No Good Mechanics
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 332
Likes: 125
From: Illinois
A lot has been said already. I guess at the end of the day, if I want the bike to perform at 100% I need to spend the time and do it myself. I think I'm at like 95% and I'm OK with that
My biggest problem is that I can only do so much by watching videos and reading posts from others. No offense to anyone but a good mechanic imo will not spend time here...
My biggest problem is that I can only do so much by watching videos and reading posts from others. No offense to anyone but a good mechanic imo will not spend time here...
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 332
Likes: 125
From: Illinois
Another example, different dealer too: https://www.hdforums.com/forum/2014-...l#post21931193
What do the charge, $300 an hour? Hell, for one third of that I'd work on people's bike. But I can't do it - I'm only responsible for my bikes.
What do the charge, $300 an hour? Hell, for one third of that I'd work on people's bike. But I can't do it - I'm only responsible for my bikes.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,256
Likes: 522
From: USA
I can relate to the OP writing... no good mechanics.
Carb tuning is an art... float height, needle size, jets, air fuel.
At shop labor rates, this can get expensive.
If (if) the OP desires only an air/fuel screw adjustment... gosh, maybe the best is to experiment DIY, 1/4 turn here and there, with spark plug chops/ plug readings.
The other steps, jets, needles, and all, perhaps research to get in the ballpark.
I understand the OP did DIY rebuild their carbs, so the OP has talent.
Chicago area; I have no mechanic referrals.
Good luck, again I can commiserate.
Carb tuning is an art... float height, needle size, jets, air fuel.
At shop labor rates, this can get expensive.
If (if) the OP desires only an air/fuel screw adjustment... gosh, maybe the best is to experiment DIY, 1/4 turn here and there, with spark plug chops/ plug readings.
The other steps, jets, needles, and all, perhaps research to get in the ballpark.
I understand the OP did DIY rebuild their carbs, so the OP has talent.
Chicago area; I have no mechanic referrals.
Good luck, again I can commiserate.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 7,147
From: Las Vegas
A lot has been said already. I guess at the end of the day, if I want the bike to perform at 100% I need to spend the time and do it myself. I think I'm at like 95% and I'm OK with that
My biggest problem is that I can only do so much by watching videos and reading posts from others. No offense to anyone but a good mechanic imo will not spend time here...
My biggest problem is that I can only do so much by watching videos and reading posts from others. No offense to anyone but a good mechanic imo will not spend time here...
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 332
Likes: 125
From: Illinois
You saw my post about the Legend suspension install, right? https://www.hdforums.com/forum/2014-...l#post21931193
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 7,147
From: Las Vegas
You saw my post about the Legend suspension install, right? https://www.hdforums.com/forum/2014-...l#post21931193
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,104
Likes: 705
From: Ramseur NC
There are many good mechanics here on this forum. But here's the deal -- someone posts they have an issue and ask for help, so a couple of good mechanics try and help, and they respond with some very good advice. Then you have 2 or 3 complete fukking idiots start jumping in and wrecking the thread causing the good mechanics to stop responding. I haven't been here very long but I've seen some very good guys come and go, and yet they let a few shitbags have the run of the house. You don't have to be a professional mechanic to be a good mechanic. There are tons of super good and smart guys in their home garage working on bikes/cars/whatever because they are passionate about their hobby. They're here, but why bother because the way this place is run doesn't favor us helping each other.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 4,470
Likes: 3,847
From: Florida
I read a few posts but not all
didnt see anyone comment on why the pipes would cause you trouble.
Im a huge fan of drag pipes. But they just simply are not the right pipe for every bike. If your bike is stock, drag pipes will likely never run right. Drag pipes are made for big compression big cams big carburetors and lots of air movement.
also, we dont know what style of drag pipes. These are like those LA pipes that are cut off by the nose cone that Bike will never run right. A good rule of thumb is they should be between 34 and 36 inches long. They should also be of equal length. You will likely need some thumbscrews or the DK TTI units at the end of each pipe.
once youve done all of those things, it still may have a stumble in some RPMs. Big motors that make a lot of power make drag pipes sing. I have absolutely zero stumble with a carburetor on any of my bikes. They are smooth through the throttle with open drag pipes. But thats because theyre all Strokers, theyre all high compression, they all have big cams, and I dont live at 2000 RPM.
Maybe you have a carb problem, but more than likely you have an exhaust problem. Why not post a pic of your pipes and carb. We can probably point you in the right direction.
Im a huge fan of drag pipes. But they just simply are not the right pipe for every bike. If your bike is stock, drag pipes will likely never run right. Drag pipes are made for big compression big cams big carburetors and lots of air movement.
also, we dont know what style of drag pipes. These are like those LA pipes that are cut off by the nose cone that Bike will never run right. A good rule of thumb is they should be between 34 and 36 inches long. They should also be of equal length. You will likely need some thumbscrews or the DK TTI units at the end of each pipe.
once youve done all of those things, it still may have a stumble in some RPMs. Big motors that make a lot of power make drag pipes sing. I have absolutely zero stumble with a carburetor on any of my bikes. They are smooth through the throttle with open drag pipes. But thats because theyre all Strokers, theyre all high compression, they all have big cams, and I dont live at 2000 RPM.
Maybe you have a carb problem, but more than likely you have an exhaust problem. Why not post a pic of your pipes and carb. We can probably point you in the right direction.
Last edited by Rains2much; Jan 31, 2025 at 08:55 AM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 567
Likes: 556
From: Northern plains
Upon reconsideration of your original post, I think you need to learn to do it yourself. More work maybe, but you'll be happier with the result.
Last edited by Hathaway; Feb 1, 2025 at 12:48 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 332
Likes: 125
From: Illinois
I moved on to other "problems", like changing the front suspension on my own but what I found in the fork, done by the dealer, made me recall this thread.
I appreciate you reading the thread from the beginning, gents. I did end up fiddling with the carburetor and got it dialed in to my satisfaction.
I appreciate you reading the thread from the beginning, gents. I did end up fiddling with the carburetor and got it dialed in to my satisfaction.
