I bought an 06 sportster about a month ago. I’ve been trying to learn as much as possible about it. Your videos are great and easy to understand. Thank you for another informative video.
Same! I bought an 05 1200c this spring and try and learn anything I can and do whatever I can myself. That way I can fix simple things on the side of the road if needed and know when a shop is taking me for a ride if I go to one. I followed your carb cleaning vid and amazed the guys in my family. So thank you for that! And thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge!
Got mine about 2 and a half weeks ago and been going to town learning everything I can since lol.i want to make sure my baby's stays in good condition and keep up on it.i got a very good deal on it and its very clean and beautiful and I want to keep it that way lol.
I agree, this Rocco is awesome and much appreciated. I'm literally a beginner rider and have very little maintenance skills. He has replied to all my questions on any video, and gives a thorough explanation. I try to ask my questions on videos pertaining to them, that way anyone with similar questions can see his answers as well. Definitely got my subscription.
Just bought first Sportster, at 51. Very informative video, I appreciate the straight to it, and not bullshit. Nice simple explained well. Thank you sir.
Happy to help. Once you fully understand the Sportster it's a beautiful and easy to work on Bike. Good luck with the new ride. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and all your support purewater. Ride safe and have a great day.
This video is a how to must do for all riders to make a check list and mark their calendars to follow through on to keep our bikes in one piece while we're riding . Thanks Roc
I bought a 2001 sportster and decided to do my own maintenance. I recently changed out the handlebars so i had to change clutch cable and front brake line. I would never have been able to do that without your videos. I wish I lived close as I would love to hang out with you. Thanks for your videos. Please keep them coming.
I'd say refer to your Owners Manual here. On the 04 & later Sporties, the manual calls to the oil level to be checked with the bike on the jiffy stand. When your bike has been warmed up for proper reading. All in all, I don't think that tipped on the jiffy vs upright makes all that much difference if your like most HD owners that have learned that keeping the oil level about mid way between the ADD & FULL marks reduces oil blow-by into the air cleaner. Hope this Helps, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub Joglock. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Yep... the 2010 Sportster I just got had a dirty 10 year old air cleaner and throttle body from use and a loose 3/4" left side engine mount bolt - just like you suggested. Thanks and keep it up!!
Happy to help. Any questions just ask. The sportsters are great motorcycles. Thank you for watching and all your support. JT. Ride safe and have a great day.
A genius at work teaching millions I hope how to meet their bikes and know them therefore ride them better passion experience at work it is good and wise to listen and learn makes us makes you a better and safer rider
When you opened the battery area and pointed to the terminals, you should have mentioned the older bikes (like my 2005) that have the NEGATIVE buried on the other side. A lot of people re-route the cable (sometimes replacing the cable with a longer one) from the negative terminal on these to make it easier to remove/replace the battery.
If you tilt the battery and install the negative it's not that bad check out the video. If you go straight in with the battery it is a bear! Harley knew what they were doing when they designed that.. dealer dealer dealer. And thank you for your comment. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Thx for another great vid. Any fix. For a loose rear foot level on left side mine keep lowering down by itself after riding other side is not a problem Thx
I hate when peg won't stay up. Take a close look, there is an spring washers in there.. If there is a spring washer in there. Take apart, tap on side of peg mount to make tighter. Use a piece of wood so you do not mar your Frame paint. Reinstall foot peg until you like the way it functions. Let us know how this works out.
I own a 2014 custom, basically the same bike, I've ridden it from Phoenix to san Francisco to Las vegas to yucca valley and back to Phoenix I love my little sportster, thanks for the maintenance tips, this bike is beautiful
I enjoy your videos Rocco. They help me out a lot with my 98 Harley Sportster 1200 XL. But I need your help with something and I can't find no videos for what I need help with
as always very helpful thanks.. one question, i have vance and hines 3 inch twin slash slip ons how to remove stuck quiet baffles they are stuck very very tight . i dont mind damaging the baffles but not the pipes. any help appreciated
Remove slip on and push from other side with broom handle. Tap tap with hammer she's out.. Hope that helps. To remove slip on, loosen hdwe 3 nuts on exhaust hanger and tap on bottom exhaust mount with hammer to remove slip on from pipe. Install video. ua-cam.com/video/nrXFHjym9GE/v-deo.html. Hope this helps, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub Theo. Let us know how this works out. Ride Safe and have a great day.
@@theboysinc.4758 Happy to help. Send me a cell number and I will call you this morning. Thank you for watching and your sub The Boys. Ride safe and have a great day.
Tyre pressures are always a grey area on motorcycles, too many opinions on internet. Where should I be on 2004 Dyna wide glide Rocco? I trust your info implicitly.
I like 41 pounds in the rear 36 in the front. I feel that's best for the tire and you're riding experience. Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub Simon. Ride Safe and have a great day.
First off.... I'm a new rider. Love the Sportsters.... So I purchased a used 2004 Xl1200c. I will say.... The engine moves quite a bit when bike is in neutral. That I will address soon. Right now though.... all of a sudden.... Oil is coming up out of the cap. I checked the rubber gasket.... it's not brittle or worn. I also see now that the oil tank has more oil in it than it did a few days ago. The oil that comes out isn't foamed up.... definitely normal looking. Any ideas Rocco? I'm a new rider.... and love it. I'm having withdrawals now that I haven't ridin' now in 2 days!
Happy to help. Bike sat for a while and the oil drained into the dry sump. So when you start the bike oil cycles out of the motor back into the tank and you have too much oil in the system. Sportster like to have halfway on the oil dipstick. You'll probably notice your air filter is all oiled up too so take that and clean it, have the correct amounts of oil in the tank. Let us know how that works out good luck with the new bike. sportsters.are great rides. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub Jonathan. Ride safe and have a great day.
@@TwoWheelRocco So I have been riding it. Then after 2 days I went to ride again and this happened. So what you're talking about.... 2 days this can occur? Oh and I forgot to say brother.... I love your videos!
@@jonathanbirnbaum3277 remove the oil that is over the halfway mark. Clean air filter. It's called sumping, notorious with Harleys. just too much oil in the system it might've sat for a while the oil gravitates to motor dry sump... somebody put a little more oil in it. thinking that was low. it takes a day or two for it to be driven for everything to come back to the tank and causing your problems. Let us know how it works out. Straighten out oil level clean filter. Ride safe and have a great day.
Happy to help. I will put that on my list. And when I run into that job, I will do it. Thank you for your kind words and your support Rick. Ride safe and have a great day.
i dont mean to be offtopic but does anyone know of a method to log back into an Instagram account? I was stupid forgot the account password. I would love any tricks you can give me.
@Henry Theodore i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm in the hacking process now. Seems to take a while so I will reply here later with my results.
At 14:00 what screw is that called? My left one is missing as you said in the video and I'm trying to replace it.. any and all help is greatly appreciated
@@pikey928 They all have torque specs it's a motor mount tighten it. Happy to help any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and you sub papa_mitch. Ride safe and have a great day hope that helps.
@@TwoWheelRocco Just a follow up Sir,just completed changing oil(Amsoil 20w50),loaded just 2 ltrs.,plan is to gradually add after doing runs just not to overfill,but after checking oil level on my dip stick,it is still on the high level,have to suck some amount out of the tank, don't know why I keep on having a full reading on my dip stick,any advice?
@@bonapartebeneficto8294 You have oil that bypassed your oil check valve. So the oil gravitated into your dry sum motor. So every time you start the bike and run it the oil is cycling out of your motor back into the tank. This is popular with the V twins when they were in storage for a while. That's why it's always a good thing to run these bikes before doing an oil change. And then you'll have a true reading of the oil that is in your system.. Sportster like halfway on your oil dipstick no more. You'll end up fouling up air filter. Hope this helps.
Hello Rocco, your videos have been a great help, I really like how you keep things simple. Do you have a video instructing on how to cool the motor. I have an 02 1200 Sportster, it's very uncomfortable to ride with the excessive heat against my leg. I did wrap the exhaust and put on a heat shield...no help. Could it have anything to do with the stock air intake or a specific oil to use. How do you feel about oil pumps or fans? I'm hoping to solve this at a low cost. Thanks, Brian
I don't see an easy answer. I live in Florida these HD's get hot. I have a Road King so the exhaust is low and helps a lot but the motor gets hot. Sportsters are hot riding bikes especially if you have an exhaust that's right on your side of the V twins. Sorry I don't have a better answer. Thank you for watching and your support B Fitz. Ride safe and have a great day. The big V twins aren't as bad.
How about header exhaust pipe flange nuts? I bought brand new forty eight. Rode it for 100 miles and lost a nut on the back pipe. Checked the other nut and I could unscrew by hand with the flange flapping all over the place.
