The Harley Tech Q&A 2

The Harley Tech Q&A 2 is here! This week I answer some common Harley Davidson questions that I get. Most notably, where to find parts, swapping engines from different year models, why handlebars move, and warranty warranty warranty. Ok, to be fair, I don't answer much about warranty for HD. I do talk about how it works, and why I won't insert myself into the internet commotion on HD's warranty situations. As always, thanks for watching!!!!
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[@452Rob]

I get so jealous watching your videos. I've been a professional auto mechanic for over 33 years and every day I'm reminded that Harley techs get to ride all kinds of Harleys for test drives and I get to drive (as well as lay in floorboards of) cars and minivans for soccer moms with diaper bag smells, dead food trash all over, and trash in general. I've got about ten years until I can retire and then I'm not working on anything but bikes and my own vehicles. For you guys thinking about going into the technician field...work on bikes for guys who take pride in them rather than cars and mini vans for women who are too lazy to throw their trash away!

[@Johnny-Zero]

John, Great channel! I watched about 3 of your videos and decided I had to subscribe and ring that notifications bell. Thank YOU for all the great information and thanks also to CHATTAHOOCHEE HD for letting you do this at work. Have you considered giving the cost of some of the work you do at work. You said your labor rate in one of your earlier videos is $85/hr but how about items like the brake flush you did. I know not all jobs will be the same but I know a lot of people won't bring their bikes in for needed repairs or service because of the fear of the cost without even having any idea what it may cost to begin with. Anyways, Thank you for your advice and shared knowledge. Good job on the videos. Keep 'em coming!

[@petebusch9069]

John can you do a video explaining if and how we can maintain our warranty when putting on aftermarket pipes and power tuners?

[@illusioncity]

I'm from Jersey.. you get a like for that screen repair comment. Made me smile :) Yes, we have screened in porches and doors. lol! Thanks for all the awesome info you give!

[@jimleathers7747]

Black flies suck!

[@HaXaW5150]

John gives this video a big ole bandaged dirty thumbs up. ; )

[@clarkbabin9799]

I see the electrical tape. True man. To he'll with bandaids

[@clarkbabin9799]

I know that first bike is a road king custom 05 but never seen one with frame painted same as the tins. At least not stock.

[@clarkbabin9799]

Don't recall if I asked you. I'm curious about what ride by wire is vs standard controls

[@452Rob]

Ride by wire/drive by wire is simply a lack of manual throttle cable. Instead, the throttle is basically a potentiometer (like a volume knob on a sterio) and the computer interprets the signal and then controls an electrictronic actuated throttle plate motor for the throttle response...hense drive by "wire."

[@clarkbabin9799]

Thanks

[@ejakeway]

Enjoy everything you do. Would love to see another Q&A video.

[@brian3013]

ejakeway . I agree

[@smokeGR20]

In your opinion. Is the syn3 better then amsoil.20w50..??? Which would you prefer in 2016 103. I ride hard at times..meaning I hit throttle and bang through the gears fast..and usually I'm in the 2400 rpm and sometimes 3k zone

[@shaunchigas5493]

For the question about the handlebars coming loose on the Road King..... Had the same problem on my Dyna. The fix was urethane bushings in the risers. It helped to dissipate the vibration. Oh! And some blue loctite.

[@scottlee6673]

Hi John , I was wondering if you could give me some advice. I recent bought a 2013 Dyna Super Glide Custom (My first bike yea me )with 2,800 miles bought from local motorcycle shop .what do you suggest far as oil change and service . also any help would be appreciated. great channel Thanks

[@timothypatterson619]

Hey John. I have a 2002 Ultra Classic and want to put a set of apes on it. I'm 6 foot 3 and wondering where I what I should start with? 14 or 16 inch? Or should I go bigger? Thanks Tim Patterson

[@dennism103]

Maxima 10w50 synthetic in engine. 10w40 dino in primary 80w140 lucas in tranny, imo 20w50 is to thin, causes clunky shifting Is my recipe for a 3 hole service diy

[@20MAC20]

Mr. John Maxwell, I have a question, I have a 2016 Street Glide Special and I am about to do a stage 4 tire shredder kit and then Dyno the bike. what I would like to know is , I have the Bassani headers 2-1-2 , and I was thinking of changing them to S&S dual headers. what set would give me more power for the bike and the kit on am putting on???? thank you for your time John.

