Need help/advice with services
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 859
Likes: 3
From: Columbia, SC
Need help/advice with services
Alright, so I have decided to take the plunge and start doing all my own services. At $350-400 a pop, these damn dealer services are getting ridiculous. I have done complete motor swaps and pretty much everything there is to do on a car, but have only dove into my father-in-laws Evo motor in his 95 Road King with his assistance. Not worried or anything, but I need some help.
I'm prepared for this first time to spend the same (or more if needed) as a typical dealer service so I can make the up front purchase of tools. I'm looking for a few things....
1. A no bullshit GOTTA HAVE tool list.
2. A maybe some bullshit GOOD TO HAVE tool list.
3. Recommendations of what is the best fluids to fill my holes...... That sounded dirty... But you know what I meant. I know a lot of y'all worship redline (I think that is what it is called) so I may try that stuff. I will continue running Synthetic unless I hear a good argument otherwise.
and
4. Any other stuff y'all wanna add.
Oh, and I have a garage, so space is no issue. I don't have a lift, but its been on my list of things to get for a while now so I think I'm gonna finally get it. Any recommendations for a cheap one would be great, maybe $50-$100?
I really appreciate any and all help.
I'm prepared for this first time to spend the same (or more if needed) as a typical dealer service so I can make the up front purchase of tools. I'm looking for a few things....
1. A no bullshit GOTTA HAVE tool list.
2. A maybe some bullshit GOOD TO HAVE tool list.
3. Recommendations of what is the best fluids to fill my holes...... That sounded dirty... But you know what I meant. I know a lot of y'all worship redline (I think that is what it is called) so I may try that stuff. I will continue running Synthetic unless I hear a good argument otherwise.
and
4. Any other stuff y'all wanna add.
Oh, and I have a garage, so space is no issue. I don't have a lift, but its been on my list of things to get for a while now so I think I'm gonna finally get it. Any recommendations for a cheap one would be great, maybe $50-$100?
I really appreciate any and all help.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 254
Likes: 24
From: Texas
Well heck man I was looking online at tools that dealers have to have in order to be certified Harley Dealers and it looks to me that entry level set up is about $40K. So I don't think us shade tree wrenches need all of that to do basic maintenance.
First you will need a good jack. I have had a JS Jacks for over six years now and have been very pleased with it. Some have said the same for Pit Bull jacks. I think both are around $500. Research their websites.
I personally buy a copy of the service manual and electrical manual for each bike. Then, if I want to undertake a project, the manual will tell you what tools you need, i.e. bearing puller and installation tool for a cam change, etc. Then buy or borrow the tools you need.
You can also talk to Indy's and guys like Jamie at Fuel Moto and they can walk you through a lot of things and tell some tools that can be substituted, etc.
First you will need a good jack. I have had a JS Jacks for over six years now and have been very pleased with it. Some have said the same for Pit Bull jacks. I think both are around $500. Research their websites.
I personally buy a copy of the service manual and electrical manual for each bike. Then, if I want to undertake a project, the manual will tell you what tools you need, i.e. bearing puller and installation tool for a cam change, etc. Then buy or borrow the tools you need.
You can also talk to Indy's and guys like Jamie at Fuel Moto and they can walk you through a lot of things and tell some tools that can be substituted, etc.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,016
Likes: 277
From: East Tn Foot of The Dragon
Alright, so I have decided to take the plunge and start doing all my own services. At $350-400 a pop, these damn dealer services are getting ridiculous. I have done complete motor swaps and pretty much everything there is to do on a car, but have only dove into my father-in-laws Evo motor in his 95 Road King with his assistance. Not worried or anything, but I need some help.
I'm prepared for this first time to spend the same (or more if needed) as a typical dealer service so I can make the up front purchase of tools. I'm looking for a few things....
1. A no bullshit GOTTA HAVE tool list.
2. A maybe some bullshit GOOD TO HAVE tool list.
3. Recommendations of what is the best fluids to fill my holes...... That sounded dirty... But you know what I meant. I know a lot of y'all worship redline (I think that is what it is called) so I may try that stuff. I will continue running Synthetic unless I hear a good argument otherwise.
and
4. Any other stuff y'all wanna add.
Oh, and I have a garage, so space is no issue. I don't have a lift, but its been on my list of things to get for a while now so I think I'm gonna finally get it. Any recommendations for a cheap one would be great, maybe $50-$100?