Sports there are lighter bikes. The neck bearings usually don't go out of adjustment. If you feel a wobble in the front of your bike, then you need to look into it I would buy the manual. Thank you for watching and all your support. Will. Ride safe and have a great day.
I have a question you may or may not know the answer to on mine ive notice lately that when I lean to the left it makes a weird noise and when I changed my front brakes a while back the outside pad was completely gone and inside pad still had some pad left what would you recommend I look at? barrings, spacers, I'm not sure if its possible for the triple trees to be slightly off and cause a problem. Any info would be appreciated
Happy to help. Your caliper piston on one side is sticking, Remove your caliper. Do not disconnect the hydraulic line or the bleeder that could introduce air into the system and you will need to bleed your brakes. You could do it without removing any of the lines. Clean the pistons and then apply a little penetrating oil, move the pistons in an out and then reinstall see if that helps. Usually does. Thank you for watching and all your support PJ. Let us know how it works out. Ride safe and have a great day.
@Two Wheel Rocco thanks for the response I will definitely try that they actually started squeaking on my ride yesterday so I was planning to check them anyway so I'll go ahead and just do a full service one them and hopefully that'll fix everything thanks again for the advice.
Take a look at this video. The product in this video is what I use on my motorcycles ua-cam.com/video/tTnJZDnwJag/v-deo.html. You will love this stuff..
Hey Rocco my adjuster screws on rear tire are exact same length (for belt adjustment/wheel alignment) but when I measure the rear tire alignment from point a to point b it’s different on each side?? Not sure if I should leave it alone or adjust the screws - 2006 Harley Sportster 1200 Thanks
@@TwoWheelRocco Rocco, thought I’d ask before I take my sporty to the shop. Changed out choke cable and adjusted clutch - was fine for about 5 miles. Couldn’t pull away without it stalling after feeling bogged down (low throttle response it felt like) but the engine was reving higher. Then a few hours later turned the bike on full choke, bogged down and almost died even with the choke fully out. Can’t ride the bike down the block cause it doesn’t get past first gear without stalling. Carb was cleaned recently, a few other maintenance items were done, lubed clutch cable and throttle cables. been riding the bike just fine before that, spark plugs look ok, any help would be appreciated.
Just picked up my first Harley ...an 93 883 ..I dont know much about it ..someone said its got a big boar kit on it ..??? On to my question .. can or should you down shift and use engine to decelerate each time coming to a stop or am I prematurely meaning something out ..???
There's no problem downshifting, Thats normal. Good luck with your new ride. Thank you for watching and your sub Jerry. Any questions just ask. Ride safe and have a great day.
Good afternoon Mr. Rocco I would like for my 1200 2011 sportster to have a deeper Rumble can that be possible?. Not necessarily louder just a deeper rumble. what would i need to do to accomplish that? Thank you Raul O.
Happy to help. Here's a suggestion go to UA-cam and put in 2011. Sportster Exhaust sounds. See if that could help you out. Thank you for watching and all your support Raul. Ride safe and have a great day. Let us know how it works out.
Happy to hear all is working out. It gets costly to bring your bike in to a repair shop. So by doing it yourself is a great feeling of accomplishment. Thank you for watching and all your support. .@@RAULOJEDA-fl5bn
Happy to help. Free play at the clutch hub pin. Thank you for watching and all your support BobbyD. Most times you don't need to touch it. Ride safe and have a great day.
@@Soulriderpowder Happy to help. I have a 3/8 snap-on. It's not that strong for the big stuff I would recommend a half inch and take it from there. Thank you for watching and all your support BobbyD. Ride safe and have a great day.
Hey Rocco, any chance you know what size the front motor mount bolts are on a 99 sportster? Have one missing and can’t find a part number or correct size anywhere online. Thanks!
Sorry I do not. But I did remove my right side one and went up to my Ace Hardware and got a replacement for my Sportster's. Hope that helps. Thank you for watching and your sub Dylan. Ride safe and have a great day. Let us know how it works out.
I appreciate the quick response. Unfortunately the other side appears to be a threaded rod and 9/16 nut with washers. I’m assuming whoever installed it was having difficulty installing a hex bolt because that side is very tight with the frame. I appreciate your help! Love the videos!
@@Dylan-zl3xn Tried to take a look at my manual but I could not find it, sorry. Go to the dealer. will be relatively cheap. Let us know how it works out.
Happy to help. If you could please send a picture E Rocco 3964@gmail.com. If the cables fit right I wouldn't change a thing. Thank you for watching all your support T. Ride safe and have a great day.
I just watch this video I’ve had stuff come loose on mine over the 19 years I’ve had the bike. Front motor mount that was one and the exhaust rear muffler on the mounting bracket came loose. The crossover on the rear pipe cracked don’t know if that’s what caused it I took it off and welded it up this year. Definitely going to check the riser bolts and the hand grip hardware. Great video on what to look for. I do all my own work on my bike even change the tires myself. I like your videos on how to do the job just put me more at ease when I’m working on my bike.
Another great video. I've owned my '15 Iron 883 for about a year and I was getting concerned with things that should be checked like this. Tire pressure is a big one for me but I didn't think to check all of these other things. Thanks so much for making this great video.
I have this same bike. Recently had to replace the rear brake line. In order to do such had to disconnect the exhaust. Replaced the brake line successfully, but now when I put the exhaust back on it doesn’t align correctly and the rear brake pedal hits the top of the exhaust about half way thru the pedal stroke. I have both exhaust gaskets bolted on snug and tight, so i’m not understanding how the exhaust is now riding up higher than before? Any ideas?
Happy to help. I would rework the front pipe and rotate it down a little bit. Take your time and look at it, you know it laid out and worked properly so you will get it to work properly again. let us know how it works out. Be patience. Thank you for watching and your sub. Ride safe and have a great day.
I have a 2000 1200 Sportster and it feels like it wants to come out from under me I'm a first time rider and it rode good until I tighten the bolt in between the handlebars up do you think that why it feels that way now
Happy to help I would check tire pressure. I'm not sure what bolts you're talking about but for it to feel that unstable, I would lean towards the tires pressure. Thank you for watching and all your support. Ride safe and have a great day.
hello, cool viddy ... i got an 87 sportster 883 in a hardtail , with forward controls ... one day comin into the driveway , it don't wanna downshift , so i guess i was in 2nd or 3rd and goin for 1st ? anyway i lugged it in and parked thinking no biggie , i just missed the shift ? ... next time out , i start in 1st and and it won't go into second , so i try tightening up the controls , which were a little loose and still would not shift , so i take the forward controls off and try to shift right at the shaft, still won't shift ... so i hear there's a seal that was notoriously put in incorrectly at the factory and needs to be replaced ? or maybe it's a shifter pawl adjustment ? i had trouble getting the cover off and didn't wanna break anything so i got on here ... any input would be appreciated
I would try to rock your bike back-and-forth while trying to shift. I mean sitting on the bike moving it forward and backwards forwards and backwards. I think you are stuck in between gear. If it was working it should work I'm not that familiar the the 80s Sportster's. Let us know how it works out. Sorry about that I wish I had more. Thank you for watching and your sub. Ride safe and have a great day.
Rocco, i'm having two issues with my 05 sportster 883xl. My throttle return is messed up, I have to manually return it. and two, my bike has a hard time starting when its cold out even with the choke all the way out. 1) I tried untangling the cable and putting some lube inside the throttle case and it didnt help. 2) I changed the oil, new spark plugs, new battery, and put some redline in the gas tank. Still having issues. Any tips?
Happy to help. As for your throttle put play into your cables and see if that loosens up the tight throttle. 6:15 ua-cam.com/video/BAmsFghbv9M/v-deo.html. should help. As for the starting of the bike I would check the Petcock for Bad Diaphraph, the lines are old and collapse this affect the vacuum that operates the Petcock. I will send two videos. Test petcock Diaphragm ua-cam.com/video/7Fo9Q93OJXI/v-deo.html. Let us know how it works out. Thank you for watching and your sub Erin. Ride safe and have a great day. Hope this helps.
Hey Rocco! What do you think about removing the baffles to make my sportster louder? I been looking on a lot of forums to see if it might cause problems to my bike but I can’t seem to find anything. Would it cause any damage? Or would I have issues with inspection and stuff?
Happy to help. I'm not a big fan of drawing out baffles on exhaust systems. Slip bonds are cheap enough to buy in their engineer to work well. He will not lose that much back pressure. Which will affect your performance. What year what bike question? Thank you for watching and your sub Chris. Let us know how it works out. Ride safe and have a great day.
