Hello all...I wanted to introduce myself in the touring room also, since I think that is where I will spend most of my time. I just recently bought a 2005 Electra Glide Standard with 3700 miles on it. Now that I've had it a bit, I'll be putting it away for the winter with about 4,700 miles on it. I really love the bike.

I have a couple of questions for anyone who might answer. Since my previous riding was confined to my 2001 Honda Shadow, I have a lot to learn about Harleys. Please excuse any ignorance I might convey, I just want to learn all I can.

Question 1:

I think it's about due for it's 5000 mile check-up. What do they typically do when you bring it in for that.

Question 2:

I checked the oil at about 4000 miles and it seemed like it was down about 1/2 a quart. If I have to put in a 1/2 a quart every 4000 miles, that is no big deal, it's just that my Honda never burned oil. Is this normal operating procedure? I know that some 2005 HD motors have a problem with burning oil. Can anyone shed some light on this, or should I continue to monitor the oil level come spring time?

Question 3:

Any special winterizing procedures would be appreciated. What I usually did with my Honda is park it on plywood to avoid flat spots in the tires and keep them from being exposed to the cold ground. I also used to put fuel stabilizer in the tank and pull the battery. I actually don't need to pull the battery on my E.G, because it has provisions for a trickle charger to plug into a lead coming off the battery. I wish I had a heated garage to store it in but I don't.

Question 4:

The guy who owned this bike previously was very meticulous about cleaning it. He never exposed the bike to a good old hose washing. I'm wondering if I should keep with this tradition, or if you do hose wash, is there anything I should watch out for? A friend of mine hose washes his bike but uses a leaf blower to dry out all the tight spots he can't get with a towel.

Question 5:

I also have a slight squeak in the front end. It seems it may be related to the highway bars. The squeak happens when riding over irregular pavement such as bumps. But if I have my feet on the pegs I don't seem to hear it as much. Any thoughts on this? I also noticed if I've been riding for a while and I come to a stop, I get a harmonic squeak coming from the brakes. Should I have the dealer look at this when I bring it in?


Sorry for all the questions. I absolutely love the bike!!! Your help is appreciated.


Thanks.

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Welcome to the forum and congates on the new bike. Im fairly new to Harley as well so I dont feel qualified to answer alot but will give myfeedback to what I can.

#1 I think the 5000 mile service is a repear of the 1000 which is fluid change, filter change and any adjustments needed.

#2 If the stick shows half a quart low with a cool engine, its actually in good shape from what Im told. Should read almost full with warm engine.

#3 A bath, Fuel stabilizer and battery tender, then cover.

#4 Have not washed mine yet.

#5 Cant help with this one.

 

Hello, and welcome to this section. I'll give you my .02 cents on a couple of your questions.

#3 I also pull the plugs and put a bit of oil or fogger in the cylinders, reinstall the plugs with wires unhooked, and turn over the motor a few times.
#4 I live on a gravel road. Very dusty! Ive had great success with a garden hose wash, and then blow drying with my shop vac, (Similar to a lawn blower. It has 210 MPH force.) In fact, every time I ride, I just blow the dust off and it looks fine without a microscope. The important step is to prevent water spots and cavity corrosion by blow drying.

Most of your other questions can be answered by doing a search on this site. There is always someone who has had similar experiences as you are having. Good luck!

 

I to had a Honda Shadow and i bought a new 05 FLHRI Road King. You need to get a Service Manual. It has good information in it and also tells you how to check the oil level. I loved my Honda, but love my Road King more. I have 8,000 miles on my bike. 3,500 of that was a trip to Sturgis in August. This forum is a great place for information.

 

Here's the answer to all your questions:

Get a manual $50 from the dealer or eBay. All these questions are answered in the manual. Also, all of these questions have been asked before, so try to search the forum...the DIY section has a wealth of information...

Keep us posted, and continue to ask questions...but try a search first.

Mac