Yes and the reason i believe is because plastice wont wil crush on your gears etc, where are a lead dip stick will F your motor and gearbox up. cars often Well in 80`s they did, have soft metal dipsticks.
Mid winter, I went south for a ride. As it were, southern hospitality was unprecedented, but when I met Doc, he and the team at Low Country were probably the nicest people I ran in to. The chip he signed for me is a center piece on my display.
Thanks for the tip Doc, here is my tip. The correct way when you want to screw something, start counterclockwise and when you feel it falling in place then you can start going clockwise.
😳 I just had flashbacks of my Dad chewing me out for using vise grips instead of the right sized wrench. Great advice. My 103TC still strong with the metal dipstick.
Thanks Doc for another great tech tip👏. Even with the metal/aluminum dip sticks I always start screwing it in by hand and then using a ball allen to snug it down.👍
I thought the same thing but then I thought cross threading the plastic dipstick is an easy replacement screwing up the threads on the case is permanent.
For me, every nut and bolt etc should be done by fingers. Obviously it gives a much better feel for what you're doing and hopefully not cross threading. Very wise to spread the word Doc. 👍
Thanks Doc. I was wondering if you knew any Parts or Service managers from Minnesota, because our parts guy Darin Moler is incredible. I'm a HOG member and our chapter owes a lot to our dealership at Elk River Harley-Davidson. Appreciate your content brother. Helped me through a few difficult processes involving my bike.
Sorry about the mistake in the spelling as I am talking to my device, I question why can I not find where and how to remove OM alarm system on a 2003 softail deuce, with carburettor,
I guess I’ll be that guy today. Why are they putting plastic parts with giant Allen heads on a $30,000 machine. That bike is loaded, so don’t kid yourself into thinking that it’s for weight reduction. These things get more expensive every day, and yet, every day they’re spending thousands of dollars to try and save a buck or two on each machine. I guess my Twin Cam is gonna have to live for ever.
Damn plastic. Seriously not a fan. I know plastic is fine in a lot of applications but it almost always gets brittle and cracks eventually. Meaning I need to pay Harley $25-$50 on a 10 cent piece of plastic. Not a fan
I had BIG problems taking my oil filter off as well as the primary cover when doing a 3 hole change. Previous to that it was ONLY worked on at a HD dealership.
What????? No monkey fisting??? Doc what else has been changed on the newer models.... plastic drain plugs, rubber bands for suspension???? Thanks Doc for ALL you do in helping us old farts!!!!!
Glad I bought my Harley in 2020 mine has metal dipstick and I replaced the oil dipstick with a metal one. Manufacturer just cutting costs every way possible
My 1993 Softail Custom’s plastic dipstick to the transmission broke off and got chewed up by the gears the oil was silver when I drained it that’s how I discovered the problem. I bought a new dipstick but then I thought I’ll just leave the broken one installed it’s more like a plug now and when I need to check it I’ll install the new one and then put the old one back in again.
When I picked up my new 23 Road Glide road home and was checking the fluids as some dealers are pretty poor....My trans dip stick was broken off???Yep just a stub!!!Dealers charge ya 1200 bucks when you buy your new bike for a pre ride inspection,REALLY...They didn't catch this during the so called per ride inspection.....They fished the broken piece out and all is well...NOT going to that dealer for and service PERIOD!!!! Harley needs to get its acr together!!!!!
both crank and gear box dip sticks on mine are 30 years old on 20th dec, they still look exactly same as the first time i pulled them out, except aluminium plugs.
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson There are some things you don't skimp out on and this is one. Cut costs somewhere else. If they are going to charge $25,000 plus for a bike there better not be ANY cost cutting. Customers want quality not cheap s@#t!!
In other words, Be thou not a dumbass. Plastic dipsticks have been around since the mid 20th century, and they work fine if you don't gorilla them into place. Maybe Harley should change the moldcthough, so people arent using a wrench on a part that should go in and come out with bar hands. My 1982 Honda has a plastic dipstick with a ridge on top so it works like a wing nut. Over 40 years later, its still great.
I hate the stock trans dipstick. Unless the bike is cold it’s a little tricky getting it out to get a reading wearing gloves. I just replaced mine with one from A1 Cycles that has a billet top so you have something to hold on to. It’s easy to put on, and remove with just your fingers. Why can’t the factory design a dipstick more rider friendly like that?
