What to check on my new 13 year old RK
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 178
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From: Where our Gov. makes our license plates
What to check on my new 13 year old RK
I had a thread going on a few tuning problems I am having on my new scoot and that got me thinking a little farther. This is the newest and most expensive HD I have ever had and probably will keep it for a while. With 4 young daughters I am grateful I can have what I have.
Since I bought it last week I have focused on a few small problems with a slight stumble at 30-40mph and some popping on decel, BUT I haven't given much thought on giving this machine a once over before I get too many miles on it and forget. I remind myself, although this is a new machine to me its still 13 years old.
So I am looking for a list of things to check that may uncover or prevent any problems. Its a 2000 RK, 18k miles, FI, stock motor (I'm told), slip-on's with no name on them, 10" mini apes.
Since I bought it last week I have focused on a few small problems with a slight stumble at 30-40mph and some popping on decel, BUT I haven't given much thought on giving this machine a once over before I get too many miles on it and forget. I remind myself, although this is a new machine to me its still 13 years old.
So I am looking for a list of things to check that may uncover or prevent any problems. Its a 2000 RK, 18k miles, FI, stock motor (I'm told), slip-on's with no name on them, 10" mini apes.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 925
Likes: 15
From: So. Fla.
Congrats on your new bike. I read your first thread, and just want to say, "love the red."
I've had my '02 for eleven years and its mostly stock, with some no-name slip-ons as well thanks to original owner. (I'm second owner.) I'm only a weekend rider at best, and my bike was garaged for a few years due to other issues. I have the decel popping too. I'm thinking about adding a stage 1, a/c, PC at some point in the near future so I have been following the threads re: adding a tuner.
Definitely need to check the cam-chain tensioner and replace (I've heard) at around 30,000 miles. Some people do it earlier. At that point I'm thinking of upgrading the cams and oil pump (and possibly doing a big-bore kit) but I've got another year to decide/save up for that. (I'm from the, "if ain't broke, don't fix it" class.)
If your rear shocks have not been replaced, check the air in them....mine are starting to not hold air. I can tell when the back end feels "sloppy" and I just add air. Mine still hold for a week or so.
I guess also check out the brake system: clean out the gunk in the bottom of the brake masters, change the fluid, bleed the brakes if needed.
I'm sure more experienced peeps will give you more ideas/information.
I've had my '02 for eleven years and its mostly stock, with some no-name slip-ons as well thanks to original owner. (I'm second owner.) I'm only a weekend rider at best, and my bike was garaged for a few years due to other issues. I have the decel popping too. I'm thinking about adding a stage 1, a/c, PC at some point in the near future so I have been following the threads re: adding a tuner.
Definitely need to check the cam-chain tensioner and replace (I've heard) at around 30,000 miles. Some people do it earlier. At that point I'm thinking of upgrading the cams and oil pump (and possibly doing a big-bore kit) but I've got another year to decide/save up for that. (I'm from the, "if ain't broke, don't fix it" class.)
If your rear shocks have not been replaced, check the air in them....mine are starting to not hold air. I can tell when the back end feels "sloppy" and I just add air. Mine still hold for a week or so.
I guess also check out the brake system: clean out the gunk in the bottom of the brake masters, change the fluid, bleed the brakes if needed.
I'm sure more experienced peeps will give you more ideas/information.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,090
Likes: 7
Critical fasteners. Grab a service manual and a torque wrench. Hit every nut and bolt you van find, and some that you have to look hard for.
Jack the bike up off the ground, check for smooth wheel bearings, make sure you have no loose play in the wheels and rear swing arm and front forks.
Look at those tires closely. Check for sidewall cracks and dry rot. Look at the drive belt, tension and cracks or damage.
Imagine yourself doing 80 on the slab, and then think about what might cause you to lose control. Check that scooter out before you hit the road.
And all the other things mentioned previously. Just because most people maintain a safe scooter, doesn't mean your life is worth taking it for granted.
Enjoy your new bike!!!
Jack the bike up off the ground, check for smooth wheel bearings, make sure you have no loose play in the wheels and rear swing arm and front forks.
Look at those tires closely. Check for sidewall cracks and dry rot. Look at the drive belt, tension and cracks or damage.
Imagine yourself doing 80 on the slab, and then think about what might cause you to lose control. Check that scooter out before you hit the road.
And all the other things mentioned previously. Just because most people maintain a safe scooter, doesn't mean your life is worth taking it for granted.
Enjoy your new bike!!!
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: Where our Gov. makes our license plates
Congrats on your new bike. I read your first thread, and just want to say, "love the red."
I've had my '02 for eleven years and its mostly stock, with some no-name slip-ons as well thanks to original owner. (I'm second owner.) I'm only a weekend rider at best, and my bike was garaged for a few years due to other issues. I have the decel popping too. I'm thinking about adding a stage 1, a/c, PC at some point in the near future so I have been following the threads re: adding a tuner.
Definitely need to check the cam-chain tensioner and replace (I've heard) at around 30,000 miles. Some people do it earlier. At that point I'm thinking of upgrading the cams and oil pump (and possibly doing a big-bore kit) but I've got another year to decide/save up for that. (I'm from the, "if ain't broke, don't fix it" class.)
If your rear shocks have not been replaced, check the air in them....mine are starting to not hold air. I can tell when the back end feels "sloppy" and I just add air. Mine still hold for a week or so.
I guess also check out the brake system: clean out the gunk in the bottom of the brake masters, change the fluid, bleed the brakes if needed.
I'm sure more experienced peeps will give you more ideas/information.
