i worked for several years as an Apple service tech and translating from what the customer said the problem was to what was actually happening was the first part of every job . it's not surprising really , some people just want to use a product and don't want to know how it works . the people who do understand how it works are halfway to being able to fix it themselves and might never show up at the dealership . anyway it was always interesting , and sometimes funny to the point where the techs would share stories about how far off from reality the customers description of the problem was . hopefully this video will educate customers a bit , so they can tell their tech what's going on . well done !
@nebulonv60155 жыл бұрын
That was my favorite John Maxwell vid in a LONG TIME!! I love these explanatory vids, can we have more?!? :D love em.
@nbt36635 жыл бұрын
"Yea... uh.... whatever you call it" ~ John Maxwell We love our mechanic when he dives into stuff.
@dannynoel9935 жыл бұрын
Best one in a long time.
@danielmorris36875 жыл бұрын
Same. Johns an entertaining guy when he is explaining anything but I prefer the vids where he is actually talking mechanicals versus installing phone holders etc.
@ronniehdable4 жыл бұрын
Explaining a lot quickly , good yob mañ
@nunyabidness91005 жыл бұрын
Even though I don't ride a Harley your technical advice can be applied to ANY make bike, regardless of the brand. It's only when you cover something that is Harley proprietary that it doesn't apply to other bikes. And a BIG thanks for sharing just a little bit of your motorcycle knowledge and expertise!
@mattohanlon94505 жыл бұрын
Outstanding video! Gonna be very helpful for those of us......not so highly trained. Thank you, once again.
@lukes95015 жыл бұрын
Dude, your videos always find ways to make us all smile while dropping info bombs. Keep up the great work!
@RockNDrums650 Жыл бұрын
If you're still around. So, I have a very odd problem with my bike. The clutch works and engages/ disengages out it should. But, when I put it in gear, when I give it throttle, only thing it does is rev. Let the throttle go, idles as if it's in neutral. I will also mention the bike can be pushed while in gear without holding the clutch. This has been a hard to find on google
@nygnick128 ай бұрын
Mine is doing the same things anyone helped you or fixed the issue yet ?
@nygnick128 ай бұрын
@rockndrums650
@timothyesler50665 жыл бұрын
As a tech of sorts myself, I can DEF appreciate an accurate description of symptoms to support more efficient troubleshooting/repair efforts. Another fine video, John. Thanks.
@FranBunnyFFXII5 жыл бұрын
You're absolutely awesome to make stuff like this. This is so useful.
@jwvolgs5 жыл бұрын
I’m at MMI in Orlando right now we are currently working on transmissions in Moto 102 Your channel has honestly inspired me coming out of the army with the injury I wasn’t able to recover from To continue my military career I watch your videos for about a year when I was in the service I love your videos and I love working on bikes thanks man
@patrickzambori4735 жыл бұрын
I prefer the word "crank" to describe the function of the starter motor, and "start" as successful combustion and running. Language varies in different parts of the world. Sometimes I come across the word 'tick over" and that can mean anything.
@joezednick31975 жыл бұрын
Good info John, in the early days of my motorcycle business, I was the mechanic, on Sunday rides I was expected to fix anyone's bike problems or ride back get the shop trailer and haul them home. Also I would get calls at night and Sundays from people with a broke motorcycle wanting me to find the problem and free labor,,,,,,, Ocala Fl.
@tetlow25 жыл бұрын
Man you aren't kidding. I'm a GM mechanic and we are the only profession that is never of. Even if we aren't wrenching we're getting called every 10 minutes by some one who thinks we can talk to the car over the fucking phone.
@BrianMI065 жыл бұрын
Once again great information. I get the blue sky thing, happened to me yesterday. Forecast 0% rain, blue skies and one giant dark cloud that dumped on me. No worries when 85 out and I get a road bath.
@hatersaywhat89865 жыл бұрын
FYI, I asked a question about my bars being loose even though the bolts were tight, you suggested to put in Urethane bushings and it solved my problem. THANK YOU FOR BEING THE BEST HARLEY CREATOR ON YT!!!!! Harley told me the bars are probably cracked at the base and I would need to replace them. Not to bag on them because they never really got in there to properly diagnose but the fact you spit out a simple solution without even looking says alot about your talent.
@grendelprime1665 жыл бұрын
John, I wanted to chime in and thank you for all your videos. Your vids not only helped me set up a MotoVlogging helmet, but walked me through breaking in my new Road Glide Special, oil selection, tool kit, and many more.
@iTs-JP-9165 жыл бұрын
Well upload a damn video so i can subscribe hahaha👍
@jmeyer585 жыл бұрын
Another nice job, especially when you point out the difference between no cranking and no starting. As a tech I fully understand explaining the difference.
