New Guy. First steps?
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: chicagoland
New Guy. First steps?
Hello - Newbie here.
Keyboard Shipping just delivered my 2006 FLHXI. Cobalt Blue. 20K on the clock (found Keyboard from this site. Highly recommend)
I have not ridden in 15 years.... AND -- this is my first HD.
I am mechanically competent (drag race a 70 Buick GSX with a 565 BBC and an '87 Grand National) -- however I am starting from scratch here.
Being a "do it yourselfer", would someone steer me in the right direction? The Bike did not come with an owners manual and I'm not sure what would be the best HD service manual to purchase (Clymers?).
Looking to go through the Bike and perform whatever the recommended services should be, get my hands dirty, and learn about my new baby inside and out! I have not gotten my hands on the service records yet -- so without going into the details, let's say I'm thinking of starting from zero.
Thanks. Looking forward to contributing to the forum.
-John
Keyboard Shipping just delivered my 2006 FLHXI. Cobalt Blue. 20K on the clock (found Keyboard from this site. Highly recommend)
I have not ridden in 15 years.... AND -- this is my first HD.
I am mechanically competent (drag race a 70 Buick GSX with a 565 BBC and an '87 Grand National) -- however I am starting from scratch here.
Being a "do it yourselfer", would someone steer me in the right direction? The Bike did not come with an owners manual and I'm not sure what would be the best HD service manual to purchase (Clymers?).
Looking to go through the Bike and perform whatever the recommended services should be, get my hands dirty, and learn about my new baby inside and out! I have not gotten my hands on the service records yet -- so without going into the details, let's say I'm thinking of starting from zero.
Thanks. Looking forward to contributing to the forum.
-John
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
Congrats man!
I bought the HD service manual it's been invaluable. I also invested in a good J&S motorcycle lift (J&S and Pitbull are the top non-platform brands).
With those and some basic mechanics tools you'll be ready to dive in to anything that needs doing!
Happy wrenching
I bought the HD service manual it's been invaluable. I also invested in a good J&S motorcycle lift (J&S and Pitbull are the top non-platform brands).
With those and some basic mechanics tools you'll be ready to dive in to anything that needs doing!
Happy wrenching
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 581
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
Like the others have said the HD service manual is a must. For starters I would change the transmission fluid, primary fluid, and the oil. Also I would grease the steering head neck bearing. Check air pressure in the tires and the shocks. Check the belt tension and make sure all the lights and switches are functioning properly. Good luck and enjoy. Welcome.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: chicagoland
Thanks for the quick responses! Appreciate it.
Is this the PN for the HD service manual? 99483-06
Got a J&S lift this weekend too. Craigslist special. Snagged it for $220.00 with drain pan. Very nice piece.
Is this the PN for the HD service manual? 99483-06
Got a J&S lift this weekend too. Craigslist special. Snagged it for $220.00 with drain pan. Very nice piece.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,482
Likes: 631
From: NorCal Rocklin
Whatever you do, do not get oil from the dealership. I made that mistake for the first time a week ago. The only thing you should buy there are the oil filters at best. You should be able to find motorcycle oil in any autoparts store.
Since you are from Illinois, I would recommed going to Woodstock Harley for services. Dont go to the big 4 City Limits Paltine, Illinois Harley Berwyn, Wildfire Villa Park, and FoxRiver St. Charles. Chicago Harley in Glenview gets a bad rap too.
Welcome
Since you are from Illinois, I would recommed going to Woodstock Harley for services. Dont go to the big 4 City Limits Paltine, Illinois Harley Berwyn, Wildfire Villa Park, and FoxRiver St. Charles. Chicago Harley in Glenview gets a bad rap too.
Welcome
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 19
From: Cypress, TX
1. Buy the service manual
2. The advance search feature on this forum has helped me tremendously
I would do the service for the miles nearest you have. Go over nuts and bolts and change all fluids unless you know that has been done. If it runs good then leave it alone and ride it for a while.
2. The advance search feature on this forum has helped me tremendously
I would do the service for the miles nearest you have. Go over nuts and bolts and change all fluids unless you know that has been done. If it runs good then leave it alone and ride it for a while.
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,220
Likes: 24
From: here
do this if it hasn't already been done. I have an 05 and maybe they have it straightened out on 06's but I would check it out immediately...
http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...bmLocale=en_US
make sure the allen bolt on the shifterarm behind the primary is tight check it once a month replace it if it even a little sketchy. it is impossible to replace that arm without pulling the primary it loosens it strips it gets involved. just keep it tight. if the original shifter rod is on it go to hardware store and replace everything with stainless heim joints. the original ones do not usually make it to 20k you are lucky if they are still holding together. another cheap upgrade is the a/c backing plate with o rings instead of banjo bolt breathers with hoses. way better design. 50k on my glide in 2 years I have had a lot of **** go wrong. welcome back to the harley world this forum is a lifesaver.
http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...bmLocale=en_US
make sure the allen bolt on the shifterarm behind the primary is tight check it once a month replace it if it even a little sketchy. it is impossible to replace that arm without pulling the primary it loosens it strips it gets involved. just keep it tight. if the original shifter rod is on it go to hardware store and replace everything with stainless heim joints. the original ones do not usually make it to 20k you are lucky if they are still holding together. another cheap upgrade is the a/c backing plate with o rings instead of banjo bolt breathers with hoses. way better design. 50k on my glide in 2 years I have had a lot of **** go wrong. welcome back to the harley world this forum is a lifesaver.
Last edited by mrnone; Sep 19, 2011 at 01:31 PM. Reason: wrong link
