What do I need for basic maintainence?
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6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 14
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What do I need for basic maintainence?
Well, I bought my first ever bike recently and have had it now about 1 1/2 weeks. Its a 2003 Sporty 883R (100 yr anniv edition) - see attached pic. Being a total newbie, I do not have a clue as to what I should buy to maintain the bike. As it was used, and I'm clueless, I got an extended warranty just in case (I usually blow those off), so I'll probably be inclined to use the dealer for a while, but eventually I want to at least do my own basic maintainance and maybe some minor mods. I did replace the stock mirrors w/ long stems as I like to see what is behind me, but that hardly required any real mechanical skill, though I do have some.
So anyhow, a friend suggested I get on a HD forum and ask all you experienced riders/owners for any suggestions.
Is there basic a tool kit I should get to have on hand to cover most basic stuff? How about any other gear (besides apparrel)? I did snag a TourMaster Sissybar bag to carry stuff to work.
Also, any advice for a newbie on a Sporty that is bike specific would be greatly appreciated. There is a lot I don't know.
I have taken an MC Safety course and not\w have logged about 200 miles on the bike, including a 60 mile round trip to work and back last Friday on a variety of roads (2-lane back road, 3 lane major street and 2-3 lane highway) so I have some 'real world' experience.
Thanks in advance for any and all help.
Bruce
[IMG]local://upfiles/17351/62AF419397CD4DD0B2D6880D8A59D563.jpg[/IMG]
So anyhow, a friend suggested I get on a HD forum and ask all you experienced riders/owners for any suggestions.
Is there basic a tool kit I should get to have on hand to cover most basic stuff? How about any other gear (besides apparrel)? I did snag a TourMaster Sissybar bag to carry stuff to work.
Also, any advice for a newbie on a Sporty that is bike specific would be greatly appreciated. There is a lot I don't know.
I have taken an MC Safety course and not\w have logged about 200 miles on the bike, including a 60 mile round trip to work and back last Friday on a variety of roads (2-lane back road, 3 lane major street and 2-3 lane highway) so I have some 'real world' experience.
Thanks in advance for any and all help.
Bruce
[IMG]local://upfiles/17351/62AF419397CD4DD0B2D6880D8A59D563.jpg[/IMG]
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,197
Likes: 708
From: (Toronto) Canada
RE: What do I need for basic maintainence?
Don't run out and buy a bunch of tools. Buy a manual. A oil filter puller, a Torx set, and a decent torque wrench. I assume you have wrenches and sockets. That will do for most anything that a rookie will need.
Now, IMO, that is a nice bike you have, and I would also buy a couple cases of beer, and get a buddy that is wrench friendly to watch you. Do not get him to do it, just a freindly tap on the shoulder guy if you do something stupid. Take it slow, read every word in the manual, and do not attempt anything that you or a friend has never done before untill you really feel confident in your abilities.
Joe
Now, IMO, that is a nice bike you have, and I would also buy a couple cases of beer, and get a buddy that is wrench friendly to watch you. Do not get him to do it, just a freindly tap on the shoulder guy if you do something stupid. Take it slow, read every word in the manual, and do not attempt anything that you or a friend has never done before untill you really feel confident in your abilities.
Joe
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
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From: Bloomfield, NM
RE: What do I need for basic maintainence?
In addition to what Joe suggested, I would get a bike lift. Thye are bout 70.00 at Sears. They are not only good for doing maintainance, but you can get the bike off of the ground for cleaning as well. I would also have a belt tension gauge. They are about 20.00 at the HD shop.
Regards,
Bill
Regards,
Bill
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 9
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From:
RE: What do I need for basic maintainence?
There's some good advice posted already. I might add, "Fix Thy HOG" video is a good starting place to learn about the bike. A torque is a must. The manual will give you the service intervals and a critical fastner list. Keep all your recipts for parts you buy, if there is an issue with maintenance, they will usually want you to prove doing the basic stuff. Doing the oil changes yourself will save a lot of $$, shop rates are usually $75.00 an hour. I was quoted $350 for the 10K service.
BrianB
Phoenix , Az
1200 XL
BrianB
Phoenix , Az
1200 XL
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 14
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RE: What do I need for basic maintainence?
Joe,
By 'manual', do you mean a basic Harley 2003 Sportser manual? I did get one of those with the bike and it does seem to have a a good bit of detailed maintainence info - more so than I'm used to seeing w/ a car or truck. Is this sufficient or should I look for something even more detailed?
