Now when you are done just do one more alignment check as per us old men. Have your buddy sit on the bike and hold the bike upright off the side stand, have your buddy hold the handlebars so that the font tire is pointing straight ahead. Take some kite string and run it in a loop from the rear tire , around the front tire and then back to the rear tire. If the tires are not perfectly aligned you will see the string not touching the tires completely even. No brainer - always works. My 1976 Triumph has a center stand so I could do this all by myself once I got the hang of it. I raced my Bonneville and won for ten consecutive years on the back roads of long Island New York. So that should suffice as to the accuracy of my wheel alignments. In other words the handling was impeccable!
I drive trucks and had my brother get a new tire mounted on my Roadking wheel, and getting ready to put it back on and adjust belt and Alignment. Yes this will help alot.. I notice you have alot of Good video's with tips.. Its people liike yourself that makes UA-cam such a great place to hang out..
Alright Del. Seen a couple of negative things about your presentations recently and and felt compelled to reach out. I just want to say how much your videos have helped me regarding my Thruxton and FXD, always very helpful. Please keep up the good work. All the best from a 68 yr. old ex.pat. Brit in NY State. Cheers.
Thank you so much Sir for your kind words of support... sadly there will always be negative people on the internet and as a wise man said 'your audience is the world, so you're always going to drag in a few gurnards with the cod'... once again, thank you for getting in touch and safe travels my friend.
Hey Justin... yeah the basic mechanical principles apply to any machine..its just a case of applying them right... good luck and thanks for watching... Del.
Hello mate, it's 2 bolts to take the pegs off, but if you don't want to, try the old trick of a 6 foot straight edge alongside the rear wheel, look along it's length and check it is parallel with the lower frame rails (the best household straight edge is a flourescent strip light tube...they are perfectly straight & 6 foot long), see how you get on, Del
Just to clarify, I'm not a public service, nor do I make videos on demand, I film the things that we do for our use & share them with The Tube..so as much as you would like to 'see a video on axle end play' I don't have one to send you, perhaps I could suggest buying a Harley Davidson manual wherein you will find the exact information you need, my friend. Thanks for watching, Good Luck with it.
Thank you very much for this simple tip.. so easy, I feel stupid for not thinking of this myself. Great work all around on all of your videos. Keep them coming!
@@Moonfleet41 I have a Dyna fxdb 2013 legends front and 13.5 fox rear suspension. My problem is my rear tire feels like it's on ice almost like it wants to do it's own thing. Not sure if I'm explaining problem correctly, bike went from Amazing cornering and handling to the point where I don't feel comfortable riding at all. Please help!!! Thanks in advance
It could be the ten years running a bike dealership, or maybe the thirty years riding motorcycles...but i think its just because i have a really big anorak, and im constantly skint so have to do things for myself...lol thanks for watching.... Del.
Hi Vlad', if you are fitting just "slip-on" silencers then they are easy and work right away with no mother mods needed, if its full length pipes from the head right back then i would fit a fueler and free flow filter to balance up the breathing, and if you are going all the way and fitting open pipes,you'll need to do all the above, AND fit an O2 sensor plug bypass (about £14) but if you use some with O2 sensor holes they will work if you fit the fueller.best advice wouild be stick to slip-ons.
Thanks Del, that was useful, having just been told by a mate that the wheel on my 'glide was out of alignment I can vouch for was you say are the effects. This happened after I had new tyres fitted and I thought it was the tyres, but turns out the wheel is out, so I will use you method to sort it. Cheers.
+Mark Owen Glad the video can help mate... you wouldn't believe how many times I hear that people have had tyres changed and there is something cocked eyed when it's re-assembled ! They don't earn much money from tyre fitting and it seems they often don't take much care... hope you get it sorted!
Most welcome Sir, and as you're from NC, we're sending all our best wishes and hope the storm hasn't done you any damage, more importantly, hoping everyone is safe there, good luck and tc, D&Px
The 2004 XL1200R factory workshop manual suggests using a length of aluminum welding rod bent 90 dg. at one end 1/2" and sharpened a bit to fit in the swingarm dimple, with a grommet slid on the rod near the other end near the axle, slide the grommet to axle center, etc. (Accurate plus saves tape, nails and pencils) Lol. Thank you for the great videos!!
That works real well buddy, we try to pitch the video at those you don't have garage equipment, such as welding rod, as household things can be adapted to do the same job, and it's better that someone does it at all, rather than neglecting it cos they don't have the equipment... but good point well made, thanks for watching!
The little dimple in the swing arm pivot is very small and precise. However, the large hole in the axle allows for a lot of movement, or so it appears. In order for this method to work, both points have to be very precise. On Japanese bikes I measured wheel alignment with a piece of welding rod with a small rubber washer slipped over it, so it fit snug but could be moved. I then put one end of the welding rod right at the point where the tire bead meets the wheel, and slid the rubber washer up against the inside edge of the swing arm. I then did the same thing on the other side. If the distances were the same, then the wheel was centered in the swing arm. However, as someone who just bought my first Harley, I don't even know if the wheel should be centered in the swing arm, as I don't know if the swing arm is symmetrical.