[@jimscycleandautotn8508]

Hey john, ive looked all over the service manual, what gauge is the 2016 fxdb battery cables brother?

[@VLR8563]

Hey Mr. Maxwell, I️’m an 18 y/o college student in Tennessee. I️’m really interested in learning to work on bikes and all about them but do not plan on attending a trade school. Do you know if Harley offers some sort of apprenticeship/internship in the service department? Thank you!

[@michaeltarwacki2824]

What’s up John, I appreciate the videos man! I have an 03 heritage soft tail classic and I bought the lower chromed forks...and I’m a little nervous about changing them out myself. I’m fairly mechanically inclined but I don’t want to mess up my baby. Maybe you could give me some pointers or make a video about it?? Thanks man and again your really helping out this community!

[@julespeace684]

I have a 2015 FLSTFB (bought used) , can't stand the fact the rear brake pedal, help please...Peace

[@i957corvette]

Hi John. Great channel. Question regarding installing WHIM on my 2017 Ultra Limited. I want to be able to use both wired and wireless however I have read on the internet that some people have no issues while others have issues and loose mic function. Any feedback / video would be greatly appreciated.

[@bencourt734]

Hey John, really like your channel man...I have an 07 FXSTB, just noticed a transmission oil leak coming from the centering pin above the shift shaft, is it an easy fix? Haven't seen anything on the net about it haha.

[@bluegem6559]

Hey John. Love your stuff brother. Quick question. What do you know about the problem with the transfer of trannie fluid to the primary on the M8s ? Thank you !!!

[@tylerfj24]

and you notice... crickets.. i think john said in the video he is perfectly happy with with the MOCO not knowing who he is.. haha

[@bluegem6559]

TylerFJ24 huh ?

[@tylerfj24]

bluegem6559 its very controversial. I doubt he will answer or address it on here or even acknowledge it exists.

[@bluegem6559]

TylerFJ24 Got it, sorry for being so slow. 😮

[@TheHarleyTech]

I’ll hit on this one in the next video. There’s literature out on it.

[@jamessouthworth1699]

Can an 04-up speedometer work on an 03 Dyna? Is it just the plugs are different or does it communicate differently?

[@jpdbeach]

I got a 06 Wide Glide. Warranty for 12 yrs. I bet the company. 3rd Motor 4th tranny. Only 20k on Motor. 18k on tranny. 98k On odometer. Beat them good

[@chrisphilhower6029]

Hello John. While on a Charity Run today had a strange experience. The Red Light next to the Speedo needle came on. Stayed on until I shut off. Havent seen it since. Used my MotoScan tool. Have a B2210 code stored. When I went to restart, The FP didn't turn on for a few seconds. After the Dash sweep.

[@TheHarleyTech]

What code is B2210? I don’t recall it off the top of my head.

[@08StreetGlide]

Run and stop inputs both open....taken from 2013 HD Softail Ele man...or B2210 Run/stop switch inputs both open...from 2014+ bikes....all from google search...hope this helps.....

[@chrisphilhower6029]

A HD Dealer looked at it today. Along with the 1k Service. NPF. Was told if it happens again, Bring it back. They may have to replace the R/H Module.

[@mattrose5313]

Hi I’m new to your channel, I’m purchasing a 2007 softtail custom, any key points I should be on a look out for for maintaining it?

[@razzrasmussen5773]

If you could chose any seat to put on on Harley touring frame?? I have a Road King Special 2017.

[@jerrybungard7107]

Ever had issues with color match on painted replacement parts? Bought new bag assembly for my 08 street glide and color was about two shades too dark. Was told my bike had faded ! If a garage kept bike fades that bad then the Moco needs a new paint supplier! Color is red hot sunglo..

[@BradMcCarty]

Woo! Good way to start my Sunday. Thanks John!