My Honda VTX 1300 (dog) had so much annoying buzzing plastic this and that on it, I traded it in on a Road King. With 68,000 miles on it, I guess I’ll see how many more it will go before trading it in.
@@doughuntley2974 maybe so, but the air filter cover:plastic, the valve covers:plastic, the tank console:plastic,the rear fender: plastic. Perhaps you bought a one of a kind. Congratulations on putting that many miles on it.
Hi Doc Harley , A question why can’t die and other people find where or how to remove OM alarm system, That can be found is for reset, As I am now thinking about removing the alarm completely , especially as you only have to touch it and the alarm goes off, Not good with animals and children about, Can you please help?, As I would like to remove it completely.,
How do you keep raising prices on new bikes but swap the metal trans dipstick for plastic??? At some point it’s a diminished return with the effect on perceived quality.
I know that you’re just the messenger here, Doc, supplying a good heads-up, and that is, as always, appreciated. However, wouldn’t the proper comment at the end of this in regards to “do it right, guys, take your time” be directed towards and addressed to the Harley-Davidson Motor Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA??? In soooo many areas, starting with the early Twin Cam cam-chain tensioner debacle, and on, and on, and flubbin’ on, for as many things as they do right, there are also numerous areas where they have become a complete and patent disgrace 😡 From southern California ~ Ride Forever! 🦅
Hey doc. Can you tell me why I have oil coming out of my sportster transmission vent tube. It's getting all over my belt and my back wheel. And I can't figure out what it is. I have searched high and low.
Here goes the guessing: if you have a 60s motor the valve between the motor sprocket and clutch is bad, if someone rebuilt the transmission and while installing the cassette bent the above breather tube the 3rd gear is rotating slinging oil out the tube, if the motor has 6 figure mileage the motor sprocket seal is worn out allowing crank case pressure to pressurize the primary and transmission. Or maybe you just over filled it🤷♂️…..Doc
@LowCountryHarleyDavidson thx for the reply doc. I did not think I would get a reply so I wasn't very specific. It's a 1999 sportster model C , 60,000mi. With a fresh rebuilt top end. It was blowing/leaking out of the transmission vent tube and out the bottom gasket of my primary. It was just blowing out the vent tube before the rebuild, I think your "guessing," would make me start looking into my drive sprocket seal. What do you think now? And thx again doc I love your content. 🇺🇲💯
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson I’m not bashing Harley I’m just venting. I a twin cam softail that I just rebuilt the engine in. Just going through the process of that you tend to see where something could have been done better but that goes for anything I guess.
Question: off topic. I learned it to be a windscreen. There are two words used. Windscreen Windshield Which is correct? Is there a difference? Richie, lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Bronx Bros Motorcycles youtube channel. A plug would be nice 😊
This is what happens when you’re CEO is a sneaker salesman. And your Board of Directors is a bunch of anti Internal Combustion Energy hippies. They hold their customers in contempt. I’ll keep my ‘12 FLHTK as long as I can.
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson There are lots of good dealers around like Doc’s Harley in Bonduel, Wisconsin. But the Moco isn’t the same since Willy Davidson left. Thank you for your videos.
Авто/Мото
Tell the MoCo to stop using plastic chit
2022 triglide leaked 2000 miles metal plug fixed that bullshit
Yes and the reason i believe is because plastice wont wil crush on your gears etc, where are a lead dip stick will F your motor and gearbox up.
cars often Well in 80`s they did, have soft metal dipsticks.
They used to be metal. Just another way to cheapen the product to save a few cents and charge more.
That plastic dip stick saved you $2000 on that new bike. Lmao
Isn't the drain plugs for all the oils sposta be Is torch
Harley cutting corners, thanks for the heads up Doc
harley owners being cheap.
Mid winter, I went south for a ride. As it were, southern hospitality was unprecedented, but when I met Doc, he and the team at Low Country were probably the nicest people I ran in to. The chip he signed for me is a center piece on my display.
Thank you. All are welcome to visit for our Southern Hospitality….Doc
Thanks for the tip Doc, here is my tip. The correct way when you want to screw something, start counterclockwise and when you feel it falling in place then you can start going clockwise.
Thanks👍…..Doc
"TAKE YOUR TIME, DO IT RIGHT!"
Words to live by..
Yeah, for the motor company…
Lol, legitimately crazy that you have to tell people this.
Common sense isn't as common these days.
