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Harley-Davidson Sportster - User Manual

Harley-Davidson Sportster
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Harley-Davidson
SERVICE
MANUAL
Sportster
Part
No.
99484.68
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Summary

Product

Product General

General specifications for the Sportster motorcycle, including dimensions, capacities, engine, and transmission details.

Product Tire Data

Specifications for tire sizes and recommended pressures for various Sportster models and years.

Service Section 1 B General

Servicing a New Motorcycle

Recommended operations for servicing a new motorcycle at 500 and 1000 mile intervals.

Service Interval Engine and Transmission

Chart detailing recommended engine and transmission service intervals for oil changes.

Lubricants to Use

Guidelines on selecting and using appropriate Harley-Davidson oils and greases for various components.

Section 1 C Locating Troubles

Troubleshooting Engine Starting

Checklist for diagnosing issues when the engine fails to start or cranks slowly.

Troubleshooting Engine Irregular Running

Checklist for diagnosing issues when the engine runs poorly, misses, or backfires.

Troubleshooting Engine Detonates

Causes and checks for engine detonation or 'pinging' during operation.

Troubleshooting Carburetor Floods

Common causes and checks for a flooding carburetor.

Troubleshooting Transmission Shifts Hard

Diagnosing issues related to difficult gear shifting in the transmission.

Troubleshooting Clutch Slips

Common causes and checks for a slipping clutch.

Troubleshooting Brake Does Not Hold

Diagnosing and rectifying issues when brakes do not hold normally.

Chassis Section 2 B Drive

Front Chain Adjustment

Procedure for checking and adjusting the front chain tension.

Front Chain Lubrication

Information on the automatic lubrication system for the front chain.

Replacing a Worn Front Chain

Guidance on when and how to replace a worn front chain.

Rear Chain Adjustment

Procedure for checking and adjusting the rear chain tension.

Rear Chain Oiler

Instructions for inspecting and adjusting the rear chain oiler.

Servicing Rear Chain

Procedure for servicing the rear chain, including cleaning and lubrication.

Chassis Section 2 C Wheels

Wheels and Tires

Importance of tire maintenance, interchangeability, and pressure for optimal performance.

Wheel Service Chart

Checkpoints and remedies for common wheel service issues.

Removing and Installing Front Wheel

Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing the front wheel assembly.

Disassembling Front Wheel Hub

Procedure for disassembling front wheel hubs for 1963 and earlier, and 1964 and later models.

Disassembling Rear Wheel Hub

Procedure for disassembling rear wheel hubs.

Inspecting and Repairing Wheel Hubs

Guidelines for cleaning, inspecting, and repairing wheel hubs and bearings.

Assembling Front Wheel Hub

Instructions for assembling front wheel hubs for different model years.

Assembling Rear Wheel Hub

Instructions for assembling rear wheel hubs.

Replacing Rear Wheel Sprocket

Procedure for replacing a worn rear wheel sprocket.

Spoking Front Wheel

Detailed instructions for lacing spokes in front wheels for different model years.

Spoking Rear Wheel

Detailed instructions for lacing spokes in rear wheels.

Truing Wheels

Methods for truing wheels sideways and concentrically using gauges and tools.

Aligning Wheel with Straight Edge

Using a straight edge to check and correct wheel alignment.

Removing Tire and Tube from Rim

Procedure for removing tires and tubes from wheel rims.

Mounting Tire and Tube on Rim

Instructions for mounting tires and tubes on wheel rims, including barb preparation.

Checking Tire Trueness Sideways

Procedure for checking and correcting lateral runout in tires.

Checking Tire Roundness

Procedure for checking and correcting radial runout in tires.

Wheel Alignment

Ensuring proper alignment of front and rear wheels on the motorcycle.

Chassis Section 2 D Handlebar

Servicing Handlebar Controls

Information on servicing throttle and spark advance controls, including disassembly and assembly.

