I have all the OEM manuals for my 1997 FXDL. I have Clymers and Haynes as well.

Why don't any of these manuals list the bolt head sizes when they talk about a fastener? I mean how hard is it to say "using a 1/2" socket, tighten the nut to a ..." ? or "Part # 5xyzqw Riser Bolt SAE 1/2" x 4 x 1.00" ?

It's not the end of the world, but it can be a real pain in the *** going back and forth finding the right socket or wrench and grabbing 4 that might be in your size range kind of sucks too.

I am so used to the manuals for my Xterra, they all tell you the name of the bolt and it's size!

Are there any home made charts or guidelines or parts lists out there I can print off that do this?

Lee

 

get a parts manual. i found one for my 98 FLH on amazon (used/like-new). its invaluable for that stuff

its a bit of cross referencing, but you look at the diagram, get the number for the bolt, it'll have a 5 digit part number, which is listed in a chart @ the back of the parts catalog, with thread pitch, head type, and length.


works REALLY well when you have a magnet tray full of all different lengths of bolts, and cant remember which one went where.

 

Over the course of time you will learn to look at a bolt and tell what size wrench you need.

At least that is how is worked for me.

 

^^very true.


I can usually tell ya what size/thread pitch a bolt is without even picking it up, and usually by feel. I suggested the parts catalog for those tricky parts, like remember where in the cam chest (or inner primary) the long vs. short bolts went. Ive had it apart enough times I SHOULD remember by now,....but I never do

 

I have that skill...sadly, it's for METRIC LOL

I have the two parts manuals for the 1997 both the first edition and edition "A" but NOW I know the secret trade trick . Still it's more round-a-bout then it needs to be. The same guy who dersigns the FM's for the Army must do their manuals too

Thanks guys!

Lee

Tha

 

That won't do you any good. Those bikes don't break down.

 

I've had to haul a few of those to a bike shop to be fixed.

Just sayin'.

 

The variety of sizes you need for routine servicing is not many. If you buy a large set of wrenches or sockets, you'll find you can put many of them out of sight and mind, as you won't need them! On the other hand you do need a few oddballs.

 

Bla Bla Bla Bla Bla Bla Bla Bla. 1 metric to 100 Harleys.................

 

Its all part of the learning process, you can't always be an expert from the get-go...I have been doing this so long I can tell the correct socket size from a cell phone pic but learning is all part of the fun.

I don't always know the size but I know that my King Tony socket with the red stripe fits the compensator sprocket but, the sawn-off allen key fits the riser clamp and the funny little shiny combo spanner does the silencer mounts....that sorta thing...I get totally lost using someone else's tools!