@@TwoWheelRocco thank you for the response i really like all your content! I ride a 2008 nightster. I read about the back pressure which for what i understand lowers the torque and hp, i feel like I could go with that. I just don’t want to have any issues with inspections or damage my bike if I do take them off I will definitely be reviewing some slip ons and see what of the 2 options is better
Take a look at this. ebay www.ebay.com/itm/391692883488?hash=item5b32b71620:g:GQgAAOSw9lZfWSEz. Hope this works. Nightster are very tempered low RPM bikes., I love to run. Hows Yours? Ride Safe and have a great day.
Hey man. Great video!!! i'm gonna check stll this stuff on my bike. I just bought my 1st every harley 06 1200 custom sportster. Had sport bikes since i was 16 and I'm 44 now. figured it was time to upgrade to an adult bike. this isn't the bike i wanted... but thought it was a good cross over starter bike and i got cheap enough. but needs a few things. drove it 15 min and the throttle cable broke. now it won't start. even with a boost it just clicks. It should atleast start with a boost no? So Is that the battery or could it be something else I should check before buying a battery?
Happy to help, check your battery connections notorious for getting loose. If you need a battery, let me know I'll send you othe link. that I use very reasonable. And a high-performance battery at that.. Thank you for watching and your Sub Dustin. Ride Safe and Have a Great Day.
I've been having a hesitation when starting my 2015 Iron xl883n Sportster. I was told to check battery terminals and tighten them so I did and they were fine. Then I was told it's a good chance my ground is loose which is supposedly common for Sportsters he said. I think he called it "ground to earth"? I can't figure out what exactly I'm looking for but from what I gathered, it's somewhere near the rearr passenger peg and belt on exhaust side and it's a bolt or a nut? Do you have any idea where and what exactly I'm looking for? Thanks
Happy to help. In my experience, the battery is weak. Sportster are tough on batteries. The best bet is to buy a battery from Harley Davidson any other battery you buy in today's world, China are cheap. I buy my battery from Harley Davidson and that's your best shot at a good battery. The first signs of a weak battery is a sluggish start up. Thank you for watching and all your support. Ride safe and have a great day. Let us know how it works out and how old is your battery? As for the ground you all you got to do is follow your ground cable to your engine block and that is it. Hope this helps.
Hey Rocco, I just bought a 2003 Anniversary 1200. There seems to be conflicting tire pressure information. The frame states 30 front and 40 rear. Do you have any insight on what would be better pressures with solo rider?
I myself like 36 in the front 42 in the rear. See how that feels and make your adjustments to your preference Thank you for watching and your sub Joel. Ride safe and have a great day. Let us know how that feels.
Go with what it says on the tires, not the frame. Tire manufacturers know what pressure their tires should be at to provide maximum performance and life.
Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Sportsters are great machines. Easy to work on. Always make sure the oil level on the dipstick is at halfway or it will corrupt your air filter. Thank you for watching and all your support TRP. .Sounds like Brooklyn, love New York. Ride safe and have a great day.
How tight should the nut be when adjusting the axle? One of my nuts started to back off after installing my chain. The axle is still tight and straight, the nut just started to come back. I tightened it up, but I didn't want to tighten it to much right now because I didn't want to strip it. Any advice would be great!
@@jonnymac8925 You mention a chain that's what threw me off, it's a belt. HD service manual it says 95-105 ft lbs for rear axle nut ... Hope this helps. Ride Safe and have a great day.
@@TwoWheelRocco it was a belt lol it is a 530 chain with sprockets now, I just wasn't sure on the torque spec for the axle adjuster and someone borrowed my service manual. There's a few videos on my page of the bike through its journey being built over the past two years. It's not everyone's cup of tea but the bike hauls ass, handles and stops amazing! 95-105ft lb for the small nut on the end of each axle adjuster? Or is that for the nut on the axle itself? Thanks for responding and be safe out there!
@@jonnymac8925 That's the axle nut 95-105 . Adjuster hardware snug it out. Know superman stuff. If the axle nut is not tightened properly that will move under pressure. your adjustment will go out. Hope this helps.
Happy to help. both great times Tires. I prefer the Michelin's let us know how it works out with your choice and what you think about your choice. Thank you for watching and your Sub Bill. Ride Safe and have a great day
I have a 2011 XL883N 'Iron', KI only ever ride solo without luggage, I use the owner's manual tyre pressures of 30 psi for the front and 40 psi for the rear. I've spelt tyre with 'y' because I live in the UK and that's the correct spelling here, I realise that American's spell it 'tire'. My battery has the positive terminal on the cover side of the motorcycle. I use "Car Pride" brand black bumper cleaner to polish my Sportster, I get it for £1 a can, that's a lot cheaper than the H-D cleaner. Thanks for the very informative video.
Rocco! I was riding my sportster xl1200c and lost power,now the bike starts and sounds great.I kicked in first gear and it doesn’t move an inch.I was told it was the clutch so I changed it myself and the bike turns on but still doesn’t move at all. Please help!! Thank you
Happy to Help, look at your right side Drive pully, sometimes the splines fail I have seen a few times. Let us know how it works out, Thank You for watching and your sub.Pete... Ride Safe and have a Great Day.
@@TwoWheelRocco i do have a question actually..i just recently bought a gas tank second hand for my Sportster.its in really good condition and theres no visible rust or debris but i do want to give it a clean/flush before i put it on my bike..what would use to flush it with and what would be your process? Just a simple flush of the tank needed,i have a brand new oem petcock,filter,gasket and line to go on..thanks Rocco
@@scrambledgreg3834 I would use compressed air and a vacuum cleaner place the vacuum cleaner at the bottom and compressed air at the top and as the compressed air moves the dirt the vacuum will suck it out. That's how I do it. Hope that helps.
Happy to help, 48 are great bikes. Good luck with your new ride. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your Sub Wong. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Hey Rocco, what about the fork stem bolt? Should I thighten it or would that have an impact on the fork bearings adjustment? Keep up the good video’s. They help all the bikers worldwide. Cheers from The Netherlands, Nico
Happy to help. I would leave that alone, that's set for your bearing tolerance. Unless you hear noises in your front end set up. Like the sound of a loose washer in your triple tree Thank you for watching and your sub. Van.Ride safe and have a great day.
Got two of these. Man, I feel like I have to check the torque on every damn bolt on it before each ride. Guess that's all part of the fun with these bikes :P
@@TwoWheelRocco For sure man. This is quality stuff. Guys need to know this stuff if they're going to ride these bikes safely. You do a great job, and that's why I'm subscribed~
That is the stock standard seat that comes on an XL 1200 sportster custom. Can find them on eBay very reasonable take a look at this www.ebay.com/itm/333826136461?hash=item4db996998d:g:Q48AAOSwZUNfscNB. Hope this helps. Thank you for watching and your sub Ben. Ride Safe and have a great day.
One other concern is that the primary fluid ( Harleys Sportlube ) needs to be drained and replaced regularly. Years ago I had a catastrophic failure of the transmission because I didn't know how the tranny was lubricated. On the bottom of the transmission trapdoor are a couple of openings for the oil to enter. But if you ever remove the primary cover you will usually find aluminum dust in this oil. Since I didn't realize it the magnitude of this sludge, it ended up plugging off the openings to my transmission, this ended with my purchase of a complete transmission since the lack of oil burned mine up. Sure hope my input leads other Sportster riders to a better understanding of their motorcycle.
1996 Xl1200S owner here. My bike is special and new in 1996 with many new Factory upgrades. I stopped at Green River to do a HD required warranty service. I bought my bike in Saskatoon. I was on holiday. I got into argument with shop workers and owner over front tire pressure. I asked if they filled front tire to 40 psi. They put 36 into it. I said HD manual says 40. No HD dealer ever dealt with K591 Dunlops before. After service complete, I take my bike across street and start filling my tire. One of the GR employees sprints across road and pushes me out of way and installs 40 psi into my front tire. They corrected their mistake quickly, but they still thought they knew more than the owner. I updated Harley Davidson Sportster Wiki page with info on the 1996 XL1200S and the 1995 XLH1200 Canadian Edition.
@@TwoWheelRocco Non dealers are most often worse cause they think they know more than the Factory. In my case, my bike was so new, I had Tampa HD tell me my bike did not exist. I was working there and needed a bike inspection, so, after showing them my bike in the parking lot, they approved it. I did get a dyno run while i was there. 59 hp and 69 tq at rear wheel. Stock.
@@TwoWheelRocco Hi, I am new to Harley and I am learning a lot from watching your videos. Last night, I was reading Owner’s manual and found out an interesting word “isolator.” What are those for? Does 2020 Iron 883 have isolators? I do not see “replace isolator” among the listed items in Service Interval. Do I have to change isolators? I also saw people using metal isolators instead of rubber ones?! Confusing. Thanks for coaching. Have a nice weekend.
