[Max]

How many would like to see a how-to section made up strictly of pictures and instructions on performing repairs, upgrades or installing items. This section would be a non posting area that when a how-to was made it could be moved to that section of the forum and then could have questions referenced in another area to keep the section free from off topic and long threads.

I would want them to be like some of Mark (mjw930's) post of information and as an example of what members could submit I will use my example of wiring removal from connectors. http://www.v-rodforums.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1082

Max

 

[Val]

I would!!

 

[BRY65]

I definitely would like to see this! There are times I would like to do some of my own mods to the bike, but might not try thinking that I would get over my head.

Great idea!

 

[Ricky G.]

MAX with your knowledge and outhers it would be great ..:notworthy :notworthy :notworthy :notworthy

 

[Christine]

Great idea Max, thanks

 

[VrodG]

Yes Max......... Money can buy it.... but I like to get the hands dirty and say I built it.

 

[fehrc]

Excellent idea Max. Between all of us here I'm sure this isn't nothing we haven't done that someone else could learn from.

 

[vroddrew]

I guess you can mark me as "undecided" - I like the idea in theory, and to be sure I have gotten some good information from fellow board members. But I'm a little concerned for a couple of reasons..

First, technical writing is difficult at the best of times. One has to have a fairly good idea as to level of proficiency of the intended audience. And obviously the level of experience amongst readers varies tremendously.

Secondly, I really wouldn't recommend that anyone do much in the way of serious modification or service work without having a copy of the Service Manual readily to hand. The Harley shop manual is far from perfect, but it is obviously a professionally written, fact-checked, illustrated, and edited publication. Its also useful to have it open on your workbench when you are doing something unfamiliar. A "How-to" section therefore should augment rather than replace the Shop Manual for all but the simplest tasks.

Thirdly, (and this is the toughest part) - I have in the past read "how-to's" that suggest or recommend practices that IMHO are at best likely to result in risk to your bike, and at worst are downright dangerous. Who takes the responsibility for removing or editing posts containing misleading or incorrect information? If the board is moderated, then it is possible that the board operators or moderators could be found liable for negligence in allowing dangerous information to be disseminated. This could to a certain extent be covered by the use of disclaimers and waivers. But it still needs thinking about.

Lastly, there are some tasks that just should not be attempted by anyone who is not an experienced mechanic. As an example, checking the valves (as part of the 10K) service, is not the sort of job that I would recommend to anyone who has not done this sort of work before. If you want to learn how to do this, I'd recommend taking a class at a technical college etc., or buy a $400 Honda to practice on, rather than risking destroying your $8000 Revolution engine. Its fine for guys who've been tearing engines apart for years to say "it's real easy, and I saved myself $500, etc." - but they need to remember that not everyone who reads their words will be so experienced. Sure- the technicians at your local Harley shop may not be perfect - but chances are they are a heck of a lot more proficient than the typical accountant or saleman who wants to work on his V-Rod.

 

[greenham]

LOVE IT...

I was part of a Valkyrie board that had been around for about 5 yrs, an dthey had a How To section. It was very popular and very helpful.

 

[VrodG]

Drew......... Good point common sence goes a long ways. I don't think or hope that the average joe is going to tear into his or her bike with out some idea of what they are doing. But some of us with mechanical back ground,I think this area would be a plus.

 

[Max]

Drew you make some good points, I agree that a disclaimer is in order maybe we could even talk one of our attorneys into donating a few minutes of their time to give us basic legal protection. I also agree that I don't want these to get to complicated nor do I want how to's that go into internal engine repair. What I am looking for is simple hands on with pictures as illustrations to show how to change oil, change your belt, change brake pads, install drag bars, etc.

I also agree that many people that are not comfortable with some of these task should always have a professional do it for them. What I hope to do with this is help that person that purchased a HD drag bar and they intend to put it on them self and are not afraid of the challenge. I want to make sure that I give them any of the tips that I have already learned to make the job easier and better.

I hope that comes out correct.

Max

 

[kerryw]

I vote yes for a how-to section. Include a little try-this-at-your-own-risk caveat and let the games begin. I can envision saving a wack of time on a given project not having to figure out the little pitfalls as I go along because some brave soul has done it for me. Thanks.

 

[HAWG100]

Great Idea!....Vroddrew made some interesting points....in a way this kind of forum could be self governing with members adding imput & updates per thread subject...only how if you limit info to pictures & instructions?

Vroddrew I see you are in Wisc. any chance you are a H.D. engineer

 

[sag]

Great idea.

 

[Max]

HAWG100 here is my idea, the new How-To section is it's own area and has two forums. The first is open to everyone so that anyone can post. Post that the group think are important enough or good enough to make it to the second closed area we will move to that area. Any changes or topics of interest to add to that can be added to the How-To as members suggest. That way it would keep the How-To section clean so that you did not have to wade through a mile long thread to find the information.

Mjw930 has already agreed to help with this area as has Via VRSCA who I consider one of the most informed members about subjects of metal and machine work that I have seen. And since this is still in a planning stage I am open to ideas on how the members would like to see this implemented.

Max

 

[vroddrew]

Some suggestions...

I've made up a short list of small mechanical tasks that the average V-Rod owner might conceivably want to do. Obviously it is by no means comprehensive, but here goes:

1) Removing and reinstalling the Slip-On mufflers and Secondary Volume.

2) The quick, clean, and painless way of changing your oil and filter.

3) Checking torque on the critical fasteners.

4) Tips and Tricks for windshield installation.

5) Changing your seat

6) Adding an accessory electrical outlet.

7) Upgrading your grips

8) Changing hydraulic fluid (front brake, rear brake, clutch)

9) Inspecting and changing sparkplugs.

10) Battery testing, removal and installation

11) Changing footpegs on the V-Rod

12) Headlight bulb replacement

13) Draining and refilling the radiator

14) Check Engine Light is On: Retrieving and diagnosing engine codes. Is it safe to ride?

15) Checking and replacing brake pads.

16) Front wheel removal and installation

17) Rear wheel removal and installation

18) Checking and setting drive belt tension

19) Removing and reinstalling the airbox assembly.

20) Throttle cable removal, tensioning, and lubrication

21) Keeps your nuts secure! Loctite and its applications on the V-Rod.

Many of these procedures are detailed in the Shop Manuals, however I have found that the Manual sometimes leaves some information missing for the amateur mechanic. For instance, rarely if ever does the manual tell you what size, or type of tool to use to work on the various fasteners. A listing of the tools required in each article would be helpful. Also, the black and white photographs in the manual are sometimes hard to orient with the rest of the bike. I would recommend color digital pictures (approx 640 x 480 size) wherever appropriate and available. It is also helpful to have little "hard won" warnings peppered throughout the narrative (i.e. - spread out newspaper under bike before changing oil; wear mechanics gloves when wrestling with muffler bodies..)

Lastly, it occurs to me that for some procedures there is more than one way to skin a cat... For instance, some people will tell you to use the special oil filter socket; whereas others swear by a strap arrangement; and yet still more will tell you to puncture the can with a screwdriver, etc. I suggest that in such cases we leave it to the discretion of the reader to determine which best suits his needs.

 

[Max]

vroddrew those are some good ideas for us to start making how-to post. It looks like enough people want this that I am going to set it up so we can start a wish list of items we would like included in the how-to forum.

Max

 

[Karlos]

I can help with the disclaimer, but I will need to disclaim it ya know!

 

[mjw930]

 

[Karlos]

Val, didn't I send you something recently?