I have a '57 FL, '02 FLHT and "10 FXDC. Older bikes require basic maintenance knowledge or a pocket full of cash. I've always enjoyed doing my own maintenance because I don't trust anyone as much as myself.
I Rode a 76 Goldwing until about 2006 when stator went at speed and motor issues caused is retirement, it is cheaper then buying and/or financing a new Bike every handful of years, it does require more involved Maintenance and upkeep but after so many years with one bike you can pretty much tell what is wrong when it wont run right and that can be a comfort in itself. Anyone can ride a Mine Too Bike that looks like every other new bike someone just bought, where a lot of older Bikes are Built or Rebuilt
2007 96ci TC Dyna owner here in the U.K. We have so few Harley main dealers left over here there's little choice but to do your own wrenching or find a good independent shop. The main dealers, if you can find one, won't work on anything over 10 years old and you're lucky if they have any parts in stock at all, everything is ordered on request. I get everything I need from online specialists and do it myself with the aid of a factory manual and RUclips videos!
Hey i own a 2002 dyna superglide, i love the bike as it was purchased for 2 up riding with my wife. Getting into the older bike topic, i knew what i was getting into with the early twin cam 88a engine. They are known for the chain tensioner failures, a pressed crank that only got cheaper as time went on, and excessive vibration. I did my best to adress all issues, firs things first i replaced my cam plate with an upgraded hydraulic system from fueling that was great for the time, then i did a total 3 fluid change and checked all gaskets. The maintenance on these bikes is extensive, but when done properly they last forever. Luckily the 2002 was the last year dyna to use the timken bottom end and that was another factor why i went with the hd i went with. Coming from sport bikes most of my friends judged me but after the first ride, it just didnt matter anymore and i just "got it". Harley is a total experience and there is a reason they are the oldest manufacture for mc that has operated for the total years of its existence. These bikes should be cherished and taken care of, there is nothing more american than a harley. Im sad to see the way people have blown the politics behind the company out of proportion. The ceo may be rotten but the blue collar guys putting our bikes together in york pa or elsewhere have nothing to do with the politics. Getting back to my dyna, it has been totally transformed into a high performance 2 up custom cruiser. Legends, fairing, 2 inch higher forks in the front, 100 ci kit, gear cam system with 585 cams installed, led fully surrounded, and an awesome dakota digital dash gauge that reads out the speed and rpms that the superglides never had. Mind you after all these upgrades i saved all my old parts to preserve the original build. Hd has the best customisability also which was just awesome to learn getting into them. Ive gone on to read tons of info on the engine history and all the engines they produced which is really cool. Hd is a brand with real history and we should be proud to ride them esp the older models that have so much character.
@@KennyQuestShow thanks for the reply man, and sorry for the long winded comment but it's just a topic I care about. And yeah I love my bike and I like the fact that you can really make a Harley "yours" with a few mods. I did a ton of research before going the path I chose but I'm please with the outcome. If I was brave enough to post a video I'd have to show the before and after process. I can't stress it enough how much the sputhe stabilizer mounts have really put the final chefs kiss on the overall ride quality. Legends were nice but now there is just a feeling of riding on glass.
@ I follow several early dyna build channels and the thrashin supply folks, they all run stabilizers and swear by them. Do you ever consider the new softail frame bikes would negate the need for all the mods?
@@KennyQuestShow yes, I have thought about what if I just bought the soft tail, however my collection just wouldn't have the same charm. I have 2 sport bikes, a 2017 ninja, and a 2020 katana, so the "old" Harley kind of really is a thing of it's own, and I have basically made it my own. I haven't ridden anything newer than 2016 soft tail slim Harley Davidson, and I was impressed by power being so stiff and available but it wasn't gobs more than at the time my stage 1 88. I have not had the chance to ride a Milwaukee 8 powered Harley yet, but one day I will. I just won't ride one at a dealer as I'm not looking for a sales pitch along with the test ride. I would like to know in comparison how my dyna would stack up against the new lowriders for sure. Full legends suspension, vs the new Harley stuff, is the legends aftermarket old bike better or worse or the same? Would be an interesting test. The 100 ci engine is a sleeper bc the crank is shorter therefore the revs come on pretty quick.
@@cjstemple321 speaking from experience (20+ ride review videos posted) if you visit a dealer when the demo truck is there, No sales men in the demo ride area. You come, ride then leave. An M8 feels like a TC 110 once you do a stage IV kit, whether 107 to 119 or 114 to 128ci. Can’t explain why, the vibes, sound are different until you add the cam and those heads.
