How to Install Harley Grips

Put grips on your Harley motorcycle.

Keeping that firm grip on the handles of your Harley is a crucial part of maintaining control over it. Handle grips pass the vibrations of the motor onto the rider’s hands. Therefore it is important to keep them in shape in order to provide that much-needed buffer for the hands and wrists--during those long rides, every little helps to add to the rider's comfort. Friction caused by rubbing the grips will cause the grips to wear and become thinner and loose, necessitating their replacement.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Torx wrench
• Bolts
• Utility knife
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Sandpaper
• Cloth
• Adhesive
• Needle-nose pliers

1. • 1

     Position your motorcycle on a flat surface. Turn off the motor and put it in gear.

   • 2

     Observe the bolts and the screws of the clutch or brake assembly. Use a screwdriver or a Torx wrench to remove the bolts of the clutch assembly, which is wrapped around the left handle. Separate the upper and the lower switch housing and place it away from the handle. The switch housing holds the the switches used to control the motorcycle.

   • 3

     Place a towel on a counter. Put all the detached parts on the towel so they won’t get lost or roll off.

   • 4

     Cut the left grip carefully lengthwise, using a utility knife. Take a flat-head screwdriver and insert it between the handle and the grip to help get the grip off. Take sandpaper and a cloth and wipe away any residue on the handle. By doing so, the new adhesive layer will get a better hold.

   • 5

     Slide on the new grip to test if its edges are aligned with the channel of the clutch housing. Slide it off and spread adhesive inside the grips. Use your fingers to spread the glue. Pay attention to not put too much glue on the grips, otherwise excess glue could get on the clutch housing.

   • 6

     Slide the grip onto the handle by rotating it back and forth. Level it with the channels of the housing. Grip the handle and squeeze it firmly. Hold the grip for a few moments for the glue to bond.

   • 7

     Reassemble the clutch assembly. Position the channel of the switch housing around the grip’s edge. Adjust the position of the clutch lever. Fasten it with the bolts, using a Torx wrench.

   • 8

     Insert the grip on the right handle. Take the Torx wrench and remove the bolts holding the switch housing. Separate the upper part from the bottom one. Observe the position of the throttle cables that are now visible and remember their exact position.

   • 9

     Move the throttle cables away from the throttle sleeve using needle-nose pliers. Push and slide off both the throttle sleeve and the switch housing.

   • 10

     Cut off the grip using the utility knife, in the same way that you did in Step 4. Clean the area with sandpaper and cloth, then apply adhesive into the right hand grip. Slide the grip while rotating it onto the handle. Align and squeeze the grip and wait a moment for the glue to bond.

   • 11

     Slide the new throttle sleeve onto the handle and reattach the throttle cables in their position. Put back the switch housing and fasten it in place using bolts.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a spray carb cleaner to dissolve the glue if you do not want to cut the grip off.

• Do not lubricate the grips prior to their installation. This may cause them to slide off when riding.

• Not installing the handlebar grips the proper way may result in injuries and even death.

• Use only compatible parts for your Harley, to avoid malfunction of the motorcycle.

How to Time a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle

Learn how to set the timing on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Checking the timing on your Harley-Davidson motorcycle every 5,000 miles plays an important role in a comprehensive maintenance routine. As a Harley-Davidson engine ages, you must adjust the ignition timing to compensate for the wear of internal engine parts. Setting the timing correctly keeps your motorcycle running smoothly and efficiently. Maladjusted timing may result in sluggish performance, poor fuel economy and possible damage to internal engine components. Setting the timing is relatively easy and ensures the maximum life from the engine.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Allen wrench
• Clear plastic timing hole plug
• Inductive timing light
• Phillips screwdriver
• Slotted screwdriver

1. • 1

     Remove the crankcase timing plug using an Allen wrench, and expose the timing hole. The timing hole is located on the primary chain case side of the motor on the engine block and capped with a solid hex-head plug. Install a clear plastic timing hole plug to prevent oil splash.

   • 2

     Connect the positive terminal of an inductive timing light to the positive battery terminal of the motorcycle. Connect the negative terminal of the timing light to the negative terminal of the battery. Connect the inductive pickup probe of the timing light to the front cylinder spark plug wire.

