I'm just not meant to be a wrencher... I can follow instructions, but most of the instructions aren't written for someone that's totally ignorant to the task.

TURN SIGNALS

I bought a set of HD turn signals to put on my bike and messed with it for a few hours the other evening before throwing in the towel. I started off by connecting the signals to where I thought they went to see if they'd work. Nothing... I then thought I'd go ahead and mount them, then figure out the wiring later. The front signals hit the tank with the bars turned (mounted on the bars near the grips), so I scratched that. Guess I need to buy the stuff to get them on the forks. Then I thought I'd put the rears on. Got the rear fender most of the way off (pain in the ***), then realized I'd have to get it all the way off to route the wiring. I also realized that the bolts currently on the bike weren't long enough for signals and didn't have a hollow center. Guess I need to buy those. Then to top it off, I couldn't figure out how the rear mounts actually fit on this bike. The description says they'll fit, but I don't know how (without hanging over the edges of the struts.)

CLUTCH CABLE

The clutch cable isn't routed properly and is an eyesore (sticks out.) All I want to do is route it properly, so it looks better. Well crap, sounds like that is going to be a huge PITA too! Can't I just loosen it up somehow to get another 1/8 - 1/2" of slack, re-route it, then tighten it back up? Sounds like I have to go into the damn engine to disconnect it there first. Sigh...

GRIPS

I bought the correct type of HD grips for my '92 FXDC, but heck, I don't even think I'll give this a shot. Sounds easy, but I highly doubt it is... I'm scared to death of getting the bike all apart and not being able to get it working again. If I had 100% step-by-step instructions, maybe. But nothing is written that way.

Man, I need to find a local indie wrench to do this basic crap for me. I'm not into paying big dollars for a dealer to do it. Just felt like whining... LOL [sm=boohoo.gif]

Chris

 

Oh yeah, I also bought a used chrome tank dash. It was made for a '95 LowRider, but it looks like it would fit my '92 SuperGlide Custom just fine. After looking into it, I realized the gauges only pull out of the dash from the top and the speedo and tach are wired together underneath it. In other words, there's no way to do a simple swap of the dash without cutting and reconnecting wires. There's no little connector between the gauges (unless it's under the sheathing or tape.) Jesus, that sounds like it should be SIMPLE, but of course it's not.

And it's totally okay to make fun of me in this thread. I'm pretty much making fun of myself anyway.

 

Hi Chris,

I'm sure alot of people feel your pain. Where are you located in Illinois? I am in Schaumburg. If you are close, I could help you with some of your upgrades. I am not a motorcycle mechanic, so to speak, but I've been wrenching other equipment for years and probably have most of the tools you need and a warehouse to do the work in.

Let me know.

Dan

 

I don't know if you have the factory manual; but it is an absolute must in order to work on your bike. Of course there are still procedures that aren't listed because the writers probably feel a mechanic would know that step.

I've many times spent hours and hours on something that a good mechanic could have done in an hour; but it's a great learning experience to work on your own scoot and helps you troubleshoot problems down the road.

Plus if I do screw up, it's usually something that I can still ride my bike to the local wrench to fix, plus I get advice as to what I did wrong, and it's not as expensive if I've gotten almost all the work done myself.

The absolutely 2 most important things I've ever learned is - follow the torque recommendations to a T otherwise you'll end up stripping the threads. And always, always loc-tite every screw and bolt; I lost a tailight simply because I thought the screws would hold - NOT.

 

Dang Dan, it's a very nice offer. Unfortunately for me, I'm in the "forgotten" part of Illinois (near St. Louis.) LOL

 

Nah, I didn't buy the factory manual. Sounds like that may have been a mistake. I bought this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/M424-...spagenameZWDVW

I mean, it shows some things, but the wiring diagrams and things like that take a gosh darn rocket scientist to figure out. Don't they make a "Fix your '92 Dyna for Dummies" book? That's what I need. Something with diagrams drawn in crayon and stuff. Is the REAL HD service manual better? Like alot better?

 

Dang Dan, it's a very nice offer. Unfortunately for me, I'm in the "forgotten" part of Illinois (near St. Louis.) LOL
[/quote]

Hi Chris, I guess you are a little to far away for me to help you out. Maybe someone on the board is closer to you. Good luck with the changes.

 

Hey Chris, hope you get it worked, I'm no help with wrenching either...

I just had to comment on yer avitar...

priceless (c:

I would love to have to plate here in TX just for $hits n grins..

SB

 

What you want is the actual factory manual. I've had the Clymers and another one but neither is as complete as the factory manual.

My stupidest repair job was what I thought was going to be a piece of cake - change the front brake pads. I diligently read the manual and went step by step but could not for the life of me remove the brake pad. I struggled and re-read, until I looked at the back and saw a screw. I removed the screw and off fell the brake pad. Talk about feeling really stupid. But nowhere in any of the manuals did it say anything about a screw. So I guess that's where they figured a mechanic would know that.

Try the basic maintenance stuff first as shown in the manual just to get the hang of working on the bike and then look at what mods you want to do; what's involved and what you feel comfortable doing.If totally frustrated, walk away and leave it alone until you've calmed down or a light comes on about doing it differently.

 

Normal feelings, Sarge
Take your time, do the little stuff first. A small success will build confidence. After all some real wrenches are'nt any smarted than you- they just took time to learn.
Like TJ said, if it starts to get to you-walk away for a few minutes. If you can open a childproof pill bottle you will be able to do a lot on your scoot. (no-don't pop the pills)