Chassis Section 2 E Frame

Procedure for Servicing Frame

Guidelines for checking frame alignment and procedures for straightening or replacement.

Frame with Basic Dimensions

Diagram showing frame dimensions for alignment checks.

Forks Section 2 F

Servicing Front Fork

Detailed instructions for servicing the front fork, including oil changes and inspection.

Changing Fork Oil

Step-by-step procedure for draining and refilling the front fork oil.

Inspection Procedure

Steps for inspecting the front fork for proper operation and oil leakage.

Front Fork and Steering Head - Exploded View

Exploded view diagram of the front fork and steering head components.

Disassembling Front Fork

Procedure for disassembling the front fork assembly.

Disassembling Front Fork Shock Absorber

Procedure for disassembling the front fork shock absorber units.

Replacing Fork Boot Parts

Instructions for replacing fork boot parts.

Straightening Fork Tubes

Guidelines and procedures for straightening bent fork tubes.

Straightening Fork Stem and Bracket Assembly

Procedures for straightening the fork stem and bracket assembly.

Removing Fork Slider Bushings

Procedure for removing fork slider bushings.

Installing Fork Slider Bushings

Procedure for installing new fork slider bushings.

Reaming Fork Slider Bushings

Procedure for reaming fork slider bushings to the correct size.

Assembling Front Fork Shock Absorber

Instructions for assembling the front fork shock absorber.

Assembling Front Fork

Procedure for assembling the front fork assembly.

Installing Stem and Bracket Assembly, and Fork Sides

Instructions for installing the stem, bracket assembly, and fork sides.

Rear Shock Absorber and Rear Fork

Information on servicing the rear shock absorber and rear fork.

Disassembling Rear Shock Absorber

Procedure for disassembling the rear shock absorber.

Disassembling Rear Fork

Procedure for disassembling the rear fork assembly.

Cleaning and Inspection

Cleaning and inspecting all parts of the rear fork assembly.

Assembling Rear Fork

Instructions for assembling the rear fork assembly.

Rear Shock Absorber Spring Adjustment

Procedure for adjusting the rear shock absorber spring tension.

Brakes Section 2 G

Servicing Brakes

General information on servicing front and rear brakes, including checks and adjustments.

Adjusting Front Wheel Brake

Procedure for adjusting the front wheel brake for proper operation.

Adjusting Rear Wheel Brake

Procedure for adjusting the rear wheel brake.

Replacing Front Wheel Brake Cable

Instructions for replacing the front wheel brake cable if it is worn or damaged.

Disassembling Front Wheel Brake

Procedure for disassembling the front wheel brake assembly.

Disassembling Rear Wheel Brake

Procedure for disassembling the rear wheel brake assembly.

Inspecting and Repairing Brake

Guidelines for inspecting brake shoes, linings, drums, and related components.

Assembling Front Wheel Brake

Instructions for assembling the front wheel brake.

Assembling Rear Wheel Brake

Instructions for assembling the rear wheel brake.

Disassembling Rear Brake Cross Shaft

Procedure for disassembling the rear brake cross shaft.

Inspecting and Repairing Cross Shaft

Inspection and repair of the rear brake cross shaft and its related components.

Assembling Cross Shaft

Procedure for assembling the rear brake cross shaft.

Seat Section 2 H

Seat Post and Seat

Instructions for disassembling, inspecting, and assembling the seat post and seat.

Disassembly

Procedure for disassembling the seat post and seat components.

Inspection

Steps for cleaning and inspecting seat post and seat parts before reassembly.

Assembly

Instructions for reassembling the seat post and seat.

Fiberglass Section 2 J

Fiberglass Body Care and Repair

Guide to caring for and repairing fiberglass body parts.

Gel Coat Finish

Description of gel coat finish and maintenance rules.

Molded-in-Color Finish

Description of molded-in-color finish and maintenance requirements.

Painted Finish

Information on repairing painted fiberglass finishes.

