Need advice?
Thread Starter
|
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,357
Likes: 11
From: The Lone Star State
Need advice?
I performed the 1000 mile service myself, following the service manual step by step. I am coming up on my 5000 mile service and I am conflicted on whether I should do it myself. I have the tools and am mechanically inclined enough to do it, I just don't know if it may be a good idea to have the dealer do it just to give the bike a once over. However, I hate to spend the extra cash. On the other hand it is pretty cheap insurance against any mechanical damage. Just would like some opinions.
Also, can you make some reccomendations on oils to use in the engine, tranny, and primary. I am currently using the following:
Engine - Syn 3
Tranny - Formula +
Primary - Formula +
I have 1 year left on my warranty.
Also, can you make some reccomendations on oils to use in the engine, tranny, and primary. I am currently using the following:
Engine - Syn 3
Tranny - Formula +
Primary - Formula +
I have 1 year left on my warranty.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
RE: Need advice?
If the bike is running fine why not do it yourself? Just make sure you go over the critical fastener torque sequence completely. I'm not taking mine in until 10,000 or 15,000 when it need tires because I won't do a tire myself. But make sure you document what you do with receipts for oil & parts and dates and keep those with the owners manual. This is not rocket science. My 8 year old could do the clutch adjustment........it's so easy a cave man could do it........
Your oils are sufficient but lots of people like the Mobil1Vtwin 20w50 for the engine & primary and Mobil1 75w90 for the trans. Both are available at autozone and meet HD specs. Amsoil also makes a fine oil & gear oil as well. Both are superior to the Syn3 IMO.
Lots of guys here will tell you to be real picky about which mechanic you let touch your bike..........
BTW: I am using Mobil1vtwin-engine, Redline MTL-primary, Redline Shockproof Heavy-trans
you can get the Redline oils at www.myoilshop.com they are superb as well.
Your oils are sufficient but lots of people like the Mobil1Vtwin 20w50 for the engine & primary and Mobil1 75w90 for the trans. Both are available at autozone and meet HD specs. Amsoil also makes a fine oil & gear oil as well. Both are superior to the Syn3 IMO.
Lots of guys here will tell you to be real picky about which mechanic you let touch your bike..........
BTW: I am using Mobil1vtwin-engine, Redline MTL-primary, Redline Shockproof Heavy-trans
you can get the Redline oils at www.myoilshop.com they are superb as well.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 2
From: Lancaster, PA
RE: Need advice?
If you have no issues with the ride then do it and save $$$$ . As far as the oil goes there are far better choices out there than HD oil. Here's what i use. 
Engine, Amsoil Motorcycle 20/50
Tranny, Bel Ray Shock Proof 80-140
Primary, B&M Trick Shift ATF fluid.
Engine, Amsoil Motorcycle 20/50
Tranny, Bel Ray Shock Proof 80-140
Primary, B&M Trick Shift ATF fluid.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
RE: Need advice?
ORIGINAL: WARG
I have the tools and am mechanically inclined enough to do it, I just don't know if it may be a good idea to have the dealer do it just to give the bike a once over. However, I hate to spend the extra cash. On the other hand it is pretty cheap insurance against any mechanical damage.
I have the tools and am mechanically inclined enough to do it, I just don't know if it may be a good idea to have the dealer do it just to give the bike a once over. However, I hate to spend the extra cash. On the other hand it is pretty cheap insurance against any mechanical damage.
If you dont feel confident then take it a dealer or a good indy shop.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 554
Likes: 0
From: Western Washington State
RE: Need advice?
KBFXDLI suggested Redline for the primary and trans; Redline also sell a 20/50 and 20/60 motor oil, which would be an excellent choice. You could do the 5000 yourself and take the bike to your dealer or an independent shop to have it inspected for any additional concerns.
FBL
FBL
Thread Starter
|
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,357
Likes: 11
From: The Lone Star State
RE: Need advice?
I checked the list of "critical fasteners" and can't find anything having to do with engine allignment. The categories are hand controls, brakes, forks and handlebars. What engine allignment fasteners should i be concerned about? I am also having trouble matching up the names of the critical fasteners with the parts on the diagrams in the service manaual. For example there is an upper bracket pinch bolt listed under Forks, however the diagram does not show any pinch bolts listed. Same thing with the lower mounting pin on the brake calipers. Any suggestions.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
RE: Need advice?
Yeah.....get out your wrenches and check em all to se if they are loose........I am damn sure these motocycles can go thousands of miles on thier own. Hit the fastener with a wrench and if it's loose.....tighten it. But if it's like mine......it's still snug. Don't worry..... if your engine is out of alignment it will be vibrating your a$$ off the bike or turning corners funny. If it is not doing that....check the whole bike with a wrench and take it in at 10,000.............this is all JMHO......but have you seen a post where somebody crashed because their critical fasteners were loose? Heck some of these guys rode home from the dealer 20 years ago and never went back...
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
RE: Need advice?
ORIGINAL: WARG
I checked the list of "critical fasteners" and can't find anything having to do with engine allignment. The categories are hand controls, brakes, forks and handlebars. What engine allignment fasteners should i be concerned about?
I checked the list of "critical fasteners" and can't find anything having to do with engine allignment. The categories are hand controls, brakes, forks and handlebars. What engine allignment fasteners should i be concerned about?
When I reffered to the engine alignment fastners,in the FSM they are the engine mounts and top,front stabilizer links on page 1-34 of the '06 Touring FSM.
The link under the the tank is the hardest because the tank has to be unbolted,lifted and moved back to access the link.
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
Thread Starter
|
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,357
Likes: 11
From: The Lone Star State
RE: Need advice?
I tend to agree KBFXDLI. I routinely check over the bike and check bolts and so forth. I don't necessarily use a torque wrench but I just make sure all are snug.
1FLTRI4ME, I was pretty sure those were the engine allignment fasteners as well, just wanted to make sure. However, bike runs great, no vibration, etc.
1FLTRI4ME, I was pretty sure those were the engine allignment fasteners as well, just wanted to make sure. However, bike runs great, no vibration, etc.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
RE: Need advice?
FYI, the engine alignment procedure for each HD platform is different due to the differences between TC88 & TC88B and frame mountings etc. But, if you have one critical fastener loose you aren't gonna die from it. I go over my bike in the Spring and then once every month during riding season. Very few loose fasteners.
Well it's "if it ain't broke don't fix it" OR "fix it till it's broke" ...take your choice...
Well it's "if it ain't broke don't fix it" OR "fix it till it's broke" ...take your choice...