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Hey everyone! I'm new to Harley ownership with my 2018 Softail Slim and I'm looking for some smart ownership advice.
What are some things you wish you knew when you first got your Harley? What's your top advice for someone new on keeping the bike running smooth, saving money on maintenance, or just generally being a savvy owner? All tips, from small tricks to big must dos, are welcome!
First and best investment, especially if you plan to work on your bike is a factory service manual. Get one from harley, not clymer or one of the others.
First and best investment, especially if you plan to work on your bike is a factory service manual. Get one from harley, not clymer or one of the others.
Thank you very much! I'm not trying to wrench everything myself, just understand what I'm paying for. Learn first hand but not get in over my head. I'm 50, divorced, and finally learning what the throttle does. Let's go!
I don't come from a riding background, and I definitely don't know all the lingo, so if I ask dumb questions, just know that I'm here to learn and not try to fake it! It's been equal parts terrifying and amazing, I'm still surprised I went through with it.
Learning about smart maintenance, getting upgrade recs, and other smart ownership practices are all why I joined this community. General life hacks for owners. Wanting to build confidence as a solo rider!
It's been equal parts terrifying and amazing, I'm still surprised I went through with it.
Learning about smart maintenance, getting upgrade recs, and other smart ownership practices are all why I joined this community. General life hacks for owners.
Wanting to build confidence as a solo rider!
Learning about smart maintenance,
read the owner's manual and follow the maintenance schedule would be good start.
getting upgrade recs
learn to ride FIRST and then figure out for yourself what mods fit "you", not what "everyone else" does.
don't make the mistake many newbies make spending bucket loads of money and a few years later, selling because the bike has been gathering dust in the corner of the garage
Wanting to build confidence as a solo rider!
take a riders safety course
start with beginner classes then add more advanced classes
It's been equal parts terrifying and amazing
"IF" the "terrifying" part is while riding, STOP riding until you take a basic rider's class.
Being "terrified" on the road is as bad as being over confident IMO
Post some pics of the new ride
The advice given so far just about covers it. After some time on your bike you'll find things you'll want to change. On my first Road King, a 2001, my rear was on fire after about an hour with the stock seat. First thing I changed. On the Second Road King, a 1998, the stock seat was great, go figure, but it did have an oil leak and a fuel leak which need fixing. Learn the bike and have fun. I've been riding on and off for 4 decades. It never gets old.
If you mean that you have just purchased a used 2018 Softail Slim, the first easy thing
to check is the date code on the tires. IF they are the originals, they are probably due to be changed...
read the owner's manual and follow the maintenance schedule would be good start.
learn to ride FIRST and then figure out for yourself what mods fit "you", not what "everyone else" does.
don't make the mistake many newbies make spending bucket loads of money and a few years later, selling because the bike has been gathering dust in the corner of the garage
take a riders safety course
start with beginner classes then add more advanced classes
"IF" the "terrifying" part is while riding, STOP riding until you take a basic rider's class.
Being "terrified" on the road is as bad as being over confident IMO
KTF
"Terrifying" because I'm learning something new while in a new season of life! Definitely coming at it all cautiously and have been taking classes and putting in the practice, miles and road time. I'm not giving myself enough credit but don't want to seem like I know everything. I do know that I'll need to upgrade a couple things and like hearing about whats common.
Thanks for breaking it down for me!
I have had my 2017 Softail Slim S for a long while now and it still puts a smile on my face every time I ride it. First two mods I would consider is seat first, the stock one is a torture device. I do a lot of highway riding so the windshield adds a lot of comfort and reduces fatigue, especially since I am getting older...
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Smart ownership tips for Softail Slim owner?