   • 3

     Start the engine, and run it at idle. Point the timing light into the timing inspection hole. If the ignition is properly timed, the timing bar will align with the circular timing reference mark. The reference marks on a correctly timed engine will appear as a vertical bar through the center of the circle. Some models only have a timing reference mark on the flywheel of the motor; on these models, the engine is correctly timed when the reference mark is visible in the timing inspection hole.

   • 4

     Remove the timing cover from the right side of the motor with a Phillips screwdriver or Allen wrench, depending on your specific model. Loosen the the timing plate screws with a slotted screwdriver, and turn the timing plate to adjust the timing. Recheck the timing marks with the timing light. Tighten the timing plate screws, and install the cover.

   • 5

     Shut off the engine, and remove the timing light. Remove the clear plastic timing hole plug, and install the solid plug in the hole.

Tips & Warnings

• The reusable clear plastic timing hole plug is available from your local Harley-Davidson dealership. The plugs are not interchangeable between production models; purchase the one made specifically for your bike.

• Exhaust fumes are toxic; work only in a well-ventilated area.

• Exhaust pipes become extremely hot during, and for some time after, engine operation. Severe burns may result from contacting the pipes with exposed skin. Avoid contacting the pipes with test equipment wires or other tools.

How to Calculate a Harley's Horsepower

Harley-Davidson engines are known to be the "Kings of Torque".

Horsepower is the work produced that maintains movement. One horsepower is defined as producing 33,000 foot-pounds of work in one minute. An engine can continue to make more horsepower as long as RPM is increasing faster than torque is falling. Torque and horsepower are the result of frictional losses, volumetric efficiency, engine displacement, BMEP (Brake Mean Effective Pressure) limitations and RPM. As RPM rises, there is less time to fill the cylinder and torque begins to fall off. When torque is measured over time, it becomes horsepower. If you know the horsepower you can calculate the torque.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Calculator

1. • 1

     Multiply torque by RPM.

   • 2

     Divide your answer by 5252. For example, a TC88 engine produces 84 foot-pounds of torque at 3,500 RPM. The horsepower would be 55.97.

   • 3

     Multiply horsepower by 5252.

   • 4

     Divide answer by RPM. Example: A TC88 engine records a maximum of 78 horsepower at 5,500 RPM. The engine torque would be 74.48.

How to Adjust a Harley Drive Belt

Harley Davidson belt drives are highly engineered and effective drive systems. They are extremely quiet and immune to the corrosion due to their fiber/polymer materials. They require no lubrication and resist stretching and wear from the enormous loads placed upon them by the engine. Belt tension and rear axle alignment are the main concerns when adjusting the belt, and these conditions are easily checked with a few inexpensive specialty tools.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• 1/2-inch torque wrench
• Belt deflection tool
• Standard 1/2-inch socket set
• Rear axle alignment tool
• Machinist's rule (optional)
• Crescent wrench

1. • 1

     Break the torque on the rear axle, but only loosen enough to relieve the clamp pressure at the swingarm and allow the axle adjusters to move the axle. Place the transmission in high gear.

   • 2

     Check axle alignment with the alignment tool. Locate the factory-drilled hole in the swingarm. It will be about eight inches forward of the axle and on the outer face of the swingarm tubing. Insert the short end of the alignment tool into the hole and orient the tool so that it points to the rear of the bike along the swingarm until it intersects the axle. Slide the rubber O-ring on the tool down to exactly where it intersects the precise center of the axle. This is very important to the accuracy of the procedure.

   • 3

     Carefully remove the tool from the hole and transfer it to the other side of the swingarm, being sure to not disturb the O-ring and lose your measurement. Insert the tool into the new side and check the position of the center of the axle against the rubber O-ring indicator. The O-ring should fall out exactly as it did on the first side. If there is any difference, then tighten or loosen the axle adjuster on the second side until it matches the position of the first side. The axle is now aligned and an accurate belt tension test may now be made.

