beginners guides
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Stage I
Joined: Mar 2022
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From: Houston TX
beginners guides
Hi everybody. I bought my first bike (2021 Softail) about 2 months ago. I'm looking to learn how v twin engines work and how to do some motorcycle repair, and I need some "for dummies" level type of stuff. I've done some really basic car repair (rebuilding carburetors, replacing basic parts, tune ups plugs points etc) but don't have a really good mechanical understanding.
I'd like to eventually get to the point where I could take long road trips and feel confident about repairing any problems that come up.
I'd like to eventually get to the point where I could take long road trips and feel confident about repairing any problems that come up.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 10,776
Likes: 7,403
From: OH
^ FWIW department:
V twin engines "work" just like other ICE engines "suck/squeeze/bang/ blow"
You hopefully don`t need much "repair" on a `21 , so learn about "maintenance" instead
A Factory Service Manual is a good investment
"On road" repairs are limited by your ability to carry tools and parts for a modern complex bike
Congratulations on your new bike and welcome to HDF
Enjoy the ride
V twin engines "work" just like other ICE engines "suck/squeeze/bang/ blow"
You hopefully don`t need much "repair" on a `21 , so learn about "maintenance" instead
A Factory Service Manual is a good investment
"On road" repairs are limited by your ability to carry tools and parts for a modern complex bike
Congratulations on your new bike and welcome to HDF
Enjoy the ride
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
A good place to start below. Keep records on all maintenance, repairs, and add-ons. Don't depend entirely on you fuel gage, monitor and know your mpg and use odometer as "second" gage. Read through this forum, get the manuals. Ask questions. There is much to learn about your new ride. And most importantly.... take the basic riders class. If you have low or limited riding experience, keep rides and trips on the low side. Ride locally at first and get familiar with the bike. And watch out for the ******** and idiots on the road. Extra lighting will help visibilty, and believe me, they do not see you!!
Welcome from Spartan Country, Michigan!
I tell a lot of new comers to the forum to get: Factory Service manual and the Parts manual. Get a three ring binder and record all your maintenance, repairs, accessories, etc. This will be a great reminder of what was done when. And great material to pass along to the new owner should you sell and upgrade. Also know how large your fuel tank is, a rough idea of your range per tank, and record your fuel usage. I have an app called Simply Auto that I record all my fuel used. I use the odometer and use the fuel gage as reference only. I reset the odometer to zero on fill ups, and I know I can safely get 200 miles on a tank on around town riding, and upwards of 230+ on trips.
Good Luck!!
Welcome from Spartan Country, Michigan!
I tell a lot of new comers to the forum to get: Factory Service manual and the Parts manual. Get a three ring binder and record all your maintenance, repairs, accessories, etc. This will be a great reminder of what was done when. And great material to pass along to the new owner should you sell and upgrade. Also know how large your fuel tank is, a rough idea of your range per tank, and record your fuel usage. I have an app called Simply Auto that I record all my fuel used. I use the odometer and use the fuel gage as reference only. I reset the odometer to zero on fill ups, and I know I can safely get 200 miles on a tank on around town riding, and upwards of 230+ on trips.
Good Luck!!
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