@@ringaleavo yep, maintenance on any older bike is critical. Especially alder singles and twins that vibrate, I’d be doing a 10 minute check before every ride. Reckon 5 thousand miles is way too long for a service. Keep up the great videos Kenny.
I've put 17,000 miles on a 2005 Frankenstein Road King in 3 years. i had a return cable for the throttle bind up and break on me on a trip to Colorado from Ohio. Had to scramble and pay a lot to ship a new cable while on the road. Survived that one. But 3 months ago while riding around Lake Michigan, my 6 speed aftermarket (Ultima) transmission completely grenaded on me in Green Bay, Wisconsin. I was lucky that it happened 2 miles form a Harley Dealership. I paid them $600 to basically tear it completely apart and tell me that the only thing they could do was source a Baker transmission and install it for a total cost of $5,100. I boxed up the parts and with the help of two great friends, got it trailered all the way back to Ohio. I had to ride on the back of my friends road glide from Green Bay to the Chicago suburbs the day it happened and that sucked. I'm done taking this 20 year old bike on long trips. If it had broken down badly like that on one of my trips in a remote area I cant even imagine how much it would have cost me. I just bought a 2021 Ultra Limited. Ill get my 2005 Road King back on the road eventually but it will just be for ripping around town, from now on. Maintenance is everything, especially on an older bike with old and/or aftermarket parts. If you've got a caliper falling off, there's clearly something you should have been doing that you did not. Threadlocker and proper torque specs.
You def can and should do your own maintenance. It really isnt hard at all. I would 100% recommend getting the shop manual for your specific bike as well as the parts catalog. Its worth every penny!
@ yeah Clymers is great. A parts catalog w it makes it even better. The Clymers will tell you for example get a derby cover gasket or an engine mount bolt etc but yhe parts manual will give you a part number and when uou google the part number theres no guessing if it’s actually the right part.
I bought my first Harley 4 months ago. I had a Goldwing for years. Very little maintenance needed. I bought a 06 Sportster that had been sitting. It needed all fluids, Tires, brake pads, carb clean and intake seals and primary chain adjustment. I am good with mechanical work so I took my Clymer book and went to work. It took about a month mainly because of work but she runs great. The bike came with oil filters brake pads and air filter but I know I saved a crap load of $.
When that happens after you do what is necessary to ride back is to down shift a gear as soon as the RPMs tell you and use the engine to help slow down when you have to do so.
I have a 2011 street glide do all my own maintenance a good quality torque wrench is a must the cheap one can be way off. Routine bolt checks are a must on any older Harley the manual will help greatly. Super rewarding to do all you own work just did an entire camchest swap this year runs great you’ll get there
I own 2 twin cams, an 88 and a 103. I do 3 hole oil change and that's about it. Unless I want to add other stuff, you know cams, upgrade the brakes exc.. I don't add the other stuff to the maintenance cost.
Have you ever checked out a race bike? A lot of the bolts have holes drilled in them so they can sun safety wire though them. That may be a good fix if you have the same bolts coming loose. Was not tried to be smart about the race bike question. I did not know it was for till I asked. Ride safe. That was a great deal. They probably would have changed you $400 for the forks alone.
Caliper: Good quality bolts.... loctite. Or drill them for "safety wire". (look it up).If the bolts are "through bolts" and long enough you can "double nut" them and tighten the second nut down.
@3:58 you're using Loctire incorrectly..... you're either not using the right stuff (blue) or you're not letting it cure before riding again and the vibrations keep it from holding..... and you're likely not meeting the correct torque spec to draw the fastener tight enough so that it pulls the parts together Pull the fasteners, chase the threads and clean them out... then try again....with more of the threads covered.... don't skimp
Don’t forget that a newer, more reliable bike is also gonna come with a high monthly payment. Would you rather budget slightly more for occasional repairs or a LOT more for a loan payment? And of course, miles always come at a cost. If you were putting them on a car, you would be spending it there too……but having a lot less fun. 😊
Sooo true! Cars do require repair and maintenance, and this year I had to replace the a/c in my coupe so that plus normal the maintenance was more expensive than what my softail required. Thanks for the Perspective.
I’m amazed that you don’t check your machine over as you clean it and rub it down with a cloth. You should have noticed that 2 (TWO!) bolts were backing out long before they both dropped off. I have to say that although I only ride for pleasure now (retired) in 3 years of EVO ownership and 2 years of twin cam, neither of them have broken down or missed a beat in any way, shape or form. I’m new to HD but so far so good.
