Servicing '03 Heritage Softail

By Dennis Santopietro

Question I have a 2003 Heritage Softail Classic (FLSTCI) that I inherited from my brother. He had it fully serviced in Fall 2008 and then passed away. It has sat since that time. I need to get it running. What kind of service should I expect that it will need? Thanks – G.G. ’03 Heritage Softail Classic


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Answer


You should:

  • Drain the gas – make sure tank is clean – add new gas – if tank is rusty you might have to reseal or replace
  • Get a new battery
  • Change oil, primary, tranny fluid – gaskets and o-rings
  • Do a safety check on the whole bike – look everywhere to make sure mice have not nested esp. exhaust, under seat, any place they can fit

    • If it fires up than consider:

  • Tires
  • Brake pads
  • Checking all cables and hoses for rot

    • You should have the factory service manual to help you. We also have the Softail/Dyna Maintenance DVD set to show you how it’s done. – https://www.fixmyhog.com/products

    You can do it yourself and save some $ or have an independent shop or dealer do it. Your brother left you a great ride. -FMH

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    2 Responses to “Servicing '03 Heritage Softail”

    1. Bill

      I have a 99 road king carbureted, it backfires from the carb on a pull or just cruising. What should I look for?

    2. Rebo

      I have a 03 FLSTSC softail. My issue is when I sometimes Roll my Throttle while stopped as most riders due, sometimes I will get a feedback of a miss. SPits back at me, even a couple of times my bike died and I restarted. I just bought this bike, it's got 15,000 miles on it. What are things I should look at? Do you have videos for this kind of issue.