Thanks for your content, Doc!!
😳 I just had flashbacks of my Dad chewing me out for using vise grips instead of the right sized wrench.
Great advice. My 103TC still strong with the metal dipstick.
I could Feel Doc’s frustration in his voice that must have been a chore to get that one out!
Yep….Doc
Twin Cams and Evo's for life...
Thanks Doc for another great tech tip👏. Even with the metal/aluminum dip sticks I always start screwing it in by hand and then using a ball allen to snug it down.👍
More good info from the "man who knows"! Thanks Doc
Why PLASTIC? Damn metal one likes to try to get sideways already! That thing is finiakey enough without being plastic. Stupid move by MoCo!
I thought the same thing but then I thought cross threading the plastic dipstick is an easy replacement screwing up the threads on the case is permanent.
For me, every nut and bolt etc should be done by fingers. Obviously it gives a much better feel for what you're doing and hopefully not cross threading. Very wise to spread the word Doc. 👍
Thanks….Doc
Thanks Doc for another great tip.
Doc Harley with yet another great tip
Thank god my 2021 Road glide has the metal transmission dipstick. Great video as always Doc!
Thanks, Doc! Point made and taken.
Thanks CJ. Spread the word…..Doc
Thanks Doc. I was wondering if you knew any Parts or Service managers from Minnesota, because our parts guy Darin Moler is incredible. I'm a HOG member and our chapter owes a lot to our dealership at Elk River Harley-Davidson. Appreciate your content brother. Helped me through a few difficult processes involving my bike.
I appreciate you giving a good shout out to a dealer and person that gives their best. Thank you….Doc
Sorry about the mistake in the spelling as I am talking to my device, I question why can I not find where and how to remove OM alarm system on a 2003 softail deuce, with carburettor,
Typical Harley, cheap out on the dumbest things. How much do we have to spend on these things before they build a bike with all quality parts.
Thanks Doc
That’s bad when you have to use a easy out to get plastic out and thanks for another great video Doc
It was bad….Doc
I guess I’ll be that guy today. Why are they putting plastic parts with giant Allen heads on a $30,000 machine.
That bike is loaded, so don’t kid yourself into thinking that it’s for weight reduction.
These things get more expensive every day, and yet, every day they’re spending thousands of dollars to try and save a buck or two on each machine.
I guess my Twin Cam is gonna have to live for ever.
As a viewer of the YT channel Just Roll'd In I'm surprised you don't get more of these! Can't wait to hear 'Customer declined repairs'! 🙄
HD making a dipstick out of plastic is just plain dumb. For what HD charges for their bikes, they need to use metal!
If you want it made of metal the cost of their bikes will go up even more 😂
Reminds me of the story of Peter Van Flick... So sad...
Damn plastic. Seriously not a fan. I know plastic is fine in a lot of applications but it almost always gets brittle and cracks eventually. Meaning I need to pay Harley $25-$50 on a 10 cent piece of plastic. Not a fan
That's why you just buy a metal one and throw the plastic crap in the trash where it belongs!
Great video thanks
Glad you enjoyed it….Doc
I had BIG problems taking my oil filter off as well as the primary cover when doing a 3 hole change. Previous to that it was ONLY worked on at a HD dealership.
🤷♂️…..Doc
What????? No monkey fisting??? Doc what else has been changed on the newer models.... plastic drain plugs, rubber bands for suspension???? Thanks Doc for ALL you do in helping us old farts!!!!!
Just wait, next year it'll be plastic cranks
And I had a guy that was explaining to me why his 2023 RG is so much better that my 2004 RK! I will keep my 2004.
Well said…proven performance….Doc
Or replace it with the old style😊
41 years + in Mfg. never did a cross thread- but i was dealing with threads 2 1/2 d to 7" d
That’s a BIG Dip stick😆….Doc
Glad I bought my Harley in 2020 mine has metal dipstick and I replaced the oil dipstick with a metal one. Manufacturer just cutting costs every way possible
hi Doc hope your good. Some people a. My the old type dip stick. So so much better. Hay have a great weekend 🇬🇧👍😎
Thanks, you too….Doc
When did HD start using plastic for the transmission dipstick?
Thanks for the tip. But I own a Shovelhead and an Evolution and they have metal transmission dipsticks. What was Harley thinking using plastic?