That’s because I check my air before I leave and that’s about it. That’s changed now since I learned this valuable lesson and have some new tools. 😀 thank you for watching and commenting
I always do my own brakes. I have a twin cam 88 never had a problem with my caliber coming loose. Get yourself a clymer manual easy stuff. Get yourself a Moto Horn about 70 bucks 30 min install couple wires. All need maintenance but older bikes easier to work on.
Beautiful bike and absolutely its worth keeping them. I mean listen to the way yours sounds and looks. The M8's just have no soul. They have taken their place in history right next to all the other metrics. The older Harleys run, look and sound like they were supposed to since 1903. You've got those polo shirt wearing, latte drinking college boys designing bike like they would ride. History means nothing to them.
@@robertking5701 I will play Devil's advocate. My 2009 650cc honda silver wing scooter is faster than a tc 88. It's emissions why stock the new 117s sound quiet. But after my 24 rg stage 2 with zombie baffles, it definitely has the engineered vibration and chop. After having a ysmaha raider, I can't go backwards. Roll ons at 70 in traffic are a noce option to have when necessary. A tc88 is maxed out at 70.
@@brandonnickerson8934 hey Brandon no devils advocate. I'm completely with you on the choppers will honda engines. I'm a huge fan and watch RUclips video about a group out in California who build their own bikes. It's just amazing how fast these bikes run. I would love to have a chopper with the Honda 750 four cylinder. I ride an 03 Road King and it is slow as hell but I have no desire to run faster but I get it for the guys who do and don't judge at all. I've ridden the new Road Kings and I just don't get the same smile I get on mine.
I got 3 twin cam HARLEYs n 1 BUSA, im always yrly tearing my bikes apart to upgrade, my 1 BAGGER is a 143 , NOW THAT'S 1 EXPENSIVE BIKE TO KEEP RUNNING, BUT I LOVE IT❤😂💪😎
This is the first video I've ever seen of yours (and I'm still watching as of posting this) but I don't know what your criteria is for deciding? If you are just a typical rider who has HD (or some other shop) do your maintenance, unless they bike was kept pristine, I'd say probably not unless you have disposable income to throw at it as needed. If, on the other hand you are one who does a lot of their own work (still with disposable income, but a lot less as you avoid shop labor and can use off the shelf stuff and not just HD brand name), yeah, they're definitely worth having. The answer really depends on who you are/what you are willing to put up with. If Loctite is failing you, I'm going to venture it wasn't applied correctly? Short of violent vibration it shouldn't let go. Was the bolt and and bolt hole cleaned properly/oils removed? Torqued properly after? (not attacking, again, first video I've seen). The only time I've ever had LT fail was when I failed to do my due diligence when applying it
This basically is my first bike, in started riding 3 years ago. So maintenance is done by a local shop (Pedro in the video) in the hopes I learn how to maintain myself then down the road learn more. I’ll document it all so maybe next time you see me I’m pulling engines and doing rebuilds!
I have a 1988 Softail and people keep telling me that I could buy a new bike for as much money and time as I have into my bike. But it's to late to look back now we're stuck together. I use only the rear brake all the time not for sure if the front one works.
If you like what you have, you definitely wouldn't like a new one. Not even remotely close to what you have. More computer than motorcycle. And when they get old, they are finished. You won't be able to fix them when something goes wrong.
Get a shop manual take short trips after repairs, double check everything, Or buy a new one for bigtime more money. I have 3 well used ones.2008 electra glide 2005 sportster and a 1995 FXDWG Dyna. Shop manuals for all.
Nuthin to it but to do it. Get yourself a Clymer for your bike and watch some youtube videos. Your not gonna hurt that bike man. Evos are rock solid motors.
warped a front rotor 400 miles into a 4200 mile trip could not close one off and only had rear brake for 3800 miles &4 corners &million $road it faded after a while but came back at times
I've ridden cross country multiple times and never used the front brake. I know that's taboo, but a lot of custom choppers don't even have front brakes because they look better without one. And by the way, I never had a wreck because I only used a rear brake. Of course, I knew the limitations of the bike and rode accordingly.
I know some chopper guys that run rear only 4 piston caliper. I’ve only been riding for 3 years so the experience was new to me. Having only 2 piston caliper it was okay, I made it home!
70% of your motorcycles stopping power comes from the front brake. Because when you brake; the weigh transfers to the front wheel and unloads the rear (it slides and it'll lock up easy)..
Tbh I think older bikes = project bikes for the most part. It’s going to break down, probably a lot. But if you are one to work on bikes it can be a lot of fun 🤠
HD FACTORY WORKSHOP MANUAL OR CLYMER. EITHER ONE OR BOTH. BASIC TOOLS FOR MAINTENANCE. BEST TOOL IS YOUR BRAIN. EYES, HANDS, CONFIDENCE, SATISFACTION, KNOWLEDGE AND HELPING OTHERS WILL FOLLOW. ENJOYMENT WILL FOLLOW.