   • 4

     Locate the graduated sight window on the belt guard. If the model does not have a sight window, brace a machinist's rule against the swingarm and use the index slider to indicate the current position of the belt where it intersects the rule. Place the belt tension tool onto the bottom of the belt, close to the sight window. Push up on the tool until it indicates exactly 15 pounds of pressure on the belt. Observe the sight window or the machinist's rule and note the amount of deflection, in fractions of an inch (not thousandths). Refer to the factory specification for your year and model of bike to determine if the belt tension is correct, tight or loose.

   • 5

     Adjust belt tension at the axle adjusters. Tighten the adjusters on a loose belt and loosen them on a tight belt. Turn the adjuster nuts exactly the same amount, and adjust both sides before attempting to test the belt deflection. Check the axle alignment after each adjustment or you may get a false tension reading or worse, introduce a bad rear axle alignment issue into the equation.

   • 6

     Torque the rear axle to factory specification for your model of Harley and check the axle alignment one last time before attempting to test-ride the vehicle.

Tips & Warnings

• You can produce a homemade version of the axle alignment tool. Take a stiff section of wire 12 inches long (welding rod, coat hanger) and of slightly smaller diameter than the alignment hole, and bend the last inch of it 90 degrees. Ensure that a tight, abrupt bend is achieved. Slide an O-ring onto the long end of the wire. The O-ring should fit tightly and resist sliding around easily on the wire to prevent losing the reference as you move from one side of the bike to the other. To maximize the accuracy of the reference, sight along one edge of the O-ring to the center of the axle, rather than the middle of the O-ring. This is true no matter if you are using the factory alignment tool or a homemade one.

How to Check the Oil on a Harley Road Glide

The Harley Road Glide is a full-size touring-style motorcycle and comes with a few different engine sizes. The Road Glide uses 3 qt Harley motorcycle oil which is housed inside the crankcase. On the side of the crankcase, there is a metal cap with a thick raised edge. This cap is the dipstick that you will use to check the amount of oil inside the crankcase.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Paper towel

1. • 1

     Park the Harley Road Glide on flat, level ground. Allow the engine to run so that the oil inside the crankcase warms up. The engine should run for about 10 minutes.

   • 2

     Twist the oil cap counterclockwise and pull it off the engine. Wipe the oil off the dipstick connected to the inside of the cap using the paper towel.

   • 3

     Insert the dipstick into the engine and pull it back out. Look at the dipstick: If the oil level is below the hole at the top of the dipstick, add oil until the oil level is at that hole. If the oil level is at the top hole, no oil is needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Adding to much oil will flood the crankcase and cause serious damage to the engine.

How to Install a Harley Davidson Motorcycle Seat

Most Harley-Davidson seats are mounted using a tab and slot arrangement.

Whether your are replacing your Haley-Davidson's stock seat with an aftermarket seat or simply removing the seat for maintenance, installing the seat onto the motorcycle can be tricky. The seat on most Harley-Davidson models is secured to the frame using a set of catch tabs on the front of the seat. Likewise, the rear of the seat is bolted onto the rear fender with a thumb screw. This arrangement results in a tool-free and nearly effortless removal and installation of the seat.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. • 1

     Slip the catch tabs on the front of the seat into the slots on the frame, just below the base of the gas tank. Once inserted, the front of the seat should not be able to move from side to side.

   • 2

     Lower the rear of the seat onto the motorcycle's frame and gently push the entire seat forward. Press downward on the rear of the seat to bring the seat's mounting tab closer to the rear fender.

   • 3

     Insert the thumb screw into the seat's mounting bracket and the hole on the rear fender. Tighten the thumb screw, using a flat screwdriver if necessary, to secure the seat to the motorcycle.

   • 4

     Shake the seat from side to side ensure that it is secured. If the seat is loose, check that the catch tabs are completely inserted into the frame's slots and that the thumb screw is completely tightened.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure that the seat is properly fastened and secured before riding the motorcycle. A loose seat may create a loss of control that could injure yourself or others.

How to Change a Harley Road King

It's easy to design your own unique Harley-Davidson Road King with the Customizer tool at the Harley-Davidson website.

