Why not do the mods yourself?
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Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 33
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From: Charlotte, NC
Why not do the mods yourself?
Let me start by explaining my question. I am new to bikes. My 1200 Custom Sportster is my first bike. Got it in Sept. Anyway, by far, my biggest passion and the hobby I spend the most time on is rock crawling. I have a well built Jeep and it is my 4th one. I have always done the mods myself. Aside from welding which my bro-in-law does for me, it is pretty much bolts and a few cuts here and there like for recessed lights and such.
When I bought my bike, I bought the service manual and have done everything myself. Not much but things that the guys I ride with have paid for such as different turn signals, bars, etc.
Not a flame post or anything. Just wondering if it is because of lack of time, tools, knowledge or what. When I hear how much someone pays for a windsheild to be installed I can't help but think of the savings in doing it yourself.
When I bought my bike, I bought the service manual and have done everything myself. Not much but things that the guys I ride with have paid for such as different turn signals, bars, etc.
Not a flame post or anything. Just wondering if it is because of lack of time, tools, knowledge or what. When I hear how much someone pays for a windsheild to be installed I can't help but think of the savings in doing it yourself.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 162
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Why not do the mods yourself?
Adam,
In the "old days" most if not all riders did their own wrenching. Mostly because bikes were simpler, money was harder to come by and shops were fewer and farther between.
Nowadays, many just plunk down their wad for a "Biker Starter Kit", and ride their bad asses out the door. True enthusiasts are getting harder to find.
Then again, I know some good people that are downright dangerous with tools (even if they owned some). They are so mechanically inept, they could bust an anvil!
Those folks are best to leave the wrenching to those who know how.
In the "old days" most if not all riders did their own wrenching. Mostly because bikes were simpler, money was harder to come by and shops were fewer and farther between.
Nowadays, many just plunk down their wad for a "Biker Starter Kit", and ride their bad asses out the door. True enthusiasts are getting harder to find.
Then again, I know some good people that are downright dangerous with tools (even if they owned some). They are so mechanically inept, they could bust an anvil!
Those folks are best to leave the wrenching to those who know how.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 2
From:
RE: Why not do the mods yourself?
There's a easy answer... some people do their own work, some don't.
Not everyone has the time, place, tools or ability to do their own.
Consider yourself fortunate!
I so happen to be 1 that does my own work... welding too!
Not everyone has the time, place, tools or ability to do their own.
Consider yourself fortunate!
I so happen to be 1 that does my own work... welding too!
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 201
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From:
RE: Why not do the mods yourself?
I've done all the mid-10k services. The 10k ones I bring in since there are a couple of the checks that I don't have the tools for or aren't comfortable doing (not enough knowledge to know if I'm doing it right). Plus they can catch the major issues (10k: bad spacer; 6 weeks in the shop, 20k fuel pump and security module failure, 30k fork seals popped).
As for mods, I put on my own windshield (when they say to put a rag down on the fender, do it. And use a thick towel and not a shop rag). I bought NessTech 3" forward control extenders and mounted them myself (replaced rear brake lines with braided steel and replaced the shifter bar).
On my other bike, I installed a yellow box (speedometer correction device) which had to be soldered into the speedometer cable.
I'm building another bike so I'm learning more. Still hung up on the welding. Too freaking cold in the garage
I'm not really mechanically adept. I've f*cked up work I've done in the past both on bike engines (couldn't get a cam chain back on) and cars (broke three nuts off of a wheel; stronger than I know ) and tried to replace a blown piston but never got the engine back together right. I pretty much left such work to the mechanics. One of the reasons I'm building a bike is to get a better idea of how it all goes together. I'm a little embarassed that I don't know as much as I think I should.
So I think it's a comfort thing. Reading it in the book or on the forums doesn't really take the place of dicking it up yourself. For example, when I did the forward controls, I was putting the slipons back on and overtightened the rear nut snapping it off (it says in/lbs not ft/lbs). I don't think I'd ever seen in/lbs anywhere. When they installed the stage 1 kit, they replaced the exhaust bar and slipons.
Did your dad work on engines (or an older brother)? I think that makes a difference in comfort level as well.
Carl
As for mods, I put on my own windshield (when they say to put a rag down on the fender, do it. And use a thick towel and not a shop rag). I bought NessTech 3" forward control extenders and mounted them myself (replaced rear brake lines with braided steel and replaced the shifter bar).
On my other bike, I installed a yellow box (speedometer correction device) which had to be soldered into the speedometer cable.
I'm building another bike so I'm learning more. Still hung up on the welding. Too freaking cold in the garage
I'm not really mechanically adept. I've f*cked up work I've done in the past both on bike engines (couldn't get a cam chain back on) and cars (broke three nuts off of a wheel; stronger than I know
) and tried to replace a blown piston but never got the engine back together right. I pretty much left such work to the mechanics. One of the reasons I'm building a bike is to get a better idea of how it all goes together. I'm a little embarassed that I don't know as much as I think I should.So I think it's a comfort thing. Reading it in the book or on the forums doesn't really take the place of dicking it up yourself. For example, when I did the forward controls, I was putting the slipons back on and overtightened the rear nut snapping it off (it says in/lbs not ft/lbs). I don't think I'd ever seen in/lbs anywhere. When they installed the stage 1 kit, they replaced the exhaust bar and slipons.
