Learning resources?
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Staffordshire, UK
Learning resources?
Hi guys,
After being a car guy all my life, I decided to take the plunge this year and immerse myself into the world of bikes. I'm about to take my test and have ordered an 883 Iron for delivery in September
Anyway, I don't know anywhere near as much as I'd like to about the technical side of things. I want to be in the position after a few months of riding stock to be able to do any modifications myself, and have a full understanding of what is happening.
Does anybody know any good books / sites that will break down a Harley (a Sportster would be great of course) and teach me all the hows and whys?
Cheers folks
After being a car guy all my life, I decided to take the plunge this year and immerse myself into the world of bikes. I'm about to take my test and have ordered an 883 Iron for delivery in September
Anyway, I don't know anywhere near as much as I'd like to about the technical side of things. I want to be in the position after a few months of riding stock to be able to do any modifications myself, and have a full understanding of what is happening.
Does anybody know any good books / sites that will break down a Harley (a Sportster would be great of course) and teach me all the hows and whys?
Cheers folks
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 994
Likes: 43
From: Essex, England
Welcome.
I got my first Harley (883 Iron) earlier this year and spent a fair bit of time reading the archives on here and other HD forums as I knew absolutely nothing about Harleys. Have a read of the technical forums and you'll soon start to find common modifications to suspension, brakes, exhausts and fuel management systems.
Dont be shy to start a thread about anything you want more info either. Its pretty friendly round here and you dont get retorts like "is search broken". Folk on here seem happy to yak about their bikes and their mods and rehash common thread subjects.
I got my first Harley (883 Iron) earlier this year and spent a fair bit of time reading the archives on here and other HD forums as I knew absolutely nothing about Harleys. Have a read of the technical forums and you'll soon start to find common modifications to suspension, brakes, exhausts and fuel management systems.
Dont be shy to start a thread about anything you want more info either. Its pretty friendly round here and you dont get retorts like "is search broken". Folk on here seem happy to yak about their bikes and their mods and rehash common thread subjects.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Staffordshire, UK
Cheers buddy
Yes I'll do that... While looking though the parts catalogue I realised I had a lot to learn, I know the basics from cars but I didn't know what a Derby cover covered, or a timing cover for example... what is under there, a distributor maybe? Does a bike even have a distributor lol?
Long way to go as you can see
Yes I'll do that... While looking though the parts catalogue I realised I had a lot to learn, I know the basics from cars but I didn't know what a Derby cover covered, or a timing cover for example... what is under there, a distributor maybe? Does a bike even have a distributor lol?
Long way to go as you can see
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 11,175
Likes: 2,483
From: Nor Cal
That being said, I still have a set of whitworth wrenches handed down from my Dad (used on his BSA)
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,371
Likes: 46
From: In the foothills of southwestern NC - US of A
May I suggest that you begin by purchasing an OEM factory HD Service Manual for your year and model Sportster. Inside its pages you will find everything you'll ever need to know about your bike, from simple changes of fluid, to torque specifications, to major engine rebuild/overhaul and everything inbetween. If you still come upon something you find questionable, don't understand, or perhaps isn't covered in the Service Manual, such as aftermarket tuners, exhaust, intakes, cams, etc., there are YouTube videos out there that cover the most commonly encountered goodies in regards to their installation, benefits, or even known issues. Lastly, you can always come here or to other HD specific forums and ask questions, where you can find help, share experiences, and form friendships (or get some people pissed off at you like I do on occassion, heehee) :^)
Also, I'd like to suggest you take some kind of MSF or similar beginner/safety course prior to your road test so you can be taught the basics by qualified riders, and not learn from Sid the squid who works down at the petrol station ;^)
I wish you well with your test and with your new bike, and be sure to post up some pics when you get it, as we all like pictures and the smiling faces of new Sportster owners!
=8^)
Also, I'd like to suggest you take some kind of MSF or similar beginner/safety course prior to your road test so you can be taught the basics by qualified riders, and not learn from Sid the squid who works down at the petrol station ;^)
I wish you well with your test and with your new bike, and be sure to post up some pics when you get it, as we all like pictures and the smiling faces of new Sportster owners!
=8^)
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Staffordshire, UK
Learning resources?
Thanks guys, and DrewBone our test structure doesn't work like that in the UK (Don't even know what MSF is)... I have passed my CBT which is compulsory basic training which allows you to ride up to a 125cc with L plates on.
Then since I am over 25 I can do (and am doing) what is called a Direct Access or A1 test which unlocks your licence for all bikes. I am being trained by an ex-military bike instructor and once passed (hopefully on 12th Aug) I am continuing straight away with my IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) which takes up to a year to get through.
From there I'm looking at becoming a Blood Biker... BB's in the UK are a voluntary organisation who get called on by the NHS to deliver emergency blood for transfusions and donor organs to hospitals a lot quicker than ambulances can. More training to be done to get to this point.
So there we have it, no Sid the Squid here
Then since I am over 25 I can do (and am doing) what is called a Direct Access or A1 test which unlocks your licence for all bikes. I am being trained by an ex-military bike instructor and once passed (hopefully on 12th Aug) I am continuing straight away with my IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) which takes up to a year to get through.
From there I'm looking at becoming a Blood Biker... BB's in the UK are a voluntary organisation who get called on by the NHS to deliver emergency blood for transfusions and donor organs to hospitals a lot quicker than ambulances can. More training to be done to get to this point.
So there we have it, no Sid the Squid here