Surface Finishing

General guidance on surface finishing techniques.

Gel Coat Touch-Up and Surface Repairs

Procedure for gel coat touch-up and surface repairs.

Molded-in-Color Surface Repairs

Procedure for repairing molded-in-color fiberglass surfaces.

Patching of Holes, Punctures and Breaks

Instructions for patching holes, punctures, and breaks in fiberglass.

Tools Section 2 T

Specialty Tools for Wheel Service

List and description of tools for wheel maintenance and repair.

Specialty Tools for Fork Service

List and description of tools for front fork maintenance and repair.

Engine

Engine General

General overview of the Sportster engine, including specifications and description.

Engine Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for engine components.

Engine Lubrication

Information on the engine's force-feed oiling system and maintenance checks.

Winter Lubrication

Specific lubrication recommendations for cold weather operation.

Oil Pressure Signal Light

Explanation of the oil pressure signal light function and troubleshooting.

Oil Pressure Signal Light Switch

Description of the electrically operated oil pressure signal light switch.

Oiling System

Diagram and explanation of the engine's oiling system.

Engine Oiling and Breather System

Explanation of the engine's oiling and breather system components and functions.

Oil Pressure

Information on engine oil pressure variations and how to check it.

Servicing Oil Filter

Procedure for cleaning and replacing the oil filter element.

Servicing Oil Tank Cap and Filler Opening

Instructions for cleaning and inspecting the oil tank cap and filler opening.

Engine Repair Procedure General

General approach to engine repair, outlining common procedures.

Stripping Motorcycle for Engine Repair

Procedure for preparing the motorcycle for engine removal and repair.

Cylinder Head Assembly

Instructions for removing and disassembling the cylinder head assembly.

Removing Cylinder Head Assembly

Steps for removing the cylinder head assembly from the engine.

Disassembling Cylinder Head

Procedure for disassembling the cylinder head.

Cleaning and Inspecting

Cleaning and inspecting all parts of the cylinder head.

Repairing Rocker Arm and Bushings

Procedure for repairing worn rocker arms and bushings.

Refacing Valves and Valve Seats

Instructions for refacing valves and valve seats.

Replacing Valve Seat Inserts

Procedure for replacing valve seat inserts.

Replacing Valve Guides

Procedure for replacing valve guides.

Assembling Cylinder Head

Instructions for assembling the cylinder head.

Cylinder and Piston

Instructions for removing, cleaning, inspecting, and disassembling cylinders and pistons.

Removing Cylinder and Piston

Procedure for removing cylinders and pistons.

Cleaning and Inspection

Cleaning and inspecting cylinder and piston components.

Refinishing Cylinders

Guidelines for refinishing cylinders to oversize specifications.

Fitting Piston Rings

Instructions for fitting piston rings, including gap and clearance checks.

Connecting Rod Bushing

Information on checking and replacing connecting rod bushings.

Straightening Connecting Rods

Procedures for checking and straightening connecting rods.

Assembling Cylinder and Piston

Instructions for assembling the cylinder and piston.

Gearcase

Information on servicing the gearcase, including oil pump and breather systems.

Oil Pump

General information on the oil pump system and troubleshooting.

Disassembling Oil Pump Check Valve

Procedure for disassembling the oil pump check valve.

Cleaning and Inspecting Oil Pump Check Valve

Cleaning and inspecting the oil pump check valve components.

Assembling Oil Pump Check Valve

Instructions for assembling the oil pump check valve.

Disassembling Oil Pump

Procedure for disassembling the oil pump.

Tappets and Guides

Information on servicing tappets and tappet guides.

Disassembly

Procedure for disassembling tappets and tappet guides.

Cleaning and Inspection

Cleaning and inspecting tappet and guide components.

Gearcase and Timing Gears

Procedures for disassembling and reassembling the gearcase and timing gears.

Disassembly

Procedure for disassembling the gearcase cover and related components.

