3 TIPS for Maintaining your Harley

3 Tips for maintaining your Harley-Davidson is the 3 most common things I see that need to be addressed. These 3 things need to be checked more often than the 5,000 mile intervals. In this video, I'm working on a 2016 Ultra Classic, but most of the tips pertain to all models. All of my suggestions concern all of Harley's Touring bikes up to 2016.
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[@SpiderDijon2]

Something I have been really enjoying as a viewer - the joy you seem to take from editing your shot transitions. Those little flourishes aren't necessary, but make the video so much more visually interesting.

[@Richard-mz7qu]

Great video! I have done this kick shiftier replacement and I used red lock-tight.

[@drewyager4020]

John. I just picked up a 2019 Fat Bob 114 Matte Red with a stage one Vance and Hines. Your videos helped inspire me to get one. Yes

[@michaelmitchell5909]

Great tips brother john. After watching this I went out and checked my 03 cvo road kings shift linkage.... Was all good.... Thanks for an awesome channel brother.... I'm learning a lot from you man....

[@connecticutgunner9333]

Love the fact that you do the "extra steps" when working on a bike.

[@terryandteresa]

I bought a Road king classic yesterday. My first Harley!! I'll be needing your uploaded knowledge now.

[@nykotregoning6767]

great advise man thanks for the tips helped me out setting up my tool roll for my sportster 883 with a stage 4 screaming eagle upgrade look forward to the next

[@bmacias]

Great video. I had the shift lever problem and it went out on me on a ride several states away from home. Lucky is was under warranty and they had the part.

[@kenh9097]

John, I had to replace my shifter assembly also after warranty was out on my 14 King, I used lock tight and like you went a wee beyond the tourqe specs.., thanks again for awesome vids!

[@mikeflynn750]

Recently had to help a friend replace his heal-toe shifter shaft. Exactly the problem he had was the bolt got loose and the teeth got damaged. Excellent video. I will be checking my shifter more often.

[@kimslover30]

Very helpful and informative John I just bought my first Harley 2012 Heritage Softail classic OH YEAH!

[@melvinjohnson7446]

I got a 2016 Street Glide and the info he gives is good to know for repairs and upkeep.👍🏿💯💯

[@marcinhuniewicz]

Good job John! You’re videos are entertaining and informative. I’m considering my first HD motorcycle (likely Road King) and your videos help me make up my mind. I have no problem doing things myself, seems like those motorcycles can last as long as they’re getting some attention here and there. You have a new subscriber as of today!

[@johnkenneally4942]

Thanks for shift linkage tip. Have a 2010 Road Glide and have yet to check it myself. That heel shifter sure gets a lot of use. Will check it as soon as I get it back from shop for the new handlebar install or just have them check it at Acme chopper.

[@HarleyDayRider]

Thanks, man these videos are very useful. I don't normally work on my own bike but it's nice to know what to check out in between services.

[@stitch7967]

I really like your videos John. About a month ago I changed out the shift shaft, bushings and primary shift lever. They had alot of movement. Sorry watched someone else's video on how to remove the bushings with the Jim's Tool. Well worth the money. Also every spring I change all three oil's, air filter and spark plugs. I use the gasket and o-ring H-D parts replacement kit. Yes, it may be excessive to some, but, it's what I do. Bike is new to me, August will be 2yr's. It's a 2001 Electra Glide Ultra Classic, near mint condition 36,000 miles on it after a trip to Nashville and Memphis. Had new tires put on it prior to the trip in September. Unbelievable what a comfortable ride it is. Especially after a 11hr trip straight through to Nashville.

[@brianzaborowski2724]

You forgot some blue Loctite for all the shifter bolts! Don't forget the rear pinch bolt too, I have done this on every new Harley I bought and never had any troubles after that.

[@joshuasutton7326]

Shift linkage your video saved my ass a lot of money. Thank you brother. Because of you I caught it in time. Thanks again..

[@bryanmoore9257]

Thanks for the vids John. I am a disabled vet and just able to start being able to ride again. Just bought a new iron 883 from my dealer and am looking forward to getting back in the saddle. Keep up the good work brother.

