5000 Mile Sportster DIY Service Tips

5K service can be a fun and straightforward procedure for owners of Haley Davidson motorcycles. But there are some quirks and our expert mechanic walks you through the steps and offers valuable time and money saving tips to get you through the service as inexpensive and quickly as possible.
Useful Links-
Link to Sportster Owner Manual Maintenance Chart .pdf (valid for 2009-2022 models):
serviceinfo.harley-davidson.c...
Mike's Harley Davidson Service Checklist Intervals from 1K-20k
www.mikes71cycle.com/blog/har...
Critical Fastener Specs:
www.hdforums.com/forum/tourin...
Torque specs for common fasteners:
Spark plugs = 12-18 ft.-lb. Clutch inspection cover = 84-108 in.-lb Primary chain inspection cover = 40-60 in.-lb Primary chain adjustment locknut = 20-25 ft.-lb Transmission drain plug = 14-30 ft.-lb Fork drain screw = 13-17 in.-lb Fork cap nut = 22-58 ft.-lb Air filter cover screw = 36-60 in.-lb Air filter element screws = 40-60 in.-lb Rear shock bolt = 45-50 ft.-lb
Parts used in this video, your purchase supports the channel, thank you.
K&N Oil Filter:
amzn.to/4bUHfHr
Mobil 1 VTwin 20W50:
amzn.to/3TijpOp
Primary Gasket Kit:
amzn.to/48GDeU6
Videos about your consumer rights while under warranty:
Magnuson-Moss Act Explainer for Harley Davidson Owners:
• Magnusson-Moss ACT Exp...
Harley updates it's warranty to acknowledge Magnuson-Moss Act complaints:
• Harley Davidson Re-Wri...
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j-and-p-cycles.pxf.io/KennyQu...
will help toss a few bucks into my tip jar with a purchase. Tips help with expenses of running a channel, every little bit helps to make this and each episode possible, thank you for your support!
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My Boots (the most comfortable I've ever worn): Indie Ridge The Crow Riding Boots: amzn.to/3uRDdiu
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Live in Central Florida? Visit Pedro @WandererMoto here on You Tube or @wanderer_customs on IG for your motorcycle repair and maintenance needs and tell him Kenny Quest sent ya!
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Social Media:
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Email: [e-mail]
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The Bikes:
2021 Harley Davidson XL883N aka "Snakester"
1996 Harley Davidson FLSTN aka "Frankenglide"
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[@reysylvester3277]

Thanks for this video. I did my oil change after watching this and you saved my ass with the teflon tape tip. After a ride to Ocala and back I checked for leaks and found the new oring that came with my oil change kit was roached and dangling. If it wasn’t for the teflon tape I would have lost all my oil and been stranded. Redoing the clutch oil as soon as I get a new oring from HD. Thanks!!

[@KennyQuestShow]

Whoa! That’s crazy. I’m glad that Pedro’s tip came in handy! Thanks for watching!

[@kenshutter7055]

Great video, now I just need to get a lift! This service looks very approachable.

[@KennyQuestShow]

I hear ya! That’s gonna be the next addition to my garage

[@geraldscott4302]

I bought a new Sportster 1200L in 2006. I never took it back to the dealer, who did their best to scam me, even for the 1000 miles service. I am a recently retired auto mechanic with 37 years experience. Back then I had already owned around 40 motorcycles, and worked on all of them. If you know how to do it, then do it yourself. If you are not the mechanical type, DON'T do it yourself. It's better to get scammed by a dealer than to destroy an expensive new motorcycle. Better yet, If you can't do it, maybe you have an honest unauthorized independent Harley shop nearby that will do it.

[@KennyQuestShow]

My two Harley’s have never been maintenance or repaired by a dealer. Glad that I have a good independent mechanic, Pedro of Wanderer Customs to have my back.

[@gentlemangator4489]

Those mirrors and lights coming loose are no joke. Ending up using loctite to keep them secure

[@KennyQuestShow]

Yeah I was surprised to see them wiggle like that. I’ll be sure to check on those more often as well as my oil level.

[@RainyRider1970]

Good video, man. This being my first Harley, it's crazy how different the clutch adjustment and oil change is

[@KennyQuestShow]

Thanks! I was surprised at how much the clutch traveled and how it felt after adjustment (more responsive).

