Advice
Thread Starter
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Stage II
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Charleston sc
Advice
I am a mid 30 yr old male with limited knowledge on fixing or building motorcycles. I do my own oil changes and general maintenance on my 2009 fxdf but am wanting to learn how to do more. I dont want to experiment on my current bike due to it being in perfect running
condition. I have been contemplating buying and previously crashed bike or a bike in non-running condition to work on, learn, and gain knowledge. I am looking for some advice on which years or models or a solid direction to go to help me with my endeavors. I am a complete novice in fixing bikes but I am looking to do this as a hobby and gain some self confidence and knowledge in case something happens to my everyday bike. Any kind of help would be appreciated.
condition. I have been contemplating buying and previously crashed bike or a bike in non-running condition to work on, learn, and gain knowledge. I am looking for some advice on which years or models or a solid direction to go to help me with my endeavors. I am a complete novice in fixing bikes but I am looking to do this as a hobby and gain some self confidence and knowledge in case something happens to my everyday bike. Any kind of help would be appreciated.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,014
Likes: 739
From: Northern California
Why not start your eduction through reading / video learning? Just having a physical bike to work on wont teach you anything without first having a foundation and understanding of how systems work? There is a good series of videos on YouTube that can get you started https://www.youtube.com/user/conleybuilt/featured In my opinion if you are going to ride a Harley then learn to work on them. With that said, you should also consider the economics of purchasing another bike and the cost of changing parts as that can get expensive very fast! Perhaps a local community college offers basic repair courses?
Thread Starter
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Stage II
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Charleston sc
I have been watching and researching a lot on tube and I’m really wanting to get the hands on Learning now videos can only teach me so much with out being able to get my hands in it, and I’ve been listening looking at classes the only problem is my job is a 24hr working 48hr off deal and the classes are usually a few times a week and I wouldn’t want to miss anything. I’m pretty good with hands on stuff and I am
anticipating it being expensive but I would be working on it slowly over the course of months. Is it a good idea to get a salvaged bike and start from the bottom or get a cheaper running bike and work on it slowly from
there just changing out parts and gaining knowledge that way?
anticipating it being expensive but I would be working on it slowly over the course of months. Is it a good idea to get a salvaged bike and start from the bottom or get a cheaper running bike and work on it slowly from
there just changing out parts and gaining knowledge that way?
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,686
Likes: 242
From: Glen Mills, PA
I recommend you buy and older non running carbureted sportster and a service manual.
Then check everything that that does not work and open the book and start watching YouTube to fix the stuff that does.
When you get stuck, post a question in the appropriate forum.
Good luck!! You can do it.
Then check everything that that does not work and open the book and start watching YouTube to fix the stuff that does.
When you get stuck, post a question in the appropriate forum.
Good luck!! You can do it.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 902
Likes: 227
From: Mississippi
If you get a non-running bike with a good title, you can fix it up (if all goes as planned) and sell it to recoup your money and move to a better and bigger project bike. If you buy a salvage bike, with no title, you will end up with a bunch of parts that will crank and run. Getting a salvage title can be a pain and the bike will be hard to sell for a decent price afterwards. AND, since you have no experience, a bike that is merely non-running will be probably easier to fix than one that someone (experienced mechanic or insurance adjuster) had declared non-repairable. But, I guess any bike can be repaired, if you have the time, patience and unlimited money...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 9,511
Likes: 13,826
From: Pa.
https://myrtlebeach.craigslist.org/mcy/d/1972-harley-davidson-cafe/6701950159.html
Here ya go. By the time you do the research, attend numerous swap meets, acquire all the parts needed and then the time to assemble everything correctly (and safely), you will have learned a ton.
Here ya go. By the time you do the research, attend numerous swap meets, acquire all the parts needed and then the time to assemble everything correctly (and safely), you will have learned a ton.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 376
Likes: 255
From: Oklahoma
I have rebuilt several wrecks and basket cases over the years. I'm in the finishing stages of building an '06 FXDL from parts right now. It is a very enjoyable hobby. But it can get very expensive, especially with a Harley. What I would suggest to you is buying a complete running bike for your first project. It is more expensive at first, but will be cheaper in the long run. Buying missing or broken parts one at a time gets to be big bucks very quickly. A factory shop manual and parts manual for your specific model are must have items. Then tear it down and build it back up the way you want it to be.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,014
Likes: 739
From: Northern California
Taking Harleys as an example, there are generation of bikes, Ironhead, EVO, Twin Cam, M8.. older. Each generation will have nuances which require specific knowlege. That is why we have separate sections of the Forum with focus on the different generations of bikes. If your adamant then I would look for a Twin Cam generation bike in running condition and go ahead and work through the different maintenance tasks from front to rear.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,126
Likes: 6,619
From: Stafford VA
What's your budget?. What type of bike you looking for? non running bike over a running bike that just needs cleaned up. You need to ask yourself these questions and have a set plan before you begin, IMO. Jumping in with both feet and then realize your in over your head will cost you money, Just ask the guy you buy the project from 
rk classic.
rk classic.