How to Buy a Harley

When you think about it, riding a motorcycle is more personal than driving a car, therefore it is important to consider your needs carefully before choosing your Harley-Davidson. Especially since many Harley buyers choose their model for the wrong reason--looks instead of practicality--in turn, they are not always pleased with their riding experience. Don't become a weekend warrior: Avoid buying a hog that'll sit in the garage. Instead find the perfect bike you have always wanted to own.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. • 1

     Determine your riding style. Harley-Davidson has a wide variety of models for all riding styles, so determine whether you would like to have a cruiser, a custom bike or a sports bike. Knowing your riding style is important, as it will directly affect your riding experience.

     Just as an FYI, a cruiser is for your longer road trips while your sports bike is more for sipping around town. A custom Harley is strictly for looks--it'll take you on those road trips and around town, but depending on how you trick out your custom bike, it could be somewhat uncomfortable to ride for extended periods of time.

   • 2

     Recognize your riding needs. Buying a motorcycle that is too big or too powerful may ruin a riding experience or result in injury. Think carefully about size, power and what conditions you plan to be riding in. This will help to limit your choices, when it is time to choose your model.

   • 3

     Choose which Harley model is best for you. Now that you know what you want and need in a bike, decide which models you would like to take for a demo ride. Of course, you'll have to have a licence on hand that shows proof of your motorcycle-class licence. This licence is different in every state so you'll have to take a written test as well as a field test to get one.

   • 4

     Decide whether you would like to buy used or new. If you are interested in vintage models or a fixer, than used would be the way to go. If you are more concerned with using your motorcycle simply as a reliable mode of transportation, you may wan to consider buying a new model.

     If this happens to be your first bike, you might want to opt for a used bike. Simply because you will scrape it up a bit--it happens to everyone, no matter how careful you are.

   • 5

     Enjoy the ride!

Tips & Warnings

• When buying used, be aware of maintenance history, modifications and how long it has been in storage. Consider buying a used Harley from an authorized dealer only. Buying a used Harley from a private seller brings risk to ownership.

• Always test ride used models.

• Beware of auto liquidators and used car dealers, unless you know how to inspect a bike properly for problems. Generally, car dealers don't know anything about motorcycles and only want to make a sale

How to Restore a Modern Harley-Davidson Motorcycle

When you need to restore a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle, you want to do it right. Whether you've laid the bike down, or some other tragedy has befallen your motorcycle, you want nothing but the best for your bike. Bringing your Harley back into premo condition requires the right tools and knowledge. Here's how to restore your late model Harley-Davidson Motorcycle and getit back on the road again.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

1. • 1

     Do a tear down of the motorcycle. Be sure to clean and mark all parts so you know where they came from so you can put it back together again.

   • 2

     Identify what parts you can repair and what parts you need to replace. When you lay your motorcycle down, especially a late model Harley, you'll have a good bit of plastic to replace. It's generally not a good idea to try to repair the HD plastic since the structural integrity of the plastic is compromised, unless you just have minor scuffing.

   • 3

     Make a parts list and either take it to a dealer to fill, or search out the needed parts in a junkyard. Compiling the needed parts via junkyard is sure to save you some cash, but it may take time to collect them all. Your best bet is to find a Harley-Davidson motorcycle of the same make, model and year and snag parts from it.

   • 4

     Take the painted metal, such as the gas tank and valve cover, to a body shop to have it professionally finished. Do this at home if you have the necessary tools to do the job. Reassemble the gas tank and other parts.

   • 5

     Replace all engine, cooling system, brake system and electrical components first. Be sure the motorcycle is in running condition before you proceed to superficial plastic and paint.

   • 6

     Put on the cosmetics. The fringe, tank bags and ferring all need to go on last.

How to Trim a Harley Windshield

If the windshield on your Harley Davidson is too high or you don't think the style goes with the look of your chopper, you can trim it down or into another shape without compromising the finish. You can have this done professionally or you can try to do it yourself.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Masking tape
• Sabre saw or bandsaw
• Cardboard
• 80 grit sandpaper
• 220 grit sandpaper
• Methyl ethyl ketone (M.E.K.)

1. • 1

     Determine how much you need to cut off by masking part of the windshield and seeing how you can live with it. At first you may be conservative with your masking, but you can lower the masking until you find a height you can comfortably see over when settled in the seat.