@rodneybarcus22335 жыл бұрын
Thanks John. You knocked that video out of the park. Its important to help your mechanic if you want your bike fixed in as short amount of time as possible. Stay safe.
@tetlow25 жыл бұрын
This was a pleasant break from bagger light installs. Great video. RFTC.
@semperoccultus19695 жыл бұрын
Good information. I have a 2002 Road King Classic that doesn't "go" as well as I'd like, but the local HD checked it out and says it's all good. Might be the clutch slipping. Lots of RPM, but not enough pull to keep up with my crew when they take off. I'm always trying to catch up. Loses power going up hill in 4th or 5th, too.
@Jim_Berry5 жыл бұрын
Hey John, good topic! In automotive, when the engine won’t turn over by the starter, we say “No crank-no start”.
@TheHarleyTech5 жыл бұрын
Solid description.
@pmdinaz5 жыл бұрын
Helping us help our techs, part of bike ownership in my opinion. Having a basic understanding only helps an owner know what's dangerous, and what can wait till you get home. Good stuff!
@hooligantimes91325 жыл бұрын
Thanks for helping me realize I could have been a motorcycle technician had I followed a different path! Since riding is the payoff, I'm still happy!
@laszlonagy81485 жыл бұрын
Absolutely love when you talk about issues and repairs. I am learning a lot. Not much fan of Ciro install. There are so many install videos out there.
@winterbreed5 жыл бұрын
You are the whole worlds harley mechanic. get a patreon. I'm sure a lot of us would chip in to see you keep going. and show our appreciation with more than our time. you've helped me a bunch of times with your vids and with reply. i sure do appreciate it.
@buckeyemoe14695 жыл бұрын
Awesome info! Just changed my bars out, the fan pull chain tip for pulling wires through the bars worked great. But pulling the wires out of the frame and even worse getting them back in SUCKED!!! lol Your videos have made working on my bike much simpler. Thanks again, awesome channel.
@OldManEnduro5 жыл бұрын
Another great video. You are the Harley guru we can all be thankful for
@robertlumsden9425 жыл бұрын
you are so right on giving the service desk a correct description of your problem. sure makes things go faster when trying to fix something. very good video. I am sure there is different skill levels of techs in dealer shops so all this makes things go smoother.
@harleybrown98345 жыл бұрын
Really interesting video thanks John. I've only had one problem with a belt on my 01 FLHR (approximately 18 years ago) when I was shifting down and the was a snapping sound and then no-go. I stopped and looked back to see some guy walking towards me holding my broken belt. Fortunately I was just around the corner from the dealer and it was still under warranty
@dougied47905 жыл бұрын
“America's Harley Mechanic”. Great moniker. I like it!! Another great video, John. Thanks for all your time and effort; quite informative and helpful. Damn, gotta check my 18 year old belt soon. Always looking forward to your next video. Ride safe, brother. 👍🏼
@coloradokid13465 жыл бұрын
Great tip John. I will look for these issues. Love your tips.
@itachi1blaze5 жыл бұрын
Have to say the transmission issue is really annoying and not exactly the cheapest fix. Had to have second gear and associated parts replaced recently. Knew there was something amiss, service department looked at it and wasn't sure what was causing it until they pulled the box apart of saw just how worm down it was. 50k kilometres of being riden hard and my '16 FXDF needed a new box. Feels better than ever now
@adminadmin99974 жыл бұрын
How much did that cost you?
@itachi1blaze4 жыл бұрын
@@adminadmin9997 cost me about 3k AUD...
@adminadmin99974 жыл бұрын
@@itachi1blaze harley did the rebuild or your local mechanic shop?
@adminadmin99974 жыл бұрын
@@itachi1blaze was there a warranty on the build?
@itachi1blaze4 жыл бұрын
@@adminadmin9997 a year as they were all harley genuine parts..
@SmittybuiltHD5 жыл бұрын
You definitely have a gift in motorcycle mechanics and explaining things so the average Joe can understand. Thanks for sharing your time and expertise.
@robjohnston25025 жыл бұрын
really really really really love this week'S-Video thanks john, just purchase a used sportster a few months back and it acts up in first gear only had one or two suspicions this week'S-Video give me a couple more avenues to check into so really really helpful for me this week thanks again
@stevehebner5 жыл бұрын
Great Vid John, you explained more in 2 minutes with video than I was ever able to explain on paper in an hour. A pleasure to watch!!
