service history?

April bought my first 2001 883 Sportster, after long layoff. Unfortunately, in my haste to complete purchase from Stamford dealer and ride into sunset, forgot to check for service history or owners handbook. Dealer doesn't have it and I cant find previous owner, Garry Minton from Hitchin to see if he still has it. Please, has anyone any idea how to aquire a service log book. The bike's a beaut an I love it. I have a Haynes Manual and I want to know best place where to buy new plugs and filters, oil etc. Thanx FR

[Gogsy]

Go back to stealers and insist on them locating Users/Service manual and history.
enquire as to how many previous owners and where the bike was originally bought from.
failing that purchase a new one from HD.cost around £40.
PS...Was the bike serviced prior to your purchase.it should have been.

mmmm i thought that details on the bike / service history is on the dealers computer system ?

[Firestarter]

Originally Posted by jono_1uk

mmmm i thought that details on the bike / service history is on the dealers computer system ?

yep, definately will be if serviced at any HD dealer.

[Gogsy]

As with all stealers they do have and store all service details/history,
so it shouldn't prove much of a problem tracking the Bikes history,if
they try and tell you differently,then they are either Lying or can't be bothered.keep chasing them.

Thanx for your replies. The "stealer" is actually Suzuki. Does same approach apply? Where is best place to buy service components and is it essential to use only HD oils and bits? Thanx again, Rossi

[robbiemac]

Francis, if the shop you bought it from did not have any documents when they got the bike the chances of you getting them are remote. I know this shop, not bought anything from them but i know some folks who have.
Not going to say anything on this forum though.
Depending on where you live, the nearest dealership to Stamford is in Uppingham (Sycamore). You can get bits from there or anywhere else via the Internet. Guernsey H-D can supply VAT free. USA suppliers, loads of them, search the forum for info on this and have a look at Skorchs lists at the top of the sportster tech lists.
Look at your registration document, it should have the last owner (assuming you have it !!).
If you can, get hold of an official H-D maual, loads better than Haynes.
Use 20W50 for the engine and Sport Trans fluid for the tranny.
Join the club mate, guarantee you will find it worthwhile and enjoy your sporty....

Robbie, thanx for your time, great info. I do have previous owners name but cant locate him. I've tried all the usual people finders but to no avail. Been to Rutland dealers, loads off staff. attitude?......... Thank you once again. I'm off for a ride. FR

[Rodders]

It does not really matter much. I serviced my bike from brand new myself so it has no dealer history. Must have saved a fortune in the last 4 years.

I also don't use HD oil but a high quality correct grade fully synthetic oil.

Cheers Hog. I'm impressed. I havent even got a single tool for my bike. let alone the info to do a full service. Fully synthetic for the tranny and the engine oil? I don't suppose you have a service check list you could email me. Clocked up my first 1000 miles today since I bought it so thought it time to at least clean air filter. All the best. FR