Are you KIDDING me?
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: On the Chester River
Are you KIDDING me?
This morning I was happily installing the HD auxiliary (LED) light kit on my new SGS. Nice kit, BTW. When it became time to remove the dash to install the light switch, I thought I was following the manual when removing the ignition ****. Guess I wasn't holding my mouth correctly because all of a sudden my forks were locked and I couldn't get the ignition **** to reinstall. Well, hell . . . I fully accept that I screwed this up and, according to the manual, I'm going to need the Ignition Alignment Tool (HD-51198 - $90.00) to correct the situation.
I called my selling dealer. I didn't expect them to have it in stock. I also didn't expect them to refuse to sell me one. I could bring the bike in (how with locked forks and no ignition?) or they would pick it up and fix it but they wouldn't sell me the tool! I then drove to the dealership and had a polite discussion with the weekend manager. This dealership has a multi-location owner with the corresponding hierarchy so I didn't get anywhere. At this point, I left and called a not too distant 'non-network' dealer. Two minutes later, I had the tool on order and should have it within a week or so. Problem solved but this raises at least three questions in addition to this title:
1. It boggles the mind that they would refuse to sell an essential tool listed in the '14 Touring Service Manual. What are they thinking?
2. I've bought multiple bikes from this dealer. Do they think THAT will ever happen again? I'm 70 and at some point, I'm either going to need a smaller bike or a trike. Bit of a shame. I like the people there but won't go back with that kind of a corporate attitude.
3. Is there any way to get around needing this tool? I don't mind having to pay for my mistakes but losing the riding time is a bummer, especially at my age.
There now - I feel better.
I called my selling dealer. I didn't expect them to have it in stock. I also didn't expect them to refuse to sell me one. I could bring the bike in (how with locked forks and no ignition?) or they would pick it up and fix it but they wouldn't sell me the tool! I then drove to the dealership and had a polite discussion with the weekend manager. This dealership has a multi-location owner with the corresponding hierarchy so I didn't get anywhere. At this point, I left and called a not too distant 'non-network' dealer. Two minutes later, I had the tool on order and should have it within a week or so. Problem solved but this raises at least three questions in addition to this title:
1. It boggles the mind that they would refuse to sell an essential tool listed in the '14 Touring Service Manual. What are they thinking?
2. I've bought multiple bikes from this dealer. Do they think THAT will ever happen again? I'm 70 and at some point, I'm either going to need a smaller bike or a trike. Bit of a shame. I like the people there but won't go back with that kind of a corporate attitude.
3. Is there any way to get around needing this tool? I don't mind having to pay for my mistakes but losing the riding time is a bummer, especially at my age.
There now - I feel better.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 375
Likes: 8
From: Arizona
I've read other threads where people use a long skinny screwdriver to align things. I have also seen a thread that someone made the tool out of copper tubing. I think flattening in a vise or something like that.
Here is a link to one of the threads: https://www.hdforums.com/forum/new-r...ol-a-must.html
Here is a link to one of the threads: https://www.hdforums.com/forum/new-r...ol-a-must.html
Last edited by jstrenn; Apr 19, 2014 at 07:11 PM. Reason: added link
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,630
Likes: 185
From: Mountain West, Big Sky Country
check out you tube, seen a number of videos on how to make the tool you speak of for non 14 model, maybe one of them might help. Surley the tool has not changed that much
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
squarshed 1/4" copper tubing.
screwdriver method is dicey and can catch some of the cams, but skip some.
watch some youtube videos, easy
I doubt that any riders have bothered to buy the alignment tool, when you can be your own macgiver
mike
screwdriver method is dicey and can catch some of the cams, but skip some.
watch some youtube videos, easy
I doubt that any riders have bothered to buy the alignment tool, when you can be your own macgiver
mike
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 102
From: Central Illinois
Just get this tool and your troubles are over. You still may need to use a screwdriver to get things in alignment, but once you do this tool will allow you to turn the forks and still use the ignition, without the stock **** in place.
http://www.marcparnes.com/HarleyIgnitionSwitchTool.htm
http://www.marcparnes.com/HarleyIgnitionSwitchTool.htm
Just get this tool and your troubles are over. You still may need to use a screwdriver to get things in alignment, but once you do this tool will allow you to turn the forks and still use the ignition, without the stock **** in place. http://www.marcparnes.com/HarleyIgnitionSwitchTool.htm
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Unofficial HDF Chaplain
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 21,160
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From: san diego
georges garage sells the tool, if you work on a lot of bikes, its a good thing, if you work on one, just once in a while, make your own
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