mine and did not have any issues.
 
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2016 | 01:07 PM
  #3  
RedRanger7's Avatar
RedRanger7
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 194
Likes: 21
From: Vancouver,B.C.
Default

Welcome aboard Tyeson!! It was an easy job on my 04 XL1200C, I needed a torx socket for my upper bolts, I reused the ones that were there on the engine mount. I bought a used guard so lower bolts werent included. I assume you are buying new for a new bike so you will probably get instructions too. You can probably find some instructions online and maybe something on you tube.
Good Luck, Dave
 
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2016 | 03:34 PM
  #4  
Guzzi's Avatar
Guzzi
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 105
From: Houston, Texas
Default

Instructions can be found on any accessory under fitment.Here's what you're looking for.
https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson....document/61591
 
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2016 | 11:25 PM
  #5  
hscic's Avatar
hscic
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 4,890
Likes: 553
From: USA
Default

Yes, the install is easy. Installed and removed my guard on several ocassions for different reasons....no problem. Save your money for your next mod.

Welcome to the forum
 
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2016 | 12:58 AM
  #6  
TyesonAnthony's Avatar
TyesonAnthony
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Default

Thanks a ton for all of the quick responses. Seems like an awesome community so far. I'll post a couple of pictures after I throw it on this weekend.
 
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2016 | 05:16 AM
  #7  
grbrown's Avatar
grbrown
Club Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Talking

Should be easy. You'll need inch not metric tools. Read the instructions nice and slow - then read them again! Reward yourself with a favourite liquor afterwards.......
 
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2016 | 05:50 AM
  #8  
HKMark23's Avatar
HKMark23
Seasoned HDF Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 1,964
From: Great State of Canada
Default

Originally Posted by TyesonAnthony
,,,,,,,Do you think this installation is easy or are there any other things I should know or extra steps I should take?

Thanks in adance.
Just a few years ago I was facing your exact dilemma. DO IT YOURSELF.

If you're installing a Lindby product, or other brand name, it will come with clear, very simple instructions. In my case I had to drill the threads out of the stock horn mount, (per Lindby's instructions), and from there it was a simple matter of installing / replacing a few easy to assess bolts. Including the drilling it's a 20 min job, even for a newbie like me.

FYI, drilling the horn mount threads, assuming you even have to do it, is no big deal alteration. It just turns the mount to a "through bolt" vs "threaded & tapped", and involves adding 1 nut and a washer to the mount. Buy some blue Loctite and put it on all the bolts you install.

If you should happen to get stuck (unlikely), or have a procedural question, take a happy snap and post it here. Lots of friendly help here to walk you through it.

You're gonna find that the DIY stuff you ease into as time goes on adds immensely to your satisfaction as an owner.

Oh ! After you finish this, wipe the fingerprints off everything, admire it, wax it, take a happy snap to show your friends, (all normal ); go buy yourself a shop manual for your ride. You've already paid for it with your first DIY, and it will continue to pay for itself many times over.
 

Last edited by HKMark23; Dec 8, 2016 at 06:08 AM.
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Dec 8, 2016 | 10:45 AM
  #9  
Kenny94945's Avatar
Kenny94945
Stellar HDF Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,256
Likes: 522
From: USA
Default

Do a search on this install.
Some of the bolts have caused co-members issues.
Easy to install.
Follow guidance on the bolts...do it right from the beginning first time...don't attempt then have to struggle a second time with the bolts.

+1 for crash guards.
 
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2016 | 11:01 AM
  #10  
MysticTraveler's Avatar
MysticTraveler
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 635
Likes: 29
From: Bakersfield, CA
Default

Put a Harley-brand crash guard on my fiancé's sportster. It was an easy, bolt-on install. The OEM model went on in minutes, without any issue. I've heard of cheaper non-OEM bars that are close, but not a perfect match. Owners have to bend them, tweak them, enlarge holes, etc. Yours should come with instructions. Use a torque wrench and lok-tite on the threaded connections, and you'll have years of trouble-free service.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:47 AM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE