In over your head?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,140
Likes: 17
From: Wisconsin
I agree with these guys. Back in the '70's I didn't know squat about wrenchin'. Had a superglide that got stole, no insurance. Started buyin' parts from buddies and swap meets, gonna build me a motorcycle. Ok, a lot of it is very easy, but when I got stuck working on the engine and drive train, I called my buddy for help. He shows up with a case of beer and a shop manual. He hands me the manual, goes into my living room, turns on the TV and cracks a beer. I was like WTF and he told me you'll never learn unless you do it. Well, the rest is history and now I do most of my own work. Know your limitations, but don't be afraid to learn. Some of my mistakes have been rather expensive, but the knowledge gained is well worth the price. I'll continue to try it my self and I'll continue to pay for my mistakes, but I'm confident enough to work on it myself. Plus, the money saved not going somewhere else is way more than the money spent on error and the satisfaction fo doing it yourself is priceless.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,101
Likes: 1,013
Since I have found this site, I now feel that I can do a lot more of my own
wrenching, knowing that help is just a post away.
Did I mention how nice it is to be able to post again. YAHOOO
Really, I found such a wealth of information here, and to the people
that take their time to document, and post their own projects with detailed pics included, My hat is off to you, and all you great folks here on HDforums.
My bikes haven't seen a dealer since 1979, when I had to have them sort out a
charging system problem with my 79 Roadster, XLS1000.
Man, I still miss that bike.
Peace
wrenching, knowing that help is just a post away.
Did I mention how nice it is to be able to post again. YAHOOO
Really, I found such a wealth of information here, and to the people
that take their time to document, and post their own projects with detailed pics included, My hat is off to you, and all you great folks here on HDforums.
My bikes haven't seen a dealer since 1979, when I had to have them sort out a
charging system problem with my 79 Roadster, XLS1000.
Man, I still miss that bike.
Peace
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 775
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
Don't be afraid to make some new friends. Watch for people in your area and intrduce yourself. I met a guy in another forum that lives in the same area I do. We made contact, and I was having some problems. He came over to the house and gave me some great advice on some things to do. Turns out he has the same year as mine and rebuilt it from the ground up and does all he's own work. He seems to enjoy helping whenever he can.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,424
Likes: 0
From: Hoboken, New Jersey
The very best tool you can buy....(and you will need plenty of quality tools) is the HD FACTORY service manual, and the factory parts manual for your year and model. Always before you start on any job, make sure you go over the entire procedure in the manual several times.....if there is anything you are not clear on, come here and ask.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 727
Likes: 0
From: A Boston Yankee in Surrey, England
Find a buddy that knows what he's doing and does things properly. Work under his guidance. Ask lots of questions as to why and how things are done the way they are. Have him look over all your work and take his advice on what he tells you to rework. It's a good method and got me working on my own airplane with no prior experience. Plus it strengthens a friendship.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 892
Likes: 0
From: San Diego (Poway), CA
Working on it in the garage will improve your ability 1000% when you're broke down along side the road to get it back to the garge to fix it right.
Wrenching never hurt anyone. Get your hands all over her and get to know her (talking about the bike, so get your mind out of the gutter).
Wrenching never hurt anyone. Get your hands all over her and get to know her (talking about the bike, so get your mind out of the gutter).
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,754
Likes: 4
From: GA
Go for it. I am not a wrench by any means, but I am doing more and more stuff myself including swapping out handlebars, tearing the entire bike down for paint, changing out brakes, rotors, minor electrical modifications, etc. I keep wondering if I am getting in over my head, but stuff keeps working so I just keep trying to do more. I think I will stay away from internal motor and tranny stuff - the need for specialized tools is one reason - need for special knowledge the other.
As somebody else said, walking away from the project for awhile is sometimes necessary and helpful.
As somebody else said, walking away from the project for awhile is sometimes necessary and helpful.
Banned PITA Troll
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
i just take it to a pro. i lack the knowledge
but to be honest there is something pure about being able to "do it yourself". there must be a certain pride in "i did it."
but to be honest there is something pure about being able to "do it yourself". there must be a certain pride in "i did it."
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