Determining Correct Cam Gear End Play

Procedure for establishing correct end play for cam gears.

Timing Breather Valve

Procedure for timing the breather valve.

Installing Timing Gears and Gearcase Cover

Instructions for installing timing gears and the gearcase cover.

Replacing Gearcase Bushings

Instructions for replacing gearcase bushings.

Repairing Crankcase

Procedures for repairing the crankcase, including flywheel and bearing work.

Disassembling Flywheels

Procedure for disassembling the flywheel assembly.

Fitting Rod Bearings

Methods for determining and fitting correct oversize rollers for rod bearings.

Fitting Pinion Shaft Bearing

Procedure for fitting pinion shaft bearings.

Assembling Crankcase

Instructions for assembling the crankcase halves.

Transmission

Transmission General

Overview of the Sportster transmission, including clutch, starter, and gear box.

Clutch

Diagnosis chart for clutch issues and procedures for adjusting release mechanism and spring tension.

Adjusting Clutch Release Mechanism

Procedure for adjusting the clutch release mechanism.

Adjusting Clutch Spring Tension

Procedure for adjusting the clutch spring tension.

Replacing Clutch Control Cable and Coil

Instructions for replacing the clutch control cable and coil assembly.

Disassembling Clutch Release Mechanism

Procedure for disassembling the clutch release mechanism.

Inspecting Clutch Release Mechanism

Inspection of clutch release parts for wear and damage.

Disassembling Clutch

Procedure for disassembling the clutch assembly.

Assembling Clutch Release Mechanism

Instructions for assembling the clutch release mechanism.

Assembling Clutch

Instructions for assembling the clutch assembly.

Removing Compensating Sprocket

Procedure for removing the compensating sprocket.

Inspecting Compensating Sprocket

Inspection of the compensating sprocket for wear and damage.

Installing Compensating Sprocket

Instructions for installing the compensating sprocket.

Kick Starter

General information and troubleshooting for the kick starter mechanism.

Disassembly

Procedure for disassembling the kick starter assembly.

Inspection and Repair

Inspection and repair of kick starter components.

Installing Starter Crankshaft

Procedure for installing the starter crankshaft.

Electric Starter

Information on the electric starter system, including drive assembly and solenoid.

Starter Drive

Explanation of the starter drive mechanism and its operation.

Disassembling Starter Motor

Procedure for disassembling the starter motor.

Reassembling Starter Motor

Instructions for reassembling the starter motor.

Gear Box

General information and procedures for servicing the transmission gear box.

Crankcase and Transmission Disassembly

Procedure for disassembling the transmission after separating crankcases.

Removing Transmission Access Cover

Procedure for removing the transmission access cover.

Disassembling Shifter Mechanism

Procedure for disassembling the shifter mechanism.

Disassembling Mainshaft and Countershaft Group

Procedure for disassembling mainshaft and countershaft components.

Inspection and Replacement of Parts

Inspection and replacement of transmission gear and shaft parts.

Transmission Sprocket

Inspection of the mainshaft sprocket for wear and damage.

Shifter Mechanism

Inspection of shifter cam and pawl carrier for wear and damage.

Establishing Mainshaft and Countershaft End Play

Procedure for establishing correct end play for mainshaft and countershaft.

Interchangeable Access Covers

Information on interchangeable crankcase and access covers for Sportster models.

Assembling Transmission

Instructions for assembling the transmission components.

Lubrication

Instructions for refilling the transmission with engine oil.

Electrical

Wiring

Wiring diagram key and diagrams for 1959-64 Sportster H models.

Wiring Diagram Key

Key to color codes and conduit identification for wiring diagrams.

Wiring Diagram 1959-64 Sportster H

Wiring diagram for 1959-64 Sportster H models.

Wiring Diagram Key 1959-62 Sportster CH

Key to wiring colors and conduit identification for 1959-62 Sportster CH models.