This video is over 5 years old.. come up to date and watch the current video mate..! ua-cam.com/video/ljcD1yvfeJI/v-deo.html Either side of your axle is different diameter hole... this tapered tool you can make in minutes for yourself will guarantee to find the all important centre of the axle tube..!
Finally! someone I can understand!!! Thanks so much for all of your uncomplicated info. If I can get it, anyone can. Youv'e been a great help Del thanks again...Jeff
Del, I recently sold my Sportster to get a 2013 Electra Glide Classic, which has a self-aligning rear wheel, but watched this anyhow because I enjoy your talks. And love it that you use gaffer's tape--always have a roll in the garage. Let me know when you and the missus are headed to Florida.
Tom Morrisey Hi Tom, that is our first destination of choice for a dream holiday... to come over and visit our friends in the US and maybe do a 'tour'... too much work make jack a dull boy and all that ! Cool choice on the ElectraGlide, what a beautiful bike... ride safe and enjoy Sir, all the best from Blighty!
Great video! I went to school to be a diesel Mechanic over 10 years ago and I learned how to do alignments the same way, I stupidly never thought of applying it to my bike. I just bought an Iron 883 myself so this information will be useful.
Hi Rob, yeah you can make all kinds of funky tools, but i always loose them and end up using the gaffa tape again lol.... im buried training for a new job all this week, but will catch the videos in between moments..... good going chum... catch you soon... Del.
Yet another brilliant video. Stuff made simple that this over complicated world we live in likes to sell you the newest gadget. In 2021 I bought a brand new 114 softail Fat Boy. When I bought it I had to keep going back to the dealer - complaining it was pulling to one side. After ridiculing me and making me feel like an idiot -like I could not ride, they looked at it several times. There conclusion was rider stupidity. Despite wearing the off side only of the front tyre to illegal level by 3000 miles!!🤬 Being a brand new bike I was reluctant to work on it but….. I took two pencils and a bit of string and could instantly see the rear wheel was out of line. 🤬 I had to buy £50 worth of sockets (I got good impact ones- why would you not 🤷♂️) straightened it using a vernia calliper from axle to the flats on the frame. The bike rides fine now - it doesn’t pull and my “new” tyre is still great after another 3k miles. I have had to change the rear as that got out of whack too. I am sure that the dealer has some very competent mechanics but you don’t know who will be working on it. And if is an apprentice how well they are overseen. We all have to learn - not a problem. However….. I used to be a relatively competent mechanic on older vehicles however through years (more than I care to think about) of not doing it I have lost a lot of confidence to do new stuff. Where is the carb!! 🤣😂 But thanks to your videos I am finding that confidence back - gradually. Old principles still apply. 😊 The money I spend on tools I more than save by not having to pay the dealer - and I know it’s done right. With care and attention to detail. Thank you for such consistently good info and entertainment. 👍 Good luck with your Harley Luke. Harley often do things in a frustratingly strange way but it’s a Harley and you gotta love it. If you got this far thank you for reading my massive rant. Safe rides 👍🤜
ha ha, what a glorious rant and i understand every word, it's hard to trust anyone when we hear so much bad press... but on the whole, most mechanics are hard working people who are just pushed too hard by bosses who are driven by profit and budgets.. in the end there will always be a temptation to cut corners to make it all work, and that's when problems can happen.. no working technician can ever afford to put the meticulous attention to detail in that you can, at home, at your leisure.. it's simple logistics.. It's great to hear you're getting back into it and buying tools, you're right, there is really no different to the bike of 30 years ago, just a bit more electronics and governance, but the nuts and bolts don't change. Take care and enjoy your wrenching buddy.. and thanks for your kind feedback. Del.
Hi Del, my Street Bob 2007 has no marking on the pivot point of the swingarm. Also this pivot point is not very easy to reach, making measuring the distance to the rear axle quiet a job in itself. What I did is measure the distance from the back of the swingarm to the rear axle with a caliper. I presume both the left and right parts of the swing arm are equal in length so that gives a good reference to align the rear axle with the pivot point axis.
Yes mate,can be confusing,as the front wheel steers,then no,it's not aligned with the front wheel,it's aligned with the centre line of the bike,which is 90degrees to the swing arm. Front wheel alignment is getting both fork legs absolutely parrallel to each other in the yokes, so that the wheel runs at exactly 90degrees to the handlebars. As our bodies will naturally straighten the bars for ride comfort the bike will crab unless both alignments are correct, but are independent of each other.
Thanks for the update. I wish I had seen it sooner, could have save me $20. I bought one from Motion Pro, which is pretty much like yours, except instead of having a metal cone, it has a round plastic ball that moves along the wire. My bike is a 2006 1200 Sportster, so it has the front holes in the swingarm pivot instead of close to the rear axle
Sorry buddy, it's always about the timing... it's the principle I was trying to demonstrate of an apparatus that you can set to length and lock off and then translate to the other side for comparison... at least you have a proper one, unlike mine lol !
You method is perfectly fine mate, as long as the length from the swing arm axle to the back end of the swing arm is the same, then that will work just as well..... nice one.. Del.
