Installing new primary cover question

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Dec 6, 2014 | 09:28 AM

#11

skinman13

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2012

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From: Texas

Although it may not always seem necessary, it is still good shop practice to disconnect the battery anytime you start removing covers. That is the professional approach to maintenance.

Dec 6, 2014 | 09:32 AM

#12

JMC22

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Joined: Dec 2013

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Quote:

Originally Posted by monster715

Because every set of Harley instructions begins with disconnecting the battery. If it's the outer primary don't worry about it. If it's the inner then maybe but I probably wouldn't even then

I think I've even seen it written when changing foot pegs...over-kill, but their just covering their butts

Dec 6, 2014 | 02:16 PM

#13

HyperM3

Thread Starter

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Joined: May 2013

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From: Lawrenceville, NJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldEnuf2NoBtr

Okay, just for ***** and giggles. Lets say you don't disconnect the battery and you're getting down and dirty with the primary cover but need to stand up to get a different tool or widget. You stand up and some how accidently bump the starter button when reaching up to balance yourself. Need I say more?

How would I hit the starter button if its on the other side of the bike that Im working on?

Dec 6, 2014 | 02:19 PM

#14

HyperM3

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Joined: May 2013

Posts: 605

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From: Lawrenceville, NJ

You know what? I think I put the wrong word. Maybe its called the derby cover(not the same thing?). It's just the round disc with 5 bolts that Im replacing.

Dec 6, 2014 | 03:50 PM

#15

adm

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Joined: Apr 2014

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From: UK

Just thinking, but you've spent more time discussing it on the internet, than the 60 seconds it would take to pop off the battery cover and disconnect the battery.

Dec 6, 2014 | 05:15 PM

#16

HyperM3

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Joined: May 2013

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From: Lawrenceville, NJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by adm

Just thinking, but you've spent more time discussing it on the internet, than the 60 seconds it would take to pop off the battery cover and disconnect the battery.

True. Just trying to get an idea of what others have done. Id rather not have to go through the hassle of reprogramming things like the clock and such if I dont have to. Yeah, Im that lazy.

Dec 6, 2014 | 06:12 PM

#17

OldEnuf2NoBtr

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Joined: Dec 2009

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From: Doghouse... mostly

Quote:

Originally Posted by HyperM3

How would I hit the starter button if its on the other side of the bike that Im working on?

Funny things happen. Maybe it's your significant other or one of your siblings that accidently does it. But since you said derby cover, just go for it.

Dec 6, 2014 | 06:32 PM

#18

Twincruiser

Cruiser

Joined: Sep 2014

Posts: 185

Likes: 4

From: Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJY

If your brain is larger than an almond, you should be ok not disconnecting.

Winner! Obviously, lots of pea brains out there.

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Dec 6, 2014 | 09:29 PM

#19

maddghost

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Joined: Apr 2008

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From: Out on Deranged

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJY

If your brain is larger than an almond, you should be ok not disconnecting.

Hey Yeppers to that!

Quote:

Originally Posted by HyperM3

How would I hit the starter button if its on the other side of the bike that Im working on?

Unless there is something coming out of that pipe and into your lungs harley has the main switch in place, so even if you do touch the start button nothing happens. I have changed out lots of stuff like derby, oils, head pipes, installed electronic gadjets and so far so good without disconnecting the batt. It is safer practise, and it's only the clock you need to reset on a stock speedo if you don't feel confident.

Just make sure to use a #27 torx wrench so you won't strip the screws, and have the bike secure and level so as not to spill oil out all over the place when you loosen the cover.

Dec 8, 2014 | 12:48 AM

#20

Id.Fat Bob

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Joined: Jun 2012

Posts: 320

Likes: 0

From: Meridian, Idaho

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldEnuf2NoBtr

If your ignition switch is off you can stand on that button and it won't do a damned thing! Only time I would disconnect is if I were doing electrical work someplace!

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