Wiring Diagram 1959-62 Sportster CH

Wiring diagram for 1959-62 Sportster CH models.

Wiring Diagram Key 1963-64 Sportster CH

Key to wiring colors and conduit identification for 1963-64 Sportster CH models.

Wiring Diagram 1963-64 Sportster CH

Wiring diagram for 1963-64 Sportster CH models.

Wiring Diagram Key 1965-66 Sportster H

Key to wiring colors and conduit identification for 1965-66 Sportster H models.

Wiring Diagram 1965-66 Sportster H

Wiring diagram for 1965-66 Sportster H models.

Wiring Diagram Key 1965 Sportster CH

Key to wiring colors and conduit identification for 1965 Sportster CH models.

Wiring Diagram 1965 Sportster CH

Wiring diagram for 1965 Sportster CH models.

Wiring Diagram Key 1967 Sportster H

Key to wiring colors and conduit identification for 1967 Sportster H models.

Wiring Diagram 1967 Sportster H

Wiring diagram for 1967 Sportster H models.

Wiring Diagram Key 1967-69 Sportster CH

Key to wiring colors and conduit identification for 1967-69 Sportster CH models.

Wiring Diagram 1967-69 Sportster CH

Wiring diagram for 1967-69 Sportster CH models.

Wiring Diagram Key Late 1969 Sportster H

Key to wiring colors and conduit identification for late 1969 Sportster H models.

Wiring Diagram Late 1969 Sportster CH

Wiring diagram for late 1969 Sportster CH models.

Switches

Information on servicing various switches, including ignition-light, button, and dimmer switches.

Ignition-Light Switch

Description, disassembly, cleaning, inspection, and assembly of the ignition-light switch.

Disassembling Ignition Light Switch

Procedure for disassembling the ignition light switch.

Cleaning, Inspection and Repair

Cleaning, inspecting, and repairing ignition light switch components.

Button Switch

Information on button switches used for momentary circuit closing.

Headlamp Dimmer and Horn Switch

Disassembly, inspection, and repair of the combined headlamp dimmer and horn switch.

Transmission Neutral Switch

Information on the neutral switch located in the transmission top cover.

Solenoid Switch

Description and function of solenoid switches used in electrical circuits.

Starter Relay Switch

Information on the starter relay switch for late 1967 Electra-Glide models.

Stop Lamp Front Brake Switch

Description of the mechanical, normally-closed plunger type front brake switch.

Stop Lamp Rear Brake Switch

Description of the hydraulic, normally-open rear brake switch.

Testing Solenoid Switches

Tests to determine if a solenoid switch is defective.

Lamps

Information on headlamps, tail lamps, stop lamps, and accessories.

Headlamp

Description and replacement of sealed-beam headlamp units.

Beam Adjustment

Instructions for correctly adjusting the headlamp beam for optimal efficiency and law compliance.

Bulb Chart

Chart listing bulb types, candle power, and Harley-Davidson part numbers for various models.

Generator

Information on generator testing, charging rate, and removal.

Standard Generator

Description of the standard generator and its voltage regulator function.

Checking Generator

Steps for checking generator operation and diagnosing charging issues.

Testing Generator Output

Procedure for testing the generator's output amperage.

Testing Field Coils

Procedures for testing generator field coils.

Testing Armature

Methods for testing the armature for shorts, grounds, and open circuits.

Repairing Commutator

Procedures for repairing the generator commutator.

Polarizing Generator

Instructions for polarizing the generator to ensure correct charging polarity.

Generator Charging Rate

Information on checking and setting the generator charging rate.

Disassembling Generator

Procedure for disassembling the generator.

Fan Cooled Generator

Description of the fan-cooled generator and its testing procedures.

Circuit Breaker

Description of ignition system circuits and types of circuit breakers.

Single Contact Point Circuit Breaker with Manual Advance

Description and operation of single contact point circuit breakers with manual advance.

