Sportster service manual

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Feb 16, 2009 | 09:26 AM

gator9999

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Joined: Feb 2009

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From: Northern MN

Sportster service manual

So after reading several forums, the universal recomendation is to buy a service manual and service the bike myself. That way I learn about my ride, instead of depending on the guys at the shop to catch everything.

So whats the best manual to get, clymers or the factory one , I've seen a couple of aftermarket ones on how to mod sporties. The reason I ask, is that I got a factory one off of ebay for 20 bucks, but now that I have it it doesn't seem very user friendly, and its harder than hell to find stuff in it.

Thanks

Feb 16, 2009 | 10:12 AM

sbergloff

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Joined: May 2008

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From: Virginia Beach, VA

I like the factory service manual. I think it's very thorough, and complete. Honestly, I have never felt the need to look anywhere but the factory service manual for my bike. I've heard good things about Clymers though, so I'm sure it will also have good information.

Feb 16, 2009 | 12:30 PM

gator9999

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From: Northern MN

I like the thoroughness of factory service manuals, as far as specs and trouble shooting, but the authors assume the user is a qualified machanic most of the time and gloss over details that are important to the hobby mechanic. I don't know H_D specific tricks of the trade and the manual doesn't shed any light on those.

Feb 16, 2009 | 01:26 PM

Somethinglike7

Cruiser

Joined: Jun 2008

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From: Granby, CT

The HD manual sure isn't for the weekend warrior, but is extremely throrough with torque specs and everything else, clymer is fine for the most part, too bad you bought one on ebay there used to be a link kicking around the forum to a factory service manual download!

Feb 16, 2009 | 02:49 PM

SportyPig

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Joined: Jul 2006

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From: Nashville, TN

I like the factory service manual. It is a bit difficult to find things in there until you get familiar with how they have it laid out.

Feb 16, 2009 | 04:17 PM

schumacher

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Joined: Oct 2007

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From: Springfield, Ohio

Factory one worth the extra cash

Feb 16, 2009 | 06:51 PM

F1J1

Tourer

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 441

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From: Ohio

Yeah, the factory manual is great stuff. I have the Electrical Diagnostic Manual, too.
It's valueable. Especially if yer bike ain't runnin'.

Semper Fi