Doc Harley: Do you have a Grease Fitting?

[@PineRidgeRez]

Most dealers don’t service bikes over ten years old and probably don’t care. Glad you still discuss older model service also. Thanks.

We have 3 high mileage Sportsters one with 265 thousand and one with 125 thousand. I put grease fittings in the neck and shifter linkage and brake linkage when they were new back in 2006. Linkage stayed nice and tight. Neck bearing also stayed real good. Maintenance is key. Keep up the great videos. We went to visit you last fall from Florida and it was a great honor to meet you and have our picture taken with you. From Tampa Florida. Have a great rest of your week and thanks again for all you do

[@mikelivingston6157]

Wow that is amazing. You really got your money’s worth out of those rides. I thought my 2001 883 with 27k was a lot until just now.

[@paulypaulypauly8011]

Hi. How did you drill for the neck grease fitting? Ie minimize the risk of getting chips into the bearings? Thanks

[@heresolong5752]

I've added zirc fittings to dozens of bikes. Slow speed drill with some grease on it, add grease to the tap, you won't have any problems. Even for hollow frames, worth it to me cause any grease that gets into the bearings is an improvement. Also, you can put a 90° zirc on the FLH models so you don't have to take the front end apart to grease it.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for sharing your experience! I appreciate the support…..Doc

[@brucedavison7153]

Doc, you are an H-D encyclopedia!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks Bruce. So much more to learn…Doc

[@SA-hk8xj]

Just like in vehicles, grease fittings have gone away. Easier and more profitable for a manufacturer to sell you a "sealed" bearing/joint in several years than to keep servicing those grease fittings. Most people did not remember to stay on top of those grease fittings anyways...got lazy. Personally, I would prefer the grease fittings and the maintenance that goes along with them. IMO, the parts that have fittings and are maintained properly, last wayyyyyy longer than the sealed/pressed in parts. Just my two cents. Thanks Doc for informing those that may not be aware 👍

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

You have a valid point…Doc

[@kurtengel6029]

Lube, oil, and filter. The good 'ol days, nice to see a Harley tech working on old iron.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

It was simpler times….Doc

[@stevezahn8056]

Hell ya Doc, if you got a Springer you need to get familiar with your neck grease fitting. Much more than any other model. And only use Harley grease if you don’t want to see melted grease leak down your chrome springer when you leave it out in the hot summer sun. I learned that lesson.

[@oldbuzzard76]

Use synthetic grease , it does not separate The grease you mentioned 'runs ' because that's the oil separating from the 'soap ' base . That is what makes up petroleum based grease Synthetic has no suspension agent in it , because it isn't needed , making it a far better lubricate and for other reasons . As a side note , working at G.M. I had cylinder tube of grease of 'grease ' for a very hi-tec machine. The cost in 1989 money was $ 5000 dollars ( 5 grand ) It was a by product of freon , white in color . The same type used on the moon rover . ( must get a little brisk out there )

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Good tip! I love a springer….Doc

[@oldbuzzard76]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Thanks Doc . Just trying to pass along what may be some useful information to the folks out there . Thank you for all your videos . They have helped me a lot !

[@RNintheTrenches]

I remember these on my older H-D's. Years ago when I got a newer model, I was going nuts looking for the fittings. Now I know why I couldn't find them! 😄. Thanks, Doc!

[@larryfromwisconsin9970]

I appreciate your honesty. I believe automobile manufacturers should bring grease fittings back too.

[@Biker-Jim]

I never knew that I'm checking my 01 Roadking as soon as possible. Thanks Doc!!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Glad to be of service….Doc

[@waltermedeiros333]

This is why i watch the DOC !!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I appreciate your support….Doc

[@fearsomename4517]

My stock 1939 Knucklehead had several on the springer front end and other places. Great tip Doc!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

That’s pretty cool!….Doc

[@gfindling]

I inherited a '93 FXR about 4 years ago. It had a threaded plug in the neck. I replaced the plug with a Zerk about 3 years ago and pumped it full of grease. So far so good, hope I didn't do the wrong thing.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

All Good….Doc

[@doylehenderson319]

Thanks once again Doc for your tips!!!! I have often wonder why there were no fitting to lube the shifter or rear brake pedal at least I have a place to lube the neck bearings.. I hope you and yours are doing well and staying warm, God Bless!!!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thank you….Doc

[@davefunk1466]

Thanks for your candor, Doc!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Appreciate you watching Dave….Doc

[@mlunden11]

Hey doc. You look great brother. Thanks for this video. Lov u brother.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for the kind words….Doc

[@scottlin777]

Thanks for another informative video doc.

[@Bikernewscanada]

Thanks Doc. Had one on my old 2009 Roadking. Never thought it would be on my 2013 Roadking CVO but sure enough it does. I’ll be greasing it asap since the dealership here never does it. 👊🏼

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Appreciate the comment. Glad I could help….Doc

[@heresolong5752]

How do you know they don't grease it? They might also just clean it off once they've done. You might ask them.