Hi Edward, congrats on a great bike & glad to hear you are going your own way & painting it! ..The fuel gauge is mounted from underneath, it's mounted through the tank rather than in it, so if you take it off and turn it upside down you'll see the wiring and mount underneath...they are also snugged into their position, so you may need to push it out from below with a screw driver, but either way, once you get it off the bike & turned over you'll see how it's mounted, good luck, hope that helps!
Hello Jeff, thanks for your kind comments, it's a pleasure to have been of help ... it isn't hard to do these jobs, but often, understanding them and cutting through the tech jargon is the biggest hurdle... ride safe, my friend, cheers Del
Correct, but not very accurate, the belt will run in the middle once the bike has done a few miles becuase it wears itself a comfy groove...and to get it to 'climb' out to one side it would need to be pretty out of line...would work on a new belt and pulley though.. thanks for watching.. Del.
Brilliant. My belt has been running the outside of the pulley extremely bad. i have been hearing chriping for some time and i think its the belt. been keeping an eye on it and now the wear is pretty hard to ignore. Tonight i tinkered with it because i think the wheel is running crooked. The last guy that worked on my bike likes to drink, like alot. so i have been trying to do everything myself. Was about to say f it ill take it to the shop, then i youtube a vid and of course i check yours first. yep ill be doing this in the morn lol. Your the man delboy!! im gonna try making something like this out of a metal coat hanger.
Nice one buddy, a belt chewing on the side of a pulley is a sure sign of mis-alignment - see how it goes and keep us posted buddy, happy to help if you get stuck - good luck with it, Del
Well i got some time to try to get this taken care of. So my tire has been running crooked according to the tool i made, same concept of what you showed us. so when i straighten my tire up when i roll the tire in reverse the belt will eventually make its way across the pulley and start catching on the tire. run it a little crooked it doesnt do it. i checked and re checked to make sure my tool wasnt off. so what gives? im thinking maybe a bent rim, maybe a pulley, is there a spacer i might be missing? Thanks Delboy!!
Hey Ryan. ok, it doesnt make sense that the belt will foul the tyre when its straight.....so a cpouple of questions... how much gap is there between the tyre and belt when it was running off and chewing the pulley?.... AND... exactly what tyre is fitted to the back.. i mean, what is the full specification... and what bike do you have buddy..?
Thank you mate! Just replaced my brakes and tires and didn’t have the tool (metal rod one not the stupid laser one). I needed something fast so I can get back to riding while I wait for the $15 rod.
Hi Victor, no I wouldn't do that, anti-seize compounds are not designed to lubricate, it's a mis-nomer when they call them 'grease', they are simply there to provide a waterproof barrier in the interest of preventing corrosion, axles need grease, if you're worried about water, or the grease washing off, then you can use marine outboard grease or white lithium grease, but do not use copper anti-seize on it... it can actually cause errorsion between rubbing surfaces...
I get the point of measuring centre to centre of either axles. What about measuring the remaining thread on the back of the tensioners with a pair or verniers equal to one and other i assure that method could also be used.
In the midweek video this week ill be showing how to make yourself an exact and precise measuring tool to set your Harley wheel alignment to the nearest thousand of an inch...and it'll cost you 50p to make.... Video up Wednesday..!
Hi Del, I have a 1984 FXSB Low Rider. I really like your videos, but, My Swing arm on the left side is just inside my inner Primary. There are no holes that I could use to align. there are foot peg mounts, but I wouldn't know if they were properly aligned before the drilling. Have you ever encountered this with said year and model? Thanks P.S. I have watched your updated video.
Hi Richard.. The 'dint' in the swing arm pivot only works for Sportsters.. for your Dyna you should have two holes drilled in the swing arm, one either side of the bike, and they will be about 4 to 6 inches on front of the back wheel axle, in clear sight.... Do you have those buddy..?
@@MrMrStruggles OK, there's always a way... Remember the shocks HAVE TO lay forwards at the exact same lean angle as each other, otherwise they will fight each other and twist the swing arm...so given that they have a top and bottom mount that will be in exactly the same place either side of the swing arm... try drawing a line with a felt pen directly downwards from the centre of the bottom shock mount bolt head... that line will in exactly the same spot both sides...so measure you're axle square form those lines..???.. see how that goes mate.. !
@@Moonfleet41 Thanks Del, I've got the pieces and will make it when I get to work. For my bike as you stated, i will be using the bottom bolt of my shock. Thanks Buddy.
hey Delboy great video nice of you to help out .... i have a little prob. of my own on my 94 softail the rear of the bike gets ~woobly~ from side to side always at around the same speed 140 k\hr under that speed i dont feel nothing do you have any idea i have checked all that i was able to think about form swing arm berrings to wheel berrings with no luck ..tkx mate
Hey buddy....ok, thats about 85mph in our money.... it could be a few things...wheel balancing, tyre wear, or just plain old incorrect pressures, and maybe a combination of more than one thing... So, what Softail is it? Fatboy, STC, Night Train etc (as they run varied wheels), and the pressures are important, also have a look and check to see if you've thrown a wheel weight off (look for skicky patches where its missing).....and what tyre pressures are you running too?... let me know buddy, see if i can help.! Del.
