I'm a knucklehead...
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 469
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From: Motown
I'm a knucklehead...
So, I figure I'd do my own 1000-service. I did most of it, but there were a couple of things I defered to my indy mechanic. I didn't want to deal with lubing the clutch cable since it would require adjusting the clutch, nor did I want to check the motor mount torque since according to the service manual, it required depressurizing the fuel system and raising the tank.
Anyway, when I replaced my fluids, I pushed up on the primary chain to check the "slack" and found it to be a bit tight. Having never checked one before I figured maybe it was like that to allow for some stretch, being a new chain, and if it came from the factory that way it must be okay, right? Um, no. My mechanic calls me and asks "What exactly did you do?". I respond "You know, change the fliuds, oil the throttle cables...everything except the clutch and engine mount torque". He asks "Did you adjust the primary chain?". My repy "No, but it's a little tight, right?" Him: "A little tight? It's bearing-eating tight". Oops.
What BS. I asked how it could come from the factory like that and he says that it souldn't, and he felt that it should have been caught as part of the bike prep.
He also said my throttle was way out of adjustment, which I never touched either. Jesus.
Anyway, just wanted to share a story for those inclined to skip a the 1000-mile service or delay it. If you don't or can't do it yourself PROPERLY, take it in. Don't be a knucklehead (like me). Luckily, no harm done in my case.
Anyway, when I replaced my fluids, I pushed up on the primary chain to check the "slack" and found it to be a bit tight. Having never checked one before I figured maybe it was like that to allow for some stretch, being a new chain, and if it came from the factory that way it must be okay, right? Um, no. My mechanic calls me and asks "What exactly did you do?". I respond "You know, change the fliuds, oil the throttle cables...everything except the clutch and engine mount torque". He asks "Did you adjust the primary chain?". My repy "No, but it's a little tight, right?" Him: "A little tight? It's bearing-eating tight". Oops.
What BS. I asked how it could come from the factory like that and he says that it souldn't, and he felt that it should have been caught as part of the bike prep.
He also said my throttle was way out of adjustment, which I never touched either. Jesus.
Anyway, just wanted to share a story for those inclined to skip a the 1000-mile service or delay it. If you don't or can't do it yourself PROPERLY, take it in. Don't be a knucklehead (like me). Luckily, no harm done in my case.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,475
Likes: 3
From: Southeast Wisconsin
RE: I'm a knucklehead...
Don't feel bad, I had an '04 Wide Glide that had a terrible surging problem when it was brand new. I took it back to the dealer two times but they told me it was being caused by the stock air-cleaner and pipes and the lean running condition they cause. I called b.s. on this and bought a service manual to do all of my own trouble shooting/work from that point forward. Went to change my primary fluid and discovered that my primary chain had 1 1/2 inches of play in it. Tightened it to the spec and my surging went away instantly. I blame the folks at the factory...I really don't think the dealership is supposed to be popping inspection panels off of a brand new bike to check such things.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
From: Kelowna, BC
RE: I'm a knucklehead...
At least you recognize your limitations. Some guys don't and pay the price
as you mentioned. I change my own oil and similar but adjustments and checks
are best left to the competent and/or dealer. (Not me !)[8D]
later........
as you mentioned. I change my own oil and similar but adjustments and checks
are best left to the competent and/or dealer. (Not me !)[8D]
later........
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