@@nfan883 that would be equal to a motor mounts or any rubber isolator that makes the bikes vibration less. Stabilize isolator motor mount do not use solid motor mounts. Hope this helps. www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=sportster+isolator&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8
@@TwoWheelRocco my 07 HD sportster does not start. When I hit the start button it makes no clicking noise. Yes the bike is in neutral, I’ve tried it with the kickstand up and clutch pulled in but nothing. I was able to start it but jumping the starter. But when I press the start button it does not start. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance
Thank you for such a great informative video, I collected my first ever HD 883 today. Like everyone else I want to keep it running well and carry out daily/weekly checks and now know exactly how to do them 👍
Happy to help. Any questions just ask, Welcome to the sport. Those 883 will last forever. Thank you for watching and your sub Philip. Ride safe and have a great day.
Hey Rocco, love your videos!! Have been learning a lot. Feels like im there in person. What was that cleaning stuff you used after you took off the seat? looked like awesome stuff
Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub Mic Jackie Yick. Let us know how it works out. Ride safe and have a great day.
One thing you didn't check was the primary chain adjustment and the primary fluid level. This oil lubricates the primary chain, the clutch pack, and the transmission.
Yes, The primary oil level is important. It should be checked and adjusted if needed. I am a big believer in changing your oil every 5000 miles and you'll never have a problem as for the adjustments. Very healthy setups that doesn't get adjusted much at all. Thank you for watching and your support Steven. Ride safe and have a great day.
Long Island Nassau county born in Brooklyn. Great place back in the day, Now I live in Florida for the last 22 years. Treasure coast Thank you for watching. Any questions just ask. Ride safe and have a great day.
I knew it, you sound like I do, lol. Like you, I’m born and raised in Brooklyn 18yrs, moved to Long Island 18yrs, now I live in El Paso Texas, nice small town.
@@EnriqueRickNavarro Best thing we ever did move south I did it 22 years ago. Quality life you can't compare. Nice ride safe and have a great day. Any help just ask
And how do I make sure my wheels don't come off bc I'm worried that my front wheel is gonna come off while I'm riding lol I'm one of them ppl that thanks something bad is always gonna happen lol
As you put more time on your motorcycle, you will get past all that and really enjoy the wind in your face and the freedom that you have. Any questions just ask thank you for watching and all your support. Ride safe and have a great day. Welcome to the sport.
My bike went to backfiring bad it will ldle now because I tryed to set the carb it's 2987 sportster the chrome tube on the right side of engine were leaking I got the orings for them but if I give it throttle it pops and trys to quit running I've changed plugs and wires adjusted carb air fuel 2and 1/2 turns now it idles new carb about a month old was running grate was my wife's bike she passed is why I keep it and try to keep it running nobody in our town will work on it Harley Davidson says it's to old so I'm coming here looking for any help I can get thanks guys
Depends on the year of the bike. Sportster are straight up and down,. will give you an honest reading, needs to be halfway on the dipstick or you end up with bad running bike. The oil will work its way onto your air filter through your breathing system which will end up with a rich running motor. Equals bad running motor. You like to get as much air for your fuel mixture. Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub FJoy. Let us know how it works out. check your oil.. set it halfway on the dipstick.. clean air filter and plugs and she will ride great. You will be surprised at the difference it will make. Ride safe and have a great day
I bought an 06 sportster about a month ago. I’ve been trying to learn as much as possible about it. Your videos are great and easy to understand. Thank you for another informative video.
Happy to help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub Jeremy. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Same! I bought an 05 1200c this spring and try and learn anything I can and do whatever I can myself. That way I can fix simple things on the side of the road if needed and know when a shop is taking me for a ride if I go to one. I followed your carb cleaning vid and amazed the guys in my family. So thank you for that! And thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge!
Me too!!mines had almost 20000 miles ……#greatinfo! Appreciate you
Got mine about 2 and a half weeks ago and been going to town learning everything I can since lol.i want to make sure my baby's stays in good condition and keep up on it.i got a very good deal on it and its very clean and beautiful and I want to keep it that way lol.
I agree, this Rocco is awesome and much appreciated. I'm literally a beginner rider and have very little maintenance skills. He has replied to all my questions on any video, and gives a thorough explanation. I try to ask my questions on videos pertaining to them, that way anyone with similar questions can see his answers as well. Definitely got my subscription.
Just bought first Sportster, at 51. Very informative video, I appreciate the straight to it, and not bullshit. Nice simple explained well. Thank you sir.
Happy to help. Once you fully understand the Sportster it's a beautiful and easy to work on Bike. Good luck with the new ride. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and all your support purewater. Ride safe and have a great day.
Let's ride!
@@brassteeth3355Roanoke Va
This video is a how to must do for all riders to make a check list and mark their calendars to follow through on to keep our bikes in one piece while we're riding . Thanks Roc
Thank you for all your Kind Words Dan....Ride Safe and have a great day.
I bought a 2001 sportster and decided to do my own maintenance. I recently changed out the handlebars so i had to change clutch cable and front brake line. I would never have been able to do that without your videos. I wish I lived close as I would love to hang out with you. Thanks for your videos. Please keep them coming.
Happy to read all is going well, Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub Leslie. Ride Safe and have a great day.
On the jiffy stand on not to check the oil???
I'd say refer to your Owners Manual here. On the 04 & later Sporties, the manual calls to the oil level to be checked with the bike on the jiffy stand. When your bike has been warmed up for proper reading.
All in all, I don't think that tipped on the jiffy vs upright makes all that much difference if your like most HD owners that have learned that keeping the oil level about mid way between the ADD & FULL marks reduces oil blow-by into the air cleaner.
Hope this Helps, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub Joglock. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Yep... the 2010 Sportster I just got had a dirty 10 year old air cleaner and throttle body from use and a loose 3/4" left side engine mount bolt - just like you suggested. Thanks and keep it up!!
Happy to help. Any questions just ask. The sportsters are great motorcycles. Thank you for watching and all your support. JT. Ride safe and have a great day.
A genius at work teaching millions I hope how to meet their bikes and know them therefore ride them better passion experience at work it is good and wise to listen and learn makes us makes you a better and safer rider
When you opened the battery area and pointed to the terminals, you should have mentioned the older bikes (like my 2005) that have the NEGATIVE buried on the other side. A lot of people re-route the cable (sometimes replacing the cable with a longer one) from the negative terminal on these to make it easier to remove/replace the battery.
If you tilt the battery and install the negative it's not that bad check out the video. If you go straight in with the battery it is a bear! Harley knew what they were doing when they designed that.. dealer dealer dealer. And thank you for your comment. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Thx for another great vid. Any fix. For a loose rear foot level on left side mine keep lowering down by itself after riding other side is not a problem
Thx
What year? Happy to help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub Mike. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Two Wheel Rocco 2005 1200 sportster custom
I hate when peg won't stay up. Take a close look, there is an spring washers in there.. If there is a spring washer in there. Take apart, tap on side of peg mount to make tighter. Use a piece of wood so you do not mar your Frame paint. Reinstall foot peg until you like the way it functions. Let us know how this works out.
I own a 2014 custom, basically the same bike, I've ridden it from Phoenix to san Francisco to Las vegas to yucca valley and back to Phoenix
I love my little sportster, thanks for the maintenance tips, this bike is beautiful
I love them to. Great Rides. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your Sub Carl. Ride Safe and have a great day.
I Appreciate your teaching skills. Where can I purchase handlebars as shown on this video? Thanks
That would be a dealer item $65 Harley dealership XL1200 custom handlebars
I enjoy your videos Rocco. They help me out a lot with my 98 Harley Sportster 1200 XL. But I need your help with something and I can't find no videos for what I need help with
How can I help you? Let us know....Thank you for your sub Skipper. Ride Safe and have a great day.
as always very helpful thanks.. one question, i have vance and hines 3 inch twin slash slip ons how to remove stuck quiet baffles they are stuck very very tight . i dont mind damaging the baffles but not the pipes. any help appreciated
Remove slip on and push from other side with broom handle. Tap tap with hammer she's out.. Hope that helps. To remove slip on, loosen hdwe 3 nuts on exhaust hanger and tap on bottom exhaust mount with hammer to remove slip on from pipe. Install video. ua-cam.com/video/nrXFHjym9GE/v-deo.html. Hope this helps, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub Theo. Let us know how this works out. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Hey what’s up Rocco awesome vids and such a good guy he personally answered my phone call and helped me one in a million god bless this man
All is well, Happy to Help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and all your kind words. Ride Safe and have a great day.
@@TwoWheelRocco could I get your number I’m 16 just recently bought my first Harley and I have some questions
@@theboysinc.4758 Happy to help. Send me a cell number and I will call you this morning. Thank you for watching and your sub The Boys. Ride safe and have a great day.