[@smcouplefl5145]

At $400 my local dealer charges for less than $100 in parts and an hours time I’m all for DIY. Thanks for the info!

[@KennyQuestShow]

Yeah it’s insane. Pedro charges half that and provides more (primary oil and gasket, spark plug). Thank you Manusson-Moss!

[@BossMan302]

The manual for the sportster says specifically you must check the oil hot AND on the side stand. It will not read properly on a lift.

[@KennyQuestShow]

Thanks for mentioning this, we did a little side track off the script when discussing and demonstrating the oil check.

[@RainyRider1970]

I'll watch when I get home, I am the interested

[@KennyQuestShow]

Thanks Rainy!!

[@douglasradowick508]

Kenny, thanks for the Magnussen Moss tip about changing the oil W/O voiding the warranty getting voided! I'm looking to replace the "feeble" excuse they call a gas tank, to the 4.5 gallon tank that was on the 883 super low from the early 2000's. The 5 gallon tank might be just a bit of a "steroids" appearance-not wanting that look to the bike.😲🥺 Doug

[@KennyQuestShow]

The five gallon tank was a huge reason why I purchased a EVO softail. Though in hindsight raising the bars on my sporty to compliment my new Viking sissy bar and bung king highway bar would have been enough for touring on my 883. If looks are important then the hipster thing to do is bring spare fuel when on the rural highways. I have 1/3 rd gallon canister that I use.

[@jagjr6772]

Brake fluid should always be checked with a moisture meter. Visual inspection will not indicate water.

[@KennyQuestShow]

Great advice!

[@FORDFCKNRANGER]

Are you not supposed to use a gear oil in the primary that has a friction modifier I’ve seen some people using a 75-140 gear oil and others using the same oil they used in the motor for the primary so I’m confused lol

[@KennyQuestShow]

You don't want to use gear oil in a Sportster transmission as the transmission oil is shared with the primary and clutch. I recommend: Mobil1 V-Twin HD Formula+ Amsoil 20W-50

[@fq7879]

On my 2012 sportster 72 the manual says to check oil on side stand.

[@KennyQuestShow]

Mine too. However witnessing oil changes inside the shop of an HD dealer they do it like Pedro on a lift. I suspect the owners manual is taking into account the majority of bike owners situations, no lift.

[@bratkid1963]

Two things wrong, Sportster transmission oil is shared with the primary, not the engine, and Evo powered Sportsters don't have a compensator.

[@KennyQuestShow]

Correct. I identified it as a two hole change trans/primary and motor. Can’t speak to the compensator, I’ll have to review where Pedro mentioned that and ask him then he or I will report back. Thanks for commenting!

[@KennyQuestShow]

Alright I checked the video at 7:22 Pedro mentioned several parts that will wear and tear and create metal particles that could show up attached to the magnetic bolt and he was speaking in general of what will show up and it was implied and he was not clear as he did not delineate between big twin and the EVO. Sorry for any confusion this may have caused. As a newer rider I missed this in my proofing of the content.

[@bratkid1963]

No worries, I currently have 3 Sportsters and an Evo Superglide, been inside all of them many times. Love your channel, always entertaining!

[@bratkid1963]

One thing I forgot to mention, the Sportster clutch has one plate in the stack that is riveted together, it's purpose to absorb some of the shock (like a compensator in a big twin). It is prone to failure, especially if the hp is increased. If it comes apart, there will be loose rivets running through the trans and primary. Best to replace with an aftermarket "extra plate" unit. Ask me how I know.....🤬

[@KennyQuestShow]

@@bratkid1963 sweet! Thank you for watching!

[@halerider]

My man Pedro repping Harbor Freight

[@KennyQuestShow]

Harbor Freight please sponsor us!

[@johnyhuitron556]

Is there a difference in a 5k tune and a 15k maintenance?

[@KennyQuestShow]

5K tune? Or did you mean 5k maintenance? There is no difference in the maintenance routine with a Harley Davidson motorcycle at 1k, 5k, 10k or 15k. It is the same. Starting at 20K things get added to the maintenance list.

[@blg020]

Did i hear that right. Plastic oil tank.

[@KennyQuestShow]

Correct. In 2004 the MoCo started using plastic oil tanks. Source = Sportsterpedia.com

[@blg020]

@@KennyQuestShow damn. That's cheap. I have a 2001. I never would have thought that the new ones used plastic.