I really appreciate any and all help.
I'm prepared for this first time to spend the same (or more if needed) as a typical dealer service so I can make the up front purchase of tools. I'm looking for a few things....
1. A no bullshit GOTTA HAVE tool list.
2. A maybe some bullshit GOOD TO HAVE tool list.
3. Recommendations of what is the best fluids to fill my holes...... That sounded dirty... But you know what I meant. I know a lot of y'all worship redline (I think that is what it is called) so I may try that stuff. I will continue running Synthetic unless I hear a good argument otherwise.
and
4. Any other stuff y'all wanna add.
Oh, and I have a garage, so space is no issue. I don't have a lift, but its been on my list of things to get for a while now so I think I'm gonna finally get it. Any recommendations for a cheap one would be great, maybe $50-$100?
I really appreciate any and all help.
Last edited by checkers; Oct 1, 2011 at 08:35 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 372
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
If you have done complete engine swaps on cars, you have what you need for basic service. A jack or lift is nice but not necessary. A service manual is helpful.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 859
Likes: 3
From: Columbia, SC
Also, I have a manual.
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 859
Likes: 3
From: Columbia, SC
Well heck man I was looking online at tools that dealers have to have in order to be certified Harley Dealers and it looks to me that entry level set up is about $40K. So I don't think us shade tree wrenches need all of that to do basic maintenance.
First you will need a good jack. I have had a JS Jacks for over six years now and have been very pleased with it. Some have said the same for Pit Bull jacks. I think both are around $500. Research their websites.
I personally buy a copy of the service manual and electrical manual for each bike. Then, if I want to undertake a project, the manual will tell you what tools you need, i.e. bearing puller and installation tool for a cam change, etc. Then buy or borrow the tools you need.
You can also talk to Indy's and guys like Jamie at Fuel Moto and they can walk you through a lot of things and tell some tools that can be substituted, etc.
First you will need a good jack. I have had a JS Jacks for over six years now and have been very pleased with it. Some have said the same for Pit Bull jacks. I think both are around $500. Research their websites.
I personally buy a copy of the service manual and electrical manual for each bike. Then, if I want to undertake a project, the manual will tell you what tools you need, i.e. bearing puller and installation tool for a cam change, etc. Then buy or borrow the tools you need.
You can also talk to Indy's and guys like Jamie at Fuel Moto and they can walk you through a lot of things and tell some tools that can be substituted, etc.
I have a service and electrical manual and also a complete parts manual for my SG. The reason I asked for the help was because I didn't see anywhere in my manuals where it talks about tools needed. I was surprised because thats exactly what I thought it would have had. Maybe I gotta look closer?
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 859
Likes: 3
From: Columbia, SC
Auto zone $50 blue motorcycle jack, Use KandN oil filter, it has a nut on it and easy to remove, it's a good filter part# K171C for the chrome one, Advance auto, Autozone or Amazon has em around 12 bucks. You will need a set of 3/8" drive socket type torx bits, metric allen, and sae allen's, all 3/8" drive a 1/4" drive socket set, also a metric set and std set of combo wrenchs. As far as oil I use Mobile 1 20w50 V twin syn in all 3 holes, works and easy to remember, this oil avail at Walmart in cycle section, ot Autozone in specilty oil section, or Amazon, about $10/qt. I am sure this will turn into an oil thread, but keep ur eye on the ball guys, also get a good shop repair manual, avoid Clymer, too generic, get the factory one or Haynes
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 285
Likes: 1
From: Southern Illinois
Manual, jack, allen wrenches, torx bits, good sockets and wrenches, torque wrench, lock tite blue, are must haves, credit card optional. Sears or harbor freight sells a decent lift jack for less than a ben. Got mine from harbor over a year ago does a good job. At first it was a bit scary putting my scoot up as there is a rocking motion on the lift. But I was able to make that stable with a smartly placed block of wood. Saving money is a plus, getting to know your ride is vital, your life may depend on it.
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