Wrenching?
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 105
Likes: 9
From: Rhode Island
I just paid through the nose to my local indy for a 20k service and front tire for my 2012 ultra. Not many options in the north country but figured time may come I really need someone to work on the bike so start the relationship.
I will say bike ran sweet on a 200 mile ride today
I will say bike ran sweet on a 200 mile ride today
Last edited by Dcampri; May 13, 2018 at 08:38 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 280
Likes: 103
From: Manitoba
So for me, I have way more money than time, and if I were to do major mods, I would pay the dealer. But Im not planning any.
For me also, I would feel that while I am totally capable of doing major engine work, I would feel (right or wrong) that having the work done at an authorized dealer would come with some sort of warrantee period. They screw it up, they pay to fix it. I make a mistake I pay to fix it.
There is an active thread right now where the oil line blew off on a guys bike after having dealer work done. Dealer is fixing the engine.
For me also, I would feel that while I am totally capable of doing major engine work, I would feel (right or wrong) that having the work done at an authorized dealer would come with some sort of warrantee period. They screw it up, they pay to fix it. I make a mistake I pay to fix it.
There is an active thread right now where the oil line blew off on a guys bike after having dealer work done. Dealer is fixing the engine.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 404
Likes: 86
From: Portland, Oregon
Same as with cars, I used to do a lot more before everything became so computer dependant. Points, carbs, jetting and such, now are all electronic, and I actually like it. Going over the Rockies, don't have to rejet or readjust stuff.
Now, basically all I do is fluid change.
i do still have a 1953 ****** pickup, and 1960 IH Travelall I can work on, or mor correctly, HAVE to work on, to keep running properly
Now, basically all I do is fluid change.
i do still have a 1953 ****** pickup, and 1960 IH Travelall I can work on, or mor correctly, HAVE to work on, to keep running properly
Last edited by MacTarnahan; May 13, 2018 at 10:50 PM.
Clutch diaphragm springs in backwards, plates in wrong, brake assembled wrong, engine alignment bad, wheel issues, and don't even start with electrical.
Clint said " a man's got to know his limitations" and very few do.
Simple answer to the OP's question - More Harley owners wrench than should. So many bikes, so FEW bikers.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,114
Likes: 51,403
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
TwiZted has seen more than me and I've seen more than my share of bikes in my shop, worked on by people who shouldn't be allowed to wash a bike.
Clutch diaphragm springs in backwards, plates in wrong, brake assembled wrong, engine alignment bad, wheel issues, and don't even start with electrical.
Clint said " a man's got to know his limitations" and very few do.
Simple answer to the OP's question - More Harley owners wrench than should. So many bikes, so FEW bikers.
Clutch diaphragm springs in backwards, plates in wrong, brake assembled wrong, engine alignment bad, wheel issues, and don't even start with electrical.
Clint said " a man's got to know his limitations" and very few do.
Simple answer to the OP's question - More Harley owners wrench than should. So many bikes, so FEW bikers.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 1,697
From: Utica Mi.
I don't like someone else Wrenching on my stuff.....
I figure the cost of the tools usually equals the labor..... so I buy the tools and learn....
Got my 1st set of tools when I was 11.......and started working on other kids bicycles.
That led to dirt bikes, then cars, then did house construction for a few yrs.
But in the winter when we couldn't work I still worked on cars.
So I jumped in with both feet and became certified and started wrenching full time.
That was a long time ago, and now I have quite the set of tools.
I will probably work on my own stuff till I can't anymore......and at that point I probably won't be able to ride either....lol
I figure the cost of the tools usually equals the labor..... so I buy the tools and learn....
Got my 1st set of tools when I was 11.......and started working on other kids bicycles.
That led to dirt bikes, then cars, then did house construction for a few yrs.
But in the winter when we couldn't work I still worked on cars.
So I jumped in with both feet and became certified and started wrenching full time.
That was a long time ago, and now I have quite the set of tools.
I will probably work on my own stuff till I can't anymore......and at that point I probably won't be able to ride either....lol
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 1,651
From: Olean, NY
Lets just say the average harley rider today isn't what they used to be. Was you had to be a man to ride one now it just a takes a good credit rating..
And in their defense bikes today are not exactly user friendly when it comes to wrenching, oop's cost's lots more....
And in their defense bikes today are not exactly user friendly when it comes to wrenching, oop's cost's lots more....
I do know that most everyone that I ride with has mechanical ability and we all work on our own stuff. A few just dont have the time or the patience to do everything, some just dont want to. I dont think that makes any of them less of a man.
Last edited by Cygnusx51; May 14, 2018 at 08:23 AM.
