Maintenance
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
Maintenance
My last bike was a Suzuki sportbike, so this is my first Harley. Reading thru the owners manual and it seems like there is a more maintenance involve, like double. With my sportbike, the main thing was check/change the engine oil and lubricate/adjust the chain. With the Sporterster, I have engine, transmission, primary chain, rear belt. I'm not complaining (ok, maybe a little bit 
) but is like this with all cruisers? Is it becuase of the different type of engine? Technology? Just trying to learn more about mechanics.
) but is like this with all cruisers? Is it becuase of the different type of engine? Technology? Just trying to learn more about mechanics.
"Moderator & Connoisseur of Ice Cream"
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,008
Likes: 5
From: Montgomery Al
RE: Maintenance
No my friend, it is not like that with all cruisers. I ride with a buddy that has a Suzuki volosia. Tha bike is almost as big as mine as far as frame. His is a "one holer" . Same oil does everything.
You have purchased a fine [peice of machinery. This is a bike that will rund for 100,000 miles easily if you do the maintenance. YOu wont be getting that out of a sportbike.
Trust me, after a while you will not regret it at all. Just learn to do your own maintenance and you will enjoy it even more.
You have purchased a fine [peice of machinery. This is a bike that will rund for 100,000 miles easily if you do the maintenance. YOu wont be getting that out of a sportbike.
Trust me, after a while you will not regret it at all. Just learn to do your own maintenance and you will enjoy it even more.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 520
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Maintenance
Well this brings up a excellent question. Why in the touring owners manual does it say maintence every 5,000 miles, but every shop you walk into is 2500/5000/7500/10000 schedule. Does non-touring bikes have this frequency recommended?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 1
From: USA
RE: Maintenance
ORIGINAL: NYSportster
My last bike was a Suzuki sportbike, so this is my first Harley. Reading thru the owners manual and it seems like there is a more maintenance involve, like double. With my sportbike, the main thing was check/change the engine oil and lubricate/adjust the chain. With the Sporterster, I have engine, transmission, primary chain, rear belt. I'm not complaining (ok, maybe a little bit ) but is like this with all cruisers? Is it becuase of the different type of engine? Technology? Just trying to learn more about mechanics.
My last bike was a Suzuki sportbike, so this is my first Harley. Reading thru the owners manual and it seems like there is a more maintenance involve, like double. With my sportbike, the main thing was check/change the engine oil and lubricate/adjust the chain. With the Sporterster, I have engine, transmission, primary chain, rear belt. I'm not complaining (ok, maybe a little bit
) but is like this with all cruisers? Is it becuase of the different type of engine? Technology? Just trying to learn more about mechanics.
At first glance it may seem like Harleys need more maintenance but actually, the maintenance is relatively easy and if you have a lift for your bike, even a non-mechanic can do the majority of their own routine maintenance. The TC88 engine is a marvel of simplicity yet if properly maintained, will outlast any i-4 engine. (Keep in mind too that you don't have to worry about valve checks/adjustments or cooling system maintenance - two of the biggest maintenance headaches for a lot of non-Harley owners.)
FWIW, I'm not a wrencher and really don't have the time or motivation to become one (at least for now). Ease of maintenance was one of the primary reasons for me moving back to a Harley.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 3
From: TX
RE: Maintenance
Hey TJ - Got that new scooter broken-in yet? I know you had a couple days!!!
I bet it's almost time for that service you're talking about in this thread....
I bet it's almost time for that service you're talking about in this thread....
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
RE: Maintenance
Welcome to the Harley family!
I just did my 10,000 mile maintenance on my Superglide that I bought used this past summer. It's really easy if you have all the tools and a lift. I found out I was missing a T27 (I hate torx heads!) socket. It took around 3 hours with cleanup, not bad considering that's what the local indy. would charge me at $65/hour plus the materials.
You'll get to know your bike better.
I just did my 10,000 mile maintenance on my Superglide that I bought used this past summer. It's really easy if you have all the tools and a lift. I found out I was missing a T27 (I hate torx heads!) socket. It took around 3 hours with cleanup, not bad considering that's what the local indy. would charge me at $65/hour plus the materials.
You'll get to know your bike better.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 879
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
RE: Maintenance
Just look at it this way, use maintenance to your advantage. When the wife, girlfriend or whoever ask you to do something you don't want to, just say can't, got to do some maintenance on my bike.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,015
Likes: 5
From: Alaska
RE: Maintenance
ORIGINAL: PipeDADDY
Well this brings up a excellent question. Why in the touring owners manual does it say maintence every 5,000 miles, but every shop you walk into is 2500/5000/7500/10000 schedule. Does non-touring bikes have this frequency recommended?
Well this brings up a excellent question. Why in the touring owners manual does it say maintence every 5,000 miles, but every shop you walk into is 2500/5000/7500/10000 schedule. Does non-touring bikes have this frequency recommended?
However, it is recommended if you ride hard or in a dirty / dusty environment you stick to 2500.
I have the prepaid maintenance on both my 03 and 05 the dealer wants them in every 2500 for oil changes.