How many do there own work on their trikes

[DonC]

I'm seriously thinking of doing my own work on trike. Planning on getting manuals. Wha specific tools would any of you suggest?

The prices the dealer wants, I could do a lot of preventive maintance. Save lots of money to buy other things for bike ��

Never worked on m/C before, but sounds doable. Just want t make sure I have the right tools to get work done.

Any my suggestions would be great

Don

 

[BillR]

tools

Hi Don.
You will probably need at least a set of American (SAE) and metric sockets, including deep well sockets, open end and box wrenches, a set of Allen wrenches (ball end ones are nice), and some TORX (star shaped) bits. A torque wrench is great for reassembling things to specs.

I would get the manual and the trike supplement and read up on what you want to do. It will let you know the tools needed for the job.

Good luck with your project. Beside saving some money, it's fun and feels good to accomplish it yourself.

 

[alienwulf]

Hey DonC don't know much about your past but since your asking I assume you have some skills. If you don't have one get a manual read thru it and it should have a list of tools for the different jobs. I do all my own work just take your time read watch some youtube videos and should be fine. You will save a lot of money if you do the work right. Amazon and Ebay will be your best friends. You will find most help right here with this forum as the sponsors like DK and the many members do a lot of upgrades. Just ask and I am sure you will find much help. ThumbUp

 

[Triker64]

Working on your own trike

The advice everyone else has given is realy good. When you work on your own vehicles you know if they sound wrong or are not performing as they should. It brings a whole new dimension to things. Try to work your way through the manual. Start off with basic stuff and gradually work your way up. If a job looks like it may be a bit complicated(say it may be difficult to remember how things came appart) take photos with your phone just in case. Take your time. Don't get stressed. It's a big learning curve but it's very rewarding. I don't trust my bikes or trike with anyone else.

If it breaks down its my fault.

Good luck with it. In time you will be amazed at what you can do.

 

[rcurnayn]

All I can say is DITTO!

I do most of my own work. However, I let (or would let) the dealership do jobs like tires and brakes, any internal engine, trans or chain case repairs.

Definitely get the manuals. You can accumulate the tools as you move from project to project.

 

[HDB0B]

2014 w/22k miles - I do all my own oil changes and normal maintenance. I intend to have my Dealer do my 25k service this Winter.
Do what you are comfortable doing. Getting riding friends together to help wrenching is a lot of fun.

I own the touring manual, trike supplement, trike parts, and have a digital copy of the touring electrical manual.

Bob

 

[Fearless]

I do as much as possible

Like everyone has already stated a lot of personnel pride goes with doing it yourself. However the internal motor stuff with the special tools cam bear pullers etc. I leave to qualified people. Special tools cost far to much to use possibly once and not needed again. Changing handle bars, clutch cables, brake lines, brake pads, light bulbs, and adding bling I'm all for. Motor Trans differential not so much. Possibly the one most important is a platform to work off of as we get older the floor is not very comfortable. :Shrug: A trike jack at least a lift is ideal. Again this depends on your age for me a Jack is fine a younger person may want a platform, longer time to use it.

ThumbUpwrench safely fred

I'm seriously thinking of doing my own work on trike.

Planning on getting manuals.

Wha specific tools would any of you suggest?

The prices the dealer wants, I could do a lot of preventive maintance. Save lots of money to buy other things for bike ��

Never worked on m/C before, but sounds doable. Just want t make sure I have the right tools to get work done.

Any my suggestions would be great

Don

 

[arnie]

I do all my own services. I've been fortunate not to have anything real bad go wrong. The little things that did were covered under warranty.

 

[rhino 2]

I do most of the work my self + with my Sons ... And some at my dealer who i trust ..
As far as tools go as you work on the trike, you''ll find that your tool box will get heaver.
Tools never go bad.. Just buy quality tools the first time.. For instanced back in 71 i needed a 36 mm[Craftsman] socket to remove the gland nut on a VW engine.. Used it once, It then sat in my tool chest till 2008 when i had to adjust the belt on my 08 Spyder [Many times]...If you work on enough stuff and live long enough you'll always find a second use for any tool..

 

[steve87]

thats part of the reason i prefer the 1200s. i can do all my own service.everything brake, tires tuneup oilchange carbs.

 

[DonC]

Thanks guys appreciate it!

Ill order the the manuals first and start accumulating tools from there.

I have 3,000 miles now and want do be able to do the simple stuff to be frank adds up at dealer. Oil change for 195.00. Could save me a least 100.00 by doing myself��

Ill be " chewing on you guys for advice".

thanks again,

Don

 

[BillR]

Could save me a least 100.00 by doing myself

thanks again,
Don

The fluids for all three holes plus an oil filter would run around $100 so it's like getting every other change for free. I got my Indie mechanic to change out the 32 tooth belt pulley to a 30 for me and he replaced the worn compensator while he was in there. I don't have the big tools for that job.