Nothing makes sense on this bike compared to the Sportster. The whole cam chest design, the wobbly crank, the chassis, the drive belt being trapped behind the entire primary...
@@jamessouthworth1699 you practically have to remove the front tensioner just to inspect the shoe on the second cam tensioner. Well they went back to 1 cam on the M8 platform, live and learn?
If you are not mechanically inclined you shouldn't be riding a motorcycle. I can't believe these guys that want to look tough riding their Harleys are just a bunch of momma's boys. I know lots of them. I can't believe they don't even know how to do a oil change. No wonder the Harley stealerships screw you guy over. Get a shop manual for your bikes and get down and dirty ladies.
No offense, But for your caliper bolts to come out while you’re going down the road, means whoever installed them did it wrong. It’s not a defective bike. It’s a defective mechanic. Use lock-tight and a torque wrench… it’s not rocket science.
@ How did they come to that in the first place… poor mechanical practices. If he would have crashed losing his or the life of a passenger.. the next fix isn’t impressive. Do it right the first time.
I have a '57 FL, '02 FLHT and "10 FXDC. Older bikes require basic maintenance knowledge or a pocket full of cash. I've always enjoyed doing my own maintenance because I don't trust anyone as much as myself.
Yes Sir. I’m seeing that. Btw Nice collection!
I've always done my own maintenance , and then you know it's done right. It is very rewarding riding a bike you keep well maintained.
Thank you. Moving toward this!
I Rode a 76 Goldwing until about 2006 when stator went at speed and motor issues caused is retirement, it is cheaper then buying and/or financing a new Bike every handful of years, it does require more involved Maintenance and upkeep but after so many years with one bike you can pretty much tell what is wrong when it wont run right and that can be a comfort in itself. Anyone can ride a Mine Too Bike that looks like every other new bike someone just bought, where a lot of older Bikes are Built or Rebuilt
I agree with everything you said.
2007 96ci TC Dyna owner here in the U.K. We have so few Harley main dealers left over here there's little choice but to do your own wrenching or find a good independent shop. The main dealers, if you can find one, won't work on anything over 10 years old and you're lucky if they have any parts in stock at all, everything is ordered on request. I get everything I need from online specialists and do it myself with the aid of a factory manual and RUclips videos!
There where I’d like to be. I bought the Clymer manual for the bike, so I have a bible. Next are tools.
My '15 Roadking has only been to a shop to replace tires since I've owned it.
There’s a benefit of a newer bike
For some reason I like the idea/challenge of owning an older Harley. I had been thinking about getting a dyna. Great video!
It will present equal challenges and gifts!
Hey i own a 2002 dyna superglide, i love the bike as it was purchased for 2 up riding with my wife. Getting into the older bike topic, i knew what i was getting into with the early twin cam 88a engine. They are known for the chain tensioner failures, a pressed crank that only got cheaper as time went on, and excessive vibration. I did my best to adress all issues, firs things first i replaced my cam plate with an upgraded hydraulic system from fueling that was great for the time, then i did a total 3 fluid change and checked all gaskets. The maintenance on these bikes is extensive, but when done properly they last forever. Luckily the 2002 was the last year dyna to use the timken bottom end and that was another factor why i went with the hd i went with. Coming from sport bikes most of my friends judged me but after the first ride, it just didnt matter anymore and i just "got it". Harley is a total experience and there is a reason they are the oldest manufacture for mc that has operated for the total years of its existence. These bikes should be cherished and taken care of, there is nothing more american than a harley. Im sad to see the way people have blown the politics behind the company out of proportion. The ceo may be rotten but the blue collar guys putting our bikes together in york pa or elsewhere have nothing to do with the politics. Getting back to my dyna, it has been totally transformed into a high performance 2 up custom cruiser. Legends, fairing, 2 inch higher forks in the front, 100 ci kit, gear cam system with 585 cams installed, led fully surrounded, and an awesome dakota digital dash gauge that reads out the speed and rpms that the superglides never had. Mind you after all these upgrades i saved all my old parts to preserve the original build. Hd has the best customisability also which was just awesome to learn getting into them. Ive gone on to read tons of info on the engine history and all the engines they produced which is really cool. Hd is a brand with real history and we should be proud to ride them esp the older models that have so much character.
Love the 99-05 narrow front end dyna’s. I’ve heard the Timken models are the ones to own. From what you see you have a sweet set up!