Cost….Doc
LMAO! Reminds me of a buddy that didn’t verify inch or foot pound and ended up in the same predicament.
😮…..Doc
Old Harleys rule
Right On Ken👍…..Doc
Are metal ones available?
Aftermarket will have a solution at some point
My 1993 Softail Custom’s plastic dipstick to the transmission broke off and got chewed up by the gears the oil was silver when I drained it that’s how I discovered the problem. I bought a new dipstick but then I thought I’ll just leave the broken one installed it’s more like a plug now and when I need to check it I’ll install the new one and then put the old one back in again.
Crazy……Doc
When I picked up my new 23 Road Glide road home and was checking the fluids as some dealers are pretty poor....My trans dip stick was broken off???Yep just a stub!!!Dealers charge ya 1200 bucks when you buy your new bike for a pre ride inspection,REALLY...They didn't catch this during the so called per ride inspection.....They fished the broken piece out and all is well...NOT going to that dealer for and service PERIOD!!!! Harley needs to get its acr together!!!!!
Sorry for your experience. Hoping they will learn and get better….Doc
both crank and gear box dip sticks on mine are 30 years old on 20th dec, they still look exactly same as the first time i pulled them out, except aluminium plugs.
Hey doc is there a part number to replace with metal one
Thanks Doc !!!!! Why in the heck did they do something like that Doc. ?? PLASTIC !!!!!
Cost….Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidsonlarger profit
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson There are some things you don't skimp out on and this is one. Cut costs somewhere else. If they are going to charge $25,000 plus for a bike there better not be ANY cost cutting. Customers want quality not cheap s@#t!!
How nice of Harley to do on a 30,000 motorcycle. What could go wrong?
long time no see.
In other words, Be thou not a dumbass. Plastic dipsticks have been around since the mid 20th century, and they work fine if you don't gorilla them into place.
Maybe Harley should change the moldcthough, so people arent using a wrench on a part that should go in and come out with bar hands. My 1982 Honda has a plastic dipstick with a ridge on top so it works like a wing nut. Over 40 years later, its still great.
I like your idea👍….Doc
❤
I hate the stock trans dipstick. Unless the bike is cold it’s a little tricky getting it out to get a reading wearing gloves. I just replaced mine with one from A1 Cycles that has a billet top so you have something to hold on to. It’s easy to put on, and remove with just your fingers. Why can’t the factory design a dipstick more rider friendly like that?
My opinion, they want you to bring your bike to the dealership for service. So you can be tempted by the New Bikes….Doc
My Honda VTX 1300 (dog) had so much annoying buzzing plastic this and that on it, I traded it in on a Road King. With 68,000 miles on it, I guess I’ll see how many more it will go before trading it in.
I believe if you take care of it, the bike will last….Doc
I beg to differ. My 2007 VTX 1800 has 104,000 miles and has never given me any problems AND it's ALL metal.
@@doughuntley2974 maybe so, but the air filter cover:plastic, the valve covers:plastic, the tank console:plastic,the rear fender: plastic. Perhaps you bought a one of a kind. Congratulations on putting that many miles on it.
👍
OMG, plastic on American Iron, what's the world coming to?
what they won't do to save a buck. what year did this happen?
Or maybe they shouldn't be touching it!!
Hi Doc Harley , A question why can’t die and other people find where or how to remove OM alarm system, That can be found is for reset,
As I am now thinking about removing the alarm completely , especially as you only have to touch it and the alarm goes off, Not good with animals and children about, Can you please help?, As I would like to remove it completely.,
Sorry, I am talking to my device, why cannot I find how to remove alarm device,
How do you keep raising prices on new bikes but swap the metal trans dipstick for plastic??? At some point it’s a diminished return with the effect on perceived quality.
Are you an accountant or professor? Amazing post….Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson mechanical engineer - thx 👍
I know that you’re just the messenger here, Doc, supplying a good heads-up, and that is, as always, appreciated. However, wouldn’t the proper comment at the end of this in regards to “do it right, guys, take your time” be directed towards and addressed to the Harley-Davidson Motor Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA??? In soooo many areas, starting with the early Twin Cam cam-chain tensioner debacle, and on, and on, and flubbin’ on, for as many things as they do right, there are also numerous areas where they have become a complete and patent disgrace 😡
From southern California ~ Ride Forever! 🦅
“I Don’t bite the hand that feeds me”….Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson I don’t feed the hand that bites me.