Tyre pressures are always a grey area on motorcycles, too many opinions on internet. Where should I be on 2004 Dyna wide glide Rocco? I trust your info implicitly.
I like 41 pounds in the rear 36 in the front. I feel that's best for the tire and you're riding experience. Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub Simon. Ride Safe and have a great day.
@@TwoWheelRocco Thanks Rocco, Im running 4lb over in front then, was a little skittish. Stay safe my man.
Happy To Help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub Simon. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Tire pressures for each model are found on the front frame of the bike not far from the VIN.
Is there a adjustment on the swing arm bushing? Thank you Rocco
Happy to help. Now there is no adjustment. . Thank you for watching and all your support Ken. Ride safe and have a great day.
First off.... I'm a new rider. Love the Sportsters.... So I purchased a used 2004 Xl1200c. I will say.... The engine moves quite a bit when bike is in neutral. That I will address soon. Right now though.... all of a sudden.... Oil is coming up out of the cap. I checked the rubber gasket.... it's not brittle or worn. I also see now that the oil tank has more oil in it than it did a few days ago. The oil that comes out isn't foamed up.... definitely normal looking. Any ideas Rocco? I'm a new rider.... and love it. I'm having withdrawals now that I haven't ridin' now in 2 days!
Happy to help. Bike sat for a while and the oil drained into the dry sump. So when you start the bike oil cycles out of the motor back into the tank and you have too much oil in the system. Sportster like to have halfway on the oil dipstick. You'll probably notice your air filter is all oiled up too so take that and clean it, have the correct amounts of oil in the tank. Let us know how that works out good luck with the new bike. sportsters.are great rides. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub Jonathan. Ride safe and have a great day.
@@TwoWheelRocco So I have been riding it. Then after 2 days I went to ride again and this happened. So what you're talking about.... 2 days this can occur?
Oh and I forgot to say brother.... I love your videos!
@@jonathanbirnbaum3277 remove the oil that is over the halfway mark. Clean air filter. It's called sumping, notorious with Harleys. just too much oil in the system it might've sat for a while the oil gravitates to motor dry sump... somebody put a little more oil in it. thinking that was low. it takes a day or two for it to be driven for everything to come back to the tank and causing your problems. Let us know how it works out. Straighten out oil level clean filter. Ride safe and have a great day.
@@TwoWheelRocco Thanks Rocco! I'll let you know how it goes! Hane a great weekend brother!
My pleasure.
I would like to add . The rocker arm covers will at times come loose. Good to check them. It happened to my sons bike a 2005 Dyna.
Yes they do. Thank you for your Sub and info Ed...Ride Safe and have a great day'
Rocco can you do a video where you rebuild the master cylinder and the brake calliper. You have the best videos ever!
Happy to help. I will put that on my list. And when I run into that job, I will do it. Thank you for your kind words and your support Rick. Ride safe and have a great day.
Thanks for another great video. I have found the riser bolts and engine bolts loose on mine in the past. I’m gonna check those exhaust bolts today!
Happy to Help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your support Marshall. Ride safe and have a great day.
i dont mean to be offtopic but does anyone know of a method to log back into an Instagram account?
I was stupid forgot the account password. I would love any tricks you can give me.
@Kaysen Emanuel instablaster =)
@Henry Theodore i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm in the hacking process now.
Seems to take a while so I will reply here later with my results.
@Henry Theodore It worked and I finally got access to my account again. Im so happy!
Thanks so much, you saved my ass :D
Dear Rocco when ideal mainjet for sportster 883 xlh year2000? Hello good work
Happy to Help, What pipe and intake. I Believe stock would be 42idle and 170main. Hope this helps. Let us know how this works out.
At 14:00 what screw is that called? My left one is missing as you said in the video and I'm trying to replace it.. any and all help is greatly appreciated
Happy to Help, Front motor mount bolt. Thank you for watching and your sub Matt. Ride safe and have a great day.
do i need to torque that bolt?
@@pikey928 They all have torque specs it's a motor mount tighten it. Happy to help any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and you sub papa_mitch. Ride safe and have a great day hope that helps.
Great video, as always. I am wondering what length bolts you used for your saddlebag brackets and if I could get the bolts at Home Depot.
Happy to help. And yes you can get that hdwe. at Home Depot. Thank you for watching and all your support Charles. Ride safe and have a great day.
From the Philippines here,Thanks for the tutorial,have a 2017 sportster this video is very informative!
Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and you sub Bonaparte. Ride safe and have a great day.
@@TwoWheelRocco Just a follow up Sir,just completed changing oil(Amsoil 20w50),loaded just 2 ltrs.,plan is to gradually add after doing runs just not to overfill,but after checking oil level on my dip stick,it is still on the high level,have to suck some amount out of the tank, don't know why I keep on having a full reading on my dip stick,any advice?
@@bonapartebeneficto8294 You have oil that bypassed your oil check valve. So the oil gravitated into your dry sum motor. So every time you start the bike and run it the oil is cycling out of your motor back into the tank. This is popular with the V twins when they were in storage for a while. That's why it's always a good thing to run these bikes before doing an oil change. And then you'll have a true reading of the oil that is in your system.. Sportster like halfway on your oil dipstick no more. You'll end up fouling up air filter. Hope this helps.
Thanks for teaching motorcycle safety .
My pleasure. Ride safe and have a great day.
Hello Rocco, your videos have been a great help, I really like how you keep things simple. Do you have a video instructing on how to cool the motor. I have an 02 1200 Sportster, it's very uncomfortable to ride with the excessive heat against my leg. I did wrap the exhaust and put on a heat shield...no help. Could it have anything to do with the stock air intake or a specific oil to use. How do you feel about oil pumps or fans? I'm hoping to solve this at a low cost. Thanks, Brian
I don't see an easy answer. I live in Florida these HD's get hot. I have a Road King so the exhaust is low and helps a lot but the motor gets hot. Sportsters are hot riding bikes especially if you have an exhaust that's right on your side of the V twins. Sorry I don't have a better answer. Thank you for watching and your support B Fitz. Ride safe and have a great day. The big V twins aren't as bad.
How about header exhaust pipe flange nuts? I bought brand new forty eight. Rode it for 100 miles and lost a nut on the back pipe. Checked the other nut and I could unscrew by hand with the flange flapping all over the place.
Thank you for the heads up and your sub.Col Ride safe and have a great day
Do you recommend changing motor mounts to reduce vibrations?
No, I do not. Sportster's vibrate this is normal. Thank you for watching and your support. Ride safe and have a great day.
hello
my question is what about the neck bearing
Sports there are lighter bikes. The neck bearings usually don't go out of adjustment. If you feel a wobble in the front of your bike, then you need to look into it I would buy the manual. Thank you for watching and all your support. Will. Ride safe and have a great day.
Good choice with the Michelin commander 2s
Great tires. Thank you for watching and your sub Mark. Ride safe and have a great day.
I have a question you may or may not know the answer to on mine ive notice lately that when I lean to the left it makes a weird noise and when I changed my front brakes a while back the outside pad was completely gone and inside pad still had some pad left what would you recommend I look at? barrings, spacers, I'm not sure if its possible for the triple trees to be slightly off and cause a problem. Any info would be appreciated
Happy to help. Your caliper piston on one side is sticking, Remove your caliper. Do not disconnect the hydraulic line or the bleeder that could introduce air into the system and you will need to bleed your brakes. You could do it without removing any of the lines. Clean the pistons and then apply a little penetrating oil, move the pistons in an out and then reinstall see if that helps. Usually does. Thank you for watching and all your support PJ. Let us know how it works out. Ride safe and have a great day.
@Two Wheel Rocco thanks for the response I will definitely try that they actually started squeaking on my ride yesterday so I was planning to check them anyway so I'll go ahead and just do a full service one them and hopefully that'll fix everything thanks again for the advice.
Hey Rocco. What did you use to clean the back fender..when you removed the seat?..It was foamy..thanks
Take a look at this video. The product in this video is what I use on my motorcycles ua-cam.com/video/tTnJZDnwJag/v-deo.html. You will love this stuff..
Hey Rocco my adjuster screws on rear tire are exact same length (for belt adjustment/wheel alignment) but when I measure the rear tire alignment from point a to point b it’s different on each side??
Not sure if I should leave it alone or adjust the screws - 2006 Harley Sportster 1200
Thanks
Happy to help, The adjustment screws don't lie. . Thank you for watching and your sub Abraham. Ride Safe and have a great day.
@@TwoWheelRocco thank you. your videos and willingness to reply to the comments sets you apart big time brother
@@abrahamj.garcia6029 My pleasure. Ride safe have a great day
@@TwoWheelRocco Rocco, thought I’d ask before I take my sporty to the shop.
