It was time to replace the pads on my 99Sportster. Everything went smooth up until
it came time to put back on the caliper. ...it wouldn't go on. The cyclinder was
sticking too far out and needed to be compressed.

This is typical with most auto calipers and some of the dirt bikes I've worked on. Just
use a C-clamp to compress and on it goes. Some required me to drain the fluid all
the way.

But not my Sporty. I can't get the cylinder to budge. What is the secret? I have
the factory manual and some other manual, none say how to compress the cyclinder,
only that "might" be required.

Help me out please!!!

 

go to the DYI section then look for brakes.
http://motorcyclemetal.com/gpage23.html