I just bought and rode my 1st ever bike- '04 Fatboy. My questions have to do mainly with maintenence. I do not have an owners manual. Should I do ebay or HD? Also, when do you typically do maint? Before the season, after season or both. I live in Illinois. What's the easiest DIY maint? I'm brand new to this, but pretty excited too. Any and all advice is appreciated. Thanks!

 

Find a factory service manual. The Clymer one isn't near as good. I have both. You may find one on eBay. I do my basic maintenance before the season, but if I rack up enough miles it will get done during the season as well. Harleys are pretty simple machines, If you're reasonably mechanically inclined, everything can be done in your garage with the proper tools and service manual.
EDIT: I have a sister-in-law in Algonquin.

 

+1 for the service manual, it has everything you need to know in it! I found one on ebay for $50 for my 2012, so you should be able to get a good deal on one!

Jake

 

+2 service manual. 2004 should be well broken in by now, all you'll have to worry about is oil changes (takes an hour the first time you do it, and 20 minutes every other time), keeping air in the tires, and once every year and a half shooting a bit of grease in to the neck bearings. I think at like 25,000 and 50,000 miles (don't quote me) do a transmission and primary oil change..um.. keep the battery tendered in the winter.. and keep the rubber side down.

 

Stv1520,

The previous posting are correct. Get the Harley Service Manual. Your dealership can provide you with a copy. It will be the best money you'll spend on your bike!

Since you have a second hand bike with an unknown service history, I suggest you change all the fluids (Engine, Primary, Transmission, and Brake Fluid). Note: it is critical that you use the proper type brake fluid. Your bike should use DOT 5. Verify this! Additionally your 04 has 2 cam chain tensioners which must be inspected and replaced if necessary. Since you're new to working on Harley's, let the dealership do this. If your bike is EFI, change the fuel filter. Again you'll need dealership assistance as the filter is inside the tank and is difficult to access.

Another item of concern when owning a second hand bike is Wheel Bearings. Replace them the next time you replace tires. It's cheap insurance. I have two riding brothers who have gone down because of failed wheel bearings.

Good luck and good riding.

 

Brand new one for $48.00
http://www.kutterharleyonline.com/ha...anual-99482-04

Add a few service parts and get free shipping. Ebay was $60-$105!

 

One thing to add to what others have said. When you get the service manual there will be a list of "critical fasteners". Use a torque wrench and go over all of them. I do this once a year.

 

one thing to add is check your bike over, at least, before the first ride of the day. Make sure turn signals, brake light and head light is working. I will also do a scan of the bike before I swing the leg over each time.

All this advice may seem like a lot but once you do it once or twice you will get in the swing of it and it won't take any time.

 

factory service manual is a must, so is the "right" tools, and a proper lift / jack helps a ton as well. the rest will come with experience, searching for answers and how to's, reading..ect

 

Thanks so much for all the excellent advice. I did get the bike from a friend who is the mechanic at the dealership I bought the bike from. He went to change all fluids but noticed that there was no need- the previous owner had impeccable maint. habits. But, now I know what to look for, and inspect. BTW- Took my 1st 2 street rides Thurs & Fri. WOW. It seemed surreal. Thinking about it now, I can't believe I actually did it. Can't wait to go again! It's in my blood!!