   • 2

     Remove the windshield from your Harley.

   • 3

     Trace the final outline of your masking tape onto cardboard and cut it out.

   • 4

     Place masking tape on the outside of the windshield around where you will cut. About 2 inches on either side will suffice.

   • 5

     Trace a cut line on the masking tape using the cardboard cutout as a template.

   • 6

     Cover the front of the windshield with cardboard or plastic to protect it from scratching.

   • 7

     Use a sabre saw to trim along the cut line on the windshield. You should cut from the front with the outside of the windshield up.

   • 8

     Stand the shield upright and sand the rough edge with 80 grit sandpaper.

   • 9

     Go over the sanded edge with a 220 grit sandpaper for a smoother finish.

   • 10

     Wrap a cotton rag around you finger and dip it in methyl ethyl ketone (M.E.K.) a universal solvent available at home improvement stores. You want the cotton to be moist but not dripping.

   • 11

     Wipe the edge in one motion with your moistened finger. This melts the plastic windshield edge and creates a smooth factory finish.

   • 12

     Replace the freshly trimmed windshield on your Harley.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to use a smooth motion when cutting the windshield so you don't have to do as much sanding.

• A bandsaw can also be used to cut the windshield, but you have to cut it with the inside up.

• You can get custom chrome or stainless steel trim for your Harley windshield that will give it an added touch of style.

• The fumes from the methyl ethyl ketone are not pleasant, so try to avoid inhaling too much of them. You should only be using the M.E.K. for a few minutes at most.

How to Check the Timing on a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Motor

Check the ignition timing every 5000 miles on your Harley Davidson. This is a fairly simply procedure, but it will save you headaches in the future. Bikes that are out of time will have some problems, and they'll only get worse. Take care of it now, and you won't have to worry about it. Checking the timing on your Harley is one of the easiest preventative maintenance items to take care of, next to changing your oil.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Timing mark view plug
• Inductive timing light
• Hex socket to fit your timing plug
• Service manual for your model
• Internet access

1. • 1

     Remove the hex socket timing plug; this is located on the crankcase. Set the timing plug aside, but don't lose it. You'll need to put it back when you're done.

   • 2

     Thread the timing mark view plug into the inspection hole where the timing plug used to be. Don't let the view plug touch the flywheel, though. Thread the view plug into the hole far enough that you can see the flywheel well enough to identify the marks you'll be looking for.

   • 3

     Look in the service manual to find the correct marking for TDC (Top Dead Center) on your flywheel. If the notations are not in the service manual, a quick online search will yield good results and most of the time will come with pictures as well.

   • 4

     Connect the inductive timing light. There are 3 hookups required. The first one clamps around the front spark plug wire, the second goes to the positive battery terminal, and the third one needs to be grounded somewhere on the bike.

   • 5

     Check everything again to make sure all vacuum hoses and wires are connected. Double check the connections at ground and at the battery.

   • 6

     Start your engine. Let the engine warm up to normal operating temperature. On non-California models the idle should be between 950 and 1050 RPM.

   • 7

     Aim your timing light into the inspection hole. The light will flash each time ignition spark is fired. Check to make sure that when the light flashes, the flywheel has turned so that the advance timing mark is in line with the timing light.

   • 8

     Set the idle with the idle adjustment screw. Turn clockwise to increase idle and counter clockwise to decrease idle.

   • 9

     Remove the timing mark view plug and reinstall the timing plug. Go ride!

Tips & Warnings

• The size of the hex socket needed for your timing plug varies by model. If the size is not listed in your owner's manual, you can buy hex bits in sets of commonly used sizes.

• Be sure the engine is warmed up to normal operating temperature when checking the timing on your Harley Davidson.

• Timing mark view plugs are available through Harley Davidson, but there are also aftermarket plugs available as well.

How to Change Harley Davidson Oil

Harley Davidson

If you haven't changed the oil in your Harley Davidson recently, you may be putting unnecessary wear and tear on the motorcycle's engine. When motor oil gets old, it becomes contaminated and doesn't flow properly. This gives your motorcycle less friction reducing and cooling capability. Changing the oil regularly is a big part of your Harley's upkeep.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Blocks or a motorcycle oil change stand
• Oil pan
• Replacement oil and oil filter

1. • 1

     Go on a short ride to warm up the engine oil and allow it to flow out of the reservoir. Don't get the engine too hot, so you open the reservoir.