[@Ritenour1986]

Congrats brother! Im a disabled veteran as well and haven't been able to ride since 2013. Just had spine surgery in Nov and as soon as I was healed the first thing I did was buy another bike. Feels so good being back on one. Ride safe brother!

[@rnrudynh1427]

@@Ritenour1986 thank you for your service. I'm up in Central NH. I have a small shop if you ever need help. Hit me up

[@ladytech74]

My fiance just bought me a 2019 Sport Glide! I love love love her...the bike that is, but he is amazing too! I am also an aircraft mechanic by trade and pan on doing a lot of my own maintenance. Your show is a huge help. Thank you

[@gtownsurfcody]

A&P doesn’t help me with any of my bikes repairs haha. Stick to the warranty and pray it’s someone like maxwell doing the work.

[@mattm6557]

Great information seeing how it's really hard to find good info on servicing Harley bikes. Do forget the FLS models haha. Thanks again keep up the work. Much appreciated.

[@randywall7688]

Practical and to the point. What more could you ask for. Thanks

[@lisabolante7810]

Hey John....great helpful videos!! You crack me up too! Thanks for the info....appreciate your videos for sure!!! Keep up the great channel!

[@ATPrx23]

Thanks for sharing! Great and simple ideas! Good background music. I’m your new subscriber!

[@frankneher9192]

Been there and done that with the shift linkage. I hope you have a better wash person than my servicing dealer.

[@theChestnutMtnTinman]

Great tips John. Tire pressure is something I need a sign to remind me. Just did it a couple days ago though.

[@theChestnutMtnTinman]

Tommy Ealey Dang😎😎

[@marktinaz2600]

First video of yours I watched. Now subscribed. You do an excellent job of entertaining and informing without being condescending.

[@TheHarleyTech]

Thanks man! Glad you enjoyed!

[@mikerideinvest8437]

had my shifter levers strip out recently on a ride. Always keep some tools in the saddlebag to tighten up some stuff along the way

[@darrenoliverio7259]

I own an aftermarket shop in Florida, my Harley certified tech does these items as well, you are a good tech!! and you did a good job on the video. I was looking for some proof to my claims for another tech that I have, and glad I stumbled on to this. keep up the good work!!

[@TheHarleyTech]

Glad you found the video, too. Hope you guys are staying busy down there! I bet the weather is a little warmer...

[@jasperjenkins7729]

I'm Glad to be a Subscriber. I haven't Rode in 20 Years and I'm BAD at maintaining ANY vehicle. But I watched your T CLOC vid and checked my tire pressure before 1st Long Ride. Front Tire was at 10 PSI and back was at 18😯 HolyShit I Would have been in Trouble.

[@tomdillon363]

cold here, too max. just went out to the garage and looked at my honey and all the stuff you've been talking about actually made sense. you, sir, are doing a great service to us consumers, but you sure spray that brake cleaner a lot. you really are a trained professional. thanks, john for another great video!

[@TheHarleyTech]

It seems the weather sucks most places here lately. I do go a bit heavy on the brake clean. The parts cleaner is cheaper and easier to use, but it destroys rubber faster than a 16 year old in his parents car! Glad you enjoyed the vid!

[@derekgohl1549]

You the Man! Look right to you guys that's the way should be! Awesome work! keep it up!

[@jimwortham8634]

Hey John always enjoy all your videos glad you're all Pro

[@Covol8454]

John, I am new to Harley. I have a 2005 Sportster custom 1200 with a 90 ci big bore kit and I love these videos man, The best by far that I have found on youtube. Keep it up.

[@TheHarleyTech]

You got any videos of that XL?

[@j5183]

Great videos man! Lot of useful information good job been watching for the last 4 hours lol

[@tommylogan2201]

Thank you I pick up my 2007 heritage classic from the dealer today and I want to know the things to look for and check along the way.

[@cavtj1]

You are the man, Mr. John! Good tips!