@@KennyQuestShow thanks for the reply man, and sorry for the long winded comment but it's just a topic I care about. And yeah I love my bike and I like the fact that you can really make a Harley "yours" with a few mods. I did a ton of research before going the path I chose but I'm please with the outcome. If I was brave enough to post a video I'd have to show the before and after process. I can't stress it enough how much the sputhe stabilizer mounts have really put the final chefs kiss on the overall ride quality. Legends were nice but now there is just a feeling of riding on glass.
@ I follow several early dyna build channels and the thrashin supply folks, they all run stabilizers and swear by them. Do you ever consider the new softail frame bikes would negate the need for all the mods?
@@KennyQuestShow yes, I have thought about what if I just bought the soft tail, however my collection just wouldn't have the same charm. I have 2 sport bikes, a 2017 ninja, and a 2020 katana, so the "old" Harley kind of really is a thing of it's own, and I have basically made it my own. I haven't ridden anything newer than 2016 soft tail slim Harley Davidson, and I was impressed by power being so stiff and available but it wasn't gobs more than at the time my stage 1 88. I have not had the chance to ride a Milwaukee 8 powered Harley yet, but one day I will. I just won't ride one at a dealer as I'm not looking for a sales pitch along with the test ride. I would like to know in comparison how my dyna would stack up against the new lowriders for sure. Full legends suspension, vs the new Harley stuff, is the legends aftermarket old bike better or worse or the same? Would be an interesting test. The 100 ci engine is a sleeper bc the crank is shorter therefore the revs come on pretty quick.
@@cjstemple321 speaking from experience (20+ ride review videos posted) if you visit a dealer when the demo truck is there, No sales men in the demo ride area. You come, ride then leave. An M8 feels like a TC 110 once you do a stage IV kit, whether 107 to 119 or 114 to 128ci. Can’t explain why, the vibes, sound are different until you add the cam and those heads.
AN ADVANTAGE TO OWNING OLDER IS SIMPLER TECH. DIY AND LEARN.
Facts!
That's negligence, you need to keep up with routine maintenance.
I’ll work harder on that.
@@ringaleavo yep, maintenance on any older bike is critical. Especially alder singles and twins that vibrate, I’d be doing a 10 minute check before every ride. Reckon 5 thousand miles is way too long for a service. Keep up the great videos Kenny.
its also a part not installed at the factory for this model.
@@Group_Anonymous true, but my Harley isn’t a stock Harley.
I've put 17,000 miles on a 2005 Frankenstein Road King in 3 years. i had a return cable for the throttle bind up and break on me on a trip to Colorado from Ohio. Had to scramble and pay a lot to ship a new cable while on the road. Survived that one. But 3 months ago while riding around Lake Michigan, my 6 speed aftermarket (Ultima) transmission completely grenaded on me in Green Bay, Wisconsin. I was lucky that it happened 2 miles form a Harley Dealership. I paid them $600 to basically tear it completely apart and tell me that the only thing they could do was source a Baker transmission and install it for a total cost of $5,100. I boxed up the parts and with the help of two great friends, got it trailered all the way back to Ohio. I had to ride on the back of my friends road glide from Green Bay to the Chicago suburbs the day it happened and that sucked. I'm done taking this 20 year old bike on long trips. If it had broken down badly like that on one of my trips in a remote area I cant even imagine how much it would have cost me. I just bought a 2021 Ultra Limited. Ill get my 2005 Road King back on the road eventually but it will just be for ripping around town, from now on. Maintenance is everything, especially on an older bike with old and/or aftermarket parts. If you've got a caliper falling off, there's clearly something you should have been doing that you did not. Threadlocker and proper torque specs.
Thanks for sharing! Trusting an older bike on road trips is a crap shoot.
My dad has a 03 RK Classic….does a service/oil change every 5 yrs. Just crossed 32k. He’s most proud …it’s stock!
Anniversary edition! Very nice.
You def can and should do your own maintenance. It really isnt hard at all. I would 100% recommend getting the shop manual for your specific bike as well as the parts catalog. Its worth every penny!
I ordered the Cllymer Manual!
@ yeah Clymers is great. A parts catalog w it makes it even better. The Clymers will tell you for example get a derby cover gasket or an engine mount bolt etc but yhe parts manual will give you a part number and when uou google the part number theres no guessing if it’s actually the right part.
@ okay. That’s a good way to be certain. I guess those are available at the dealer?