While many people love the stock Harley-Davidson Road King, others find it a perfect canvas for their artistic vision. Before setting off to spend your money on parts and accessories, do your design homework in front of the computer. Harley-Davidson's Customizer tool is not only fun, it gives you the opportunity to explore all the options available to modify your existing Road King, or build a brand new one.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Genuine Motor Accessories Customizer for New or Used

   • 1

     Visit the Customizer tool at the Harley-Davidson website. Open an account or continue without opening an account (see Step Two). Click on the "Login to My Garage" link three-quarters of the way down the page on the left-hand side. Click the "Create Profile" link halfway down the page on the right-hand side. Fill in your e-mail address, password, name and birth date. Scroll down to read the whole form. Click the "Save" button on the bottom left-hand side of the page. Click the "Back to Login" button at the top of the page on the right-hand side. Enter your e-mail address and password in the space provided in the top left corner. Click the "Login" button.

   • 2

     Click the "Touring" button on the top navigation menu. Click the motorcycle model icon entitled "FLHRC." Click "Stock" from the drop-down menu. Click on the color of your choice from the color boxes under the Road King photo on the right-hand side. Click the small box under the Road King photo on the left-hand side when you wish to view the reverse side of the motorcycle photo.

   • 3

     Review the "Categories" section at the bottom of the page. Determine which changes you would like to make to the Road King model, keeping in mind your budget and taste preferences. Choose from the following categories to modify your stock Road King model: Bags and Luggage; Decorative Collections; Electronics, Gauges, Consoles; Engine Components; Exhaust; Foot Controls; Front End Components; Hand Controls; Racks and Backrests; Screamin' Eagle; Seats; Wheels & Sprockets; Windshields. Decide which category to view first and click on it to reveal either one or several photo options. Click on the photo option you are interested in viewing. Read the description of the option on the right-hand side of the page. Review accompanying notes such as "Important Information" and "Other Parts in Collection." Click on the "Install on Bike" button if you choose to add the option to your Road King model. Your change is immediately reflected in the photo. Continue choosing options, or move on to the next category to repeat these steps to build your own unique Road King.

   • 4

     Click the "Add to Workbook" button if you have created a profile. Click the "Save" button. Click on "My Garage" in the top navigation and click the Road King link in the body of the page. Review your completed Road King accessorized with your choices. Scroll through the list of accessories you have added, which are listed on the right-hand side of the page along with the prices of each accessory, or click on "List View" from the top navigation. Check the prices to determine if the accessories you have chosen are in your budget. Remove options or click on "Browse Online Catalog" to add even more options. If you are buying a new Road King, click "Estimate a Payment" and review the total price with a monthly payment pre-calculated for you. Change any of the fields to reflect different interest rates or monthly payment options. Click on the icons at the top right-hand side of the page to save the bike you created, print a list of the accessories you have chosen, share by e-mail, locate a dealer in your area or shop the Genuine Motor Accessories online catalog for more accessories.

   • 5

     Download a credit application by clicking on the "Download Credit Application" PDF link if you are buying a new Road King. Click the "Find a Dealer" link to find a Harley-Davidson dealership in your area. Purchase the Road King you have designed. Alternatively, if you already own a Road King, purchase the parts you have selected and install as per the instructions provided with the hardware, or hire a Harley-Davidson dealership or other Harley mechanic to install them for you.

   Shop for After-Market Parts and Acessories

   • 1

     Shop online for after-market parts. Several after-market parts suppliers for Harley-Davidson motorcycles are available.

   • 2

     Order catalogs from after-market parts and accessories distributors. Review catalogs, making notes about the accessories that interest you. Talk to others who may have experience with these products to get their feedback.

   • 3

     Visit after-market parts and accessories websites featuring products for Harley-Davidson. Search for keywords such as "Harley-Davidson exhaust systems," "custom motorcycle seats," "motorcycle saddlebags," "tires for Harley-Davidson," "luggage for Road King," "fairings for Road King," "wheels for Harley-Davidson" and "electronic components for Road Kings."

Tips & Warnings

• Jot down notes as you review the options for designing your Road King.

• Invite your spouse to view your Road King and ask for his opinion about the changes you are making to the stock model.

• Share your vision with friends and family by clicking on the "Email a Friend" link.

• If you are on a budget, purchase only what you can afford now -- you can always make more modifications next season.