Stupid Questions
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 66
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From: Ontario
Stupid Questions
I have some stupid questions about by 2012 FLTRX that I feel silly for asking but am going to anyway:
1) If the Primary case was just off to install a new compensator sprocket kit does that mean they also had to replace the primary fluid? (so I shouldn't bother replacing it again right now)
2) If I was going to replace the Primary fluid, do I actually need to open the primary?
3) can anyone point me to an online step-by-step guide on doing the 20,000 mile service myself?
4) I have never really worked on this bike, save for doing an engine oil change once. I have had the dealer do everything while it has been under warranty. My warranty is up in a month and I'm taking a cross country 10000 mile trip in a few weeks. What should I know/do? I am tired of being charged a lot of money at the Dealership and I want to do as much of my own work from now on as I can.
1) If the Primary case was just off to install a new compensator sprocket kit does that mean they also had to replace the primary fluid? (so I shouldn't bother replacing it again right now)
2) If I was going to replace the Primary fluid, do I actually need to open the primary?
3) can anyone point me to an online step-by-step guide on doing the 20,000 mile service myself?
4) I have never really worked on this bike, save for doing an engine oil change once. I have had the dealer do everything while it has been under warranty. My warranty is up in a month and I'm taking a cross country 10000 mile trip in a few weeks. What should I know/do? I am tired of being charged a lot of money at the Dealership and I want to do as much of my own work from now on as I can.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
buy the factory service manual...the best tool you'll have. If the primary was off, they had to drain and refill the primary. I would bet if you looked at your bill, you'll find at least a quart of oil for the primary there! Again, you will find what you need in the manual. If you do change the primary in the future, there is a drain plug to remove, and you will refill through the derby cover. That is the only "opening" up you would do on the primary.
Also do some searches both here and on line, you will find you tube and plenty of advice. Once you have done a few things to your bike, you will find things come much easier. I feel fortunate that I was an auto mechanic and raced bikes in my younger years. I do all my own service work. It is enjoyable!!
Also do some searches both here and on line, you will find you tube and plenty of advice. Once you have done a few things to your bike, you will find things come much easier. I feel fortunate that I was an auto mechanic and raced bikes in my younger years. I do all my own service work. It is enjoyable!!
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 150
Likes: 2
From: Kansas
+1 on getting a service manual. I know it sucks to spend the money when you could search all over for answers, but they really are worth every penny
Once you use it and start doing the work yourself, you'll wonder why you paid so much in the past for mostly easy work
Once you use it and start doing the work yourself, you'll wonder why you paid so much in the past for mostly easy work
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 721
Likes: 18
From: Galesville, WI
The only stupid thing about questions is when they don't get asked. I recently purchased my Electra Glide. Being in a hurry to get it serviced and road worthy I took it to the Harley Stealership for all fluids, tuneup, and suspension upgrades. It's a 1991 and was need of some attention for sure. PO didn't do much of anything to it in the few years he had it. In hind sight i should have done the suspension install myself. They charged me $400 just for labor on that. But it's done and its a one time thing. I now know it's good to go. I have a couple bikes and do 95% of my own maint and repairs. Until recently only had digital copies of the service manuals. Nice to have on phone, pc, etc... But nothing compares to a paper copy you can just thumb through. So I saved the cash and bought a Clymer manual for each. Don't know why i didn't do it sooner, but glad I did. It's usually the 1st thing I get when purchasing any new to me vehicle. Get on ebay you can usually find them rather cheap. I have also had good luck in the past finding used ones at www.half.com .
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