Hi Tom, thanks for your kind words mate, its good to know that it can help someone out there and make a bit of difference, i just post up the stuff i knw muself to pass it on to my fellow riders... and also to save them a few pennies too by not having to go to the dealer for everything... cheers mate and ride safe.. Del.
Thanks Dan, as if i could possibly hope to rival the mighty BBHR, you guys where my inspiration in the first place, and like all Zen masters, you always keep a little back to get the jump back on the pupil....prepare for some kickin videos from the 'peace out' Brothers....lol..
Just did my belt om my 2019 Softail Slim using your method, did not take much adjustment. What I did notice was after I tightened the belt to specs it also will move the roto rmore backward and moves the brake pads further to the edge of the rotor . Any concerns there ? Or a brake caliber adjustment possible ? Thank You
If you look at your brake caliper mounting block, it's on a slide groove, and when you pull the wheel back, the caliper goes with it... so don't worry mate, it'll be fine, the pads stay exactly where they are through the full range of the wheel's adjustment.
I have a 2003 Heritage Softail. If those read adjuster bolts get twisted/adjusted, if the axle hasn't been loosened, it shouldn't affect the alignment, should it? Someone tightened mine to do me a favor LOL, I backed them back out equal to one another, but the axle never did move according to my measurements. Still, I'm a bit paranoid.
Thank you sir! I like your vids. I've still a problem with the rear wheel alignment. The swingarm shaft does not have a center point as the wheel axial shaft bolt does. How can I check in this case the rear wheel alignment? It concerns een softail fatboy from 2005. I hope you can help me with this problem. Thanks. Best regards, Wilfred.
with a half inch of 90* bend and an alligator clip...adjustable and holds tight. PS, insert 90* into swing arm center and adjust clip to center of axel. Compare to other side of wheel.
Hello Delboy love you videos, I have a question I took of my rear wheel and my left spacer has a ( > ) notch cut into it like a arrow does the point of the ( > ) notch point to the inner side of the wheel . Please Reply Thank You Again Brother
Hi Victor, generally speaking, spacer arrow would always point inwards to the wheel, but if a spacer is asymmetric, and specifically, sided then it will usually fit one way only... this is one of those things which justifies the cost of a genuine Harley Manual for your bike, not cheap, but always contains just such advice... your Harley Dealer will have them, invaluable!
The markings are pretty much accurate on all bike mate, but look closely at them...they are about 2mm thick, so if you're "towards the front" of the mark on one side, and "towards the back" of the mark on the other, you can be up to 4mm out and still accept that you're correct...measuring it from the swing arm pivot in MM's will simply give you a far more accurate measurement.
Then after you line up the wheel and axle the belt will be either loose or tight . Adjusting the belt tension will screw up the alignment , back to start again.
Hi delboy. Got a bit of a problem and need some urgent help my friend. Took off front weel to change tyre wasnt too careful taking the axle off and washer and spacer fell off without me being able to see which side or in what sequence they go back on. I have a 2000 custom 1200cc sporster. Can you help as having trouble finding technical references on the web. Thanks
Hi buddy, this is really common and it's actually quite self explanatory when you look at it... the axle fits in from the right hand side as you sit on the bike, first there is a narrow bearing spacer (like a thick washer) that inserts in to the bearing like a cap for the shoulder of the axle to bear against, then wriggle the axle through and the wide spacer, about 1" thick, goes the other side, then as it emerges through the fork leg, just a washer and nut on the otside.. that should make sense! I can recommend the genuine H-D manual, as they have full diagrams of any part of the bike, including this... hope that helps buddy, Del
Dear Delboy, thanks again so much for your help, your advise is invaluable. I owe you a beer. I have introduced many of my friends in cyprus were i live to your site and they all commend it. Long may you carry on. Been riding bikes so long now forgot how to drive a car and copped a ticket for not wearing a seat belt a few minutes while i was getting the tyre on my bike change. Bike had a flat hence the need to remove the weel myself. Anyways thanks again my friend. Andreas
androz8362 Hi Andreas, how cool to hear that you live in Cyprus, i bet its sunny all year round, and what amazing riding weather you must have... Thank you co much for telling your friends, its great to be able to reach out and help our fellow bikers around the world.... take care buddy, and ride safe in the sun.... all the best, Del & Penny;
+AntharesRock No, all you need to ensure my friend, is that the bike is upright, then the weight is central and you can set the alignment.. get a buddy to hold the bike on the balance point... then set it up..
1mm isn't the end of the world, but if you can get it right, why not do so... 1mm is little more than an 1/8th turn on the adjustor nut on the forward side...
Assumes perfect symmetry and no offset. I know that's not the case on my Softail. If I measured the swingarm pivot point to spindle and copied this on the other side, I'd have a misaligned wheel. As an aside, it's interesting that belt tension increases slightly as you torque the wheel. Been the same way on every Harley I've owned.
