15K checkup - DIY?
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 384
Likes: 145
From: Hamlin, NY
15K checkup - DIY?
So I just purchased a 2014 limited with 15,200 miles.
It seems to run great, no obvious problems, but I am not a bike mechanic.
Ive ridden bikes for years and they make all different kinds of noises and they all run differently.
I want to get it checked out and I dont mind dropping the coin to a Harley dealership to get the checkup done.
Problem is the nearest dealer is 40 mins from my house and the weather hasnt exactly been cooperating,
I think if I got the service manual I would be able to check most things myself. Ive always changed my own oil so thats not a problem.
but I know there is much more to it than just changing your oil.
I guess my question is, what kind of issues should I be looking for with a "Rushmore" with 15K?
Are there any telltale signs that I need to look out for?
Also if I got the service manual, to check everything I should, how long do you think it would take the average Joe? Do I need to tear alot of it down to maintain it?
It seems to run great, no obvious problems, but I am not a bike mechanic.
Ive ridden bikes for years and they make all different kinds of noises and they all run differently.
I want to get it checked out and I dont mind dropping the coin to a Harley dealership to get the checkup done.
Problem is the nearest dealer is 40 mins from my house and the weather hasnt exactly been cooperating,
I think if I got the service manual I would be able to check most things myself. Ive always changed my own oil so thats not a problem.
but I know there is much more to it than just changing your oil.
I guess my question is, what kind of issues should I be looking for with a "Rushmore" with 15K?
Are there any telltale signs that I need to look out for?
Also if I got the service manual, to check everything I should, how long do you think it would take the average Joe? Do I need to tear alot of it down to maintain it?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,199
Likes: 282
From: Long Island NY
Did they do the 15K service yet? If done already then you're probably good to go, for peace of mind maybe a basic check, oil levels, anything loose or shaking, almost like a pre-flight. If the service is not done and you have a good dealer YOU TRUST then go for it, a couple of hours and you'll be on the road. If no good dealers around or you don't mind tinkering buy a service manual and do it yourself, keep in mind that you might also have to buy a few specific tools (belt tension gauge for example) the first time. The services are basically fluid changes and a bunch of maintenance things, check this, tighten that, MAYBE replace a few things. The Service Manual is very clear and precise on what to do and how to do it, just follow the steps...good luck!
And as to time, I go REAL slow and make sure EVERYTHING is checked, maybe just my OCD self. For me, usually 5-6 hours over a couple of days but as I said, I work very slow and make sure everything is done right.
And as to time, I go REAL slow and make sure EVERYTHING is checked, maybe just my OCD self. For me, usually 5-6 hours over a couple of days but as I said, I work very slow and make sure everything is done right.
Last edited by IUOE ROB; Jul 25, 2018 at 09:28 AM.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 384
Likes: 145
From: Hamlin, NY
Thanks Rob, Looks like we are in for rain for a few days so its probably something I could do during this off time.
I looked for service manuals, unless I want one on CD its gonna run me well over $100 just for the manual - sheesh
I looked for service manuals, unless I want one on CD its gonna run me well over $100 just for the manual - sheesh
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,199
Likes: 282
From: Long Island NY
https://www.legacyhd.com/see-what-ou...des--checklist
Or search online for a list more exclusive to your particular bike.
Last edited by IUOE ROB; Jul 25, 2018 at 11:32 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,160
Likes: 11,249
From: San Diego, CA
I buy the HD service manual, parts manual (the exploded parts views can really supplement the service manual directions), and electric diagnostic manual for every bike I buy. They are not cheap, but without exception, they have paid for themselves in the long run. Always check the online dealers to see if he manual (on older bikes) is still available....
For older bikes, you can usually find the manuals on eBay. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason, but I've been able to order older manuals, brand new from online dealers, for cheaper than some used ones on eBay.. And other bikes, they can't be ordered new, just used/new on eBay.... make sure to check both ways..
If you have the owner's manual for your bike, way towards the back of the manual, they will list the part numbers for the service, parts, and electrical manuals for your model/year...
Its all pretty easy. Just read the manual and get a decent torque wrench for things like axle bolts, pinch bolts and drain plugs. Don't over-tighten anything.
Stock spark plugs should last a hundred K miles. Check tires for cracks and wear.
The ABS needs to be flushed once every two years, so HD may do it for you at no cost if it has not been done since new, you have to go ask for it though. Don't blow this one off, and don't try to do it yourself.
Don't run your oil level at the full mark. I suggest you put in 3 quarts with oil and filter change and keep your eye on it. It ought not to use any between changes at 5 k miles.
Me and many other folks use Liqui-Moly 10W60 car oil in the engine. And Harley Formula Plus in the Primary (don't over fill-makes finding neutral hard).
Some Harleys exhibit a "normal" rattle when hot and in neutral with the clutch out. Sounds really bad, and one way that may help is to run 75W140 gear oil in the tranny, again, don't over fill or it will stink.
Air cleaner is really good stock, but at the next element replacement put in a K&N so you can wash it and reuse it. You may get a few drops of oil in the bottom of the air cleaner housing, this is normal. Just inspect at each oil change and wipe out the oil. I get a little seepage so I wipe the outside at every gas fill up.
Then there is the whole subject of catalytic conferters, mufflers and tuners.
Enjoy the ride.
Stock spark plugs should last a hundred K miles. Check tires for cracks and wear.
The ABS needs to be flushed once every two years, so HD may do it for you at no cost if it has not been done since new, you have to go ask for it though. Don't blow this one off, and don't try to do it yourself.
Don't run your oil level at the full mark. I suggest you put in 3 quarts with oil and filter change and keep your eye on it. It ought not to use any between changes at 5 k miles.
Me and many other folks use Liqui-Moly 10W60 car oil in the engine. And Harley Formula Plus in the Primary (don't over fill-makes finding neutral hard).
Some Harleys exhibit a "normal" rattle when hot and in neutral with the clutch out. Sounds really bad, and one way that may help is to run 75W140 gear oil in the tranny, again, don't over fill or it will stink.
Air cleaner is really good stock, but at the next element replacement put in a K&N so you can wash it and reuse it. You may get a few drops of oil in the bottom of the air cleaner housing, this is normal. Just inspect at each oil change and wipe out the oil. I get a little seepage so I wipe the outside at every gas fill up.
Then there is the whole subject of catalytic conferters, mufflers and tuners.
Enjoy the ride.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,052
Likes: 342
From: Virginia Beach
If the oil, tranny and primary are fairly clear and almost full, check the critical fasteners, air in tires and belt deflection and go to 20K!!!!!!!
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Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 384
Likes: 145
From: Hamlin, NY
Thanks alot guys I really appreciate all of your input.
My sporty never had it done and I sold her with 23K. But I had it since 2k so I felt a little more comfortable.
My sporty never had it done and I sold her with 23K. But I had it since 2k so I felt a little more comfortable.
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 44
Likes: 3
From: Cincinnati, Ohio
I put these together for my 2014 Road King when i bought it used. I'm not sure if they are the exact same for your bike, but feel free to use these as a starting point and modify as needed. I printed the PDF version on card-stock and put on my garage cabinet and check each off as i do it. Then keep my receipts with the completed form for my records. I also keep the receipts for anything the dealer had to do on the list (ABS and brake flush).