Single Contact Point Circuit Breaker with Automatic Advance

Description and operation of single contact point circuit breakers with automatic advance.

Double Contact Point Circuit Breaker

Description and operation of double contact point circuit breakers.

Trouble Shooting

Diagnostic steps for circuit breaker issues.

Adjusting Circuit Breaker Points

Procedure for checking and adjusting circuit breaker point gap.

Checking and Adjusting Ignition Timing

Procedure for checking and adjusting ignition timing for manual and automatic advance.

Manual Advance Circuit Breakers

Ignition timing procedures for manual advance circuit breakers.

Automatic Advance Circuit Breakers

Ignition timing procedures for automatic advance circuit breakers.

Ignition Coil

Description and troubleshooting of the ignition coil.

Trouble Shooting All Models

Troubleshooting steps for ignition coil issues.

Replacing Spark Plug Cable

Instructions for replacing spark plug cables.

Spark Plugs

Information on spark plug selection, cleaning, inspection, and installation.

General

General information on Harley-Davidson spark plugs and heat ranges.

Removing Spark Plugs

Procedure for safely removing spark plugs.

Cleaning, Inspection and Repair

Using spark plug deposits to diagnose engine condition.

Setting Spark Gap

Procedure for correctly setting the spark plug gap.

Testing Spark Plugs

Methods for testing spark plug sparking ability.

Installing Spark Plugs

Procedure for installing spark plugs correctly.

Regulator

Information on testing and servicing voltage and current regulators.

General Information

Overview of regulator types and their function in controlling generator output.

Testing Bosch Regulators

Procedures for testing Bosch regulators using a VAT 26 tester.

Testing Generating System

Tests to determine if the generator or regulator is at fault.

Testing Cutout Relay Unit Closing Voltage

Procedure for testing the cutout relay unit's closing voltage.

Testing Voltage Control Unit Setting

Procedures for testing voltage control unit settings under load and no load.

Servicing Regulators

Service and adjustment information for Delco Remy and Bosch regulators.

Battery

General information, care, charging, and servicing of motorcycle batteries.

General

Battery function, importance of balance, and general maintenance tips.

Battery Care

Prompt and correct battery care for extending lifespan and performance.

Charging Battery

Guidelines for charging batteries at the correct continuous rate.

Reclaiming Sulphated Battery

Procedure for reclaiming batteries that have stood in a discharged condition.

Changing Electrolyte

Instructions for changing battery electrolyte if necessary.

Horn

Troubleshooting and servicing procedures for the trumpet horn.

Trumpet Horn - 1964 and Earlier

Troubleshooting and servicing for 1964 and earlier Duo-Glide and Sportster horns.

Disassembly and Reassembly

Procedure for disassembling and reassembling the horn.

Starter Motor

Information on starter motor function, troubleshooting, and removal.

Starter Motor

Description of the 12-volt starter motor, its components, and operation.

Locating Troubles

Steps for troubleshooting starter motor issues.

Removing Starter Motor and Drive

Procedures for removing the starter motor and drive assembly.

Checking Frame and Field Assembly

Checking the starter motor frame and field assembly for open or grounded circuits.

Replacing Field Coils and Brushes

Instructions for replacing field coils and brushes.

Repairing Armature

Procedures for repairing the starter motor armature.

Reassembling Starter Motor

Instructions for reassembling the starter motor.

Miscellaneous

Instruments

Servicing procedures for the speedometer and tachometer.

Servicing Speedometer

Instructions for lubricating the speedometer cable core and servicing the speedometer head.

Servicing Tachometer

Instructions for lubricating the tachometer cable core and servicing the tachometer head.

Harley-Davidson Sportster Specifications

General IconGeneral
Fuel SystemElectronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Final DriveBelt
Front BrakesSingle disc
Rear BrakesSingle disc
Front TireVaries by model
Rear TireVaries by model
Dry WeightVaries by model
PowerVaries by model
TorqueVaries by model

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