Hi Gerry, an easy trick for that one... you may have 2 x 3mm holes drilled in the swingarm, about 6" forward of the axle (one either side), you can use those, they are an intended reference point, but if you don't have those holes, then draw a line down from the bottom shock bolt and then use those as they will be equidistant both sides.
Hi Del, what service manual do you recommend, I saw one of your podcasts & you were saying it was money well spent, do you mean a genuine HD service manual or Clymer or Haynes. You mentioned that you got yours from Jersey --many thanks
No worries, I am OCD a bit, so will get the proper item. Getting g all the tools together, just need to get a garage then will be looking around the dealers for me bike. Bloody raining down here in Sheep land --thanks mate
Hey Del, did you do video for doing your own tire change using only tire levers? (breaking bead etc) My tires need changing and I want to do it myself and paint my rims at the same time.. any advice would be cool.
No buddy, I never change my own tyres, it saves nothing financially, and the guy I buy my tyres from fits them for free... he also uses a bead sealant, so they retain pressure far longer, and balances them too! Why would I huff and puff with tyre levers when we have that service available too!!
Moonfleet41 ok thanks. I thought I was doing the right thing trying to it all myself (including tyres) It's too late for me as I've already bought them.. I am about to follow your 5000 mile service, but also just watched the primary chain oil and adjustment. because I don't know when it was done. your videos are awesome! I have learned a lot. from a Brit, living in the US, with his first Harley!
No its no 'too late' Paul, of course you can fit them yourself, there are lots of videos on it, get some decent levers and some nylon rim protectors, and have a go.. maybe also price up the cost of taking them to a shop and having them fitted to loose wheels...it may be cheaper then buying the levers etc.... Good plan to do the service if you have no history... good luck with it, and let us know how you get on.... cheers. Del.. (P.S. Jealous of you living in the US lol)
Hi Kali, Yes you can change your back tyre to a 180, as long as you change the rim too, you'll need a 5" rim at least..! for a tyre that wide you'll need to fit a slimmer belt, or maybe a chain as the regular belt will foul thee tyre. but you cant fit a tyre that size on the factory rim.. its too narrow.
Hi mate, thank you for your very kind comments, I know what you mean, You Tube is growing all the time and there are increasingly more people doing what I do, so it will only ever get better...if you need anything specific and I can help then just send me a PM or a comment and I can make a video for you, I'm always looking for new subjects to add to the library of videos - thanks Del
Hi buddy, this video is about 10yrs old now, and this paint job was done about 11yrs ago, I don't remember the paint codes now, but the white was called Polar White, but don't remember the name of the blue/green colour... we picked it from a chart at the custom paint shop, it wasn't a Harley colour at all, so I'm afraid the best I can suggest is pick a colour you personally like and go with that... sorry can't be more help
Moonfleet41 thanks for your reply,just bought a 2005 dyna super glide with 12000 miles off my friend because is leaving the country for work and ,follow your video,I’m replacing the seals and oil to the front fork because they loosing oil. Never touched before a tool,wish me luck
@@vincenzopetrocco5349 Congrats on getting the bike... good luck with the upgrades and repairs, hope you can get it all sorted, drop us a line if you get stuck, happy to share an opinion if it helps!
Hey Delboy, If you have the time I have a question. Recently removed the rear tire and rim on my 2005 Sportster to fix a flat and have the rim powder coated (looks awesome). I did not note which is the left/right side of the rim. I would think this is of great importance as the hub is wider on one side. Thanks in advance Joe Kacmarynski from Jacksonville, FL
Del,I have a Harley soft tail w/a fuel gauge in the petro tank. I want to paint the tank and have no idea how to remove this gauge w/out damage. Any ideas ?
HELP HELP, I took my rear wheel off (Iron 2009) and I cant put it back by any means, I am missing something, I installed lowering kits and even removed them to make sure the bike is in stock height and nothing is squeezing the swing arm. Please help !
Hey buddy, I am reading from what you've said that the swing arm isn't closing up on the wheel and there is, maybe, a gap?? If so, you may have left a spacer out either side of the wheel, there is usually one each side, or if you haven't left one out, have you, perhaps, got them the wrong way round?? Have a search around to see if there is anything on the floor left over and check that if the spacers, if there are there, are correctly installed...
+Moonfleet41 hey, thanks for the quick reply. I am not missing any spacers everything is in place as per the service manual. Yet the brake caliper seems to be in the way having no room. I am trying to slide it in between the smaller spacer and the swing arm but it seems impossible to do.. I had a friend helping too and we both failed after a couple of hours (first time :D )
Sorry, am a little confused, you said in the first message you couldn't clamp the swing arm together, so am presuming you have the axle through the wheel, but there is a gap?? So, now you are saying you can't get the wheel between the swing arm and the caliper?? Is that right??
Moonfleet41 My bad, no I mean that it is actually too tight. I start with the belt side everything goes smooth, I have the belt in place, axle pass through all the way to the other side. That is where the problem is, when trying to fit the other (narrow) spacer between the wheel bearing and the caliper, there is no room it is tight and seem impossible to fit in. So I cannot align the narrow spacer with the caliper and the swing arm to pass the axle through. Something I am missing about the technique, do I slide the caliper.. do I have to fully remove it ? By any chance is there any of your videos showing installing the rear wheel of a Sportster ?! - Thanks in advance really appreciate your help.