 

[Sunman]

I do all my own work unless special tools are required that I don't have and the tools cost more than having the dealer do it. As others have said the shop manuals are a must but by following them you can do most of the service and repairs with basic tools. I have done big bore kits on my Twin Cam, top end on my old Shovelhead, replaced stators, changed out the triple trees on my Gl1800 Trike and all normal maintenance by using the shop manuals. Saved a ton of money and know that the job was done right. If you have basic skills you can do maintenance and most repairs. Good luck!

Sunman

 

[Trail Blazer]

do own MC work

yes there is no reason you can not do most of you own work. shops get $80 hr and up to work on your trike. so the more you do for your self the more $ you save.

I do most of my work now things like changing a tire I take to my shop I take the wheel off and let them change the tire I don't have a tire changer and don't feel like fighting it with tire irons ( they charge me $30 ) for me well worth it.

with the manual and help for this forum there is not much you can not do your self,

thing you can do 1, all of you maintenance. 2. windshield replacement 2 brake jobs. the things I am not conferrable with is internal work on engine. now I am not the best mechanic you can find, not as fast as the shop. and My first timing belt change was scary to me I just know I would mess some thing up. I took my time and read and reread the manual and all worked out fine. the more you do the more you find you can do.

you are at the best place to get help.

some will even come to your house or get you to bring you trike to there house and walk you thur any thing you are having problems with.

oh it may not be free ( they may want of cup of coffee or a beer )

 

[Mykneesbehurtin]

I do my own work also,on my 01 Road Glide i pulled the top end had the clys bored to 95 inch and had the heads flowed then reassembled with 10 1/4 to 1 pistons.Replaced the cams and bearings along with the oil pump upgrade.Did the same thing on my 12 Road Glide.If you can work on any small block you can work on a HD,just follow the manual and if all else fails ask for help.I started to work on my own bikes many years ago when i was lucky to have gas money for them, and i have always enjoyed it.Start with a good set of tools and you will figure out what you need as you go.I have been fortunate to be a tool maker so i have made a lot of the tools that are specialty tools.

- - - Updated - - -

yes there is no reason you can not do most of you own work.

shops get $80 hr and up to work on your trike. so the more you do for your self the more $ you save.

I do most of my work now things like changing a tire I take to my shop I take the wheel off and let them change the tire I don't have a tire changer and don't feel like fighting it with tire irons ( they charge me $30 ) for me well worth it.

with the manual and help for this forum there is not much you can not do your self,

thing you can do 1, all of you maintenance. 2. windshield replacement 2 brake jobs. the things I am not conferrable with is internal work on engine. now I am not the best mechanic you can find, not as fast as the shop. and My first timing belt change was scary to me I just know I would mess some thing up. I took my time and read and reread the manual and all worked out fine. the more you do the more you find you can do.

you are at the best place to get help. some will even come to your house or get you to bring you trike to there house and walk you thur any thing you are having problems with.

oh it may not be free ( they may want of cup of coffee or a beer )

I have done this for many guys,rather than me do the work i would pull up a chair and guide them thru it,and yes it at least is always a beer for my time.

 

[HDB0B]

.... and I'd like to add that my J&S trike jack is awesome! I even bought the replacement left rail so I can also use it on non-trikes.

Bob

 

[CrystalPistol]

The right tools often show themselves as you progress through the various jobs. I could name a hundred and still not mention the one you'll need next.

Just keep room in the tool box.

I have tall plastic like "Rhino-Ramps" for my cars/ pus .....

.... and shorter 8" tall wooden ramps that I made years ago that really help a lot with the trike and I took an extra jack and made an adapter for it to reach up under the trike at rear and reach the frame itself .... works well.

Sometimes I'll start the trike and stand beside it and back it up on the short ramps (electric reverse) and other times I'll jack it with my jack adapted and then slide the ramps under the rear tires or set jack stands like when adjusting rear brakes up.

Also have 4 1.5 t jack stands close so no excuse to ever get under a trike or car or PU without them in place as needed.

 

[DonC]

Your close, might have to stop by and check it out ��

The right tools often show themselves as you progress through the various jobs. I could name a hundred and still not mention the one you'll need next.

Just keep room in the tool box.

I have tall plastic like "Rhino-Ramps" for my cars/ pus .....

.... and shorter 8" tall wooden ramps that I made years ago that really help a lot with the trike and I took an extra jack and made an adapter for it to reach up under the trike at rear and reach the frame itself .... works well.

Sometimes I'll start the trike and stand beside it and back it up on the short ramps (electric reverse) and other times I'll jack it with my jack adapted and then slide the ramps under the rear tires or set jack stands like when adjusting rear brakes up.

Also have 4 1.5 t jack stands close so no excuse to ever get under a trike or car or PU without them in place as needed.

 

[screwball]

A couple of hints (please note tongue in cheek)

On Monday don't declare "I do all my service work myself" then ask where the oil drain plug is and how do you get it out

On Wednesday don't ask "Has anyone had the pegs fall off" and "All my oil drained out"

Used to do my mechanical stuff, but at my age it took me longer to get off the garage floor than it took to do all the service. Old age hurts!