[@Kdefrance]

Hey John. I have an 02 electra glide and need to replace the rear motor mounts. I can't find videos anywhere.....

[@nealcox7152]

I have a 2008 flhtc. Went on a ride the other day down a rough highway and felt like my rear wheel bottomed out a couple times. When I got home my red security key was on and my right turn signal and brake light didn't work. Checked every wire (except under the fender) and found nothing. Could the tire have chewed up the wires running under the fender? Does the wheel travel enough to get to the wires? Is this common?

[@Ringmaster78320]

Are there any constant problems with screaming eagle parts, like on xl1200c sportsters?

[@Bg66648]

Do more videos of working on sportster most guys that buy the touring bikes can afford to pay to have them worked on I have a 2012 sportster forty eight I have a service manual that I use to work on it cause there is no way I can afford to pay dealership prices. They charge 250$ for motor and primary oil change so I'm sure anything else gets way more expensive

[@bigj200016]

Good advice in the bars John. Brand new bars and within 2 weeks, the bars pulled down. When I put my digital torque wrench, they were barely at 10ftlbs. And this was a H-D shop that did the job. I’ll probably pull out the riser bolts and relocktite them.

[@staciesanders8690]

Hi John my name is rodney got Q on my 06 sporty with 3k miles it's not fuel injected but what is that humming noise when I turn key on. Thanks rodney

[@GreatEgret]

I'm using Emory cloth on my non-knurled biltwell chumps. It doesn't work. Thanks for the screen repair kit tip! I'm totally going to try that. Thanks!

[@kylewadman2251]

I have a question about a problem I hear a off an on beeping noise from the relay on my road king and my lights like key, oil all that stuff flashes along with the beeping on my relay. Didn’t know if you could give me something’s to look at?

[@theeddies]

Great tip on the screen repair kit for handlebars. I have always used drywall sanding screen (basically the same stuff without adhesive) under my old Triumph's clamshell handlebar controls, especially the throttle side, holds it tight. I will have to try the screen kit, the adhesive would make it a lot easier to install.

[@jeffreyyeip1915]

the_eddies I've also used the sanding screen. I like the idea of the grit for extra hold

[@spudd222333]

I have a pretty tight clutch lever is their anyway to loosen that, I tried lubing it but it's still pretty stiff, compared to my brother's mine is way tighter. It isn't horrible but in traffic my hand is almost in full grip pulling it back and my hand cramps

[@JNich68]

Wondering the bike you are test riding after the bars, can you see behind you in the mirrors after the bar change? Looks from camera that hand placement now blocks the mirrors.

[@lullguy6055]

Could you explain to me how to change a rear brake line please this is Kyle from St Louis Missouri again and if you could send me a message with a video or anything would help

[@voodoo-rides]

Hi john, in video how do you get the lower dash off while bike is on lift??? i thought to get dash switch out i had to have bars over to left side ?? If you took out before puttin on rack how ya line it back up again ??? Great channel !!!!

[@thehighsd27]

What mods need to be done to change a 2017 road king special front wheel to a 21"and would it void the warranty, i asked the parts guy and he had no clue.

[@timothymoriarty373]

What do you think of the Milwaukee 8 engine I own. 2011 Streetglide

[@Butch7784]

Love your channel. Have you heard or seen anyone remove the horn and usb charger from the new softails? Thinking about doing it yo my street bob to open it up under the tank.

[@seanhutchinson4451]

John I have a 2006 road king is there anyway to put a factory streetglide fairing on it and hook all the gauges to the bike I have

[@jthamm4256]

What is a good exhaust upgrade for a 2017 softtail slim with the 103 high output?

[@martysvideos5752]

John, when washing a Sportster are there areas of the bike that should be avoided when rinsing it down? I don’t use a high pressure nozzle just the pressure as it comes out of a hose.

[@hammarashi]

Enjoying the vids. As far as when to check fasteners, go through it every month or so, not just when the manual says to do a service.

[@kellyemberton9055]

What are your thoughts on baffles. Does a bike need them or does it run better with out them. I just bought a 05 road king and it has no baffles.

