Any of you do-it-yourself guys who have 08s having any problems "doing it yourself" maintanance/mods. with the new upgrades such as brake jobs (I understand you must take it back to harley?), or grip replacements with the new electronics, etc?????

Just wondering

 

Grip replacements are easier.
Taking the tank off is a breeze (easier).
Havnt done brakes yet, but in the service manual they look as easy as pie with the newer brakes.

 

ok, so it must be the scoots with ABS that you have to take back to the dealer for brake jobs??

 

The only issue with 08 ABS brakes is that you allegedly need the Digitech to bleed the brakes at the dealer. Other than that, everything is easier

 

I've added new grips on my 08 RKC....easy job. Put on different bars,,,pain in the **** pulling throttle side wires through....lots of wires makes for a tight squeeze, and the connectors you have to remove and then reinstall are a pain. Another thing....darn dealers will sell you parts that dont fit 08's....they say they will but might be slightly different from older models....example...I ordered a riders backrest from Harley dealer and he said the 07 and 08's are the same...........NOT!. I got it to fit but the release handle I had to modify Not a big problem for me as I am a machinist by trade.

 

The spring on the push button fuel lid won't work on an '08. It is not advertised as fitting either so my fault.I crafted my own spring andmade it work.

 

In the middle of: Changing the handle bars, changing the clutch cable, extending the ABS brakeline, and adding heated grips.

Handle bars = easy enough for just the bars.

Clutch cable = Pain in the *** because you have to remove the exhaust and drain the trans.

ABS brake line = a big matter of contention. I'll be using a universal ABS line with fittings. As far as bleeding I do not think you have to go to the dealer you do need to understand the instructions in the manual for replacing the line and vacuum bleeding the brakes. ABS is not rocket science it had been on cars and bikes for years. I've just wanted to make sure I had the appropriate line. (Will likely take it to dealer to have it bled anyway.)

Heated grips = not to bad...have been a bit confusing because the instructions tell you to attach them to something that should not have a fuse. My bike does seem to have a fuse in that position...[>:]

We have the bike so far apart Hubby wanted to know if I just wanted to do the 103 inch while I was at it[&:]...I'll skip that for now....

 

I installed the pushbutton/locable Fuel button, spring works fine. I did it before Christmas but if I recall I had to put it in a different position than the instructions indicated, but it works.

 

I put one on my bike took. Works fine. I have taken my back brake caliper off to remove the pads to address the squeal issue. Was a breeze to take it off. Unfortunately the Brembo calipers don't allow you to remove the pads with the caliper attached like previous HD bikes.

 

Speaking of that. Did I show you guys this on my 08?

Oooo-Wee stitch jones!