Changed out choke cable and adjusted clutch - was fine for about 5 miles.
Couldn’t pull away without it stalling after feeling bogged down (low throttle response it felt like) but the engine was reving higher.
Then a few hours later turned the bike on full choke, bogged down and almost died even with the choke fully out.
Can’t ride the bike down the block cause it doesn’t get past first gear without stalling.
Carb was cleaned recently, a few other maintenance items were done, lubed clutch cable and throttle cables. been riding the bike just fine before that, spark plugs look ok, any help would be appreciated.
@@abrahamj.garcia6029 Did you ever find the issue with your Sportster?
Just picked up my first Harley ...an 93 883 ..I dont know much about it ..someone said its got a big boar kit on it ..???
On to my question .. can or should you down shift and use engine to decelerate each time coming to a stop or am I prematurely meaning something out ..???
There's no problem downshifting, Thats normal. Good luck with your new ride. Thank you for watching and your sub Jerry. Any questions just ask. Ride safe and have a great day.
Good afternoon Mr. Rocco I would like for my 1200 2011 sportster to have a deeper Rumble can that be possible?. Not necessarily louder just a deeper rumble. what would i need to do to accomplish that?
Thank you
Raul O.
Happy to help. Here's a suggestion go to UA-cam and put in 2011. Sportster Exhaust sounds. See if that could help you out. Thank you for watching and all your support Raul. Ride safe and have a great day. Let us know how it works out.
Thank you Mr. Rocco. your videos have help me so much on how to do some repairs and for sure save me some Money.
thanks again.
Raul@@TwoWheelRocco
Happy to hear all is working out. It gets costly to bring your bike in to a repair shop. So by doing it yourself is a great feeling of accomplishment. Thank you for watching and all your support. .@@RAULOJEDA-fl5bn
Rocco your'e a friggin Genius! Ayyyyyy! thanks for the vid man.
You are to Kind, Happy to help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub Ace. Ride Safe and have a great day.
What is the difference between primary clutch adjustment vs threaded nut adjustment on your clutch cable
Happy to help. Free play at the clutch hub pin. Thank you for watching and all your support BobbyD. Most times you don't need to touch it. Ride safe and have a great day.
@@TwoWheelRocco is 3/8 impact wrench good enough to do taking off tires and anything in bike. 18v
@@Soulriderpowder Happy to help. I have a 3/8 snap-on. It's not that strong for the big stuff I would recommend a half inch and take it from there. Thank you for watching and all your support BobbyD. Ride safe and have a great day.
@@TwoWheelRocco is 300ft/lbs of torque good enough to do all the work on bike
@@Soulriderpowder I found it in adequate. think 600 or more. My gun is 1200ft/lbs. Mine is an air compressor gun.. Is 3/8 or 1/2?
Hey Rocco, any chance you know what size the front motor mount bolts are on a 99 sportster? Have one missing and can’t find a part number or correct size anywhere online. Thanks!
Sorry I do not. But I did remove my right side one and went up to my Ace Hardware and got a replacement for my Sportster's. Hope that helps. Thank you for watching and your sub Dylan. Ride safe and have a great day. Let us know how it works out.
I appreciate the quick response. Unfortunately the other side appears to be a threaded rod and 9/16 nut with washers. I’m assuming whoever installed it was having difficulty installing a hex bolt because that side is very tight with the frame. I appreciate your help! Love the videos!
@@Dylan-zl3xn What year Sportster?
1999 sportster 1200 xl
@@Dylan-zl3xn Tried to take a look at my manual but I could not find it, sorry. Go to the dealer. will be relatively cheap. Let us know how it works out.
i love when people take pride in their work
Thank you..Love these bikes.
The battery in my 04 is around the opposite way . I wonder which is correct?
Happy to help. If you could please send a picture E Rocco 3964@gmail.com. If the cables fit right I wouldn't change a thing. Thank you for watching all your support T. Ride safe and have a great day.
my 2006 sportster has the postive post on the left side. The one in this video is oposite mine is a 1200 custom.
Happy to help. The bike in the video is a 2015. They are different. Thank you for watching all your support Ken. Ride safe and have a great day.
I just watch this video I’ve had stuff come loose on mine over the 19 years I’ve had the bike. Front motor mount that was one and the exhaust rear muffler on the mounting bracket came loose. The crossover on the rear pipe cracked don’t know if that’s what caused it I took it off and welded it up this year. Definitely going to check the riser bolts and the hand grip hardware. Great video on what to look for. I do all my own work on my bike even change the tires myself. I like your videos on how to do the job just put me more at ease when I’m working on my bike.
Happy to Help. Love doing all my own work. Thank you for watching and your sub White . Ride safe and have a great day.
Another great video. I've owned my '15 Iron 883 for about a year and I was getting concerned with things that should be checked like this. Tire pressure is a big one for me but I didn't think to check all of these other things. Thanks so much for making this great video.
Happy to Help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub Will. Ride Safe and have a great day.
I have this same bike. Recently had to replace the rear brake line. In order to do such had to disconnect the exhaust. Replaced the brake line successfully, but now when I put the exhaust back on it doesn’t align correctly and the rear brake pedal hits the top of the exhaust about half way thru the pedal stroke. I have both exhaust gaskets bolted on snug and tight, so i’m not understanding how the exhaust is now riding up higher than before? Any ideas?
Happy to help. I would rework the front pipe and rotate it down a little bit. Take your time and look at it, you know it laid out and worked properly so you will get it to work properly again. let us know how it works out. Be patience. Thank you for watching and your sub. Ride safe and have a great day.
I have a 2000 1200 Sportster and it feels like it wants to come out from under me I'm a first time rider and it rode good until I tighten the bolt in between the handlebars up do you think that why it feels that way now
Happy to help I would check tire pressure. I'm not sure what bolts you're talking about but for it to feel that unstable, I would lean towards the tires pressure. Thank you for watching and all your support. Ride safe and have a great day.
hello, cool viddy ... i got an 87 sportster 883 in a hardtail , with forward controls ... one day comin into the driveway , it don't wanna downshift , so i guess i was in 2nd or 3rd and goin for 1st ? anyway i lugged it in and parked thinking no biggie , i just missed the shift ? ... next time out , i start in 1st and and it won't go into second , so i try tightening up the controls , which were a little loose and still would not shift , so i take the forward controls off and try to shift right at the shaft, still won't shift ... so i hear there's a seal that was notoriously put in incorrectly at the factory and needs to be replaced ? or maybe it's a shifter pawl adjustment ? i had trouble getting the cover off and didn't wanna break anything so i got on here ... any input would be appreciated
I would try to rock your bike back-and-forth while trying to shift. I mean sitting on the bike moving it forward and backwards forwards and backwards. I think you are stuck in between gear. If it was working it should work I'm not that familiar the the 80s Sportster's. Let us know how it works out. Sorry about that I wish I had more. Thank you for watching and your sub. Ride safe and have a great day.
@@TwoWheelRocco ok thanks , i'll give it a shot and let ya know
Rocco, i'm having two issues with my 05 sportster 883xl. My throttle return is messed up, I have to manually return it. and two, my bike has a hard time starting when its cold out even with the choke all the way out. 1) I tried untangling the cable and putting some lube inside the throttle case and it didnt help. 2) I changed the oil, new spark plugs, new battery, and put some redline in the gas tank. Still having issues. Any tips?
Happy to help. As for your throttle put play into your cables and see if that loosens up the tight throttle. 6:15 ua-cam.com/video/BAmsFghbv9M/v-deo.html. should help. As for the starting of the bike I would check the Petcock for Bad Diaphraph, the lines are old and collapse this affect the vacuum that operates the Petcock. I will send two videos. Test petcock Diaphragm ua-cam.com/video/7Fo9Q93OJXI/v-deo.html. Let us know how it works out. Thank you for watching and your sub Erin. Ride safe and have a great day. Hope this helps.
Hey Rocco! What do you think about removing the baffles to make my sportster louder? I been looking on a lot of forums to see if it might cause problems to my bike but I can’t seem to find anything. Would it cause any damage? Or would I have issues with inspection and stuff?
Happy to help. I'm not a big fan of drawing out baffles on exhaust systems. Slip bonds are cheap enough to buy in their engineer to work well. He will not lose that much back pressure. Which will affect your performance. What year what bike question? Thank you for watching and your sub Chris. Let us know how it works out. Ride safe and have a great day.
@@TwoWheelRocco thank you for the response i really like all your content! I ride a 2008 nightster. I read about the back pressure which for what i understand lowers the torque and hp, i feel like I could go with that. I just don’t want to have any issues with inspections or damage my bike if I do take them off
I will definitely be reviewing some slip ons and see what of the 2 options is better
Take a look at this. ebay www.ebay.com/itm/391692883488?hash=item5b32b71620:g:GQgAAOSw9lZfWSEz. Hope this works. Nightster are very tempered low RPM bikes., I love to run. Hows Yours? Ride Safe and have a great day.