[@billbenton1181]

Love the channel great content the only thing I see or think and it goes fore all of the motor company's if a person buys or bought a bike new 20 yrs ago and brings it in to get worked on oviously he loves his ride and the motor company should work on it or direct the dealer to do something eventually it would discourage the customer from buying something else or talk about it to others and so on if that makes sense

[@americ79]

John I have a question maybe you could point me in the right direction. I have a 2017 sportster 48 about 2000mi. while driving on any straight road above 30 mph I could see that the front tire is pitched to the right. I can see it in the forks and the handle bars. I’ve tried to reset the front suspension by loosening everything below the upper triple tree clamp and jouncing the suspension. No luck.

[@krashnburns]

Threading that clutch cable on was not cool man. You made it way too easy!!!!! Hahaha

[@dennism103]

Ur famous af, I luv ur commentary on hd. I want one of those shirts...

[@BlazingGex]

John, do a video on what you think about HD moving operation over seas.

[@tax905972]

BRING YOUR ASS UP NORTH MAN .WE HAVE IT ALL UP HERE IN NYS ASND THE CITY .THE CITY CAN BE A PAIN BUT IT’S STILL WORTH A TRIP.

[@speeder1230]

john while taken any exhaust off have you ever had a stud snap on you and how did you solve it

[@450rmaniac]

Seems like Marty is a guy you want to keep on your side. Any guy who stows an open knife on his desk is straight business. 😂😂

[@jasonbennett3956]

Can the saddlebags for a 2018 softail be made to fit a 12 fatboy lo ?

[@throckmorton3705]

you’ve never been up north? could you elaborate please . . .

[@SuperSnallygaster]

Friction paste will probably work on those bars too.

[@hairyyeti21]

I wish you rebels would learn how to say "oil"...

[@santiagovintimilla350]

carburetor gas leaks dyna 1994

[@jasonreddy3918]

What bars were installed on the bike in this video?

[@SFSFIRE]

♥️ ur channel 👍🏼. Subd. General question> Bought 18 cvo sg. Oil cooler has shroud but no fan. Owners manual clearly states bike has "fan driven oil cooler". Parts list on bike shows no fan. $50k bike no fan-wow. Whos the genius that thought it was necessary to pick my pocket for a fan after giving harley $50k. Its no wonder why so many r turning away from harley. Is there a procedure for installing a new fan? If its just clip & plug in, i could do that my self. Some forums are saying that i need and entirely new oil cooler w/ shroud & fan attached. Cant imagine thats true but, if any1 would know-u would. Thanks in advance 4 ur help.

[@dmcharley64]

Oh yeah, got to hot as balls to ride in GA!!!

[@SFSFIRE]

♥️ ur channel 👍🏼. Subd. General question> Bought 18 cvo sg. Oil cooler has shroud but no fan. Owners manual clearly states bike has "fan driven oil cooler". Parts list on bike shows no fan. $50k bike no fan-wow. Whos the genius that thought it was necessary to pick my pocket for a fan after giving harley $50k. Its no wonder why so many r turning away from harley. Is there a procedure for installing a new fan? If its just clip & plug in, i could do that my self. Some forums are saying that i need and entirely new oil cooler w/ shroud & fan attached. Cant imagine thats true but, if any1 would know-u would. Thanks in advance 4 ur help.

[@dougfresh1341]

I can attest to the fact you are not the last word for the MoCo... My dealer tried telling me something I thought was bull. I replied, “Well John Maxwell says...” And they say, Who the fck is John Maxwell?!” They were probly the 2 guys that gave the thumbs down. 😏

[@TheHarleyTech]

Hahahahaha

[@jeriangelovich1200]

I remember showing you all that little trick to keep handlebars from moving I used drywall sandpaper on the police bikes

[@TheHarleyTech]

For sure! The things you teach definitely live on in the shop!

[@eddiecooperiii1182]

Hey John I came across your channel looking for compensator replacement videos couple weeks ago and I think I probably watched every one of your episodes since then awesome channel did keep up the good work. But I have a question for you how do you feel about compensator eliminators ?I have a read mixed reviews on them.

