Harley Davidson Sportster 2014-2023

Harley-Davidson’s Sportster line has been a mainstay for decades, with a wide range of models and engine choices to suit different riding styles. The iconic form of the Sportster models is made up of a low profile, a peanut-shaped gas tank and a single seat. Between 2014 and 2023, the Sportster range included models like the Iron 883, SuperLow, Forty-Eight, Iron 1200, and Roadster, among others. Each model had its own features and design cues, so riders could choose the Sportster that fit their tastes and racing needs best. Most Sportster models had air-cooled V-twin engines that ranged from 883cc to 1,200cc and gave a good mix of speed and controllability. These engines made that distinctive Harley-Davidson sound and had enough torque for cruising around town or going on trips on the open road. When it came to style, the Sportster models often had a mix of old and new parts. They used classic Harley-Davidson design elements like wire-spoke wheels, chrome accents, and parts that were blacked out. They also added modern touches like LED lights and digital gauges.

Safety Definitions

Statements in this manual preceded by the following words are of special significance:

WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury. (00119a)
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. (00139a)
NOTICE indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in property damage.(00140b)

NOTE
Refers to important information and is placed in italics type. It is recommended that you take special notice of these items.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES ARE FOR ON-ROAD USE ONLY
This motorcycle is not equipped with a spark arrester and is designed to be used only on the road. Operation or off-road usage in some areas may be illegal. Obey local laws and regulations. This manual should be considered a permanent part of the motorcycle and should remain with the motorcycle when resold.
VISIT THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON WEBSITE http://www.harley-davidson.com

WE CARE ABOUT YOU
Welcome to the Harley-Davidson Motorcycling Family! When enjoying your Harley-Davidson® motorcycle, be sure to ride safely, respectfully and within the limits of the law. Always wear an approved helmet, proper eyewear and protective clothing, and insist your passenger does too. Never ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Know your Harley® motorcycle and read and understand your owner’s manual from cover to cover.

This manual has been prepared to acquaint you with the operation, care and maintenance of your motorcycle and to provide you with important safety information. Follow these instructions carefully for maximum motorcycle performance and for your personal motorcycling safety and pleasure. Your Owner’s Manual contains instructions for operation and minor maintenance. Major repairs are covered in the Harley-Davidson Service Manual. Such major repairs require the attention of a skilled technician and the use of special tools and equipment. Your Harley-Davidson dealer has the facilities, experience and Genuine Harley-Davidson® parts necessary to properly render this valuable service. We recommend that any emission system maintenance be performed by an authorized Harley-Davidson® dealer.
Attend a rider safety course. To enroll in a Harley-Davidson® Rider’s Edge Course, call 1-800-588-2743 (U.S.) or visit www.harley-davidson.com (worldwide). For information about Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider courses in the United States, call 1-800-446-9227 or visit www.msf-usa.org.

UNITED STATES OWNERS
Your Harley-Davidson motorcycle conforms to all applicable U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations effective on the date of manufacture. Protect your privilege to ride by joining the American

CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSISTANCE IN THE UNITED STATES
Most sales or service issues will be resolved at the dealership. However, if an issue arises that your dealer cannot resolve, please follow the procedure below.

1. Discuss your problem with the appropriate personnel at the dealership in the Sales, Service or Parts area. If that proves unsuccessful, speak to the owner of the dealership or the general manager.
2. If you cannot resolve the issue with the dealership, you can contact the Harley-Davidson Customer Support Center using the phone number or address below.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Attention: Harley-Davidson Customer Support Center P. O. Box 653
Milwaukee, WI 53201
1-800-258-2464 (U.S. only)
1-414-343-4056

To avoid delays, please have the following information available to give to the Customer Service Representative:

• Your name, address and phone number.
• Motorcycle V.I.N. (Vehicle Identification Number) found on the vehicle registration or stamped on the steering head and on a label located on the motorcycle itself.
• Name and location of the dealership.
• Current mileage.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON ABSORBED GLASS MAT (AGM) BATTERY CHARGING INFORMATION
Your motorcycle is equipped with a sealed AGM battery design that is superior to conventional flooded lead acid batteries. This battery design will provide many years of dependable service when the proper battery charging equipment and storage procedures are used. Because of the sealed, non-spillable battery design, an automatic, constant monitoring battery charger that uses a charging rate of less than 14.6 volts is required to prevent overcharging conditions that will dry out the cells of the battery. Constant current battery chargers (including trickle chargers) can damage AGM batteries.

