Over the course of the year, we were fortunate enough to travel across the country to various events where we had the privilege of meeting many of you, our readers. One of the subjects you've repeatedly asked for is a compilation of technical tips that will save time and trouble on everything, from how to maintain your bike to making quick roadside repairs if the need should arise. What we've put together here are 101 quick tech tips that may help save you a moment of frustration-and a fingernail or two.
Hopefully, as you read this article, you'll remember a quick little tip you learned or developed that you can pass on to the rest of our readers. If you decide the rest of us can't live without your tip, and you send us one or two, or however many, remember to include any drawings or photographs along with your name, address, and phone number in case there's anything we need to follow-up on.
Duct tape is always handy to have with you when you're out on the road. You never know when you may have to fix a busted satellite. But instead of carrying a big bulky roll of duct tape, tear off a length and wrap it carefully around the handle of a screwdriver. When the need arises, peel some duct tape off the screwdriver handle.
If you're using a set of Screamin' Eagle XR750-style valve springs (PN 18200-79R) that were manufactured and sold during the 1996 calendar year...watch 'em! They may "not" have been properly heat-treated! If the springs appear brownish in color, they're properly tempered. If they're gray colored when new, they aren't. These springs also come in the following kits: PN 18210-84B, 16459-96, 16460-96, 25633-86A, 25647-91, 25493-89A, and 25490-87A. If you suspect a problem, call your H-D dealer and refer them to factory P&A.
When stopped in traffic or at a signal, shift into Neutral and release the clutch lever. Holding the clutch in puts unneeded stress on the small throw-out bearing in the clutch release cover and could cause your hand to fatigue.
For about six months of early 1990 big-twin production, Harley installed clutch release ramps with a shallow 15-degree angle. If you have a '90 model and have difficulty finding Neutral, even when everything else is OK, check the ramps. The end of the three 15-degree ramps almost touch, whereas the proper 18-degree version has a space between the ramps as wide as your little finger. The good parts are PN 25452-87A (inner) and PN 25453-87 (outer). As long as you're at it, check out your clutch adjusting screw. Yours may be two pieces, and you'll want the one-piece version (PN 37090-84A) to complete the update.
To clear a fouled spark plug out on the road with your gloves still on, try pulling the spark plug wire off, holding it near the plug, and running the motor. The larger gap increases the voltage and just may burn the plug clean from whatever was fouling it. Don't hold it so far away that the plug doesn't fire, or you could damage your electronic ignition.
Non-weatherproof saddlebags can be "weatherproofed" by putting a trash can liner in first to keep contents dry.
Check your tire pressure every week. Low tire pressure will cause tires to wear quickly and unevenly, and contribute to making an ill-handling motorcycle, not to mention hurting your fuel mileage.
If you plan on working on your wheel assemblies, you can make a wheel-holding fixture out of a one-third size (19 gallon) oil drum and about 4 feet of old garden hose. Empty drums are usually available cheap or for free from oil distributors or the rear of car dealer's service buildings (ask first). To make the fixture, remove the lid from the oil drum and clean it out. Then take the piece of garden hose and open it up by slitting it lengthwise. Slip the split garden hose over the rim of the oil drum, and trim the ends so that they meet squarely. You can use duct tape to hold the garden hose in place. We found that a strip of tape about every 6 inches around the opening worked just fine. Now when you want to work on a wheel, just set it over the top of the drum. The wheel won't rock and roll while you work, and the garden hose will protect its finish.
When removing axles or pins, don't hammer or force them; wiggle them free. Banging on them can mushroom the ends and ruin them, especially those with threaded ends.
When working on parts such as carburetors, metal baking sheets or pans make good work surfaces. They help keep all the loose parts in one place and are easy to clean afterward. Magnetic dishes are handy for holding small parts or screws, bolts and nuts on uneven surfaces.
Just finish installing some new exhaust pipes or mufflers on your bike and ready to fire it and hear the thunder? Wait, to keep your fingerprints from burning into the new shiny chrome, wipe the pipes and mufflers clean with a paper towel or shop towel and Windex. When new pipes get hot, the smallest amount of oil or grease will stain the chrome and be there forever.