Self upgrades
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 1,967
From: PA
I do anything I can as long as I have the tools. But I don't like going into the engine. I did a rocker box gasket last year, that's about as far inside as I go. Factory service manual and YouTube is a good place to start.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 19,982
Likes: 6,110
From: Florida
I do all my own services, some upgrades,have even rebuilt shovel & ironhead top ends, but I'm limited to what I can do with the tools I have on my TC. My dealership ALWAYS does it right the first time for me, so I don't mind taking in things I can't do.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
From: Texas
I have been a wrench turner all my life. So if I cannot do something on my bike than there are tools that I do not have or it deals with the ECM on the bike. I know when not to try something though. I have learned my lessons on that. However, I am about to put new V&H true duals on with hard bags on my Deluxe. That should be fun. Just waiting on parts to come in.
If you don't know what you're doing and have no experience with this sort of thing, there's no shame in hiring it out.
HD's (at least the older ones before all the computers came along) are as simple as a hammer, but that doesn't mean you can't screw them up. There is this culture from 50 years ago that says you can't have a bike unless you do your own work. That's fine, but know your limits.
HD's (at least the older ones before all the computers came along) are as simple as a hammer, but that doesn't mean you can't screw them up. There is this culture from 50 years ago that says you can't have a bike unless you do your own work. That's fine, but know your limits.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,873
From: Upstate New York
If you don't know what you're doing and have no experience with this sort of thing, there's no shame in hiring it out.
HD's (at least the older ones before all the computers came along) are as simple as a hammer, but that doesn't mean you can't screw them up. There is this culture from 50 years ago that says you can't have a bike unless you do your own work. That's fine, but know your limits.
HD's (at least the older ones before all the computers came along) are as simple as a hammer, but that doesn't mean you can't screw them up. There is this culture from 50 years ago that says you can't have a bike unless you do your own work. That's fine, but know your limits.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 377
Likes: 74
From: Western New York
One of the only things keeping me from doing cams is knowing that I'll have to have it dyno tuned. I haven't found any reputable dyno tuners in my area and don't like the idea of having a dealer do it. I don't trust other people working on my 2 wheelers.
I've pulled the motor on my sportbike in the garage and swapped the motor in my truck, but haven't had to dig into the Harley yet. My bike had upgrades from the previous owner, but I've just done all the fluids, cam cover swap, derby cover swap, relocated plate and extended wiring. Simple stuff at this point.
I've pulled the motor on my sportbike in the garage and swapped the motor in my truck, but haven't had to dig into the Harley yet. My bike had upgrades from the previous owner, but I've just done all the fluids, cam cover swap, derby cover swap, relocated plate and extended wiring. Simple stuff at this point.
Last edited by Br125; Apr 11, 2016 at 09:09 AM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 11,224
Likes: 3,049
From: St.Louis Mo.
i've always done everything myself. i have the tools and if i come across one one i don't have ,i buy it. now when it comes time to fool with the ecm, i'm in learning mode still, but making progress. 
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,764
Likes: 50
From: Gilbert, AZ
On every bike I've owned I have performed all my own work/modifications. Originally it was out of necessity because I couldn't afford to pay someone else. These days, it's because I don't trust anyone else to work on it. I was an aviation mechanic in the Marines, so I have the know-how.