[@tvstevie9594]

Keep up the good work John!

[@Supermankev2001]

John love the channel.from Canada I ride a 2012 ultra classic like your Florida bike week vids thanks for the content always honest and entertaining. Keep up the good work.

[@fredfurrer1035]

Yes, great information and very entertaining.

[@fredfurrer1035]

Yes, great information and very entertaining.

[@waynegto1484]

Hi John, I recently bought a new 2018 Fatboy (my first Harley) and my previous bikes have been Jap and European which are metric spanners and sockets are the new Harleys metric... Great videos very informative and entertaining

[@TheHarleyTech]

Thanks man!

[@recub13]

Another great videos and tips. I also keep a close eye on drive belt tension. On the few rare occasions that I've had HD work on bike, the belt was too tight and noisy. I tend to check it every 1500 or so and run it towards the loser side of spec. And yes John, it's been balls cold out in GA for too long.

[@TheHarleyTech]

I almost mentioned belt tension, but I didn’t want another 15 minute video...and I still have content for later!

[@badkarma3059]

Thank you for the helpful hints sir. Note to self, work on replacing HD bolts with ARP lol

[@sharagreen2432]

Cheers mate, from down here in New Zealand. Your common knowledge is on bro

[@Dwb913]

I'm looking for 10,000 mile Softail service tips. I don't have a manual and I like your videos. LOL I'm an old buck (69) from NH and this bike gets me around really well. I actually got 54 MPG out of it once although it's usually 35.

[@dennisgog578]

Awesome information from someone not trying to get rich off me. Thanks alot for helping the average joe, im lucky as my friends assist me when i break something........ getting ready to put on some forward controls 0n my 2002 Dyna..... let me know if you have any videos on that. thank you, Dennis Goggin who is frezzing his ass off in Connecticut!

[@murfdog144]

Thanks John for the tips! I appreciate it.

[@TheHarleyTech]

Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed!

[@ClaytonBigsbee]

Thank you man ,my new favorite KZbinr

[@scottynic2894]

I've seen magnefying glass work well over the camera lense for close ups....on watches anyway? Awesome uploads😎

[@Rbiker666]

Thanks for the awesome vids!

[@TheToso13]

Awesome vid, thanks!

[@aaronanderson7619]

Thanks for the shifter info. Time to sort that rattle.

[@josephscott2267]

Thanks for another great vid John!

[@TheHarleyTech]

Thanks for watching!

[@patrickrhodes4797]

John, just FYI, some aftermarket air filters (like K & N) just need the crud knocked off (tapped lightly) and kept oiled because they filter better. It looked like that bagger may have had one, but it was hard to tell. I use K & N on most of my vehicles ( car, bikes, & truck) because they flow better, filter better, and best of all, are re-usable. Keep the rubber side down, lol.

[@shaneconnors757]

Great Vids...Thanks for posting

[@ddddsd20]

Good job John, thanks for the videos

[@TheHarleyTech]

Thanks for watching!

[@Savage1776_]

I just bought a 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe. It has the stage 4 88 to 103 Screamin Eagle kit.. I reside in Concord North Carolina right next to the Charlotte Motor Speedway the motorcycle I purchased from a dealership 3 hours away in South Carolina. The dealership assured me that it passed all inspections and was ready to ride for the summer. I also told the dealership I would be riding the motorcycle home. They said that there should not be any issue. Upon getting home I noticed that the alignment was a little off. I took it to my buddy shop and they realign the front end for me. At my buddy shop they noticed that the tires we're from 2004! So because his bike had low miles at 7,000. The bike must have sat with the original owner for the last 17 years and the original tires were never replaced. The dealership told me that everything was fresh on the bike the oil the tires excetera excetera. Giving them $9,500 cash you would think that they would have made sure that the bike was safe for me to ride home. So just a heads up to you people out there before you go buying a used motorcycle check the tires and don't get ripped off like I do. Because now I have to drop almost another $700 to get two new white wall tires with inner tubes

[@kenbuttone8775]

Jonh, your vids are great and much appreciated .