[@patrickzambori473]

I routinely install zerk fittings where possible for my customers, esp the neck bearings... just beware the Dyna, as doc said, there's a hole at the back of the neck that's open to the frame back bone. When I drop the trees on a Dyna, I'll epoxy a thin metal plate over said hole, then install the zerk fitting. Also, not something I'll do if it has an integral fork lock in the neck.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Patrick that is going beyond service 👍….Doc

[@okiemale1589]

😎👍 Big thumbs up for the channel... Thanks Doc...

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Much appreciated….Doc

[@schachat01]

Thanks Doc for another great tech tip.

[@larrys.3992]

Doc, I have been thinking of adding grease fittings to the neck of my 2018 Heritage Softail. Thanks! I added fittings to my 1989 FLHTC 25 years ago.

[@BrewCityRider]

Yes, my 2013 Road Glide Custom has one in the neck, which I hit with my grease gun every 2-3 years. I'll have to look at my old '88 Softail because I don't recall ever seeing one on there.

[@heresolong5752]

'88 was pre zirc. You can add one by drilling and tapping a small hole. I've done it quite a few times and never had a problem. Put some grease on the tap to keep the bits from falling inwards.

[@6394robbie]

Excellent information as always!! Much snow there yesterday?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

2-4” in some areas. The ice under is the threat….Doc

[@bradboustead1682]

I have that exact '95. The zerks in the neck are difficult to get to. The zerks on the shifter and brake jiggle the grease out, so best to use the tackiest grease you can find.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Good advice….Doc

[@heresolong5752]

Replace with a 90º fitting pointed backwards. They are a couple bucks at a good hardware store.

[@nhrider88]

Thanks Doc. I have one on my 2000 EG Standard.

[@freddie_ray1498]

Hey Doc, 2012 Ultra Limited, got a fitting on the neck on left side. I pump it all the time.. Best thing since sliced bread...

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Agree….Doc

[@CabinGuy]

thanks Doc!!

[@pinkysgarage4517]

Gotta love the Doc!

[@corbinhbucknerjr558]

2003 XLH1200, zerk in the neck area. Wish it had one for the swingarm bearings.

[@neildewitt2869]

Ive found numerous fitting on my bikes! 1984 FXRT, 1986 FLTC, 2013 FLTRU. A little grease goes a long way.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

That’s a great collection 👍….Doc

[@williamdennis1109]

What about drilling a hole and adding one. A friend of mine did that on his 19 street glide.

[@gsfinatic]

Excellent question. I would like to know also.

[@martincvitkovich724]

The drill and tap may deposit shavings , and you don't want that. Dis assemble , put the fitting and clean the inside.

[@edharbas4828]

Same issue. Skill based for desirable outcome. Partially drill tap size, finish with mill bit, tap thread with bottoming bit. If that's close, the question remains - how can I prevent the minute metallic swarf particles from entering the steering head chamber? Or I could just remove the front end.

[@heresolong5752]

@@edharbas4828 The minimal amount of shavings that will enter if you are careful and put grease on the taps won't be a problem. I've done dozens for customers, never had an issue.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

And you know this because you have serviced the customers neck bearings at 20K at disassembly, clean and repacked?….Doc

[@samuelross5466]

Some of my Harleys had swingarm fittings one on each side and bearings in there, can't remember the years or models

[@jodyhodge2129]

Found out my 2012 Ultra Classic had a zerk fitting when i installed new handle bars. I put some grease in it but wasn't sure how much. Sounds like I need to put in a little more.

[@craigkemmerzell5741]

Good video

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for watching…..Doc

[@darrylg7600]

My old 97 Road King has these. I use them frequently.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Well done….Doc

[@RodHog1]

Great video doc thanks

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thank you RoadHog….Doc

[@richardschaffling9882]

Great advice I have a 2003 Ultra Glide and a 2022 Tri Glide I will have to take a look thanks

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for watching and posting Richard….Doc

[@ericjohnson8482]

My nephew's 2013 Sportster, that him and I fixed up, had one in the neck. I think it's also a combination of people not doing maintenance/laziness/messing stuff up, is another reason . Sort of why new cars didn't have zerks or dipsticks on transmissions. People believe sealed stuff lasts longer, it doesn't.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Interesting theory….Doc

[@kmeades43]

That's a great tip Doc 👍

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks 👍….Doc

[@snakebite6511]

I have a 2009 Rocker C since new, I have never greased the grease fitting in the neck, that being said I am not sure if the dealer did when it whet in for an oil change or not. If I do it, how much should I be using? How do I know if it's too much or even if it needs it?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

You keep applying grease until it shows at the top and bottom of the neck….Doc

[@heresolong5752]

I'm a fan of two or three pumps every service so that you get less mess when it gets hot. But Doc does this more than I do so...

[@GratefulBamboo]

Replaced the neck bearings was bummed to discover that my 2009 Sportster has hollow frame tubes connected to the neck tube so I was not able to put a zerk fitting on it. I did that mod to many of my motorcycles over the years.