Engineers versus accounting department. Lighter bike and less expensive parts are no match for the 'I'll do my own work' consumers...
Well said….Doc
Hey doc. Can you tell me why I have oil coming out of my sportster transmission vent tube. It's getting all over my belt and my back wheel. And I can't figure out what it is. I have searched high and low.
Here goes the guessing: if you have a 60s motor the valve between the motor sprocket and clutch is bad, if someone rebuilt the transmission and while installing the cassette bent the above breather tube the 3rd gear is rotating slinging oil out the tube, if the motor has 6 figure mileage the motor sprocket seal is worn out allowing crank case pressure to pressurize the primary and transmission. Or maybe you just over filled it🤷♂️…..Doc
@LowCountryHarleyDavidson thx for the reply doc. I did not think I would get a reply so I wasn't very specific. It's a 1999 sportster model C , 60,000mi. With a fresh rebuilt top end. It was blowing/leaking out of the transmission vent tube and out the bottom gasket of my primary. It was just blowing out the vent tube before the rebuild, I think your "guessing," would make me start looking into my drive sprocket seal. What do you think now? And thx again doc I love your content. 🇺🇲💯
Plastic? Mine are metal..AND they have those lovely magnets on the end to grab any wayward bits floating around in there. 🤔👍🙏
Interesting…please share …send info to my Email…..Doc
You're thinking of your drain plug not dip stick.
Plastic dipsticks, plastic intake? I prefer metal period!
Me too…..Doc
The plastic dipstick was done for the sole purpose of selling a screaming eagle metal dipstick as an upgrade to your 30 thousand Harley.
😆…..Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson I’m not bashing Harley I’m just venting. I a twin cam softail that I just rebuilt the engine in. Just going through the process of that you tend to see where something could have been done better but that goes for anything I guess.
Question: off topic.
I learned it to be a windscreen.
There are two words used.
Windscreen
Windshield
Which is correct?
Is there a difference?
Richie, lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Bronx Bros Motorcycles youtube channel.
A plug would be nice 😊
There is no “correct” both could be included in the definition for a part that protects from the wind, in my opinion….Doc
@LowCountryHarleyDavidson
Thanks Doc.
Riding for 45 years I always knew it as windscreen.
It seems more and more windshield is taking over.
Peace ✌🏽
INCH pounds? Oh, crap!
😆…..Doc
Plastic!!! Cost cutting at it's best brought to you by HD! Total BS!!!
Plastic?! FFS!
This is what happens when you’re CEO is a sneaker salesman. And your Board of Directors is a bunch of anti Internal Combustion Energy hippies. They hold their customers in contempt. I’ll keep my ‘12 FLHTK as long as I can.
In my opinion, just a little too strong. But thanks for not swearing….Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson There are lots of good dealers around like Doc’s Harley in Bonduel, Wisconsin. But the Moco isn’t the same since Willy Davidson left. Thank you for your videos.
I wish the japanese would buy harley and build them here to the same quality as honda
Who are they going to hire for such low wages?….Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson not cheap labor,just better engineers and managers...Japanese!
LOL, I can tell that one pissed you off. LOL Sorry, I know it's not funny.
Using more and more plastic instead of metal... smh. Cheaper parts and charging higher prices. Seezch!
I wish parts were made from unobtaniam material. Then I would be ready for Obsolete
Guys at Harley Davidson do it right make it metal again 🙄
Hope they are watching?…..Doc
Harley Davidson is getting so cheap!!!!
Don’t forget the Red Loctite 🤪🤪😜😜
😳🤣
No…No ….PLEASE NO…..Doc
I always said, you can train a chimp to change oil, I never said Gorillas can , People can be really Stupid 😮
Inexperienced maybe….Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson
“Inexperienced” in common sense perhaps 🤔
The worst bikes are the ones with the dipsticks on the seats, no wrench can fix that.
Oh my, some of your stand up comedy act?…..Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Actually I was sitting down at the time, I'm old!
Oh, so that's how they reduced the weight on the newer models.
😆…..Doc
The future is in plastics !
😢….Doc
That quote was from The Graduate, 1969, yes? 🤣
@eddiegerlach7121 yes ,you must have gray hair .
Probably got in a hurry, from constantly checking for transfer. What a joke. M8s, will be the downfall of this company.
50 thousand dollars for a motorcycle and that's what you get. Plastic shit is a hot transmission. Junk