Ah i see now Ahmed, ok, check to see if the spacer istelf doesnt actually fit "into" the wheel...some times they slot into a shallow recess in the wheel and you have to fit it in the wheel first, before you slot the wheel up into its location and slide tha axle through.... this is because the space left once the wheel is lined up is narrower than the gap.... so drop the wheel nack out.. and see if that spacer fits in a hole..!!!!!!?.. then if it does.. just carefully slide the wheel back into place with the spacer held still (you sometimes need three hands lol) and it should all fit together... Good luck and let me know how it goes sir... Cheers. Del.
stephen boler Hey Stephen... link here for you sir, part one and follow the link to part two... its on a suzuki caliper, the the inner parts are pretty much the same and this should see you through... hope it helps.. good luck. Del. ua-cam.com/video/EDfNb_9YkcI/v-deo.html
Hi Del. Got a few questions which i hope you can answer. Im new to the Harley crew and i bought a sportster xl1200l and just wondering where you got Pennys shocks from and the xl1200l is fuel injected so what are the repercussions for wrapping the standard exhausts? heard something about the pizo ? and fuel usage from the exhausts overheating? Cheers, keep on educating me with your awesome videos.
UPDATED VIDEO: Easy Homemade Alignment Tool : ua-cam.com/video/ljcD1yvfeJI/v-deo.html
A video from 12 years ago...still helping people today. Love it man. Thanks for the tip!
No problem, and thank you, what more could we ask for than our content endure the test of time.
Now when you are done just do one more alignment check as per us old men. Have your buddy sit on the bike and hold the bike upright off the side stand, have your buddy hold the handlebars so that the font tire is pointing straight ahead. Take some kite string and run it in a loop from the rear tire , around the front tire and then back to the rear tire. If the tires are not perfectly aligned you will see the string not touching the tires completely even. No brainer - always works. My 1976 Triumph has a center stand so I could do this all by myself once I got the hang of it. I raced my Bonneville and won for ten consecutive years on the back roads of long Island New York. So that should suffice as to the accuracy of my wheel alignments. In other words the handling was impeccable!
Hey!! Strong Island!!!
I drive trucks and had my brother get a new tire mounted on my Roadking wheel, and getting ready to put it back on and adjust belt and Alignment. Yes this will help alot.. I notice you have alot of Good video's with tips.. Its people liike yourself that makes UA-cam such a great place to hang out..
Your videos are greatly appreciated.Saved me lots of time as well as money for unnecessary tools.
Best bike maintenance videos for DIYers on UA-cam. Practical and smart. Thank you.
Thank you for your kind words. 👍
Alright Del. Seen a couple of negative things about your presentations recently and and felt compelled to reach out. I just want to say how much your videos have helped me regarding my Thruxton and FXD, always very helpful. Please keep up the good work.
All the best from a 68 yr. old ex.pat. Brit in NY State. Cheers.
Thank you so much Sir for your kind words of support... sadly there will always be negative people on the internet and as a wise man said 'your audience is the world, so you're always going to drag in a few gurnards with the cod'... once again, thank you for getting in touch and safe travels my friend.
Thank you sir this is one of the most valuable video I’ve seen since getting my harley
Glad it helped
Simple, quick, and costs $0 for most people who have a roll of packing tape and two pointy things. Thanks for the video from 2024!
Thanks for watching!
Hey Justin... yeah the basic mechanical principles apply to any machine..its just a case of applying them right... good luck and thanks for watching... Del.
Hello mate, it's 2 bolts to take the pegs off, but if you don't want to, try the old trick of a 6 foot straight edge alongside the rear wheel, look along it's length and check it is parallel with the lower frame rails (the best household straight edge is a flourescent strip light tube...they are perfectly straight & 6 foot long), see how you get on, Del
Just to clarify, I'm not a public service, nor do I make videos on demand, I film the things that we do for our use & share them with The Tube..so as much as you would like to 'see a video on axle end play' I don't have one to send you, perhaps I could suggest buying a Harley Davidson manual wherein you will find the exact information you need, my friend. Thanks for watching, Good Luck with it.
Thank you very much for this simple tip.. so easy, I feel stupid for not thinking of this myself. Great work all around on all of your videos. Keep them coming!
Thank you my friend, much appreciated! Glad the videos can help you out....
@@Moonfleet41 I have a Dyna fxdb 2013 legends front and 13.5 fox rear suspension. My problem is my rear tire feels like it's on ice almost like it wants to do it's own thing. Not sure if I'm explaining problem correctly, bike went from Amazing cornering and handling to the point where I don't feel comfortable riding at all. Please help!!! Thanks in advance
It could be the ten years running a bike dealership, or maybe the thirty years riding motorcycles...but i think its just because i have a really big anorak, and im constantly skint so have to do things for myself...lol thanks for watching.... Del.