@kennethwise71085 жыл бұрын
Im loving my 1998 Evolution powered Road Glide more than ever after watching your video. I'll take my carbureted 5 speed bike any day over any of these modern day computer bikes. Sorry for ranting but 137,000 unmolested miles pretty much speaks for itself. It still retains the original clutch (new throw out bearing).
@dwheeler0165 жыл бұрын
Nice to see the internals and help me understand what is happening inside.
@jonvan22065 жыл бұрын
Another good video, glad you talked about the belt, I used to build belts in the positive drive department for Goodyear/ Conti tech (Continental) in Lincoln Ne. At one time we made belts for Buel.
@hogwildbowhunter5 жыл бұрын
Great video John ...... so often we riders can not properly relay the symptoms when our ride is acting up. This was a great learning lesson /reminder to think before you talk to your service manager!
@20MAC205 жыл бұрын
Mr. JM, thank you for such a in-depth vid. you are the man.... I want you working on my bike .... want a stage IV tire shredder kit put on my 2016 street glide special.
@ericritter2285 жыл бұрын
Just wanted to say thanks for doing what you do. I have learned some stuff, and relearned stuff I forgot. For instance, you helped me figure out that my voltage regulator was bad on my '98 FXDWG (speedo was going bonkers for no apparent reason). Yeah, the wiring on the Twin Cam you were working on is a little different, but it gave me a clue. Plus just being a lifelong gearhead in general, I love this stuff.
@recub135 жыл бұрын
a new JM video that isnt a ciro install video? crazy but I def am a fan of this "new" format.
@georgejed68695 жыл бұрын
Maxwell, That was some very interesting information. You should check your belt occasionally anyway but.... people don't. I like the way you broke it down. Thx. G
@keithbrown84545 жыл бұрын
John, I love these video's were you actually give us insight into the motorcycle
@philiproberts69475 жыл бұрын
Love these type of videos,much of it common sense and is preventable if your bike is looked after by the rider. It's good to get visuals of parts of the bike that most riders would never see working on there own rides. Yet again Mr Maxwell another great video👍
@markfrank24545 жыл бұрын
Great video you are doing a service for a lot of your co workers and mechanics across the states it's hard to diagnose noise's period Great tips You The Man!
@hbarwickjr5 жыл бұрын
Good video explaining issue causes. 😄 Really laughed about the blue skys for the ride at the end.
@michaelotoole83264 жыл бұрын
John, great video as usual...however you talk about clutch adjustment...I have a 17 Ultra Limited with the hydraulic clutch...told it is not adjustable.
@motorman8575 жыл бұрын
Excellent explanations and visuals and masterful editing. I also noticed that big beautiful parking lot that would be perfect to put on a Ride Like a Pro class. Give me a call and we'll set it up.
@Mr.McStache5 жыл бұрын
dang! isn't summer wonderful, hope it didn't last too long. Great way to help costumers explain, witch helps the problem get solved. Actually turning in my bike tomorrow for belt and engine seal, nice timing.
@surfnharley5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for all you do John. Gives a retireeeeeee something to watch, then do.
@battlebornhd30305 жыл бұрын
Awesome video man, as much as I love the "new product review" videos, these are the type that brought me to the channel. Thanks John.
@jerrypeevey5 жыл бұрын
Just adjusted my FXFBS clutch yesterday. How did I know how to do that ? Thanks John. Love this vid hope I never need it :
@jeffclemons70135 жыл бұрын
Great video, I just started learning this in class last week.
@danielgaskell54905 жыл бұрын
Great video!!! Thank you so much for going into the details! My 2018 FLHCS thanks you as well as the 2000 Softail Deuce! John these are my first two Harleys and I think I’m going to add a blue Crossbones down the road. You have the best info for tech and I’m grateful to you!
@wheelspinner205 жыл бұрын
This was a great one for technical. Still waiting patiently for a Shifter Shaft seal change tips. I tried like hell to be gentle, but I scratched the shaft and now it leaks so bad it needs diapers.! Is there a special tool to dig the existing one out without damaging the shaft or the Inner Primary case? Thanks.
@joetoronto63965 жыл бұрын
I guess we could say maintenance schedule ? The belt must have a replace time and miles ? The rain question I have ask factory and the best answer was Rain X on your visor and have a little pad on glove main finger you can use to wipe the excess water once in a while . The best I had was a giant size 650 Scooter with an adjustable windshield heated grip heated seat some rain won't be feel at all windshield goes over the helmet
@SIERRA-dx9wm5 жыл бұрын
As already stated below. Informative with broken parts verses serviceable. Ride safe
@joshuahoskinson5 жыл бұрын
Excellent content John! Really appreciate the visuals and parts since we dont all have access to damaged/worn parts, especially harley specific. Videos like these are a good reminder for me to take care of my bike, my engine, do my pre ride checks... Cheers!