[@Greenjeans2020]

On my 2020 Tri Glide I was somewhat surprised to see that there is no grease fitting on the goose neck. Upon closer examination, it appears to have sealed bearings.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Sir Harley-Davidson has never had seal neck bearings. Yours will need to be disassembled, cleaned and greased. Or replaced….Doc

[@Greenjeans2020]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Yeah, I wasn't sure about that. They do look a bit different. if I take it apart I will add a grease fitting to top and bottom bearings. I have taken apart neck bearing with grease fitting and noticed the grease almost never gets to the top bearing. Thanks for the info.

[@waterkoppie]

Happy the grease fittings are gone. I used to grease the fittings (shifter and brake) on my 1994 Road King and 1998 Electra Glide Classic before holidays and when I was underway (every 2000 km/1250 miles), but at a certain moment the (car) workshops did not have the grease guns anymore, or they stopped working ..... time goes on.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Sad to see. The tool obsolete so preventive service gone….Doc

[@joeharley87]

Thank you doc, I will be checking. I know about the brake and shifter. I will look for the other ones.

[@edharbas4828]

Just as Dave 'Crouchy' Crouch, our local Doc would say " it's there for reason". Grease is the word. No pun intended.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I enjoyed your post….Doc

[@hogwildbowhunter]

Thanks Now I have to check my ultra and my wife 750 Street ……never seen them but I was not looking for them either!

[@markkramer2908]

But what about the newer bikes today? 2013 and above, do they have any? I have a 2021 Road Glide Special, are there any in my bike? Thanks Doc, I really appreciate your video's.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

No. The Factory has gone with the policy of replacing at 100K….Doc

[@tonydanzl]

I recall seeing grease fittings pre1941... 🤔 Some videos (detailing springer front ends) even show differences/transition from old style fittings in the mid 1930s

[@jimmyp6443]

I caught that, too .

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I like your history Tony….Doc

[@balmori.hangarage]

Hey Doc! Ask me how I knew this about the dyna??? I was trying to find the blind spot and i thought why not??? So, i place a grease fitting in the neck, everything so fancy and I started to pump! When I finished one cartridge and a half of grease I stopped and asked where the hell the geese is going to???? Then I find it!!! Well at least I tried! Haha

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Awesome Post…..Doc

[@rollinstone1969]

I had a neck zerk on a 17 ultra

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Really?…..Doc

[@briandow2262]

I don’t buy the factory floor excuse. The dealer should be doing it as part of their dealer prep. That makes sense to me.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Nice thought but the Factory is not going to pay dealers to clean…..Doc

[@gloryland59]

My 05 RK has 1 behind the headlight.

[@eddiealvarez5493]

Thanks Doc, you never know now day' s how Harley Davidson is not looking out for the Rider's. When it comes to longevity..😢

[@bobc8649]

30yr HD tech. Always pumped the neck full of grease. Only issue is in hot climates the grease would run out causing a small mess. Harley riders can be anal about clean bikes. Got chewed out more than once but kept doing it anyway.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Our dealership had to try several types of grease to find one that held up to SC temperatures…..Doc

[@whatyoumakeofit6635]

I have that same bike. 1995 Electra glide.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

You are a lucky man…..Doc

[@johnhammered3321]

They stopped putting them in so they would wear out quicker and you would get the death wobble! Or you would either have to pay hugh amounts of repair bills or trade your bike in sooner on a newer non greasable model!😬👍✌️

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

That's a conspiracy theory…Doc😆

[@tonychapman3309]

Would it be an issue if we added a fitting to a new cvo

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Yes! The frame is open from the neck to the back bone. Do not…..Doc

[@ironpug42]

can you add grease fittings on the m8

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I have not tried. To modify is against corporate policy….Doc

[@boscodog4358]

I like grease fittings. Things last longer when lubed. Money is why they were discontinued 😅

[@jdflhr]

HD should have kept these on the neck and shifter. Now the newer bikes gets sloppy sooner with mileage at these points!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I agree….Doc

[@joeprewitt2539]

My 2013 slim has one, and I been wiping grease off the bottom tree for a year.🤣

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Me too…..Doc

[@heresolong5752]

Add less grease. I do three or four pumps rather than pump until it oozes out, do that every service. Really hot weather it's going to soften some no matter what you do or what grease you use, but at least grease is getting in there.

[@Starship007]

Remember 60’s-80’s cars with grease fittings everywhere while the oil change performed

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Yes, the days of maintenance were simpler…Doc

[@westcoast3595]

You can always add them

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

A nice thought but not all….Doc

[@daviddownie3431]

Just like the grease fittings, the front fork oil drain screws disappeared so you cant do your own maintenance.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Suspension developed into more complication to serve you better…Doc

[@heresolong5752]

TBF you can still do your own maintenance, it's just a bit more complicated. Also, you used to have to change it every 10k, now it's every 50k so probably the same amount of effort. And consider replacing the bushings when you have it apart, since you have it apart.

[@tex9280]

🤜🤛🇦🇺♥️💛😈

[@brenodangelo5853]

Maybe because is not "eco friendly"

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

😆👍…..Doc

[@ronkuzyk3836]

When Harleys were built to last they had grease nipples.