Mechanically Retarded...
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6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas
Mechanically Retarded...
As the title states, I'm basically retarded when it comes to things of the mechanical nature. But I'd still like to "attempt" it.
I've recently purchased the 2012 Fat Boy Lo, along with the Detachable Sissy Bar. The Dealership told me that I need to install the tail light relocation kit which they said they would do for me at what I think is just an outrageous cost. I would like to attempt this myself.
(Still relatively new to the forums, I've done searches for this topic. I came across a Sportster Rear Turn Signal relocation topic. Not sure if that would apply to the fat boy lo?)
1. Is this going to be an extremely difficult task? Should I just fork over the money and let them relocate my tail lights?
2. If I do attempt this, what tools would I need to go buy to complete the job?
3. I also would like to buy some quality detachable saddlebags, what would you guys reccomend?
4. If by some miracle I complete this task at hand. What are some basic or not so basic tools I would need for other projects for the bike? For example oil changes, etc... or whatever other tools you guys reccommend I get? Like I said, I'm no handy man. So what you guys recommend I get for my tool box is pretty much what I'm going to be starting with.
For those of you that chime in, thanks! I sure as hell need the help.
I've recently purchased the 2012 Fat Boy Lo, along with the Detachable Sissy Bar. The Dealership told me that I need to install the tail light relocation kit which they said they would do for me at what I think is just an outrageous cost. I would like to attempt this myself.
(Still relatively new to the forums, I've done searches for this topic. I came across a Sportster Rear Turn Signal relocation topic. Not sure if that would apply to the fat boy lo?)
1. Is this going to be an extremely difficult task? Should I just fork over the money and let them relocate my tail lights?
2. If I do attempt this, what tools would I need to go buy to complete the job?
3. I also would like to buy some quality detachable saddlebags, what would you guys reccomend?
4. If by some miracle I complete this task at hand. What are some basic or not so basic tools I would need for other projects for the bike? For example oil changes, etc... or whatever other tools you guys reccommend I get? Like I said, I'm no handy man. So what you guys recommend I get for my tool box is pretty much what I'm going to be starting with.
For those of you that chime in, thanks! I sure as hell need the help.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,508
Likes: 169
From: WPB, FL
Buy the service manual and read it first. NOTHING is that difficult but EVERYTHING has potential to kick your ***! You'll never know until you try! Get a copy of the tail light relocation directions from the dealer and read it first.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
From: Lafayette, IN
Actually, you can get the instructions for most (all?) of the accessories right off of H-D.com. (PDFs.)
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
Here's a pretty basic set of tools from sears U can start with.
Then add to them as U get older.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...y%20Toolsmv=rr
.
Then add to them as U get older.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...y%20Toolsmv=rr
.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 602
Likes: 12
From: Ma.
Risen, your best and foremost start is purchasing a Manual for your ride. It will get you through mostly everything you want to do with the bike. With all the accessories I added to my bike, the BIBLE (manual) got me through it with no problem with basic tools. And yes, you can do the relocation mod yourself. Very simple to do if you have the BIBLE...Good Luck Bro...P.S. H.D. accessories should come with instructions also...
Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,142
Likes: 15
From: Peach Bottom, PA
Like the others suggested, get a manual and take your time and you'll be amazed at how easy these things are to work on. Other then torx bits, basic hand tools will do most of the work on these bikes.
As far as the detachable sissy bar and turn signal relocation goes.....I'd leave the signals alone and just modify the sissy bar plates. The signal relocation kit looks like crap IMHO. There are a couple of threads about this. Basically all you need to do is cut or grind about 1/8" off the back of the side plates. This will let them set in to place and just barely clear the stock turn signals. I did mine this way and its working fine for me. Its a quick and free solution. I'm on the mobile site now or I would post a link to the threads showing this modification. I'm sure someone else will chime in too.
As far as the detachable sissy bar and turn signal relocation goes.....I'd leave the signals alone and just modify the sissy bar plates. The signal relocation kit looks like crap IMHO. There are a couple of threads about this. Basically all you need to do is cut or grind about 1/8" off the back of the side plates. This will let them set in to place and just barely clear the stock turn signals. I did mine this way and its working fine for me. Its a quick and free solution. I'm on the mobile site now or I would post a link to the threads showing this modification. I'm sure someone else will chime in too.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,501
Likes: 26
From: Sheboygan,Wi
I have modified my back rest/rack and sissybar. Both work great with no function or saftey problems.
If you go the route of modifying the sissybar be sure to put a couple layers of masking tape over the signals while you test fit it. That way you won't scratch anything.
If you go the route of modifying the sissybar be sure to put a couple layers of masking tape over the signals while you test fit it. That way you won't scratch anything.
Last edited by Misbehaven; Aug 15, 2012 at 09:40 AM.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 12,359
Likes: 74
From: WI
1. Get the service manual - best $60 you'll spend!
2. Get some basic, yet QUALITY tools. You can also add to them later. Craftsman (or even Kobalt) will be perfect.
3. Go slow. Take your time. Give yourself plenty of clean floor space to work.
4. Go slow. Take your time.
5. It's worth repeating. Go slow. Take your time.
2. Get some basic, yet QUALITY tools. You can also add to them later. Craftsman (or even Kobalt) will be perfect.
3. Go slow. Take your time. Give yourself plenty of clean floor space to work.
4. Go slow. Take your time.
5. It's worth repeating. Go slow. Take your time.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,513
Likes: 4
From: Midland, TX
When you start collecting tools to work on your bike, made sure you get a set of torque and allen sockets (both metric and SAE) that will fit with your ratchet. A lot of the parts on HD's are either torque or allen head and you'll drive yourself nuts trying to work with them with a plain allen or torque wrench.