Bike Segment:
Cruiser, Entry-Level Harley-Davidson
Target Audience:
New riders, experienced riders seeking a lighter-weight Harley-Davidson, customizers.
Key Competitors 2009:
Indian Chief, Victory Kingpin, Honda Shadow, Yamaha V-Star, Kawasaki Vulcan.
Sportster 1200 Low Distinction:
Lower seat height, wider handlebars for a more relaxed riding position compared to standard Sportsters.
Manual Purpose:
To provide comprehensive, expert-level guidance for the maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of the 2009 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Low.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine teardown, assembly, overhaul, troubleshooting, performance tuning, component identification, torque specifications, timing.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (EFI), throttle body, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel pressure testing, diagnostic procedures, carburetion (if applicable to specific variants).
Ignition System:
Ignition module, spark plugs, ignition coils, wiring diagrams, troubleshooting ignition faults.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor, lighting (headlight, taillight, turn signals), wiring harnesses, fuses, relays, diagnostic codes (DTCs).
Transmission:
Clutch operation, primary drive, transmission gears, shift mechanism, maintenance, troubleshooting, fluid specifications.
Drivetrain:
Belt drive system, rear sprocket, wheel bearings, troubleshooting drivetrain noise and wear.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, calipers, master cylinders, brake lines, brake pads, rotor inspection, bleeding procedures, troubleshooting brake performance.
Suspension:
Front forks (telescopic), rear shock absorbers, fork oil specifications and levels, fork seal replacement, shock absorber adjustments.
Frame And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, body panel removal and installation, fairings, fenders, seat, fuel tank, handlebars, control cables.
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel removal and installation, tire inspection and replacement, wheel balancing, spoke tension (if applicable).
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), diagnostic tools, troubleshooting charts, common fault diagnosis.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, chain adjustment, brake pad inspection, tire pressure checks, battery maintenance.
Repair Procedures:
Complete engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical system troubleshooting and repair.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Disassembly And Assembly:
Detailed instructions for the removal and installation of all major components and sub-assemblies.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring schematics for all systems.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostics, including interpretation of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and sensor data.
Repair Complexity:
Suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls.
Special Tools Required:
Lists specific Harley-Davidson special tools and their applications where necessary for proper service.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, Evolution V-twin
Displacement:
1200cc (73.2 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
3.500 in x 3.812 in (88.9 mm x 96.8 mm)
Compression Ratio:
9.7:1 (Typical for this era)
Valve Train:
Overhead valves (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder
Cooling System:
Air-cooled
Horsepower:
Approximately 66-70 HP @ 5500 RPM (Estimated, varies slightly by dyno and conditions)
Torque:
Approximately 70-73 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM (Estimated)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON+MON)/91 AKI
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual, constant mesh
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate
Primary Drive:
1.787:1, 34/19 tooth, double row chain
Final Drive:
Belt drive, 32/66 tooth, 1.250 in (32 mm) wide belt, 2.0625:1 ratio
Gear Ratios:
1st: 10.375, 2nd: 7.750, 3rd: 5.500, 4th: 4.172, 5th: 3.307
Transmission Fluid Type:
Harley-Davidson Hypoid Gear Oil (Formula+ or equivalent recommended for primary/transmission)
First Service:
1,000 miles (1,600 km) or 6 months
Subsequent Service:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months thereafter (refer to manual for specifics)
Belt Tension Check:
Check at 1,000 miles, then every 5,000 miles or annually.
Engine Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson SYN3 (Synthetic) or H-D 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil (or approved equivalent)
Primary Chain Case Oil:
Harley-Davidson Formula+ or approved equivalent
Transmission Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Hypoid Gear Oil (or approved equivalent)
Fork Oil:
Harley-Davidson Type E or Type B fork oil (specific weight depends on application, consult manual)
Common Sportster Issues 2009:
Primary chain tensioner wear (especially the earlier spring-loaded type, though later models adopted hydraulic tensioners), rear brake pad wear, occasional electrical connector corrosion, fuel sensor issues.
Manual Coverage Of Issues:
The manual will detail diagnostic and repair procedures for these and other potential issues.