Got my first Harley!
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2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 6
Likes: 2
From: British Columbia
Got my first Harley!
Well it finally happened. I've been riding bikes my entire adult life and picked up a 2008 Ultra Classic with 30K miles last summer. I went from a Ducati Hypermotard to an ElectraGlide and I couldn't be happier. From the posts I've gone through so far the common theme is to do yourself a favor and pick up the service manual and avoid the dealership as much as possible. I plan on doing as much of the work myself wherever I can. My biggest concern is if whether or not my mechanical ability is enough to get me through what I plan on doing to the bike, I guess time will tell.
Excited to be here.
From Vancouver Island, BC
Excited to be here.
From Vancouver Island, BC
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 1,974
Likes: 5,478
From: Woodlands, MB, Canada
Welcome from Manitoba. Got yourself a nice bike. I don't think anything says Harley more than the Ultra Classic.
I guess you can ride yours now. (Are the daffodils blooming)? Still snow here.. Waiting patiently to get on the road.
I guess you can ride yours now. (Are the daffodils blooming)? Still snow here.. Waiting patiently to get on the road.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
Welcome from Spartan Country, Michigan!
I tell a lot of new comers to the forum to get: Factory Service manual and the Parts manual. Take to an office supply store and have them put a spiral binder in place of the glued binder. That will let the manuals lay flat on your bench. Get a three ring binder and record all your maintenance, repairs, accessories, etc. This will be a great reminder of what was done when. And great material to pass along to the new owner should you sell and upgrade. Also know how large your fuel tank is, a rough idea of your range per tank, and record your fuel usage. I have an app called Simply Auto that I record all my fuel used. I use the odometer and use the fuel gage as reference only. I reset the odometer to zero on fill ups, and I know I can safely get 200 miles on a tank on around town riding, and upwards of 230+ on trips.
I tell a lot of new comers to the forum to get: Factory Service manual and the Parts manual. Take to an office supply store and have them put a spiral binder in place of the glued binder. That will let the manuals lay flat on your bench. Get a three ring binder and record all your maintenance, repairs, accessories, etc. This will be a great reminder of what was done when. And great material to pass along to the new owner should you sell and upgrade. Also know how large your fuel tank is, a rough idea of your range per tank, and record your fuel usage. I have an app called Simply Auto that I record all my fuel used. I use the odometer and use the fuel gage as reference only. I reset the odometer to zero on fill ups, and I know I can safely get 200 miles on a tank on around town riding, and upwards of 230+ on trips.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,586
Likes: 6,435
From: Honah Lee
Welcome Derick.
Hope you continue to enjoy your ride here with us on the HDFORUM.
Only as a suggestion, but very important, create a signature line similar to mine on your bike with year, model, and all the letters Harley assigned to the bike. It will appear at bottom of your post.
You can also add a favorite picture to the signature line.
Doing this will be helpful if you ask a question or to someone asking a question. All Harleys aren't the same with many changes and variations over the years.
You can also add a favorite picture for an Aviator postage stamp you see at the top left of your post.
Hope you continue to enjoy your ride here with us on the HDFORUM.
Only as a suggestion, but very important, create a signature line similar to mine on your bike with year, model, and all the letters Harley assigned to the bike. It will appear at bottom of your post.
You can also add a favorite picture to the signature line.
Doing this will be helpful if you ask a question or to someone asking a question. All Harleys aren't the same with many changes and variations over the years.
You can also add a favorite picture for an Aviator postage stamp you see at the top left of your post.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,179
Likes: 683
From: Forest Hill, Md
Congrats, welcome to the mad house! I'm sure if you ask around your area you'll find a reputable indy shop to have any work done that you feel is too much for you. If you're lucky like me, your indy will turn away work that you could do and only do the real tough things that you may not have the special tools for.
Also, pics when ya get a chance!
Also, pics when ya get a chance!
