New to harley
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: MA
New to harley
Hi I am new to having a HD motorcycle. I have owned different brands of bikes. What I was wondering what misc. items should I have on hand?
Ex: service manual, what sort of tools, or anything else that comes to mind.
Ex: service manual, what sort of tools, or anything else that comes to mind.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 866
Likes: 18
From: Richmond Hill, Ontario
Welcome to the big league.
Definitely get the manuals.
If you have money to spend on your bike, start with the things that add to your safety and comfort. Make sure your brakes and tires are in top shape. Make sure you can reach all controls (good handlebars) and won't get tired or sore while riding. If you use a helmet - get a good one. Get a good set of leathers, i.e., jacket, boots, gloves, chaps, etc. You will use them at varying times as required. If you live in a cooler climate get (or consider) heated clothing to extend your season. Get a decent small tool set with the essentials like a screw driver, nut drivers, small socket set, electrical tape and lots of zip ties.
Next, you may want to get some decent bike luggage if you are planning to go on any trips.
There are some convenience items that will make your riding more enjoyable. You could consider a GPS unit, an MP3 player, push-button fuel door release (if you have a touring model), custom windscreen, etc.
Then comes the performance mods and all the chrome.
Just remember, you don't need it all and you don't need it all now. Take your time.
Definitely get the manuals.
If you have money to spend on your bike, start with the things that add to your safety and comfort. Make sure your brakes and tires are in top shape. Make sure you can reach all controls (good handlebars) and won't get tired or sore while riding. If you use a helmet - get a good one. Get a good set of leathers, i.e., jacket, boots, gloves, chaps, etc. You will use them at varying times as required. If you live in a cooler climate get (or consider) heated clothing to extend your season. Get a decent small tool set with the essentials like a screw driver, nut drivers, small socket set, electrical tape and lots of zip ties.
Next, you may want to get some decent bike luggage if you are planning to go on any trips.
There are some convenience items that will make your riding more enjoyable. You could consider a GPS unit, an MP3 player, push-button fuel door release (if you have a touring model), custom windscreen, etc.
Then comes the performance mods and all the chrome.
Just remember, you don't need it all and you don't need it all now. Take your time.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 114
From: Jackson, Ohio
What bike did you buy?
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 348
Likes: 7
From: Idaho
Lots of time to review threads on this forum. There's a wealth of information in these pages, but a word of caution: watch out for the Harley hypochondriacs. A reported bike problem by one, often leads to a pandemic that can be real or imagined.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 6
From: Indiana
Stop at the dealer and get the big yearly accessories catalog. Free (if they have them) and if they give them away like they are supposed to. Then you'll see why HD means HIGH DOLLAR. If your like many of us, your $20K bike will be worth $30K on paper when you are done accessorizing...but only get you $15K if you decide to trade it in 
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 9,486
Likes: 4
From: Hico, TX (once home to Billy the Kid)
First of all Welcome to the Family.
You can go to Ebay and even buy an electronic copy of the Service Manual, but a parts manual would be nice to have for your year also.
I have all three Parts, Electrical, Service.
Tools you'll get as you need them.
First hint - Do NOT use a T25 for the T27 Screws on the Derby Cover!
The rest = Have fun.
You can go to Ebay and even buy an electronic copy of the Service Manual, but a parts manual would be nice to have for your year also.
I have all three Parts, Electrical, Service.
Tools you'll get as you need them.
First hint - Do NOT use a T25 for the T27 Screws on the Derby Cover!
The rest = Have fun.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 9,850
Likes: 220
From: Sacramento, CA.
HD Service Manual for sure. Parts book would be great. If you want to spend money on goodies then the HD P&A catalog. tools like allens & trox. start out with the manual even if you aren't doing your own service work. Congrats & welcome from N.Cali.