Did your dad work on engines (or an older brother)? I think that makes a difference in comfort level as well.
Carl
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,679
Likes: 1
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RE: Why not do the mods yourself?
Adam,
I have wondered the same and after asking several of my riding buddies it comes down to three things:
1. Ability
2. Concerning over voiding the warranty (local HD shop philosophy)
3. Time
I bought my '99 Night Train used after first planning on building a bike (too good of a deal on the NT) and although the previous owner has all of the service paper work (including add on accessories) I have been appalled at the quality of work performed from poor wiring, cross threaded nuts, different looking replacement bolts, etc., etc. I have both the Haynes and Clymer manuals (as they both have their strong points) and being a formerly employed mechanic there will be very little I leave to chance by anyone else. By the way, I am trying to finish up my Jeep YJ with a Dana 44 & Detroit locker in the rear, Autolok and forged axles in the front, spring over conversion, etc. etcâŚ.
I have wondered the same and after asking several of my riding buddies it comes down to three things:
1. Ability
2. Concerning over voiding the warranty (local HD shop philosophy)
3. Time
I bought my '99 Night Train used after first planning on building a bike (too good of a deal on the NT) and although the previous owner has all of the service paper work (including add on accessories) I have been appalled at the quality of work performed from poor wiring, cross threaded nuts, different looking replacement bolts, etc., etc. I have both the Haynes and Clymer manuals (as they both have their strong points) and being a formerly employed mechanic there will be very little I leave to chance by anyone else. By the way, I am trying to finish up my Jeep YJ with a Dana 44 & Detroit locker in the rear, Autolok and forged axles in the front, spring over conversion, etc. etcâŚ.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Why not do the mods yourself?
I think Z hit it pretty close. I turn my own, but when I start talking to most of the guys I know, they would never do it.
Some say because warranty or can't go back and get it fixed if you broke it yourself. Others just should not have atool in their hands.
For me working on my own is like basket weaving. Just therapy. (And the need for speed)
Some say because warranty or can't go back and get it fixed if you broke it yourself. Others just should not have atool in their hands.
For me working on my own is like basket weaving. Just therapy. (And the need for speed)
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,978
Likes: 34
From: Cedar Point, NC
RE: Why not do the mods yourself?
For what it's worth, my intent is to do it myself. The Marine Corps has me gone more often than not, though. I can see a time coming occasionly where I don't want to take the time to do it myself, simply drop it off in the morning and pick it up that night after work. This allows me the time to ride vice tinker and wrench. I've always done whatever I can to my own vehicles, but sometimes the time is more important than the few extra dollars it takes to get someone else to do it that you trust.
Mac
Mac
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Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 33
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From: Charlotte, NC
RE: Why not do the mods yourself?
That's what I thought. I do feel fortunate to have the ability. Yes, grew up on a farm and had to do work ourselves from tractors to trucks. I've got to pick up welding though! My bro-in-law offers to teach me but our schedules are so different.
The warranty thing kills me. I have had to deal with that my entire life on vehicles. The law states a dealership, even bikes, has to prove your mod caused the problem.
Anyway, sounds like the exact same issues the guys with 4wds I have spoken with have. Thanks guys.
By the way, Nice sounding YJ TxMoores.
The warranty thing kills me. I have had to deal with that my entire life on vehicles. The law states a dealership, even bikes, has to prove your mod caused the problem.
Anyway, sounds like the exact same issues the guys with 4wds I have spoken with have. Thanks guys.
By the way, Nice sounding YJ TxMoores.
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 195
Likes: 1
RE: Why not do the mods yourself?
I was trained as a mechanic/electrician in the Air Force and have done most of the work on my bikes/cars/lawn equipment, etc. over the years but as I've become more afluent I find there are some things I'd just rather pay someone else to do. Suspect there are many like that.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
RE: Why not do the mods yourself?
Adam,
I do all the work I feel competent doing, tires, fluids, bolt ons, wheel bearings, belt and chain adjustments, etc. When it comes to electrical, which is magic, I leave that to the pros. I am also reluctant to get into the internals of the engine and trans. Don't really have the proper tools or knowledge.
I feel that the more you do yourself, the more intimate the relationship is.
Regards,
Bill
I do all the work I feel competent doing, tires, fluids, bolt ons, wheel bearings, belt and chain adjustments, etc. When it comes to electrical, which is magic, I leave that to the pros. I am also reluctant to get into the internals of the engine and trans. Don't really have the proper tools or knowledge.
I feel that the more you do yourself, the more intimate the relationship is.
Regards,
Bill