Why not do the mods yourself?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
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RE: Why not do the mods yourself?
ORIGINAL: AdamH
Just wondering if it is because of lack of time, tools, knowledge or what.
Just wondering if it is because of lack of time, tools, knowledge or what.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 269
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RE: Why not do the mods yourself?
I have tools and I'm able to do many things but, I spend 4 to 5 hours driving per day (No, that's not a typo) and I work 10 hours per day. When the weekend comes, I don't want to be in the garage wrenching, I wanna ride. So, if I need some work that will be time consuming, I take it in.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
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RE: Why not do the mods yourself?
I have the time
I am collecting the tools and knowledge.
I just finished adjusting my clutch cable. Simple but that is all I need to do for now.
I am going to let my local shop do the 1000mi service because he is going to install a stage one kit at the same time and reprogram my EFI gratis ($150 charge at the dealer). I do not have the tools (about $400) or the knowledge to remap the EFI.
Back in the day when I was racing, I did all my own wrenching, but stuff was a lot simpler in those days. Heck you could even work on your car back then without investing thousands of $$$$ in computer diagnostic equipment
I am collecting the tools and knowledge.
I just finished adjusting my clutch cable. Simple but that is all I need to do for now.
I am going to let my local shop do the 1000mi service because he is going to install a stage one kit at the same time and reprogram my EFI gratis ($150 charge at the dealer). I do not have the tools (about $400) or the knowledge to remap the EFI.
Back in the day when I was racing, I did all my own wrenching, but stuff was a lot simpler in those days. Heck you could even work on your car back then without investing thousands of $$$$ in computer diagnostic equipment
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,197
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From: (Toronto) Canada
RE: Why not do the mods yourself?
Adam, I like to do my own work for a reason no one has mentioned. I've got a lot of money into the bike, and I want it to look good, so I take the time to clean and wax the parts when they are off. The shop is OK, but they take the bike apart, fix the problem, and put it back together as is. I want it perfect. ****, I guess so.
If I'm on the road, broken down, and time is a problem, I'll pay the dealer, but I always prefer to fix my own, since I know how the job is done. No mixed bolts, incorrect torque, and questionable inspection on other items when it's apart.
If I'm on the road, broken down, and time is a problem, I'll pay the dealer, but I always prefer to fix my own, since I know how the job is done. No mixed bolts, incorrect torque, and questionable inspection on other items when it's apart.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,197
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From: (Toronto) Canada
RE: Why not do the mods yourself?
Adam, one other thing, If you have to buy tools to do a repair, you get to keep the tools forever, but if you pay a mechanics hourly rate your money is gone forever. Think of the toolbox you can build on missing the dealers for service.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
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RE: Why not do the mods yourself?
ORIGINAL: Joe Scout
Adam, one other thing, If you have to buy tools to do a repair, you get to keep the tools forever, but if you pay a mechanics hourly rate your money is gone forever. Think of the toolbox you can build on missing the dealers for service.
Adam, one other thing, If you have to buy tools to do a repair, you get to keep the tools forever, but if you pay a mechanics hourly rate your money is gone forever. Think of the toolbox you can build on missing the dealers for service.
Oh yea that small block didn't have [sm=nxsmile.gif] either, sot of made me proud.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,197
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From: (Toronto) Canada
RE: Why not do the mods yourself?
Mark, I got a small mill a couple of months ago in order to start making parts for the dream bike. It's still 3 years away, when the mortage is done, but my attitude is if you don't have the tools or time, you're forever destined to ride someone elses idea. Service on my bike is like meth for an herion addict. It keeps the mind and body straight.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
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RE: Why not do the mods yourself?
I hear ya Joe, I wanted to put in cam's in my motor and have the head's redone but if I do it myself I've thrown away $400 scoot's for the warranty so I'm not ready to do that as of yet but I will some day, man at the money you can save by doing your own mod's is unreal, plus it is addictive for sure.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,197
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From: (Toronto) Canada
RE: Why not do the mods yourself?
ORIGINAL: Tn.Heritage
I built a small block chevy that ran 6.80 at 101 mph in a 1/8th mile in a 3400 lb car on street legal tire's and built winning Briggs&Stratton racing GO Kart motor's for the last 10 year's and I guess that's why I say one step at a time. Oh yea that small block didn't have [sm=nxsmile.gif] either, sot of made me proud.
I built a small block chevy that ran 6.80 at 101 mph in a 1/8th mile in a 3400 lb car on street legal tire's and built winning Briggs&Stratton racing GO Kart motor's for the last 10 year's and I guess that's why I say one step at a time.
Oh yea that small block didn't have [sm=nxsmile.gif] either, sot of made me proud.