"DIY MODS" and TRICKS to SAVE $$$$$$
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 336
Likes: 1
From: Senoia Ga
Here is the most bang for the buck mod I have done yet! Crankcase breather hose. I cannot take credit for it. jag1886give me this tip so hats off to him!
Normal braid line is not cheap. Last crankcase kit I bought was a braided line from head to head with banjo fittings built in was about $65.00.
Here is a step by step with pics!
Local hardware store for a 3/8" braided sink hose with fitings.
I bought 30" piece since this was a trial run and not sure of length, cost was $5.74
Cut one end off between the nut and crimp so that the crimp keeps the braids together.
Measure for length. I chose to run the hose straight down to the inside of the frame and so the hose stopped just below the frame.
Tape the braided hose where your about to cut it and hacksaw it off!
I used a clamp that came with my air cleaner kit. I left the tape on and slid the hose on the clamp and attached to the vent tube.
Make sure your hose doesnt get close to the pipes or any moving parts. Secure with a zip tie if needed.
I had alot left so 30" might be a little much for my route.
Now sit back open a cold one and enjoy the $6.00 mod. I must add that it looks way better in person then the pics. Looks way better than a piece of black hose. Also, it took me longer to post this then do the job!!!Hope this saves someone some cash!
Normal braid line is not cheap. Last crankcase kit I bought was a braided line from head to head with banjo fittings built in was about $65.00.
Here is a step by step with pics!
Local hardware store for a 3/8" braided sink hose with fitings.
I bought 30" piece since this was a trial run and not sure of length, cost was $5.74
Cut one end off between the nut and crimp so that the crimp keeps the braids together.
Measure for length. I chose to run the hose straight down to the inside of the frame and so the hose stopped just below the frame.
Tape the braided hose where your about to cut it and hacksaw it off!
I used a clamp that came with my air cleaner kit. I left the tape on and slid the hose on the clamp and attached to the vent tube.
Make sure your hose doesnt get close to the pipes or any moving parts. Secure with a zip tie if needed.
I had alot left so 30" might be a little much for my route.
Now sit back open a cold one and enjoy the $6.00 mod. I must add that it looks way better in person then the pics. Looks way better than a piece of black hose. Also, it took me longer to post this then do the job!!!Hope this saves someone some cash!
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
Friend of mine out in Texas visiting bought a new set of handlebars for his HOG 12 SG. Ask at one of the local shops how much it was to install them. They said $1K to $1,400 if he has ABS. I saying hell naw! DIY it can't be that hard. or wait till you get home local shops says $300 installed..
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,078
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
Friend of mine out in Texas visiting bought a new set of handlebars for his HOG 12 SG. Ask at one of the local shops how much it was to install them. They said $1K to $1,400 if he has ABS. I saying hell naw! DIY it can't be that hard. or wait till you get home local shops says $300 installed..
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Sure would like to see a 'How to' write up with pics and a list of needed parts! My HD dealer also quoted me $1K for mini apes on my '08 Ultra Classic FLHTCU.
"I almost had a psychic girlfriend, but she left me before we met."
"I almost had a psychic girlfriend, but she left me before we met."
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 274
Likes: 7
From: Western Pa
Was in Lowe's the other day for (more) home remodeling stuff ... hope I'm done soon and can get back to riding!!! Ran across a seemingly neat thing call a 'Tire Top Off' by Slime.
It's a little (~3"x5") electric 50psi pump with a built in gauge and a connection to an accessory plug (aka cigarette lighter).
It's a little (~3"x5") electric 50psi pump with a built in gauge and a connection to an accessory plug (aka cigarette lighter).
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Arkansas
Was in Lowe's the other day for (more) home remodeling stuff ... hope I'm done soon and can get back to riding!!! Ran across a seemingly neat thing call a 'Tire Top Off' by Slime.