 

[Sunman]

A couple of hints (please note tongue in cheek)

Used to do my mechanical stuff, but at my age it took me longer to get off the garage floor than it took to do all the service. Old age hurts!

My wife always helps with work on the bike......she is responsible for helping me get up off the floor or calling EMS.

Sunman

 

[Rod69]

My wife always helps with work on the bike......she is responsible for helping me get up off the floor or calling EMS.

Sunman

Know how everybody feels, if there is nothing to grab ahold of I'm stuck.

 

[Mykneesbehurtin]

When i changed out the head pipe on my trike i hurt for 3 days,a buddy stopped by a couple days later and said ,hey i know a guy with a trike who wants his head pipe gutted and reinstalled,I just looked at him and said, the Harley shop is on Dixie Drive.

 

[screwball]

My wife always helps with work on the bike......she is responsible for helping me get up off the floor or calling EMS.

Sunman

THAT is funny!!

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When i changed out the head pipe on my trike i hurt for 3 days,a buddy stopped by a couple days later and said ,hey i know a guy with a trike who wants his head pipe gutted and reinstalled,I just looked at him and said, the Harley shop is on Dixie Drive.

When I changed the slip-ons on both the trikes I gouged my knuckles. Took 2 days for them to stop bleeding. Thanks to heart pills and blood thinners. NEVER AGAIN, I learned my lesson!!

Getting old is the shits!

 

[DK Custom Products]

THAT is funny!!

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When I changed the slip-ons on both the trikes I gouged my knuckles. Took 2 days for them to stop bleeding. Thanks to heart pills and blood thinners. NEVER AGAIN, I learned my lesson!!

Getting old is the shits!

Hey man! It beats the alternative!

Kevin

 

[rayg5102]

THAT is funny!!

- - - Updated - - -



When I changed the slip-ons on both the trikes I gouged my knuckles. Took 2 days for them to stop bleeding. Thanks to heart pills and blood thinners. NEVER AGAIN, I learned my lesson!!

Getting old is the shits!

i'm hitting 64 and figure I'm not getting to old to climb under there....getting to smart. Easier to pay the young bucks at the shop to do it.

 

[PosseRider]

A couple of hints (please note tongue in cheek)

On Monday don't declare "I do all my service work myself" then ask where the oil drain plug is and how do you get it out

On Wednesday don't ask "Has anyone had the pegs fall off" and "All my oil drained out"

Used to do my mechanical stuff, but at my age it took me longer to get off the garage floor than it took to do all the service. Old age hurts!

Same here. Will do some, that will not require me to be on the floor too long. Recently installed the "comfort lift" At least 4 hours on the floor. 1 whole day recovery to stand straight & walk good. Then installed the "stainless backing plates" . Only a couple hrs. but another day recovery. Mom always said " Gettin old Ain't for Sissy's" .. Damn,how true.

 

[pcombe]

I may hurt and it may take me a bit longer but I don't trust too many people to work on my bike.
I have been doing everything I possibly could on my Tour Glide ultra for 27 years including the conversion.

The shop motor manual is critical, as well as installation instructions from your dealer if its a conversion. I downloaded them off champions website.sometimes special tooling cost more than having someone else do the job but you would be surprised what you can do with a torch, welder etc. in that dept.
Necessity is the mother of invention.

Im not afraid to tackle any job on my trike but getting older with COPD and a heart condition makes some work very difficult to handle and I don't save a damn thing after paying dr. bills.





For pics of my build google - pcombe library/photobucket

 

[headheaded]

holy cow ! i replaced my exhaust and adjusted the belt and other small stuff. the next day i felt like someone kicked the ever livin shit outa me. recovery time was a few days. getting old is NOT for sissys.

 

[alienwulf]

Got to replace my starter came in yesterday, it's been so hot here 105 will wait till tomorrow and get up 3 or 4 am. About a 3 hour job at my pace, got to remove the primary cover to get it out. Got a nice shinny chrome one since I am saving the labor. Might as well do all the fluids while at it. Must say getting up after will be hard but I do use a very short stool for some of it, that's not cheating is it? :Shrug:

 

[pcombe]

Got to replace my starter came in yesterday, it's been so hot here 105 will wait till tomorrow and get up 3 or 4 am. About a 3 hour job at my pace, got to remove the primary cover to get it out. Got a nice shinny chrome one since I am saving the labor. Might as well do all the fluids while at it. Must say getting up after will be hard but I do use a very short stool for some of it, that's not cheating is it? :Shrug:

Things change over the years but somethings never change huh? While I had the cover off I put in an auto primary chain adjuster as mine didn't come stock with one.

It sure makes shifting smoother on my old evo set up.ThumbUp

- - - Updated - - -

Got to replace my starter came in yesterday, it's been so hot here 105 will wait till tomorrow and get up 3 or 4 am. About a 3 hour job at my pace, got to remove the primary cover to get it out. Got a nice shinny chrome one since I am saving the labor. Might as well do all the fluids while at it. Must say getting up after will be hard but I do use a very short stool for some of it, that's not cheating is it? :Shrug:

How's your top tranny seal as long as you have stuff out of the way?:Coffee: