HD Newbie with Some Questions
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Joined: Sep 2010
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HD Newbie with Some Questions
Okay, I had a 2009 Triumph Thruxton and I traded it in for this 2002 Road King Classic. This bike has 24K miles was bought and serviced at the dealership where I made the purchase and the service guys say the guy was meticulous. (Whatever, they probably never even seen the bike). Although I must say, it is a very clean bike. They said they did a full inspection and I had them replace the front brakes.
When it comes to mechanical things I have two left hands. I mean I can do some things but overall anything beyond a wrench or a screwdriver and I need help. Here are my questions:
What kind of maintenance do I need to do with this bike on daily, monthly and yearly basis?
Do I just take it in for a tune up every 5K miles?
How long do brakes last?
How often do I need to check tire pressure, oil, how do I know when the tread is going?
I mean really, I am a complete fool when it comes to maintenance. I can make it shiny. I can ride, I love it but I want to be safe. I love this bike and want to make sure it stays on the road in the best condition possible. How do I properly care for it?
Any advice for this new member of the HD family is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
When it comes to mechanical things I have two left hands. I mean I can do some things but overall anything beyond a wrench or a screwdriver and I need help. Here are my questions:
What kind of maintenance do I need to do with this bike on daily, monthly and yearly basis?
Do I just take it in for a tune up every 5K miles?
How long do brakes last?
How often do I need to check tire pressure, oil, how do I know when the tread is going?
I mean really, I am a complete fool when it comes to maintenance. I can make it shiny. I can ride, I love it but I want to be safe. I love this bike and want to make sure it stays on the road in the best condition possible. How do I properly care for it?
Any advice for this new member of the HD family is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 594
Likes: 0
From: Arkansas
Tire pressure is like any other bike as for oil and greasing just get to know your bike, you take care of her and she'll do the same for you. The average is every 5000 but some people are more meticulous than others like myself. Good luck and hope you enjoy your new ride.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,403
Likes: 25
From: se michigan
check your owners manual for service intervals. The 02 motor is a good one, last of the good crankshafts and first year with the Delphi FI. Only weak spot is the cam chain tensioners, keep an eye on them. If you have the $$ get a gear drive cam when you get a chance or wait till the tensioners wear. Have it checked at the 30000 mile service if its not a scheduled check (think it is) Otherwise get out and ride it.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 268
Likes: 1
From: Georgia
Nice ride! Have the bike serviced every 5000 mi. I change fluids every 2500. On average, I get 2 back tires for every 1 front. Check oil level every initial start. Brakes depend on how aggressively you brake. I check air pressure a couple times a month, you only have 2 tires, don't want to have problems with one of them in motion! Use a trickle charger.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
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From: Illinois
Somehow as an experienced rider, I don't think you need to ask half the questions that you have. Particularly the how often do I check the tire pressure.
How about asking the selling dealer? After all he took your money.
Get the service manual and learn to help yourself. Self sufficiency is a mark of a man. You're grown up now you don't need this forum as a mommy to spoon feed you every slightest need that your have.
I will help anyone when they show me that they are trying and getting at least half way.
How about asking the selling dealer? After all he took your money.
Get the service manual and learn to help yourself. Self sufficiency is a mark of a man. You're grown up now you don't need this forum as a mommy to spoon feed you every slightest need that your have.
I will help anyone when they show me that they are trying and getting at least half way.
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You will learn a ton about your bike if you buy a service manual. Maintaining your bike is not rocket science, however, if you don't know anything about wrenching, I would find a good independent Harley Mechanic in your area and let him do the service for you. I check my oil after each ride while the oil is hot. I check the air in the tires before each ride while they are cold. You should get a battery tender to keep your battery freshly charged. It would help a lot if you have a lift or jack to get your bike up off the floor for checking wheels and cleaning them. also nice for changing fluids if you decide you want to do that. A lot of Dealers will let you do the fluids and them do the rest of the service. Saves some $$$$ Good luck and welcome to Harley...
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Somehow as an experienced rider, I don't think you need to ask half the questions that you have. Particularly the how often do I check the tire pressure.
How about asking the selling dealer? After all he took your money.
Get the service manual and learn to help yourself. Self sufficiency is a mark of a man. You're grown up now you don't need this forum as a mommy to spoon feed you every slightest need that your have.
I will help anyone when they show me that they are trying and getting at least half way.
How about asking the selling dealer? After all he took your money.
Get the service manual and learn to help yourself. Self sufficiency is a mark of a man. You're grown up now you don't need this forum as a mommy to spoon feed you every slightest need that your have.
I will help anyone when they show me that they are trying and getting at least half way.
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Joined: Sep 2010
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Lighten Up Francis
Somehow as an experienced rider, I don't think you need to ask half the questions that you have. Particularly the how often do I check the tire pressure.
How about asking the selling dealer? After all he took your money.
Get the service manual and learn to help yourself. Self sufficiency is a mark of a man. You're grown up now you don't need this forum as a mommy to spoon feed you every slightest need that your have.
I will help anyone when they show me that they are trying and getting at least half way.
How about asking the selling dealer? After all he took your money.
Get the service manual and learn to help yourself. Self sufficiency is a mark of a man. You're grown up now you don't need this forum as a mommy to spoon feed you every slightest need that your have.
I will help anyone when they show me that they are trying and getting at least half way.
Don’t worry dude you didn’t come off as too much of a pompous ***! Look, I know how to ride but I figured I would ask someone on maintenance. I didn't grow up in a family where I was taught how to do certain mecahincal things. Sorry.
You didn’t have to comment, in fact I would never take advice from someone who acts like he knows everything because usually they know about half as much as they think. Safe riding…moron. I don't need your help.
Last edited by okkat; Sep 24, 2010 at 08:17 PM. Reason: formatting