Hey man. Great video!!! i'm gonna check stll this stuff on my bike.
I just bought my 1st every harley 06 1200 custom sportster. Had sport bikes since i was 16 and I'm 44 now. figured it was time to upgrade to an adult bike.
this isn't the bike i wanted... but thought it was a good cross over starter bike and i got cheap enough.
but needs a few things. drove it 15 min and the throttle cable broke.
now it won't start. even with a boost it just clicks. It should atleast start with a boost no?
So Is that the battery or could it be something else I should check before buying a battery?
Happy to help, check your battery connections notorious for getting loose. If you need a battery, let me know I'll send you othe link. that I use very reasonable. And a high-performance battery at that.. Thank you for watching and your Sub Dustin. Ride Safe and Have a Great Day.
I've been having a hesitation when starting my 2015 Iron xl883n Sportster. I was told to check battery terminals and tighten them so I did and they were fine. Then I was told it's a good chance my ground is loose which is supposedly common for Sportsters he said. I think he called it "ground to earth"? I can't figure out what exactly I'm looking for but from what I gathered, it's somewhere near the rearr passenger peg and belt on exhaust side and it's a bolt or a nut? Do you have any idea where and what exactly I'm looking for? Thanks
Happy to help. In my experience, the battery is weak. Sportster are tough on batteries. The best bet is to buy a battery from Harley Davidson any other battery you buy in today's world, China are cheap. I buy my battery from Harley Davidson and that's your best shot at a good battery. The first signs of a weak battery is a sluggish start up. Thank you for watching and all your support. Ride safe and have a great day. Let us know how it works out and how old is your battery? As for the ground you all you got to do is follow your ground cable to your engine block and that is it. Hope this helps.
What's that spray you use to clean ?
ua-cam.com/video/tTnJZDnwJag/v-deo.html. Thank you for watching and your sub R.A.M.S. Ride safe and have a great day.
Hey Rocco, I just bought a 2003 Anniversary 1200.
There seems to be conflicting tire pressure information. The frame states 30 front and 40 rear.
Do you have any insight on what would be better pressures with solo rider?
I myself like 36 in the front 42 in the rear. See how that feels and make your adjustments to your preference
Thank you for watching and your sub Joel. Ride safe and have a great day. Let us know how that feels.
Go with what it says on the tires, not the frame. Tire manufacturers know what pressure their tires should be at to provide maximum performance and life.
Hey Rocco! I have a Sportster 72 and I find my apes are shaking a little touch when I start the bike. Is this normal?
Check and tighten the hardware under the handlebars inside the tree of your motorcycle. They do loosen.
Great video brother. Thanks for sharing 👊🏻💪🏻✌🏻
Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Sportsters are great machines. Easy to work on. Always make sure the oil level on the dipstick is at halfway or it will corrupt your air filter. Thank you for watching and all your support TRP. .Sounds like Brooklyn, love New York. Ride safe and have a great day.
How tight should the nut be when adjusting the axle? One of my nuts started to back off after installing my chain. The axle is still tight and straight, the nut just started to come back. I tightened it up, but I didn't want to tighten it to much right now because I didn't want to strip it. Any advice would be great!
Happy to help. What year Sportster? Thank you for watching and your sub Johnny. Ride safe and have a great day.
@@TwoWheelRocco it's a 2018! Your videos are great! Keep them up.
@@jonnymac8925 You mention a chain that's what threw me off, it's a belt. HD service manual it says 95-105 ft lbs for rear axle nut ... Hope this helps. Ride Safe and have a great day.
@@TwoWheelRocco it was a belt lol it is a 530 chain with sprockets now, I just wasn't sure on the torque spec for the axle adjuster and someone borrowed my service manual. There's a few videos on my page of the bike through its journey being built over the past two years. It's not everyone's cup of tea but the bike hauls ass, handles and stops amazing! 95-105ft lb for the small nut on the end of each axle adjuster? Or is that for the nut on the axle itself? Thanks for responding and be safe out there!
@@jonnymac8925 That's the axle nut 95-105 . Adjuster hardware snug it out. Know superman stuff. If the axle nut is not tightened properly that will move under pressure. your adjustment will go out. Hope this helps.
Good Video:) Would you recommend the Michelins Commander 2 over the Dunlop? I may get new tires next summer
Happy to help. both great times Tires. I prefer the Michelin's let us know how it works out with your choice and what you think about your choice. Thank you for watching and your Sub Bill. Ride Safe and have a great day
I have a 2011 XL883N 'Iron', KI only ever ride solo without luggage, I use the owner's manual tyre pressures of 30 psi for the front and 40 psi for the rear. I've spelt tyre with 'y' because I live in the UK and that's the correct spelling here, I realise that American's spell it 'tire'.
My battery has the positive terminal on the cover side of the motorcycle. I use "Car Pride" brand black bumper cleaner to polish my Sportster, I get it for £1 a can, that's a lot cheaper than the H-D cleaner.
Thanks for the very informative video.
Happy to Help, 36psi front. 42psi rear. Thank you for watching and you sub David. Ride Safe and have a great day
Rocco! I was riding my sportster xl1200c and lost power,now the bike starts and sounds great.I kicked in first gear and it doesn’t move an inch.I was told it was the clutch so I changed it myself and the bike turns on but still doesn’t move at all. Please help!! Thank you
Happy to Help, look at your right side Drive pully, sometimes the splines fail I have seen a few times. Let us know how it works out, Thank You for watching and your sub.Pete... Ride Safe and have a Great Day.
Excellent presentation and very helpful.
Happy to Help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub Gerald. Ride safe and have a great day.
Thanks for all your videos Rocco!
Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub Greg. Ride safe and have a great day.
@@TwoWheelRocco i do have a question actually..i just recently bought a gas tank second hand for my Sportster.its in really good condition and theres no visible rust or debris but i do want to give it a clean/flush before i put it on my bike..what would use to flush it with and what would be your process? Just a simple flush of the tank needed,i have a brand new oem petcock,filter,gasket and line to go on..thanks Rocco
@@scrambledgreg3834 I would use compressed air and a vacuum cleaner place the vacuum cleaner at the bottom and compressed air at the top and as the compressed air moves the dirt the vacuum will suck it out. That's how I do it. Hope that helps.
@@TwoWheelRocco ok great thanks Rocco!
@@scrambledgreg3834 Happy to help.
You the man Rocco
Happy to Help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub Frank. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Good sharing, that are the tips that i looking for... just bought my 2016 HD48 and will refer your tips! Ride safe
Happy to help, 48 are great bikes. Good luck with your new ride. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your Sub Wong. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Great video! I subscribed as soon as i realized this is the bike for sale in port st lucie!
Happy to help. Thank you for watching your support Tim. Yes you are correct PSL Ride safe and have a great day.
Hey Rocco, what about the fork stem bolt? Should I thighten it or would that have an impact on the fork bearings adjustment? Keep up the good video’s. They help all the bikers worldwide. Cheers from The Netherlands, Nico
Happy to help. I would leave that alone, that's set for your bearing tolerance. Unless you hear noises in your front end set up. Like the sound of a loose washer in your triple tree Thank you for watching and your sub. Van.Ride safe and have a great day.
Got two of these. Man, I feel like I have to check the torque on every damn bolt on it before each ride. Guess that's all part of the fun with these bikes :P
Absolutely. Thank you for watching. Any questions just ask. Ride safe and have a great day.
@@TwoWheelRocco For sure man. This is quality stuff. Guys need to know this stuff if they're going to ride these bikes safely. You do a great job, and that's why I'm subscribed~
Thank you for your kind words and Sub...
what seat is on that sportster?
That is the stock standard seat that comes on an XL 1200 sportster custom. Can find them on eBay very reasonable take a look at this www.ebay.com/itm/333826136461?hash=item4db996998d:g:Q48AAOSwZUNfscNB. Hope this helps. Thank you for watching and your sub Ben. Ride Safe and have a great day.
good video i enjoyed it very informative it reminded me what i need to check more often and not take for granted. once again thanks
Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub Donald. Ride safe and have a great day.
One other concern is that the primary fluid ( Harleys Sportlube ) needs to be drained and replaced regularly.
Years ago I had a catastrophic failure of the transmission because I didn't know how the tranny was lubricated. On the bottom of the transmission trapdoor are a couple of openings for the oil to enter. But if you ever remove the primary cover you will usually find aluminum dust in this oil. Since I didn't realize it the magnitude of this sludge, it ended up plugging off the openings to my transmission, this ended with my purchase of a complete transmission since the lack of oil burned mine up.
