What should an average backyard mechanic.....
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2005
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What should an average backyard mechanic.....
I'll be picking up my new '05 RK in a bout a week. The engine will be stock with the exception of the exhaust (Screamin' Eagle Slash Cuts) and the intake (K&N). Although I am a real noob when it comes to Harleys (I can hardly wait to learn more about them - service manual is on-order), I completely maintained all my previous bikes, and wonder just how much expertise will it take for me to do some serious engine mods - like a new cam, for example. How easy is the twin cam to work-on? Any books out there anyone would suggest reading? Thanks for the advice!
Seasoned HDF Member
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RE: What should an average backyard mechanic.....
I completely maintained all my previous bikes, and wonder just how much expertise will it take for me to do some serious engine mods - like a new cam, for example. How easy is the twin cam to work-on? Any books out there anyone would suggest reading? Thanks for the advice!
The service manual is the way to go, study it alot, and see what special tools you need to perform the engine work you want to do. Ask questions on this forum and you will find an answer for something you're not sure about. The Harley motor is not overly complicated, and what I like about it, you can do a lot to it such as cams, headwork, top end rebuild,etc. without pulling the motor from the frame.
If you're mechanical minded you should be able to learn to do most of the work.
Good luck
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Road Warrior
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RE: What should an average backyard mechanic.....
Thanks for the information, John - that's exactly what I am looking for. I also found a book on Amazon entitled, "American V-Twin Engine: Evo & Twin Cam--Hop-up and Repair" which should arrive here in a couple of days. It certainly looks as though the 88 cu in engine is full of potential - a backyard mechanic's dream. Thanks again!
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2005
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RE: What should an average backyard mechanic.....
Hi Ted. Might be worth waiting for the warranty to expire before getting into the engine too much 
Why don't you nip over to Harleyhog's site, its a great resource for DIY stuff. There are some great step-by-step "how-tos" with pics for cam changes, big-bore conversions etc., as well as lots of tips, info, instruction sheets and stuff. Harleyhogs Lair
Why don't you nip over to Harleyhog's site, its a great resource for DIY stuff. There are some great step-by-step "how-tos" with pics for cam changes, big-bore conversions etc., as well as lots of tips, info, instruction sheets and stuff. Harleyhogs Lair
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2005
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RE: What should an average backyard mechanic.....
True: I'm sure that modifying the motor will have a negative effect on the warranty if I do the work - oh well, that'll help me with the decision as to whether or not to buy the extended warranty! 
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2004
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RE: What should an average backyard mechanic.....
With the exception of the V-Rod, HD is some of the simplist mechanical applications to work on. Separate trans, single carb, push rod, air cooled. Its so basic its lawnmower technology. With a manual, and some mechanical ability you should be able to do most of what you want.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Riverbank, CA
RE: What should an average backyard mechanic.....
The removal and install is not that hard. I read up on the issue when I was deciding the same thing. Well after talking to HD I was told that if they did the install and upgrade on the cams to no bigger than the 203 cams the warranty would not be void. I decided to just let them do it to avoid losing the engine warranty. I was very happy with the cams after the install.
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Intermediate
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RE: What should an average backyard mechanic.....
Actually there is no reason that you can't do a lot of the stuff yourself.
I have done top end and cam on an EVO motor. Also intake exhaust and rejetting the carb til I am blue in the face.
I know the TC are more difficult, but there is nothing like having done it yourself. Twice sometimes
Gaskets get torn and the right tool may not be the right tool after all, but what a blast doing it.
For performance ideas try
http://www.nightrider.com/
voiding warranty is always an issue.
I have done top end and cam on an EVO motor. Also intake exhaust and rejetting the carb til I am blue in the face.
I know the TC are more difficult, but there is nothing like having done it yourself. Twice sometimes
Gaskets get torn and the right tool may not be the right tool after all, but what a blast doing it.
For performance ideas try
http://www.nightrider.com/
voiding warranty is always an issue.
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: (Toronto) Canada
RE: What should an average backyard mechanic.....
Ted, the hardest part I've found about working on Harley's is getting parts when apart. Honestly, the dealers stock t-shirts and not parts, so the only thing I suggest is to get all parts together before a rip down, or else you could be waiting a week for a gasket. Other than a parts bin problem, HD's are a pleasure to work on. Simple and straight forword.