   • 2

     Pull the Harley on blocks or on a motorcycle oil change stand. Slide an oil pan under the motorcycle and remove the oil reservoir plug. Do this slowly and carefully, as the engine oil may be hot. Also, remove the oil filter and place it in the pan to drain.

   • 3

     Allow the oil to drain for about 20 to 30 minutes. Make sure that no oil stream is left before continuing.

   • 4

     Replace the oil plug and install the new oil filter. Be sure to coat the rubber o-ring on the filter with oil before screwing it in.

   • 5

     Remove the oil cap and fill the reservoir with the amount and type of oil suggested in your owner's manual.

   • 6

     Replace the oil cap and start the motorcycle. Allow the Harley to run for around a minute before shutting it off.

   • 7

     Check the filler glass on the side of the motor and finish filling the reservoir until it is in the middle range.

   • 8

     Replace the oil cap and dispose properly of the used oil. Clean up any messes or spills.

Tips & Warnings

• Many auto parts stores will take you used motor oil and dispose of it for little or no cost.

• If you spill oil on your concrete, you can easily dilute and remove it using a bucket of water or a power washer.

• Always use caution when working around motorcycle engines.

• Always be wary of pinch points when working around motorcycles

How to Change the Oil on a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle

How to Change the Oil on a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle

An important part of maintaining your motorcycle is to frequently change the oil. Complete this process every 3,000 miles and enjoy greater security during your rides and prolong the life of your engine.

Difficulty:
Moderately Challenging

Instructions
Things You'll Need

Basin
Siphon
Socket wrench
Needle-nose pliers
Oil filter
Oil
Work rags

1

Remove the filler cap from the oil tank.
2

Place the catch basin directly below the drain plug on the oil tank.
3

Hold a siphon between the oil tank and the catch basin. Some newer Harley models may have their own drain hose that you can use.
4

Use a socket wrench to remove the drain plug from the bottom of the oil tank, while continuing to hold the siphon in place.
5

Wait until all oil has drained into the basin, then screw the drain plug back into the oil tank.
6

Remove the seat of your motorcycle. Most Harley-Davidsons' oil filters are located in a cylinder under the seat.
7

Take the lid off the cylinder's housing and remove the cylinder.
8

Unlatch the clip that secures the cap on the cylinder using needle-nose pliers and lift out the used oil filter.
9

Replace the old filter with a new filter before locking the cap back onto the cylinder. Put the cylinder back into its home and replace the lid.
10

Bolt the seat securely back onto the Harley.
11

Pour the new oil into your oil tank. Your service manual should designate the proper amount for your specific motorcycle model.
12

Put the filler cap back onto the oil tank. Fasten it firmly to avoid a spray of oil.

Tips & Warnings

Consult your owner's manual for any information relating to your specific Harley-Davidson motorcycle model.

You can recycle used oil at many local gas and service stations.

Let your motorcycle sit for a few hours before changing the oil; it's not a good idea to work near a hot engine.

How to Make Harley Exhaust Louder

Prostreet custom bike

A Harley-Davidson motorcycle has a very distinct sound—folks who know them can hear one coming well before they can see it. When it’s going slowly, it makes a low, throaty rumble; when you give it the gas, it roars. For whatever reason, many Harley riders are of the opinion that louder is better, and if you’re one of those bikers, you can make your Harley exhaust louder on your own and save some money. Read on to learn how to make Harley exhaust louder.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• A motorcycle
• A hammer and iron rod
• After-market exhaust system

1. • 1

     If you have a stock exhaust and you don’t want to spend too much money, take an iron bar and a 4 lb. hammer. Insert the bar up your tailpipe and use the hammer to hit the bar repeatedly until you have knocked out the exhaust baffles.

   • 2

     Buy an after-market exhaust system. There are a million after-market exhaust systems in a wide range of prices. You’ll find one that is right for you. Many of them are tuned with exactly the right amount of back pressure on your engine to enhance your engine’s ability to relieve itself with exhaust gases and run more efficiently and faster.

   • 3

     Buy two new exhaust gaskets for your new system. Torque down the exhaust bolts that clamp your pipes on to the motor per factory recommendations. (This is not the hanger clamp that clamps your pipes to your frame, this is the one that clamps on to the heads.)