Sure hope my input leads other Sportster riders to a better understanding of their motorcycle.
I agree Steve. Oil changes are mandatory for the long lasting motor. Thank you for your insight.
1996 Xl1200S owner here. My bike is special and new in 1996 with many new Factory upgrades. I stopped at Green River to do a HD required warranty service. I bought my bike in Saskatoon. I was on holiday. I got into argument with shop workers and owner over front tire pressure. I asked if they filled front tire to 40 psi. They put 36 into it. I said HD manual says 40. No HD dealer ever dealt with K591 Dunlops before. After service complete, I take my bike across street and start filling my tire. One of the GR employees sprints across road and pushes me out of way and installs 40 psi into my front tire. They corrected their mistake quickly, but they still thought they knew more than the owner.
I updated Harley Davidson Sportster Wiki page with info on the 1996 XL1200S and the 1995 XLH1200 Canadian Edition.
Dealer are tough places. There know it all attitude. Bad business practices. Stay warm..
@@TwoWheelRocco Non dealers are most often worse cause they think they know more than the Factory. In my case, my bike was so new, I had Tampa HD tell me my bike did not exist. I was working there and needed a bike inspection, so, after showing them my bike in the parking lot, they approved it.
I did get a dyno run while i was there. 59 hp and 69 tq at rear wheel. Stock.
Thank you for sharing Rocco!
Happy to Help, If you have any questions just ask...Thank you for your Sub Veto. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Great illustration. Thumbs up and subscribed already.
Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub.NF .Ride safe and have a great day.
@@TwoWheelRocco Hi, I am new to Harley and I am learning a lot from watching your videos. Last night, I was reading Owner’s manual and found out an interesting word “isolator.” What are those for? Does 2020 Iron 883 have isolators? I do not see “replace isolator” among the listed items in Service Interval. Do I have to change isolators? I also saw people using metal isolators instead of rubber ones?! Confusing. Thanks for coaching. Have a nice weekend.
@@nfan883 that would be equal to a motor mounts or any rubber isolator that makes the bikes vibration less. Stabilize isolator motor mount do not use solid motor mounts. Hope this helps. www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=sportster+isolator&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8
@@TwoWheelRocco That is how I figure when I first hear the word isolator. Thanks for clearing it up for me. Of course, it helps.
@@nfan883 My pleasure.
really like your style . great video !!
Happy to Help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub Paul. Ride safe and have a great day.
You are a blessing to all of us teacher 👨🏫 thank you 😊
My pleasure. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub Z. Ride safe and have a great day.
@@TwoWheelRocco my 07 HD sportster does not start. When I hit the start button it makes no clicking noise. Yes the bike is in neutral, I’ve tried it with the kickstand up and clutch pulled in but nothing. I was able to start it but jumping the starter. But when I press the start button it does not start. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance
@@zcheema5001I would take a look at your starter relay. Replace it, you should be all right. Let us know how that works out.
Thanks for another top notch video Rocco!! 👍
Happy to help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub & kind words Harold.. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Thank you for such a great informative video, I collected my first ever HD 883 today. Like everyone else I want to keep it running well and carry out daily/weekly checks and now know exactly how to do them 👍
Happy to help. Any questions just ask, Welcome to the sport. Those 883 will last forever. Thank you for watching and your sub Philip. Ride safe and have a great day.
I just got my 2004 Sportster back on the road 🤪
Great video 💯
Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Sportster are great machines. Thank you for watching and all your support. Ride safe and have a great day.
Great vid! Thanks for posting stuff like this.
Happy to Help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub Tuvazeock. Ride safe and have a great day.
Hey Rocco, love your videos!! Have been learning a lot. Feels like im there in person. What was that cleaning stuff you used after you took off the seat? looked like awesome stuff
Oh nevermind lol commented too soon
@@chrisiorio5278 Happy to help, Thank you for watching and your Sub Chris. Ride safe and have a great day.
Harley Davidson detailer
@@TwoWheelRocco Thanks again!
@@chrisiorio5278 my pleasure.
Up most important! Love it man
Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your support Weston. Ride safe and have a great day.
i am appreciated for the vids and really learned a lot. Thank you. Hope you can teach us more!
Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub Mic Jackie Yick. Let us know how it works out. Ride safe and have a great day.
One thing you didn't check was the primary chain adjustment and the primary fluid level. This oil lubricates the primary chain, the clutch pack, and the transmission.
Yes, The primary oil level is important. It should be checked and adjusted if needed. I am a big believer in changing your oil every 5000 miles and you'll never have a problem as for the adjustments. Very healthy setups that doesn't get adjusted much at all. Thank you for watching and your support Steven. Ride safe and have a great day.
I have the same bike but in blue.
Thanks for the pointers my friend.
Happy to Help, Great bikes, Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub David. Ride Safe and have a great day.
No problem 👍Happy to Help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub David.. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Hey Rocco what part of NY are you from?
Long Island Nassau county born in Brooklyn. Great place back in the day, Now I live in Florida for the last 22 years. Treasure coast Thank you for watching. Any questions just ask. Ride safe and have a great day.
I knew it, you sound like I do, lol. Like you, I’m born and raised in Brooklyn 18yrs, moved to Long Island 18yrs, now I live in El Paso Texas, nice small town.
@@EnriqueRickNavarro Best thing we ever did move south I did it 22 years ago. Quality life you can't compare. Nice ride safe and have a great day. Any help just ask
@@TwoWheelRoccoIm also from Brooklyn, Bushwick to be exact
Born in Bay Ridge I used to work over on Bushwick ave and Linden. lotta time over there in the 80s 90s. @@dakidsbac777
And how do I make sure my wheels don't come off bc I'm worried that my front wheel is gonna come off while I'm riding lol I'm one of them ppl that thanks something bad is always gonna happen lol
As you put more time on your motorcycle, you will get past all that and really enjoy the wind in your face and the freedom that you have. Any questions just ask thank you for watching and all your support. Ride safe and have a great day. Welcome to the sport.
your the best thank you for your video's
Happy to Help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub John. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Appreciate your videos.
Happy to help, any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub gorilla Moto. I safe and have a great day.
This was an accurate video…. With that being said this guy is funny asf and I love it 😂😂
Happy to Help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub Matt,. Ride Safe and have a great day
love your video, great job !
Happy to help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub Green Giant. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Great video thank you
Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and all your support. Ride safe and have a great day. Love those Sportster..
Great video.
Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and all your wayne. Ride safe and have a great day.
Hope you're okay. Times are tough !!
Happy to Help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub Sgt . Ride Safe and have a great day.
Great info!!
Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and all your support Cali milk. Ride safe and have a great day.
My bike went to backfiring bad it will ldle now because I tryed to set the carb it's 2987 sportster the chrome tube on the right side of engine were leaking I got the orings for them but if I give it throttle it pops and trys to quit running I've changed plugs and wires adjusted carb air fuel 2and 1/2 turns now it idles new carb about a month old was running grate was my wife's bike she passed is why I keep it and try to keep it running nobody in our town will work on it Harley Davidson says it's to old so I'm coming here looking for any help I can get thanks guys
Happy to help. What year what bike? . Thank you for watching and all your support Phil. Ride safe and have a great day.
KEEN-O ROCCO!!! THAAANK YOU HOOHOOO
My pleasure. Ride safe and have a great day. Thank you for watching.
I’ve got a 2014 just like that custom 1200 😎
Happy to help. Any questions just ask. They are great motorcycles. Thank you for watching and your sub. Donnie. Ride safe and have a great day.
Excellent thanx!
Happy to help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub. Ride Safe and have a great day.
GOOD VIDEO.... LIKE YOUR THICK EAST COAST ACCENT...... LOL
Happy to Help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub Reza. Ride Safe and have a great day.
@@TwoWheelRocco thnx for ur rely. i have a Road King and Sporster 1200 so ur videos are very informative and helpful to me. keep up the good work.
I sure will, Thank You..
This might sound stupid but here goes .... does it matter if you check your oil while the bike is leaning on its side stand or straight vertical?
Depends on the year of the bike. Sportster are straight up and down,. will give you an honest reading, needs to be halfway on the dipstick or you end up with bad running bike. The oil will work its way onto your air filter through your breathing system which will end up with a rich running motor. Equals bad running motor. You like to get as much air for your fuel mixture. Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub FJoy. Let us know how it works out. check your oil.. set it halfway on the dipstick.. clean air filter and plugs and she will ride great. You will be surprised at the difference it will make. Ride safe and have a great day
Check jiffy stand bolt.
Happy to help, Yes I agree., Thank you for watching and your Sub Dennisl. Ride Safe and have a great day.
On and btw your videos are great
Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and all your support. Ride safe and have a great day.