[@kenbuttone8775]

Meant john.

[@LSHD254]

years later your vids are still helping people "-)

[@twolaneblacktop8034]

Great tips as usual John, one other to add to the list is lights, I like to do a quick walk around and check, not to many people like to hail a Harley rider and tell you that your brake light is out, guess they figure we'll chew them out or something.

[@TheHarleyTech]

For sure. I’ve been meaning to do a pre ride checklist. I’ll add it to that one!

[@zososhep]

John, Really enjoying the vid's! I am not much of a mechanic but really want to learn how to do the basic stuff myself. I have a 2017 Road Glide Special, Thanks for making these, please keep them coming!

[@TheHarleyTech]

Will do!

[@TheHarleyTech]

Glad you’re enjoying!

[@FULLHOUSEBBQ]

Great video thxx for info

[@bartphillips6391]

Great tips!!! Awesome videos!!

[@rusnsc7622]

Hey John, great channel. Very informative while being quite entertaining! Thanks for all the tips. What kind of set up do you use to check and fill tires on knuckles wheels? I am screw on a 90 deg valve stem to check and fill. Certainly do not leave it on, that would not be too bright of an idea.

[@chevyon37s]

One of the best things I've done for my bike is get the damn crank case breathers out of the intake and vent them to the atmosphere! Much cleaner intake tract too! I check my tires pretty regularly, usually about once a week or before I ride of the bike has sat longer. And I installed a heim joint shift link in my mid control Dyna.

[@rico1319]

I like it brother, thanks for the tips! Plus I subscribed!👍👍👍😎🇨🇱

[@robbierussell9536]

Good tips John..thx

[@MrMetalhead0124]

Love you videos, keep up the good work Dude. Can you tell me which service manual do I need for a 2017 FXSE engine and transmission manual.

[@bobellis2912]

Good stuff. Thanks for the tips. Dude, you crack me up.

[@TheHarleyTech]

thanks man!

[@Tarrnation]

3 good tips. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheHarleyTech]

Thanks for stopping by and watching/commenting!

[@EricTheOld]

Great editing!

[@roadhog19]

Great video. Personally if I were pulling out the shift arm I would replace the bushings in the engine case that the shaft runs through. Just what I, would do. But should be checked in any case, or, not. Your choice.

[@petelanzone484]

FYI I have over tightened the 780 hex cap bolt just over spec and It snapped. Not once but twice I think I went about 5-10 inch lbs over. On my 14 StreetGlide. Got to find the sweet spot so I purchases a couple extra since they are cheap and come in a pack of 2.

[@SuperPresidentBeefbroth]

sick beard and thanks for the tips as a new bike owner

[@LadyTam55]

Being the nearest Dealership is a few hundred miles away. This helps as I will be changing the oil or a friend who helps with some things around here will. Now one thing I haven't foumd on your videos is one about locks. Here in my area I don't worry to much as once people find out I am back in the wind and this beautiful bike belongs to this crazy Old Lady they will let her alone. But when I go to Albuquerque for Dr and not able to keep my eye on her I am going to need a lock. That and a small trunk that locks as I live in the land of the free but there are them places that are free zone places. Only a couple more days and she will be home where I can start getting her set up and add them few things that make her my trike. Keep it safe.

[@richarddobbins9184]

Hell yeah it's cold in Georgia! I live in the Macon area. Everyone went nuts with the snow. Good videos, keep up the good work.

[@TheHarleyTech]

Thanks man! If you’re ever over this way, stop by and say hello!

[@richarddobbins9184]

Yep I'll hop on the 48 one day and head that way, you know after it warms up a bit.

[@TheHarleyTech]

Cool man! The dealerships fb page is in the description. Give it a like and you can pick a weekend when we are doing something cool.

[@dennism103]

I'm so glad I bought a hd road king it's fun to ride. I've had no issues...

[@DaveyG1337]

Any issues yet?

[@joser5193]

Hey John, Great Videos Lots of good info to absorb. Have you come across actual facts on the max width I can put on my 2017 Dayna Wide Glide.

