So, I've had one long ride (140 miles) on this thing (1996 Electra Glide) then put it away while I attended to other things. First impressions are good, no obvious smoking or leaking.

Now it's time to learn its routine. First things first, pre ride checks; above all, Where's the dipstick?

 

LMAO Ok ______ Uh Never mind
If the dipstick question is a serious one. Find an Owners manual. Next find a FSM Factory Service Manual. Do some reading

How much maintenance information do you have on the bike? Being a 96 there could be a lot to ck

Pre Ride cks come after maintenance ck's

Good Luck WP

 

OK so the engine oil dipstick is the one on the transmission. I know shovelheads and Evo Sportsters but Evo Big Twins are new to me.

I've ordered a manual

This bike seems to have led a pampered life, judging by its accompanying documentation. It was dealer serviced (or at least, serviced by local indy) once a year (a common pattern in UK because of the requirement for annual roadworthiness inspection) and mostly trailered to PO's holiday home in Spain... mileage is 6000 and I believe it given the documentation. Engine is clean, bolts and fastenings all fresh (I'm sure this bike has never seen mole grips!)

 

The dipstick in the trans....is for the trans.....the engine oil dipstick is the oil tank cap....pull it out and see...there are three places to put oil....the primary case, the transmission and the oil tank. You do know we have dry sump engines on our Harleys, yes?

 

OK so the engine oil dipstick is the one on the transmission. I know shovelheads and Evo Sportsters but Evo Big Twins are new to me.

I've ordered a manual

This bike seems to have led a pampered life, judging by its accompanying documentation. It was dealer serviced (or at least, serviced by local indy) once a year (a common pattern in UK because of the requirement for annual roadworthiness inspection) and mostly trailered to PO's holiday home in Spain... mileage is 6000 and I believe it given the documentation. Engine is clean, bolts and fastenings all fresh (I'm sure this bike has never seen mole grips!)

 

Might ck the date code on the tires to be sure .
Of course brake pads and with it's age might ck on the brake hose's as well.

Ok a few Pre ride thoughts Tire pressure I don't do it every ride but if going on a highway for some distance I do.

I have kinda learned to squish the tires with the toe of my boot to get an Idea if I want to get out the tire gauge. Having a bagger it's a bit more troublesome to ck tire pressure.
Many will mention cking the all the lights which is a good idea. I say that like I do But I don't. Again a thing I do for longer rides.
I do pay a little extra attention to how the brake's feel when heading out most anytime.

Just my first thoughts.
These people here a good folks and I'm sure they will have idea's as well.
I gotta get some more coffee.

WP

Ohh What are mole grips Please

 

Per owners manual....check motor oil w/ bike on sidestand; check tranny oiul with bike up right and level.



Per owners manual...check primary chaincase level with bike upright and level

 

OK thanks. I was puzzled by the sellers' description... so these mid-run Evo Big Twins have no separate oil tank. That explains the sellers' comments about the frame being different, too.

Next job is to find out how to remove the seat and check the battery...

Tyres are new.

 

Ohh What are mole grips Please[/QUOTE]

mole grips are BAD. I think they are called "vise grips" in the US, a sign that people with no business opening anything more complex than a can of beans, have been working on the bike you just bought.

 

Don't know if you already use something like this, but Ronnie's Microfiche is an invaluable tool.

https://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche...-GLIDE-STD-(DD)