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Sportster Maintenance Log: Excel Spreadsheet 2004 Sportster Maintenance Log My Service Sheet (The site has a few demo service sheets that can be downloaded as PDFs. One of the sample bikes is a Sportster 883. Instructions for logging in to the demo account are on the site.)
Beginners Maintenance: Bikernet Sportster Maintenance (not too detailed, but a good simple overview of Sportster maintenance with photos)
Clutch/Throttle/Idle Cable Lubrication: Frequency = 1,000 miles, 5,000 miles, and every 5,000 miles thereafter Plastic Bag Method Cable Lubrication Instructions (not Sportster specific) (scroll down 6/10ths of the page)
Change Brake Pads: Inspection Frequency = 1,000 miles, 5,000 miles, and every 5,000 miles thereafter
Replacement Frequency = When thickness is 1/16â•™ Brake Pad Replacement Instructions
Brake bleeding: Frequency = When brake fluid shows compressible bubbles or when brakes start to feel squishy Brake Bleeding Instructions
Spark plugs: Inspection Frequency = 1,000 miles, 5,000 miles, and every 5,000 miles thereafter
Replacement Frequency = 10,000 miles and every 10,000 miles thereafter
(not Sportster specific) Fix My Hog Battery Voltage Testing Video (not Sportster specific) (Need to complete free registration on site before you can watch the video, then click to view the Softail sample video. The same procedure applies to Sportsters.)
RE: Poor Man's Sportster Service Maintenance Guide
The above is a collection of information and instructions I have found on the internet for my personal use and for educating myself on how to perform basic maintenance on my Sportster. I am happy to update this as a living document and will edit my post to include any additions, corrections, or suggestions you may have. With respect to torque specs or maintenance frequency, everybody has their own opinion, but I used the factory recommendations and I don’t intend on editing those. My goal here isn’t to create a replacement for the service manual or even to provide instruction, but to maintain a collection of links to well-written and useful instructions on recurring maintenance tasks, Sportster-specific if available.
I own a 2006 1200C, so there may be a bias toward that model and year in the links but most of this information can be used for frame-mount, carbureted, or EFI Sportsters.
I am not responsible for the content of the links or how the information is used and I claim none of it as my own original writing. I’m grateful for the people who actually can write good instructions for the rest of us. If anybody is aware of good detailed instruction available on the web for other maintenance requirements, or better links for the items above, please let me know.
RE: Poor Man's Sportster Service Maintenance Guide
I too, vote for this becoming a sticky!
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It's better to be hated for what you are, than loved for what you're not...
"96 XL1200C Modified to MY liking...
1998 Ultra Classic, Stock and stayin that way
Some of that instruction is generic, I would never adjust my primary chain (bike running in gear)as some suggested, after following some of that advice you would be a poor man, after the F**k ups were repaired.
Didn't bother to look at the other tips,seen enough after the primary and clutch and throttle calbe instruction.
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2007 Sportster 1200 XLC, ,SE II's, HD Smart Security .Chrome Sprocket , Upper & Lower Chrome Belt guards, Stage 1,... 19 inch Frt Wheel, taxes paided, Bellevue Ne.
Poor Man's Sportster Service Maintenance Guide
 \\; Thanks for the post man.