I've had my '02 for eleven years and its mostly stock, with some no-name slip-ons as well thanks to original owner. (I'm second owner.) I'm only a weekend rider at best, and my bike was garaged for a few years due to other issues. I have the decel popping too. I'm thinking about adding a stage 1, a/c, PC at some point in the near future so I have been following the threads re: adding a tuner.
Definitely need to check the cam-chain tensioner and replace (I've heard) at around 30,000 miles. Some people do it earlier. At that point I'm thinking of upgrading the cams and oil pump (and possibly doing a big-bore kit) but I've got another year to decide/save up for that. (I'm from the, "if ain't broke, don't fix it" class.)
If your rear shocks have not been replaced, check the air in them....mine are starting to not hold air. I can tell when the back end feels "sloppy" and I just add air. Mine still hold for a week or so.
I guess also check out the brake system: clean out the gunk in the bottom of the brake masters, change the fluid, bleed the brakes if needed.
I'm sure more experienced peeps will give you more ideas/information.
I want to add so many things to but that will all come in time as money allows. I also would like to add the stage 1, better slip-on's, and the PC, but again, money is always what stops me. I ride every chance I get since I got this bike. My last bike was a Shovel bagger and it was a chore to ride to say the least!
I need to change the fluids and I was thinking about pulling the cover to check the cam chain tensioners while at it but at only 18k miles not sure if I really need to yet... Guess it wouldn't hurt.
I pushed my finger on the schrader valve for the air shocks to let a little air out, rode a little rough for me. I thought about them leaking though. I heard there is a little hand pump you use to fill them so I should probably see about getting one. How to you check your psi in them? Will a regular tire gauge work on that low of pressure?
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: Where our Gov. makes our license plates
Critical fasteners. Grab a service manual and a torque wrench. Hit every nut and bolt you van find, and some that you have to look hard for.
Jack the bike up off the ground, check for smooth wheel bearings, make sure you have no loose play in the wheels and rear swing arm and front forks.
Look at those tires closely. Check for sidewall cracks and dry rot. Look at the drive belt, tension and cracks or damage.
Imagine yourself doing 80 on the slab, and then think about what might cause you to lose control. Check that scooter out before you hit the road.
And all the other things mentioned previously. Just because most people maintain a safe scooter, doesn't mean your life is worth taking it for granted.
Enjoy your new bike!!!
Jack the bike up off the ground, check for smooth wheel bearings, make sure you have no loose play in the wheels and rear swing arm and front forks.
Look at those tires closely. Check for sidewall cracks and dry rot. Look at the drive belt, tension and cracks or damage.
Imagine yourself doing 80 on the slab, and then think about what might cause you to lose control. Check that scooter out before you hit the road.
And all the other things mentioned previously. Just because most people maintain a safe scooter, doesn't mean your life is worth taking it for granted.
Enjoy your new bike!!!
Good points to check thanks! And yes I need to get my hands on a service manual...
Wondering too if there is anything with this specific bike/year that I should look or watch for, like the cam chain tensioners I keep hearing about, things of that nature.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,090
Likes: 7
If it's injected, the mm fuel injection is sketchy. Cam chain tensioners and inner cam bearings. Your bike has arguably the best bottom end harley ever built. Good crank and good bearings in the case. Some had problems with swingarms cracking, that's about all I can add.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 11,232
Likes: 16
From: Socialist Republic of the USA
I ride my 01 Road King a lot, at least compared to the average Joe I guess but not as much as others. I have put 70K on in 6 years. Other than what has already been mentioned I will mention my own near death experience. My swing arm cracked and has since been welded but I finally got one from an 07 model and all the other parts necessary to install it. In 02 HD went from a 3/4" to a 1" axle and the swing arm is much more stout. I ain't saying run out and do this but keep an eye on it. Mine cracked on the left side right at the axle.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
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@op
Dont get frightened by the problems that are 'inherent' to your bike. Every generation of harleys had their quirks. My 2006 had injector issues. My specific bike didn't, but most 2006 bikes did. Just because 'most' had a problem, doesn't mean 'all' just points to things to keep a watchful eye on...
Dont get frightened by the problems that are 'inherent' to your bike. Every generation of harleys had their quirks. My 2006 had injector issues. My specific bike didn't, but most 2006 bikes did. Just because 'most' had a problem, doesn't mean 'all' just points to things to keep a watchful eye on...
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
Definitely need to check the cam-chain tensioner and replace (I've heard) at around 30,000 miles. Some people do it earlier. At that point I'm thinking of upgrading the cams and oil pump (and possibly doing a big-bore kit) but I've got another year to decide/save up for that. (I'm from the, "if ain't broke, don't fix it" class.)
rapp76, enjoy your new bike and just ride it! It is far too new to be bothered with tinkering. As the miles roll on by it will run smoother and sweeter. When you have done a few thousand miles on it will be soon enough to start checking things over. Until then sleep at peace and plan your next ride - you have enough on your plate with four daughters, for heaven's sake!!!!
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Where our Gov. makes our license plates
Cam tensioners are not a problem on TC96 and later bikes, so no need to check, or even mention it to an owner of a 2013 bike!
rapp76, enjoy your new bike and just ride it! It is far too new to be bothered with tinkering. As the miles roll on by it will run smoother and sweeter. When you have done a few thousand miles on it will be soon enough to start checking things over. Until then sleep at peace and plan your next ride - you have enough on your plate with four daughters, for heaven's sake!!!!
rapp76, enjoy your new bike and just ride it! It is far too new to be bothered with tinkering. As the miles roll on by it will run smoother and sweeter. When you have done a few thousand miles on it will be soon enough to start checking things over. Until then sleep at peace and plan your next ride - you have enough on your plate with four daughters, for heaven's sake!!!!
I may have confused you with my thread title by saying "my new 13 year old RK"... Its a 2000 but new to me.