Should I do my own Maintenance
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,703
Likes: 909
From: SE Michigan
After having a local indy screw mine up multiple times (I bought an extended warranty...) I do my own work.
Replaced my own throttle cables (Cables indy put on snapped) and just did the monotubes in my front end.
Had my front fairing apart a few times now...it's not that scary.
Don't be in a hurry and always use blankets or protection on tins and painted parts.
If you can drop something to dent or scratch, chances are you will.
Replaced my own throttle cables (Cables indy put on snapped) and just did the monotubes in my front end.
Had my front fairing apart a few times now...it's not that scary.
Don't be in a hurry and always use blankets or protection on tins and painted parts.
If you can drop something to dent or scratch, chances are you will.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 102
From: Central Illinois
Changing fluids on a Touring bike is about as easy and simple as it gets, the hardest part is trying to keep the oil from the oil filter getting all over. The other maintenance stuff is simple too, including the clutch adjustment. If you have ever changed oil/filter on a car that is like 3 times harder than a Harley service. Get the Harley filter cup tool, makes things lots easier. Use a deep offset wrench for the clutch locknut in the primary.
Once you start doing it, you won't want to let anyone else work on it. Which is a very good thing.
Once you start doing it, you won't want to let anyone else work on it. Which is a very good thing.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,920
Likes: 77
From: dallas
I maintained my vstar 1100 for 5 years. my New Harley was intimidating. I have let dealer"stealer" do early checks and oil changes. Now I have vowed to do my own maintenance with caution. I have a shop manual and recently read parts and it is well done. So, do you own maintenance and when over your head, 'take it in'. Good advice also from this and other harley web sites.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 140
From: NY
Its a totally diff story as far as manit skill goes if your talking oil & filter changes,plugs.air filter,new battery & even installing rocker lockers or just new valve cover gaskets ,new prim chain adjuster ,brake pads and even maybe a new compensator & or stator if you feel frisky enough to try it .
But doing things like for example installing new cams ,lifters jugs,rings & pistons or installing a new bearing-s inside trans that are things that require a bit higher mech skill lvl IMHO.
So the question you need to answer is which type maint are you referring too like i mentioned above?
If its the 1st type maint i mentioned above like oil/pliugs etc then most people can handle that np,but if its the 2nd tryp maint req more skill thats a diff story IMHO.
But either way get a factory srvc manual as already stated because my exp with the 09 flhtcu i bought with 9,700 original miles on after puting 8k miles on it with mult issues & reapirs already has been your going to need the srvc manual because its not a matter of " will " something that shouldnt break or go bad does & or bike breaks down out on the road,its a matter of when its going to do that.
Scott
Last edited by wscott; Nov 16, 2015 at 02:03 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 35,239
Likes: 19,070
From: 40.2444° N, 75.6419° W
Yes, but be careful and use good tools and common sense. Don't swing a big hammer at the bike and miss and dent the tank for example. ( Not unless you mean to dent your tank) Take your time and read the book twice if you have to. If you get frustrated, walk away for a few minutes, don't rush through anything. You will find it is enjoyable hanging in the garage working on the scoot.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 36
From: Lafayette La
Before my recent purchase( 2010 Road King Classic ).I owned vstar 1100, and did all mods and maintenance. The bike was inexpensive. So if I did something wrong. It wasn't the end of the world. I know a lot of guys will only have the dealer do their work.My new bike is in mint condition with only 8500 miles on it. Should I do the maintenance myself or have the dealer. I don't want to hurt my new baby.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 11,630
Likes: 990
From: NC
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 689
Likes: 6
From: Glen Rose TX
If you were doing maintenance/modifications on your ricer you should be good to go.
Do you have previous experience wrenching on Dirtbikes, Cars, Lawnmowers, Tractors? If so just build off of the knowledge you have accumulated.
There are lots of resources out there now days and you have a manual.
Purchase GOOD tools. They don't have to be Snap-On but avoid cheap-o.
Take your time, don't rush it, don't force it.
When in doubt stop and ask.
Do you have previous experience wrenching on Dirtbikes, Cars, Lawnmowers, Tractors? If so just build off of the knowledge you have accumulated.
There are lots of resources out there now days and you have a manual.
Purchase GOOD tools. They don't have to be Snap-On but avoid cheap-o.
Take your time, don't rush it, don't force it.
When in doubt stop and ask.
Buy this it has the 27 and the 45 that kits usually dont have:
http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-4...p-00934845000P