[@TheHarleyTech]

I’ve never done one, but I wouldn’t put one on my bike. If that helps any.

[@nokoolaid]

Yankees? Yeah, we know what screens are.

[@road_king_dude]

Dammit I wish John was my mechanic!!! Why do I have to live all the way out in California 😫

[@slyguyaction]

Road Glider I’m thinking the same thing

[@lullguy6055]

Hi kyle crotty from st Louis Missouri what can i do if my bolt wont tighten up an just keeps spinning on my highway foot peg

[@jalan9700]

Kyle Crotty lock tight my man

[@itguy19]

Hey John, GREAT channel. So I have two questions that maybe you can help me with about my '05 Electra Glide Classic. First: What is your opinion on Jekyll & Hyde pipes? Second: So my left stock muffler is loose I think. It keeps sliding back and forth even after I've tightened it to spec. and some. Weird thing is that the clamp was tight and I have put a new clamp on. Any thoughts would be appreciated, Thanks !

[@aboutmyfathersbusiness8324]

You make Harley look good. Keep it up. They are getting to be known as a greedy arrogant bunch. As for my 2010 road glide custom, only changed the ratcheting chain tensioner, added a SE stage 1 kit and dropped the idle to 800. Its been bullet proof. The guts look almost exactly like my 1980 tour glide. Product ain't as bad as some people claim. I would suggest to the MOCO invest in a bit more R&D and IIWDFI. if it works dont fix it.

[@jamesstepp9982]

Hi John; I think I know the answer to this,but it's too expensive to make a mistake on. I ride a '98 FLSTC,and was looking into getting a belt primary;I noticed there was one listed for the FXSTC,but not the FLSTC. Was that just a typo or is there REALLY a difference in the primary drives?

[@davidgutierrez5503]

Hey John, awesome channel. My question is. What are the tallest bars I can install on my 2011 Electra Glide Classic? Using the stock wiring.

[@mikeslinde5506]

Hey John....Eau Claire Wisconsin gives ya a big wave hello!!! I have a question...I do not get to ride my 14-883...after I do get to ride I usually hook it up to my battery charger.....is it an ok thing for my battery to keep doing this? Also...have ya heard good things about magna flow exhausts? Keep doing your thing bud, later! Mike slinde

[@battlebornhd3030]

Awesome video man, quick question since you are on the topic of handlebars. About to do 12" bars on my 17 SGS. Figured I'd swap out the riser bushings for some polyurethane's. I've heard you need to use red loctite on them but I don't use that stuff lightly, was wondering what your thoughts are on using red or blue. Thanks man

[@Dan.Christy]

I just picked up a used FLHX2011 103 that has a SE “stage one “ Intake air cleaner & Vance and Hines pipes on it how Can I tell if the previous owner had a tuned or not I live in Melbourne FL and Obviously I gets hot just want to make sure I’m not Hurting it when I run it And this awesome FL weather

[@ResponsibleGunOwner]

I'm a completely untrained professional, so... Love your videos. Just discovered them. I like to work on my own bikes, because I've been disappointed with the quality (and cost) of having Harley dealerships do the work.

[@kojigray]

Hey John, awesome videos. I have a 17 street glide special. The fuel gauge keeps getting stuck at 1/4 mark even with full tank. Had it replaced twice under warranty. Have you had this problem arise yet?

[@jeffreyyeip1915]

Hey John, I've got an 05 Ultra. A few years ago when I was getting it out my factory bars pulled back. I thought for a long time about how I should safely fix it. I came up with drywall sanding screen. I got the bars set back where I wanted them took off one clamp, cut a strip of screen and clamped it down. Repeated for the other side. Glad to see I didn't come up with a hokie fix.

[@FRESHx913x]

Is it bad to hit high rpm on big twin motors? Mine has big bore kit, s&s cams and a screaming eagle 6200 rev limiter. I've hit the rev limit once and was told going high rpm with the big twin and mods I have is going to grenade the motor. I ride my bike pretty easy never even go above 75mph cruising down the highway. Shifting around 3500rpm. If it matters she has 34,000 miles and is an 00 road king flhr.

