Doin' It Myself
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Joined: Sep 2007
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Doin' It Myself
I changed the oil and tranny fluid myself today for the first time and just wanted to say what a great feeling it was to know some other freak didn't have his grubby little hands all over my ride. Took my time, played some tunes, did the service then went for a cruise. Very Zen.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,021
Likes: 12
From: Greene County, MS
RE: Doin' It Myself
Congrats! I have to get an oil filter and all the fluids and I'll be doing that myself here soon. I just got my service manual in this weekend and I'm about ready to go.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 502
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From: currently NC
RE: Doin' It Myself
Congrats. Just remember that there is more to the scheduled maintenance than just fluids and filters. You should check the primary chain tension as it will usually stretch a bit especially during the first 5,000mi and the primary lube level. Your cables also need regular lubrication and you should check your spoke tension if you have laced wheels. There are also various nuts and bolts that need to be checked for tightness due to vibration. I know it is expensive to take it to a stealer or an indy, but they do these things and others during the maintenace.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 967
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From: Eastern Massachusetts
RE: Doin' It Myself
ORIGINAL: Sarge4life
Congrats. Just remember that there is more to the scheduled maintenance than just fluids and filters. You should check the primary chain tension as it will usually stretch a bit...
Congrats. Just remember that there is more to the scheduled maintenance than just fluids and filters. You should check the primary chain tension as it will usually stretch a bit...
As to the rest, it's total gospel. Learn how to do all the little bits as well as the fluids. Get someone to show you if you don't know how. When it says "inspect <part> for wear" you have to know what it is you're looking for. It can be subtle. But doing your own maintenance is a great thing. And some other time when you're willing to trade money for time and let someone else do it, you'll know what a right-looking job looks like.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,578
Likes: 4
From: Northern California
RE: Doin' It Myself
That's great, a real satisfying experience. Keep a manual handy and go for it.
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Joined: Aug 2006
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RE: Doin' It Myself
Good on ya!!
Do everything you can yourself,then ou know it is done right (or at least done).
DougJ
Do everything you can yourself,then ou know it is done right (or at least done).DougJ
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Banned
Joined: Dec 2007
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RE: Doin' It Myself
They haven't printed enough money to pay anyone to treat your baby like you will yourself. If you feel comfortable doing the job with a book to go by, just do it! If you ever have a doubt, ask someone that knows, then do it. There is only one feeling that can top that of maintaining and riding your own bike. That would be if you built it too, and not very many of us have. This is one good place to get questions answered. Read on, wrench on, and ride on!
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,951
Likes: 33
From: Upstate NY
RE: Doin' It Myself
Congrats on the fluid changes. It is a great feeling. The service manual was on my list of goodies when I bought the bike. Just take your time and add more things to your list each time. Rainy days are great for just relaxing with the bike and checking it all over. If you have a lift, it helps to check out stuff at eye level without lying on the ground. Enjoy the total experience. [sm=hail.gif]
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