I do have the basic wrenches and might even have some Torx tools - at least some bits that plug into a handle. Haven't touched a torque wrench since I was in the AF, many years ago. Used to work on F-4Ds - that's dating myself!! Used to do a lot off my own basic car maintenance, but lately I've gotten away from that as more and more crap took up the space under the hood. So now days I just pay (thru the nose) for someone else to do it. Look like a bike will give me a chance to dirty my hands again.
I like the beer idea.
Thanks for the kudos on the bike. I'm really happy to have found it (unlike my wife).
Bruce
By 'manual', do you mean a basic Harley 2003 Sportser manual? I did get one of those with the bike and it does seem to have a a good bit of detailed maintainence info - more so than I'm used to seeing w/ a car or truck. Is this sufficient or should I look for something even more detailed?
I do have the basic wrenches and might even have some Torx tools - at least some bits that plug into a handle. Haven't touched a torque wrench since I was in the AF, many years ago. Used to work on F-4Ds - that's dating myself!! Used to do a lot off my own basic car maintenance, but lately I've gotten away from that as more and more crap took up the space under the hood. So now days I just pay (thru the nose) for someone else to do it. Look like a bike will give me a chance to dirty my hands again.
I like the beer idea.
Thanks for the kudos on the bike. I'm really happy to have found it (unlike my wife).
Bruce
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 0
From: East Central Illinois
RE: What do I need for basic maintainence?
Looks like a large floor jack with a fatter and wider base. If you plan on doing basic maintenance this is a must as it keeps you from laying on the floor. Although a half empty beer case does make a decent pillow, especially after you have drank the first half trying to figure out how the hell you are going to get to that darn fastener. Or maybe thats just me.
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6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
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RE: What do I need for basic maintainence?
$350 for a $10K service. =8-0
Yikes! How much work can they be doing?
At least I can do my own oil changes, then we'll see how adventurous I get.
BTW, I should have asked earlier, but is there a particular website that is reliable and reasonably priced to buy most of this stuff. Though I'd not order a lift online - hate to think of the shipping cost. I would guess an Oil filter wrench for a bike could be had at any auto parts store as well, could it not?
I'll take a look for that video - sounds like it could come in handy.
Thanks for your input.
Bruce
Yikes! How much work can they be doing?
At least I can do my own oil changes, then we'll see how adventurous I get.
BTW, I should have asked earlier, but is there a particular website that is reliable and reasonably priced to buy most of this stuff. Though I'd not order a lift online - hate to think of the shipping cost. I would guess an Oil filter wrench for a bike could be had at any auto parts store as well, could it not?
I'll take a look for that video - sounds like it could come in handy.
Thanks for your input.
Bruce
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,416
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From: East Central Illinois
RE: What do I need for basic maintainence?
There is a link to that video at the top of the page. Usually you can spin the oil filter off by hand. Beats trying to wrangle a wrench in there and taking a chance of slipping and scratching something up. Sorry let me be more clear. The links at the very top rotate, if you hit the sponsors tab at the top of the page it is on there.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 37
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From:
RE: What do I need for basic maintainence?
I bought one of these to do my Garden Tractor Maintenance. (it has a removeable panel in the back) Now, it will share duties with the bike. Great deal for less than 400 bucks. And it connects to your air hose!
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94121
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94121
ORIGINAL: 883OrangeCrush
$350 for a $10K service. =8-0
Yikes! How much work can they be doing?
At least I can do my own oil changes, then we'll see how adventurous I get.
BTW, I should have asked earlier, but is there a particular website that is reliable and reasonably priced to buy most of this stuff. Though I'd not order a lift online - hate to think of the shipping cost. I would guess an Oil filter wrench for a bike could be had at any auto parts store as well, could it not?
I'll take a look for that video - sounds like it could come in handy.
Thanks for your input.
Bruce
$350 for a $10K service. =8-0
Yikes! How much work can they be doing?
At least I can do my own oil changes, then we'll see how adventurous I get.
BTW, I should have asked earlier, but is there a particular website that is reliable and reasonably priced to buy most of this stuff. Though I'd not order a lift online - hate to think of the shipping cost. I would guess an Oil filter wrench for a bike could be had at any auto parts store as well, could it not?
I'll take a look for that video - sounds like it could come in handy.
Thanks for your input.
Bruce