99 XLH 883 - OK, what's the trick to gettin this turkey outta there? I was told to turn it + it comes out the left side. This is as far as I can get it to turn. It's up against the backbone + catching the rocker bolts inside the cover. Gotta rpl leaking gasket under lower box/head.

 

Shimmy it and move it around til it goes. I know it is a challenge. It is definitely a tight fit, but it will come out eventually.

 

OK, I'll give it a whirl again in the morning. Dog started growlin at me, so.......better not kick him anymore tonite

 

Helps if you have the cylinder on top dead center so the valves are on there seats. Gives you more room.

 

You also might want to try disconnecting the front stabilizer. More often than not it gives you just enough wiggle in the motor to get the top box off (and on) from the rear cylinder. Its rare when I have to do that, but sometimes its what you have to do.

 

My rear box on my 07 1200C was a pain too, but patience will prevail bro..

 

if it's rubber mounted, you might try finding a safe place for a pry bar and pushing down the motor a little bit. Might work.

 

Yer right, that's about all I'd need, but don't I have to pull the cover to verify the valves are closed? Is there another way of finding TDC comp stroke?

 

jack the bike up, put it in fifth gear and move the bike through the compression stroke.

 

Pull the spark plug, then shine a flashlight in, you will see the top of the piston. you can also put a zap strap in and use it as a measuring device. I found the flashlight works well.