HD Newbie with Some Questions
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,277
Likes: 4
From: Austin, TX - Some call it heaven.
Every time you ride you should do a visual inspection, walk around the bike and look for obvious issues. Check the tires for bulges, cuts or foreign objects.
Weekly: check the tire pressure, oil and lights. More often if your bike uses oil or has another problem.
Brake fluid should be checked at least every month, or any time you notice a different feel to your brakes.
After that, follow the service manual. I change the oil about 5K, and do the other fluids once a year.
Anything major I read the manual over and over until I fully understand. If I still don't get it, I ask someone for help, or bring it to the shop. Almost everyone has their limits, certain jobs require skills or tools that most weekend mechanics don't possess. But simple stuff like fluid changes is in the grasp of almost anyone. If you can change a lightbulb, you can change your oil.
Weekly: check the tire pressure, oil and lights. More often if your bike uses oil or has another problem.
Brake fluid should be checked at least every month, or any time you notice a different feel to your brakes.
After that, follow the service manual. I change the oil about 5K, and do the other fluids once a year.
Anything major I read the manual over and over until I fully understand. If I still don't get it, I ask someone for help, or bring it to the shop. Almost everyone has their limits, certain jobs require skills or tools that most weekend mechanics don't possess. But simple stuff like fluid changes is in the grasp of almost anyone. If you can change a lightbulb, you can change your oil.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 527
Likes: 0
From: Eugene, Oregon
Okkat...NICE RIDE!
So...you have the maintenance manual, now what?
Invest in torque wrenches: inch-pounds & foot-pounds. Decent-quality wrenches aren't really all that expensive.
How about torx & allen wrenches & a good 3/4 drive socket set? These are what you'll use 90% of the time you're working on the bike.
When there's something you think you might want to tackle, read the manual over 3 or 4 times, just to get familiar with what you're going to do. Take it slowly, and don't hesitate to back up a step or two if things seem weird. Double-check your torque values at the proper time, and be proud that you saved $80-$120 per hour in shop charges!
So...you have the maintenance manual, now what?
Invest in torque wrenches: inch-pounds & foot-pounds. Decent-quality wrenches aren't really all that expensive.
How about torx & allen wrenches & a good 3/4 drive socket set? These are what you'll use 90% of the time you're working on the bike.
When there's something you think you might want to tackle, read the manual over 3 or 4 times, just to get familiar with what you're going to do. Take it slowly, and don't hesitate to back up a step or two if things seem weird. Double-check your torque values at the proper time, and be proud that you saved $80-$120 per hour in shop charges!
Account Retired
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,245
Likes: 12
From: Here
Okkat...NICE RIDE!
So...you have the maintenance manual, now what?
Invest in torque wrenches: inch-pounds & foot-pounds. Decent-quality wrenches aren't really all that expensive.
How about torx & allen wrenches & a good 3/4 drive socket set? These are what you'll use 90% of the time you're working on the bike.
When there's something you think you might want to tackle, read the manual over 3 or 4 times, just to get familiar with what you're going to do. Take it slowly, and don't hesitate to back up a step or two if things seem weird. Double-check your torque values at the proper time, and be proud that you saved $80-$120 per hour in shop charges!
So...you have the maintenance manual, now what?
Invest in torque wrenches: inch-pounds & foot-pounds. Decent-quality wrenches aren't really all that expensive.
How about torx & allen wrenches & a good 3/4 drive socket set? These are what you'll use 90% of the time you're working on the bike.
When there's something you think you might want to tackle, read the manual over 3 or 4 times, just to get familiar with what you're going to do. Take it slowly, and don't hesitate to back up a step or two if things seem weird. Double-check your torque values at the proper time, and be proud that you saved $80-$120 per hour in shop charges!
Club Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,633
Likes: 54
From: GA
Hey I came of a Thrux myself but have owned HDs in the past. The Thrux was a little more straightforward since you put all the oil in 1 hole whereas you have 3 here. Welcome to the world of no more chain oiling. As already stated...use the manual. I would recommend a printed copy though.
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