It's a little (~3"x5") electric 50psi pump with a built in gauge and a connection to an accessory plug (aka cigarette lighter). So in the true spirit of DIY I bought it to see if the gauge is reasonably accurate and I could use it for the shocks.
Checked the accuracy against some pretty good gauges I have and it's spot on! Also since the fitting on the pump is a screw on rather than the typical clamp on the air loss on disconnect is very small. Best of all the thing is $12.98.
Since I have the pigtail on the RKC for a Battery Tender I got a similar connector that will connect to the battery tender connector and wired and soldered it up to a female cigarette lighter plug I happened to have and now for less than $20 = elec. pump to top off shocks or tires. Don't know if I would use it for a substantial tire fill but for a top off prolly fine. Also went to the local AutoZone and got a $5 package of approx 1.5" valve extensions to put in the little case, Those allow me to connect to the difficult to access tire valves (don't leave extensions on just attach, fill and remove back to the little case). Toss it in the bags and some add'l peace of mind without the Harley tax. Didn't take pics since it's a pretty simple install.
It's a little (~3"x5") electric 50psi pump with a built in gauge and a connection to an accessory plug (aka cigarette lighter). So in the true spirit of DIY I bought it to see if the gauge is reasonably accurate and I could use it for the shocks.
Checked the accuracy against some pretty good gauges I have and it's spot on! Also since the fitting on the pump is a screw on rather than the typical clamp on the air loss on disconnect is very small. Best of all the thing is $12.98.
Since I have the pigtail on the RKC for a Battery Tender I got a similar connector that will connect to the battery tender connector and wired and soldered it up to a female cigarette lighter plug I happened to have and now for less than $20 = elec. pump to top off shocks or tires. Don't know if I would use it for a substantial tire fill but for a top off prolly fine. Also went to the local AutoZone and got a $5 package of approx 1.5" valve extensions to put in the little case, Those allow me to connect to the difficult to access tire valves (don't leave extensions on just attach, fill and remove back to the little case). Toss it in the bags and some add'l peace of mind without the Harley tax. Didn't take pics since it's a pretty simple install.
You might like this better. Harley uses the same air shock as Honda uses on their Goldwings. The only difference is Honda has a small, low volume/low pressure air pump on their bikes allowing them to adjust the ride while on the "fly". I have been looking for a wrecked Goldwing so I can pull that pump off of it, along with the controls 'cuz you can also reduce air press. on the fly as well.
I work for Autozone and sell the same pump. I thought ours from slime said it was a 150 psi pump. Are you sure it is only 50psi? Be careful, you dont want to ruin your shocks!
( you did get me to wondering about the psi. If it is only 50psi, I may buy one from my store)
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: Treasure Coast, FL
<snip>.
I work for Autozone and sell the same pump. I thought ours from slime said it was a 150 psi pump. Are you sure it is only 50psi? Be careful, you dont want to ruin your shocks!
( you did get me to wondering about the psi. If it is only 50psi, I may buy one from my store)
I work for Autozone and sell the same pump. I thought ours from slime said it was a 150 psi pump. Are you sure it is only 50psi? Be careful, you dont want to ruin your shocks!
( you did get me to wondering about the psi. If it is only 50psi, I may buy one from my store)
Cheers
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: New Mexico
Instead of spending $50 for the Snap-On tool to adjust spot-lamps on my motorcycle, I purchased a US manufactured socket from Farm & Fleet. Then, I used my Dremel tool and cut out ~one side of the socket. Next, I polished the rough edges. It works well, though a third arm would have been useful to hold the turn signal, spot-lamp, and ratchet at the same time . . .
Total cost <$6.00 + some time.
Also, I came across this idea on this forum, though where eludes me. Thanks again for the money saving ideas!
Total cost <$6.00 + some time.
Also, I came across this idea on this forum, though where eludes me. Thanks again for the money saving ideas!
Last edited by VINTAGE HORSE; Mar 9, 2013 at 04:28 PM.
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