Chrome front end kit, install myself vs dealership
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,294
Likes: 33
From: Po-Dunk Looziana
Time consuming because you don't want to scratch anything but with the right manual it's not difficult at all for a DIY project.
Last edited by UltraKla$$ic; Jan 8, 2010 at 09:41 PM.
Did mine weekend after Christmas and was nervous as hell. Would tackle it in a hearbeat now. Easy for the most part with a manual. Get a shop manual, metric 12 points for the front end, and 2" pvc pipe to drive the seal onto the cartridge. The only other "special" tool to have is a long 6mm hex socket.
Depending on the miles of your bike you may want to do a rebuild while you are at it.
Depending on the miles of your bike you may want to do a rebuild while you are at it.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,449
Likes: 46
From: Roswell, GA
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,132
Likes: 25
From: NorCal
Well I finally did it, I went to the dealership, and purchased a new chrome front end kit for my 05 FLHRSI. Not giving installation any previous thought, I inquired on a price with my dealership mechanic, and the bill is going to be $180-$200.00 for installation only. Should I bite the bullet and get the kit professionally installed, or try to do it myself? On a mechanically inclined scale of 1-10 i would say I'm a 6, and I own most tools needed for the install icluding a motorcycle lift. What should i do?
If I had the time I'd do it myself, but for $180-$200 I'd let someone else do it for sure!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,505
Likes: 380
From: Florida
$110 an hour ? Damn it man.
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Former Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
Likes: 453
From: Davie, FL
There is a PDF on my site ~ R&R Your Front FL Forks & install Lowers PDF Download ~ you can use concerning how to remove & replace your front end without the need to purchase the much required manual(s) you should have bought with your bike. If you do not have all of the tools needed prior to starting the job than pre-plan first, read, than do.
One question for the OP: Will chrome improve the handling of your bike? This is an excellent time to consider upgrading your suspension because the forks will be apart.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
Likes: 453
From: Davie, FL
So a HD Harley Trained and HD certified mechanic that has been working at a dealership for 45 years than opens his own shop is no longer certified as my friend Louis had done?