To maintain a full charge between rides, Harley-Davidson recommends using an optional Harley-Davidson constant monitoring battery charger or tender when your motorcycle will not be ridden for more than two weeks, with the best practice of installing the charger any time the motorcycle is not in use. See an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer for a selection of recommended constant monitoring battery chargers and charging accessories. These battery tenders include a quick disconnect cable, allowing easy connection to charge the battery with minimal disassembly of the motorcycle. Some models are equipped with a battery tender connector as standard equipment.
Lack of regular battery charging or use of constant current battery chargers may void the battery warranty. See the battery maintenance section of this manual for more information on battery charging and storage procedures.

SAFE OPERATING RULES

Motorcycles are different from other vehicles. They operate, steer, handle and brake differently. Unskilled or improper use could result in loss of control, death or serious injury. (00556c)

• Take a rider training course.
• Read the owner’s manual before riding, adding accessories or servicing.
• Wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing.
• Never tow a trailer.
  Before operating your motorcycle, read and follow the operating and maintenance instructions in this manual, and follow these basic rules for your personal safety.
• Know and respect the rules of the road. See SAFETY FIRST, Rules of the Road. Carefully read and familiarize yourself with the motorcycle safety information provided by your country or state. Read the RIDING TIPS booklet in your owner’s kit (in the U.S.) and the MOTORCYCLE HANDBOOK from your state or regional traffic authority.
  The RIDING TIPS booklet is also available on www.msf-usa.org.
• Before starting engine, check for proper operation of brake, clutch, shifter, throttle controls, and correct fuel and oil supply.

Warning
Stop the engine when refueling or servicing the fuel system. Do not smoke or allow open flame or sparks near gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and highly explosive, which could result in death or serious injury.(00002a)
When refueling your motorcycle, observe the following rules.

• Refuel in a ventilated area with the engine turned off.
• Remove fuel filler cap slowly.
• Do not smoke or allow open flames or sparks when refueling or servicing the fuel system.
• Do not fill fuel tank above the bottom of the filler neck insert.
• Leave air space to allow for fuel expansion.

WARNING
Do not store a motorcycle with gasoline in tank within the home or garage where open flames, pilot lights, sparks or electric motors are present. Gasoline is extremely flammable and highly explosive, which could result in death or serious injury. (00003a)
Engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. (00004f)

WARNING
Do not run the motorcycle in a closed garage or confined area. Inhaling motorcycle exhaust, which contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas, could result in death or serious injury. (00005a)
The jiffy stand locks when placed in the full forward (down) position with the vehicle weight on it. If the jiffy stand is not in the full forward (down) position with the vehicle weight on it, the vehicle can fall over which could result in death or serious injury. (00006a)
Be sure jiffy stand is fully retracted before riding. If jiffy stand is not fully retracted, it can contact the road surface causing a loss of vehicle control, which could result in death or serious injury. (00007a)

• A new motorcycle must be operated according to the special break-in procedure. See OPERATION, Break-in Riding Rules.
• Operate a motorcycle at moderate speed and out of traffic until you become thoroughly familiar with its operation and handling characteristics under all conditions.

NOTE
Harley-Davidson recommends that you obtain information and formal training in the correct motorcycle riding technique. In the United States, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation® offers beginning and advanced rider safety courses. Call 1-800-446-9227 for information.

• Do not exceed the legal speed limit or drive too fast for existing conditions. Always reduce speed when poor driving conditions exist. High speed increases the influence of any other condition affecting stability and increases the possibility of loss of control.

FAQ