@rusnsc76225 жыл бұрын
Man John, what an outstanding video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
@rruss1015 жыл бұрын
Thank you "America's Harley mechanic" As always a great video on checking your bike and knowing WTF is going on with it.
@tylerfj245 жыл бұрын
Great video.. finally seems like we are getting back to the good John videos!!
@TheHarleyTech5 жыл бұрын
It’s all about business. We’ve been slammed. Filming at work is tough when it’s absolute chaos and go go go in the shop.
@1550tc5 жыл бұрын
John really good video! For many owners it’s 4 words trade or sell it for big HD repairs! Or 1 ebay
@adminadmin99974 жыл бұрын
Have you seem the 2020 softail street bob turn off at stop or stall at highway speeds? Switch packs go bad or throttle body open.
@SS-nk2yx5 жыл бұрын
Love all the tips and pointers you give us thanks for your time it's really appreciated I've been riding since 1989 on Harley's and learning every day. Cheers 👍🍺
@wcraiderevo80785 жыл бұрын
Very good video. You will save other techs a lot of time with this.
@andrewdreyer77655 жыл бұрын
Very interesting video. Delt with the nitty gritty. Good stuff, John.
@paulhd95355 жыл бұрын
Superb Video John, thank you. For future ones, could you add potential reasons why X problem can occur. Just normal wear and tear or possibly abused due to bad habit, or lack of maintenance or ??? Could help many of us avoid potential issues. Just a thought .
@BigTimberLodge5 жыл бұрын
Thoughts on belt to chain conversion?
@harrysack24065 жыл бұрын
Please do a video on if external crank case vents and catch cans extend engine life and performce. Thank you
@TheGorillaBiker5 жыл бұрын
This was a bloody brilliant video man. I love how you so casually knock out mad knowledge. maybe one day I'll know like 21.7% of what you do :D
@kylerogan95245 жыл бұрын
I love the technical videos like this! great work man! Keep it up! Love the channel!
@mikedanaher34135 жыл бұрын
Thanks John. Now I know my 07 Road King 5th gear wine is normal. You saved me a ton of $$$
@scottwoodcock8404 жыл бұрын
Great informative videos, Thanks!!! Have you done any videos with tips on replacing a primary chain or motor mounts?
@zippahead5 жыл бұрын
Excellent. Can you explain how to do the adjustment on a 92 fxst with an aftermarket hydraulic clutch? Thanks.
@dondon48415 жыл бұрын
Very informative, as always I learned a lot and even pulled my bike out to test some of the things you mentioned. I would like to know what’s the make and model of those Harley mesh gloves you’re wearing.
@chasetherocknroll51445 жыл бұрын
Outstanding Vid! Thank you for all the time you take out of your days off to bring us cool content.
@garybarnstable95695 жыл бұрын
Good video. Also throttle elctric. Starts no throttle response? O6 street glide had that problem. It was under warranty
@Firestorm6375 жыл бұрын
Great job as usual
@theone2be335 жыл бұрын
So what I gleaned from this video is always check your belt, check your belt, and check your belt. Thanx! Two dirty thumbs up! 👍👍
@arthurnava45185 жыл бұрын
Hey John,I have a 2003 Heritage Solftail with a 70 tooth pulley and what to put a 68 tooth pulley on it will that bring my rpm down when cruise a bit down. Arthur 😎
@illusioncity5 жыл бұрын
Great video John. Got a question, I know your not America's Harley mechanic :). Have you seen 2018 softails come in with a rubbing sound coming from the belt? The dealership tells me it's a common issue with no fix. They just oil the belt, but it only lasts about a hundred miles until it comes back. I haven't seen much talk of this online.
@TheHarleyTech5 жыл бұрын
Yea, I’ve been wanting to do a video about it. I can confirm that everything can be set correctly, adjustments in spec, and at about 25 mph there is a noise.
@illusioncity5 жыл бұрын
@@TheHarleyTech thank you John! This makes me feel better that they weren't pulling my leg.
@illusioncity5 жыл бұрын
@@TheHarleyTech also, I hope you get to make that video. I'd be very interested to hear what you have to say about it
@bryanumberger80155 жыл бұрын
Awesome video and nothing to do with Ciro!! Frickin fantastic, thanks for sharing your time with us!!!
@rickgarza12554 жыл бұрын
Hi John I have a question I have a 2015 Dyna wide glide 103. I did replace my clutch plates n all gears shift will. When I hit 90 mph jus to see if everything was going good. After 90mph it seems like it struggles to pick up more speed. Don't really know what's going on...
