Gettin Betsy road worthy

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Mar 15, 2015 | 11:23 PM

boom215

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Road Captain

Joined: Feb 2006

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Gettin Betsy road worthy

I have a '90 herritage that has spent its last few years couped up. A ride here or there. She'll start and run just fine, but I would like to give her a good once over. Looking to see if I could get a checklist of things to do before I start getting back on the saddle. Moved last year and spent a lot of hours inside rather than outside fixing things. One thing I do want to do is put on 16-18" bars. Recommendations on a place to gather parts? Thanks in advance

Mar 16, 2015 | 03:19 AM

Holster Maker

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Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 471

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From: Far NorCal

Clean and wax the bike, you will notice a lot of stuff, might find something!
Missing nuts, or whatever!
Gas...how long has it been in there? Get real serious about this with our 10% E.
The gas is probably the most imp thing right now!
Tires, look at the little rectangle for age, be the week and yr, like 1209= 12th week of 2009. Over 5 yrs is the baseline. Then check the air and inspect them very close.
Battery condition?? if wet, service and check it out.
Air cleaner, remove the cover and throw the dead mouse in the garbage. Then air blow the crap out.
Inspect the brakes, pads, all fittings and linkage. Look for leaks. Some kid might be be up to tricks.
Check all your lights, esp brake lite.
Check oil levels, all holes. Then warm the motor up and listen real good. Then take a short ride, then change the warm/hot oils or have them done. A lot of people change the spark plugs w/oil change.
Then go for a ride and beware of anything for a while.

I use J & P for most stuff. Try a Indy shop, that you know or heard that is honest, they can help order all the stuff you need.
Have a great riding year.
LMK if you found a big rat! Pulled a dead one out of my pick-up a/c box.

Mar 16, 2015 | 05:39 AM

grbrown

Club Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 45,429

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From: Bedford UK

As HM suggests, a thorough service and oils changed, plus brake fluids. Don't mess around with changing anything like bars until you are happy the bike is running and riding well. Be aware that there is a steady trickle of new threads on HDF from members who have fitted apes and messed up the wiring so that the bike won't start!

Mar 17, 2015 | 09:05 AM

boom215

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Joined: Feb 2006

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Tires, check
Battery, check
Brakes, check
Lights, took a trip to the local autozone, but now, check
Gas, put stabil in it over the winter and didn't leave much in there, check
Air cleaner, check....
Making headway

Mar 17, 2015 | 10:37 AM

Beemervet

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 6,590

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From: Ohio

In the future, it is best to have a full tank of treated gas. Condensation in a partially filled tank is a bad, bad thing.

Mar 17, 2015 | 12:53 PM

texashillcountry

Dirt don't hurt

Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 21,065

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From: Haslet Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beemervet

In the future, it is best to have a full tank of treated gas. Condensation in a partially filled tank is a bad, bad thing.

Mar 18, 2015 | 11:16 AM

falconbrother

Road Master

Joined: Jan 2012

Posts: 856

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From: North Carolina

I had a 1991 FLSTC, loved it.. The one piece of advice I would give from experience is, carry some blue locktite, some spare hardware and a few basic tools. I loved my old Heritage but, I had nuts vibrate off of it a few times out on the road. I learned my lessons.. I still carry some blue locktite and extra hardware on the FLHTC but, so far I have not needed it. Blue locktite is your friend.