@ yes a available from Harley but i would check ebay or amazon for a used one
@ exactly where I went afterwards, thanks. Found a re-pop copy for $45. 🙂↔️
I bought my first Harley 4 months ago. I had a Goldwing for years. Very little maintenance needed. I bought a 06 Sportster that had been sitting. It needed all fluids, Tires, brake pads, carb clean and intake seals and primary chain adjustment. I am good with mechanical work so I took my Clymer book and went to work. It took about a month mainly because of work but she runs great. The bike came with oil filters brake pads and air filter but I know I saved a crap load of $.
Last year for the carb! I’d say you saved a bunch in labor!
When that happens after you do what is necessary to ride back is to down shift a gear as soon as the RPMs tell you and use the engine to help slow down when you have to do so.
Engine braking, correct?
I have a 2011 street glide do all my own maintenance a good quality torque wrench is a must the cheap one can be way off. Routine bolt checks are a must on any older Harley the manual will help greatly. Super rewarding to do all you own work just did an entire camchest swap this year runs great you’ll get there
Thank you for the encouragement!
I own 2 twin cams, an 88 and a 103. I do 3 hole oil change and that's about it. Unless I want to add other stuff, you know cams, upgrade the brakes exc.. I don't add the other stuff to the maintenance cost.
That’s where I need to be, maintenance proficient.
never know how you miss front brake 70s chopper days
I know a few chopper guys and I see some advantages of rear brake only. Takes some practice.
I own an all original 1974 XLH with 15k miles on the clock. I love the old iron, never owned anything newer than a 1988
Iron head, nice.
Have you ever checked out a race bike? A lot of the bolts have holes drilled in them so they can sun safety wire though them. That may be a good fix if you have the same bolts coming loose. Was not tried to be smart about the race bike question. I did not know it was for till I asked. Ride safe. That was a great deal. They probably would have changed you $400 for the forks alone.
That’s what I was picturing in my head, a bolt with a safety hole! Thank you and thanks for watching and commenting!
Caliper: Good quality bolts.... loctite. Or drill them for "safety wire". (look it up).If the bolts are "through bolts" and long enough you can "double nut" them and tighten the second nut down.
Thank you for sharing!
Answer is YES.
Appreciate ya
@3:58 you're using Loctire incorrectly..... you're either not using the right stuff (blue) or you're not letting it cure before riding again and the vibrations keep it from holding..... and you're likely not meeting the correct torque spec to draw the fastener tight enough so that it pulls the parts together
Pull the fasteners, chase the threads and clean them out... then try again....with more of the threads covered.... don't skimp
Did you see the fix @10:18 ?
Don’t forget that a newer, more reliable bike is also gonna come with a high monthly payment. Would you rather budget slightly more for occasional repairs or a LOT more for a loan payment? And of course, miles always come at a cost. If you were putting them on a car, you would be spending it there too……but having a lot less fun. 😊
Sooo true! Cars do require repair and maintenance, and this year I had to replace the a/c in my coupe so that plus normal the maintenance was more expensive than what my softail required. Thanks for the Perspective.
I’m amazed that you don’t check your machine over as you clean it and rub it down with a cloth. You should have noticed that 2 (TWO!) bolts were backing out long before they both dropped off. I have to say that although I only ride for pleasure now (retired) in 3 years of EVO ownership and 2 years of twin cam, neither of them have broken down or missed a beat in any way, shape or form. I’m new to HD but so far so good.
That’s because I check my air before I leave and that’s about it. That’s changed now since I learned this valuable lesson and have some new tools. 😀 thank you for watching and commenting
I always do my own brakes. I have a twin cam 88 never had a problem with my caliber coming loose. Get yourself a clymer manual easy stuff. Get yourself a Moto Horn about 70 bucks 30 min install couple wires. All need maintenance but older bikes easier to work on.
Purchased the Clymer, buying tools now.
@KennyQuestShow intimating at first then you'll say that's it. You'll be fine
@@badkarma-f3l I’m hoping for that 🙂 start with an oil change and some minor part swaps then move on from there.
Beautiful bike and absolutely its worth keeping them. I mean listen to the way yours sounds and looks. The M8's just have no soul. They have taken their place in history right next to all the other metrics. The older Harleys run, look and sound like they were supposed to since 1903. You've got those polo shirt wearing, latte drinking college boys designing bike like they would ride. History means nothing to them.
Excellent point. Whether it’s EPA regulations or their current engineering the M8’s don’t sound or feel the same.
@@robertking5701
I will play Devil's advocate. My 2009 650cc honda silver wing scooter is faster than a tc 88. It's emissions why stock the new 117s sound quiet. But after my 24 rg stage 2 with zombie baffles, it definitely has the engineered vibration and chop. After having a ysmaha raider, I can't go backwards. Roll ons at 70 in traffic are a noce option to have when necessary. A tc88 is maxed out at 70.