@moustachemike71285 жыл бұрын
i got a question for ya or your followers..99 flhti fuel injection line to tank fitting has a screw in the bottom of one of the fitting>?!whats it used for ..not covered in the book.. the parts book shows it..I have to replacing o-rings( dried out)..
@tubs-nn3yb5 жыл бұрын
How many miles are on those belts
@jamesmeredith27135 жыл бұрын
I’d like to know if they did away with the vents being able to close on the road glide
@chrisjay78095 жыл бұрын
Came across your channel just before I bought my first harley 6 weeks ago. Great info, great videos..but let's talk about the glorious beard lol
@steveledbetter95795 жыл бұрын
Good job John !! It wasn’t A lot of vague stuff like you’ve had in the past. It made sense. 😬👍
@sweddyvanhalen5 жыл бұрын
Always enjoy these videos, anybody know how easy/difficult a chain conversion on an 07 Sportster 883 custom would be?
@thomasroach44975 жыл бұрын
Two questions for you. What would cause difficulties shifting into 3 rd gear, and I rode my Electra glide for the first time in weeks, and after a mile or so started smelling burning rubber, not my tires! Drive belt?
@1320Exotic5 жыл бұрын
Great Video, another thing for bike won't go, twice this has happened to me...I have a hotrod bike (98 Road King with 124 S&S)Has sheared off the drive pulley bolts at the rear wheel, second time left me stranded, had to call Cycle Worthy Towing to come get me...Sucked. I would have expected the belt to break before the drive bolts???
@TheHarleyTech5 жыл бұрын
Oh yea. Seen that for sure!
@charliefromnh76315 жыл бұрын
Blue skies dont ALWAYS indicate good ride!! Wasnt the first... Wont be the Last! LMAO!! Keep the great content coming, John!! See you in Laconia 2020???
@bigjoe40205 жыл бұрын
Excellent video, none of it came as news to me but still very well explained AND showing the pieces is the key here. More like this would be appreciated by many I am sure. rsm8
@GunsmithLC5 жыл бұрын
Best video I've seen yet... Thank you John!!
@frankneher91925 жыл бұрын
I've been thru 5 transmissions 4 on my softtail always output shaft bearing and inner primary bearing. Makes a little noise and leaks oil down inner primary case somewhere between 13,000 to 16,000 miles traded in at 56,000 miles and is someone else's headache and one transmission in a limited at 60,000 miles because of bearings in door made little noise and had trouble going into second and third gear.
@adminadmin99974 жыл бұрын
What year softail you buy that had those issues?
@frankneher91924 жыл бұрын
@@adminadmin9997 2008
@johnfischer86155 жыл бұрын
Spot on. Great explanation. Been there done that, where were you thirty years ago. Can you explain the differences when you are dealing with a hydraulic clutch, cause I'm sure the engagement and drag is different. I saw the explanation for the manual adjustments, but us older folk, would like a comparison.
@TheHarleyTech5 жыл бұрын
This issues are the same, just how it disengages is different.
@johnfischer86155 жыл бұрын
@@TheHarleyTech Reason I asked is because the release is different, and being a manual driver for such a long time its hard to get used to the quicker release. Wondering if my adaptation would cause excessive wear?
@johnfischer86155 жыл бұрын
my 2016 Ultra Limited is completely different than the 2019 Road glide I also own.
@johnfischer86155 жыл бұрын
Both hydraulic clutches.
@frf2395 жыл бұрын
Be safe during Dorian. Take care of yourself and family!
@davedeja5 жыл бұрын
Is there such a thing as "valet" mode or "limp" mode where your bike will only get up to about 10 mph? This happened to me one time. I let the bike sit for about 20 minutes and it ran just fine when I restarted it. I was told that because some of the buttons and switches on my bike were manipulated in a particular order that the bike was put into limp mode... Can you confirm or deny?
@TheHarleyTech5 жыл бұрын
Usually limp mode comes with a code. I don’t know of a way to purposely put it in limp modr
@davedeja5 жыл бұрын
@@TheHarleyTech I actually have it on video on my other YT channel.. I was recording my trip from Detroit to Tennessee with a helmet camera but I can't figure out how I did it.
@PAULY-P5 жыл бұрын
Very informative video John. Thanks 👍😎👍
@masterwrench42523 жыл бұрын
From Oregon bud, loved the ending 💦😎
@bradysmith34005 жыл бұрын
New, to your stuff, just subscribed. I’m wondering what the parameters of a good bike are. Specifically, sportsters. I know there is a ton of variables. As I will have to at least try to work on it, myself, for monetary reasons. Any input would be awesome, even from other commentators.