[@MichaelH416]

Great video. Thank you!

[@TheHarleyTech]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@delrayjyd9676]

I have a 11 FLHTP. I bought it in Dec 2013, it had 552 miles on it. It currently has 62,000 miles. I ride it almost every day. The inner shift lever got loose right after I rode 650 miles to the Dragon( Deal's Gap) and 650 back home. The lever came loose 8 miles from the house. I tightened it up it lasted another 6 months and I had to pull the inner primary to replace it. That was April 2015. I haven't had any other major problems with it.

[@TechwheelswithPat]

Nice chaft change 😜and video, thanks 🙏 ride safe.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Great Job...

[@r.o.1330]

Thanks much. All good advice.

[@TheHarleyTech]

glad you enjoyed!

[@derekh2068]

My shifter came off on the back side and I was stuck in 5th gear for about 30 miles until I could stop and get the right tool to fix it. Now I check it all the time.

[@twomontess]

Editing skillz boy ! Stepping up the game!

[@TheHarleyTech]

Thanks man! For you guys each week is a new video. For me each week is more practice!

[@wayne3902]

Love this guy very funny and smart!!

[@krobarrides9028]

Can you do a video on replacing a fuel filter. I have an 05 Road King

[@adamziolkowski2549]

Love the videos.

[@e.g.5806]

And by the way, you make really good vids-- keep it up, brother!

[@TheHarleyTech]

Thanks man!

[@tyee4u]

Best part of the new skinny primary! You don’t have to remove primary to change rear shift shaft 😊

[@Chaplain161]

2014-2016 are notorious for bad shift shafts and shift arms. I had one go bad with around 13K on my 2014 Ultra Classic. I was on the road and was able to make it to a HD dealership to buy the parts to fix it. The guy at the parts counter gave me Drag Specialties replacement parts and said "You don't want to replace junk, with junk". I've heard people say to get rid of the heal shifts because you put to much pressure in the shifter or that you shift to hard. Well i put 73,500 on a 2012 Ultra limited with the heal shifter and never had a problem. A simple internet search will show many people had the issues with the 2014-2016. I hope HD addressed this issue with their replacement parts.

[@geoffozevans4500]

Good info in the vlog, take care 👍😎

[@TheHarleyTech]

Thanks man!

[@aboutmyfathersbusiness8324]

My 1980 FLT linkage is welded; minus the heel toe shifters.

[@f-sixer3939]

...and another great video!

[@shanewalker2257]

Great vids

[@danthechippie4439]

Another great video, I'm planning on purchasing a new 2020 fatboy but I was disappointed to see _ no heal shifter. What the hell?

[@petrinkyle]

good video bud I like win u put tech tips hope the kids are liking all the snow days lol

[@TheHarleyTech]

Oh we enjoy it for 10 minutes at a time. “It’s coooolllldddd” back in side “can we play in the snow?” Hahaha thanks for watching!

[@petrinkyle]

lol I hear u there my soon to be wife loves seeing the snow freaks out win it's time to go to work we live in FL by Panama city

[@CelticRider84]

I'm from Ontario, Canada. There's 3 feet of snow on my front lawn. Feel free to come take it away. :P

[@brandoncarrere7146]

Wish u were closer to work on my street glide...east cost of NC brother

[@MichaelH416]

I don't understand why all the splines on the shift linkage. Use a squared end on the inside and the lever can bolt right into it. I've seen this done on custom bikes and it seems sturdy and has lasted a long time. I was on my way home from a 3,000 mile trip, 2 miles from my place, and suddenly couldn't shift! In Chicago area rush hour traffic I was barely able to limp it home on the shoulder of the expressway. That bolt in the linkage was stripped. I hadn't had my bike for 4 months. Glad it was fixed under warranty, and glad I was near home.

[@TheRealXyzven]

1:46 - Did you just "matrix" me Neo?!? Nicely played!!

[@r.weaver3769]

22k on 98 RKC the shifter shaft bushing in the trans worn. Nice...