@@brandonnickerson8934 hey Brandon no devils advocate. I'm completely with you on the choppers will honda engines. I'm a huge fan and watch RUclips video about a group out in California who build their own bikes. It's just amazing how fast these bikes run. I would love to have a chopper with the Honda 750 four cylinder. I ride an 03 Road King and it is slow as hell but I have no desire to run faster but I get it for the guys who do and don't judge at all. I've ridden the new Road Kings and I just don't get the same smile I get on mine.
I got 3 twin cam HARLEYs n 1 BUSA, im always yrly tearing my bikes apart to upgrade, my 1 BAGGER is a 143 , NOW THAT'S 1 EXPENSIVE BIKE TO KEEP RUNNING, BUT I LOVE IT❤😂💪😎
Dang! That’s a beast of a bike!
This is the first video I've ever seen of yours (and I'm still watching as of posting this) but I don't know what your criteria is for deciding? If you are just a typical rider who has HD (or some other shop) do your maintenance, unless they bike was kept pristine, I'd say probably not unless you have disposable income to throw at it as needed. If, on the other hand you are one who does a lot of their own work (still with disposable income, but a lot less as you avoid shop labor and can use off the shelf stuff and not just HD brand name), yeah, they're definitely worth having. The answer really depends on who you are/what you are willing to put up with.
If Loctite is failing you, I'm going to venture it wasn't applied correctly? Short of violent vibration it shouldn't let go. Was the bolt and and bolt hole cleaned properly/oils removed? Torqued properly after? (not attacking, again, first video I've seen). The only time I've ever had LT fail was when I failed to do my due diligence when applying it
This basically is my first bike, in started riding 3 years ago. So maintenance is done by a local shop (Pedro in the video) in the hopes I learn how to maintain myself then down the road learn more. I’ll document it all so maybe next time you see me I’m pulling engines and doing rebuilds!
I have a 1988 Softail and people keep telling me that I could buy a new bike for as much money and time as I have into my bike. But it's to late to look back now we're stuck together. I use only the rear brake all the time not for sure if the front one works.
If you like what you have, you definitely wouldn't like a new one. Not even remotely close to what you have. More computer than motorcycle. And when they get old, they are finished. You won't be able to fix them when something goes wrong.
LOL, not sure if it works 😆
Get a shop manual take short trips after repairs, double check everything, Or buy a new one for bigtime more money. I have 3 well used ones.2008 electra glide 2005 sportster and a 1995 FXDWG Dyna. Shop manuals for all.
I did buy the Clymer manual for this one. Nice collection of bikes.
Use a drilled pin and cotter combo.
Cotter pin, those are the words I was trying to find!
Dude. I rode a 77 sporster that had rear brakes only for years.
Hey it’s a first time for everything and everyone, I’m sure it’s old hat for you.
It's a lot of utube repair videos that are very good yes u can do the work on ur HD its not that hard I do all mine😊
Thank you for the encouragement!
Use wire tie on the caliper bolts
Thank you for that!
Nuthin to it but to do it. Get yourself a Clymer for your bike and watch some youtube videos. Your not gonna hurt that bike man. Evos are rock solid motors.
Bought the manual! Working on the tools!
Awesome. Nothing is easier to work on than a bike. You’re gonna feel like a pro in no time.
warped a front rotor 400 miles into a 4200 mile trip could not close one off and only had rear brake for 3800 miles &4 corners &million $road it faded after a while but came back at times
Oh man, I’m a pu$$y in comparison
I've ridden cross country multiple times and never used the front brake. I know that's taboo, but a lot of custom choppers don't even have front brakes because they look better without one. And by the way, I never had a wreck because I only used a rear brake. Of course, I knew the limitations of the bike and rode accordingly.
I know some chopper guys that run rear only 4 piston caliper. I’ve only been riding for 3 years so the experience was new to me. Having only 2 piston caliper it was okay, I made it home!
70% of your motorcycles stopping power comes from the front brake. Because when you brake; the weigh transfers to the front wheel and unloads the rear (it slides and it'll lock up easy)..
I think so. Get a fresh repaint a new crate engine and a fresh update it’s well worth it
Good point, at anytime you can press the reset button.
Tbh I think older bikes = project bikes for the most part. It’s going to break down, probably a lot. But if you are one to work on bikes it can be a lot of fun 🤠
You might be right, it’s for certain an adventure
You must not be a competent wrench
@@shenanigansofmannanan I’m not, that’s why I don’t have older project bikes 🤠😂
I got my 03 Fatboy... My 00 road king... 94-04 chopper😂😂... I love old bikes!!!!