Hi Vlad', if you are fitting just "slip-on" silencers then they are easy and work right away with no mother mods needed, if its full length pipes from the head right back then i would fit a fueler and free flow filter to balance up the breathing, and if you are going all the way and fitting open pipes,you'll need to do all the above, AND fit an O2 sensor plug bypass (about £14) but if you use some with O2 sensor holes they will work if you fit the fueller.best advice wouild be stick to slip-ons.
Thanks Del, that was useful, having just been told by a mate that the wheel on my 'glide was out of alignment I can vouch for was you say are the effects. This happened after I had new tyres fitted and I thought it was the tyres, but turns out the wheel is out, so I will use you method to sort it. Cheers.
+Mark Owen Glad the video can help mate... you wouldn't believe how many times I hear that people have had tyres changed and there is something cocked eyed when it's re-assembled ! They don't earn much money from tyre fitting and it seems they often don't take much care... hope you get it sorted!
This was a gift that keeps on giving, thank you From Northern California.
Most welcome Sir, and as you're from NC, we're sending all our best wishes and hope the storm hasn't done you any damage, more importantly, hoping everyone is safe there, good luck and tc, D&Px
The 2004 XL1200R factory workshop manual suggests using a length of aluminum welding rod bent 90 dg. at one end 1/2" and sharpened a bit to fit in the swingarm dimple, with a grommet slid on the rod near the other end near the axle, slide the grommet to axle center, etc. (Accurate plus saves tape, nails and pencils) Lol. Thank you for the great videos!!
That works real well buddy, we try to pitch the video at those you don't have garage equipment, such as welding rod, as household things can be adapted to do the same job, and it's better that someone does it at all, rather than neglecting it cos they don't have the equipment... but good point well made, thanks for watching!
Right on. I might try with a wire coat hanger.
The little dimple in the swing arm pivot is very small and precise. However, the large hole in the axle allows for a lot of movement, or so it appears. In order for this method to work, both points have to be very precise. On Japanese bikes I measured wheel alignment with a piece of welding rod with a small rubber washer slipped over it, so it fit snug but could be moved. I then put one end of the welding rod right at the point where the tire bead meets the wheel, and slid the rubber washer up against the inside edge of the swing arm. I then did the same thing on the other side. If the distances were the same, then the wheel was centered in the swing arm. However, as someone who just bought my first Harley, I don't even know if the wheel should be centered in the swing arm, as I don't know if the swing arm is symmetrical.
This video is over 5 years old.. come up to date and watch the current video mate..! ua-cam.com/video/ljcD1yvfeJI/v-deo.html
Either side of your axle is different diameter hole... this tapered tool you can make in minutes for yourself will guarantee to find the all important centre of the axle tube..!
Finally! someone I can understand!!! Thanks so much for all of your uncomplicated info. If I can get it, anyone can. Youv'e been a great help Del thanks again...Jeff
Del, I recently sold my Sportster to get a 2013 Electra Glide Classic, which has a self-aligning rear wheel, but watched this anyhow because I enjoy your talks. And love it that you use gaffer's tape--always have a roll in the garage. Let me know when you and the missus are headed to Florida.
Tom Morrisey Hi Tom, that is our first destination of choice for a dream holiday... to come over and visit our friends in the US and maybe do a 'tour'... too much work make jack a dull boy and all that ! Cool choice on the ElectraGlide, what a beautiful bike... ride safe and enjoy Sir, all the best from Blighty!
Great video! I went to school to be a diesel Mechanic over 10 years ago and I learned how to do alignments the same way, I stupidly never thought of applying it to my bike. I just bought an Iron 883 myself so this information will be useful.
Hi Milo, Great job with the race paint buddy.....cheers Del..
Hi Rob, yeah you can make all kinds of funky tools, but i always loose them and end up using the gaffa tape again lol.... im buried training for a new job all this week, but will catch the videos in between moments..... good going chum... catch you soon... Del.
Yet another brilliant video. Stuff made simple that this over complicated world we live in likes to sell you the newest gadget.
In 2021 I bought a brand new 114 softail Fat Boy. When I bought it I had to keep going back to the dealer - complaining it was pulling to one side. After ridiculing me and making me feel like an idiot -like I could not ride, they looked at it several times. There conclusion was rider stupidity. Despite wearing the off side only of the front tyre to illegal level by 3000 miles!!🤬
Being a brand new bike I was reluctant to work on it but….. I took two pencils and a bit of string and could instantly see the rear wheel was out of line. 🤬
I had to buy £50 worth of sockets (I got good impact ones- why would you not 🤷♂️) straightened it using a vernia calliper from axle to the flats on the frame.
The bike rides fine now - it doesn’t pull and my “new” tyre is still great after another 3k miles. I have had to change the rear as that got out of whack too.
I am sure that the dealer has some very competent mechanics but you don’t know who will be working on it. And if is an apprentice how well they are overseen. We all have to learn - not a problem. However…..
I used to be a relatively competent mechanic on older vehicles however through years (more than I care to think about) of not doing it I have lost a lot of confidence to do new stuff. Where is the carb!! 🤣😂
But thanks to your videos I am finding that confidence back - gradually. Old principles still apply. 😊
The money I spend on tools I more than save by not having to pay the dealer - and I know it’s done right. With care and attention to detail.