[@ronbuccelli2596]

Hey John, great vid as usual. So I purchased my first Harley a 2008 sportster 1200 low last year with 3000 miles on it. I currently have a little over 7000. I'm still getting familiar With the maintenance as it is a a little different than the metric bikes I've ridden for many years. So my question is at this mileage what should I be looking to tighten or replace Or just be concerned about. For instance I believe my tires are the original tires, should I replace them? They still have a good amount of tread left. Any input would be great. Thanks for your fantastic vids. Oh the bike is completely stock except for a kn filter aftermarket front controls and a vance and hines fp3

[@norm_badwolf_9119]

Great video man! Hey I got a question for ya, I'm new to Harleys, I just got a '96 Sporty with the Evo engine. In your video about your Bad Boy, you briefly touched on an issue you had with the clutch getting too hot I think, saying it was a common issue with a few years of the Evo's, including mine. I haven't found any literature on that yet, what were ya talking about?

[@Hebron666]

Do you have a video explaining rear brake light switch on 07 touring models? Great channel btw!

[@robertmillison8933]

No warranty, No worries!!

[@FoamAddict]

Hey John, love your videos. I just bought a 2019 street glide special and I'm wondering if the high flow screaming eagle exhaust will complicate my factory warranty. I currently have SE slipons and would love the head pipe as well.

[@biggttodd9220]

I hate the position of my clutch friction zone on my 2018 limited. Dealer said they cannot adjust because it's hydraulic. It has to be released 95% before friction. Is it true I just need to deal with it?

[@scottwinslow8772]

2015 street glide SP with 22,000 and I just replaced my shifter shaft since it left me stranded on the rode side twice and the second time I was about 90 miles from but luckily close to a harbor freight so I bought some cheap tools and fixed it in the parking lot. My local dealer said its just a poor design and that he sold 21 of them this year.

[@RAM79]

Whats your expert advice on motor break in? I've never done the text book break in for any vehicle i have ever owned. Every vehicle I've purchased new, I just rip it.

[@talkingrock7011]

I noticed you pulled the complete fairing to change the bars is that the best way a lot of videos on youtube show people not removing the inner fairing they jockey it back and forward

[@jeffreyyeip1915]

talking rock I'm sure he removes the inner fairing on customers bikes for less chance of scratching them. Plus I'm sure that HD has the figured in on their rate

[@TheHarleyTech]

Apparently this one snuck past me. I remove the fairing so as not to scratch it for sure! It might take me 5 extra minutes to take one off and put it back on again. I have practiced it a few times, haha.

[@fletcherbowman3711]

Do you find that the dealerships you work at or have worked at hire techs who haven't passed DSO and have their tech rec? Also what was the more challenging project in DSO 1?

[@markdavid801]

What’s up John. On an 18 StreetBob, what is the rear fork spacer bolt? I’m looking at the service guide. Is that the main nut and bolt on the rear fork?

[@paivasteveable]

Great videos , I have a 14 sgs with se air intake. V&h headers, Boneshakers exhaust and I wanna do a stage 2 on her , Have you any input on the what cams is best for everyday rider ? Also what should it cost and how Many hrs in the job ? Thanks ..

[@christyson464]

Hey brother love what you do Keep On Keepin On I got a 2015 Road Glide Special let go of the handlebars and she wants to pull to the right wondering if you had any kind of answer

[@ethanbrown7450]

Hey man love to videos. It has helped me understand a lot with how my motorcycle works and stuff like that. I have a 2008 Sportster 1200 and I have learned a lot from this channel and I hope to learn more!

[@marcusaponte432]

Hey, John What kind of gloves are you wearing? Are they water resistant? Any good for cooler temps? What do you suggest?

[@acef4389]

Great vlog as always John, man I just traded a 13 fltrxc for a 18 fltrxs and I'll tell you night and day. The website helped so much with the radio although I dosed off a few times my skills when working the nav and features is now on point thanks again

[@cadenthompson148]

Favorite channel on KZbin. Very informative, awesome Harley Tech!

[@dmcharley64]

Any advice on purchasing a used HD Limited 2017