You are my inspiration T-Bone!
@KennyQuestShow lol....your in trouble brother...😂😂😂great question great video;!!!!
Evo is the smoothest bike I own they do not rattle evos are the smoothest running Harleys besides my new 2024
Smoothness would depend if your EVO is rigid mounted (Softail) or rubber mounted like a Dyna or Touring chassis.
Simple answer.... YES....they are worth keeping running
Thank you for all your comments. I agree!
HD FACTORY WORKSHOP MANUAL OR CLYMER. EITHER ONE OR BOTH. BASIC TOOLS FOR MAINTENANCE. BEST TOOL IS YOUR BRAIN. EYES, HANDS, CONFIDENCE, SATISFACTION, KNOWLEDGE AND HELPING OTHERS WILL FOLLOW. ENJOYMENT WILL FOLLOW.
Got the Clymer, found the workshop manual on eBay. Thanks for the support.
Have 107000.on 2010 roadglide custom, burns no oil
Nice! Any engine work?
My old Sportster 883, yes it was worth the cost of upkeep.
My TC88...not so much.
Uh-oh, did the cam chain gremlin get you?
Nothing makes sense on this bike compared to the Sportster. The whole cam chest design, the wobbly crank, the chassis, the drive belt being trapped behind the entire primary...
@@jamessouthworth1699 you practically have to remove the front tensioner just to inspect the shoe on the second cam tensioner. Well they went back to 1 cam on the M8 platform, live and learn?
There is only one way to find out if a newer model is cheaper to maintain. It's time to buy a 3rd bike.
🤔 that might be exactly what I need to do!
🤘
⚡️⚡️⚡️
Rode for years with rear brake only , you'll be fine . And that caliper didn't just fall off , check your shit !
Yes sir. Gotta check those bolts! Maybe the fork seal leak helped it along??
@KennyQuestShow a leaky fork seal causing a caliper to fall off would be a Miracle of epic proportion
@@scottkinkead6324gotcha.
If you are not mechanically inclined you shouldn't be riding a motorcycle. I can't believe these guys that want to look tough riding their Harleys are just a bunch of momma's boys. I know lots of them. I can't believe they don't even know how to do a oil change. No wonder the Harley stealerships screw you guy over. Get a shop manual for your bikes and get down and dirty ladies.
Shop manual purchased! Next..buy tools.
Always worth it 😂😂😂
☺️ oh yeah!
It is very well worth it. It’s like feeding your wife every day. She doesn’t always deserve it, but still worth it.
🤣 that’s perspective!
LESSON LEARNED HUH? (IT TYPICALLY TAKES A 12 POINT SOCKET OR WRENCH TO TIGHTEN BRAKE CALIPER MOUNTING BOLTS) SHOULD CHECK OTHERS AS WELL.
You are correct!
THERE WAS A TIME I DIDN'T KNOW A SPARK PLUG FROM A CARBURETOR... 🙄
@@dwaynecorrea9775I wasn’t too far off at my starting point!
NO, OBVIOUS YOU ARE RIGHT ON KEEPING THE OLD GIRL UP. 🤗 MANY AREN'T AND SOMETIMES SUFFER UNFORTUNATE CONSEQUENCES.
mostly you need a mechanic that knows how to work on things.
In Pedro I trust!
Safety wire it
Thanks for this suggestion
Well I’m 2 min in and I know exactly wheee your at highway 310 and 315 right down the road from my house
Ha Ha, that’s awesome!
ever hear of lock tight
Apparently you’re not supposed to use locktite on calipers?
LOL you kids think that's an old Harley?
🤣😅 yes sir, 1996
No offense, But for your caliper bolts to come out while you’re going down the road, means whoever installed them did it wrong. It’s not a defective bike. It’s a defective mechanic. Use lock-tight and a torque wrench… it’s not rocket science.
Did you watch the portion of the video about the fix or cut out early?
@ How did they come to that in the first place… poor mechanical practices. If he would have crashed losing his or the life of a passenger.. the next fix isn’t impressive. Do it right the first time.
@@alexanderrobinson7499he is me, so luckily I did have a rear brake that worked. Stuff happens.
New Harleys don't have "soul" as it were.... you gotta infuse that yourself
They engineered that out on the M8’s. From my test ride series i did it comes back after you do a stage IV.
YEAH... ADD TO COST OF OWNERSHIP OF NEW BIKE IS DEPRECIATION. 🙄🤑
Yep, the price you pay for being cool.