Thank you for such consistently good info and entertainment. 👍
Good luck with your Harley Luke. Harley often do things in a frustratingly strange way but it’s a Harley and you gotta love it.
If you got this far thank you for reading my massive rant.
Safe rides 👍🤜
ha ha, what a glorious rant and i understand every word, it's hard to trust anyone when we hear so much bad press... but on the whole, most mechanics are hard working people who are just pushed too hard by bosses who are driven by profit and budgets.. in the end there will always be a temptation to cut corners to make it all work, and that's when problems can happen.. no working technician can ever afford to put the meticulous attention to detail in that you can, at home, at your leisure.. it's simple logistics.. It's great to hear you're getting back into it and buying tools, you're right, there is really no different to the bike of 30 years ago, just a bit more electronics and governance, but the nuts and bolts don't change. Take care and enjoy your wrenching buddy.. and thanks for your kind feedback. Del.
Hi Del, my Street Bob 2007 has no marking on the pivot point of the swingarm. Also this pivot point is not very easy to reach, making measuring the distance to the rear axle quiet a job in itself. What I did is measure the distance from the back of the swingarm to the rear axle with a caliper. I presume both the left and right parts of the swing arm are equal in length so that gives a good reference to align the rear axle with the pivot point axis.
Same issue here! Same bike too! Thanks for the tip.
There’s a small hole drilled in both sides of the rear fork (swing arm) for this purpose.
It’s outlined in the 2005 Dyna Service Manual.
Yes mate,can be confusing,as the front wheel steers,then no,it's not aligned with the front wheel,it's aligned with the centre line of the bike,which is 90degrees to the swing arm.
Front wheel alignment is getting both fork legs absolutely parrallel to each other in the yokes, so that the wheel runs at exactly 90degrees to the handlebars. As our bodies will naturally straighten the bars for ride comfort the bike will crab unless both alignments are correct, but are independent of each other.
Used metal rod bend one end 90 degrees slide rubber o ring down rod for accuracy worked great
Thanks for the update. I wish I had seen it sooner, could have save me $20. I bought one from Motion Pro, which is pretty much like yours, except instead of having a metal cone, it has a round plastic ball that moves along the wire. My bike is a 2006 1200 Sportster, so it has the front holes in the swingarm pivot instead of close to the rear axle
Sorry buddy, it's always about the timing... it's the principle I was trying to demonstrate of an apparatus that you can set to length and lock off and then translate to the other side for comparison... at least you have a proper one, unlike mine lol !
This man is awesome! It would be cool if I had a neighbor like him.
You method is perfectly fine mate, as long as the length from the swing arm axle to the back end of the swing arm is the same, then that will work just as well..... nice one.. Del.
Watch all your vids thenbfix everyones bikes. They think im an alien cuz of the vast knowledge i have. Thanks im a hero in my circle
Thanks Del. I measured the thread on the belt adjusters. I will do it this way before I use the bike again.
+Martin Billingham No worries, Martin.. give us a shout if you need any more help buddy!
Hi Edward, congrats on a great bike & glad to hear you are going your own way & painting it! ..The fuel gauge is mounted from underneath, it's mounted through the tank rather than in it, so if you take it off and turn it upside down you'll see the wiring and mount underneath...they are also snugged into their position, so you may need to push it out from below with a screw driver, but either way, once you get it off the bike & turned over you'll see how it's mounted, good luck, hope that helps!
Ahh amazing advice. No better way than the old way! Many thanks
Is disc lock needed when adjusting alignment?
RIDIN' 42YRS. AND YOUR OLD WAY IS THE BEST WAY.THANKS!
48tats Thanks buddy...
Hello Jeff, thanks for your kind comments, it's a pleasure to have been of help ... it isn't hard to do these jobs, but often, understanding them and cutting through the tech jargon is the biggest hurdle... ride safe, my friend, cheers Del
thats how we used to build stuff string lines and plumb bobs simple but EFFECTIVE good job thanks for sharing be safe peace !!!!
Excellent video! I am going to be changing my tires and I was curious about the alignment. This helped me a lot.
Great video. I love seeing the wold way of doing things. Good to see a video from ya!
Correct, but not very accurate, the belt will run in the middle once the bike has done a few miles becuase it wears itself a comfy groove...and to get it to 'climb' out to one side it would need to be pretty out of line...would work on a new belt and pulley though.. thanks for watching.. Del.
Brilliant. My belt has been running the outside of the pulley extremely bad. i have been hearing chriping for some time and i think its the belt. been keeping an eye on it and now the wear is pretty hard to ignore. Tonight i tinkered with it because i think the wheel is running crooked. The last guy that worked on my bike likes to drink, like alot. so i have been trying to do everything myself. Was about to say f it ill take it to the shop, then i youtube a vid and of course i check yours first. yep ill be doing this in the morn lol. Your the man delboy!! im gonna try making something like this out of a metal coat hanger.
Nice one buddy, a belt chewing on the side of a pulley is a sure sign of mis-alignment - see how it goes and keep us posted buddy, happy to help if you get stuck - good luck with it, Del
Well i got some time to try to get this taken care of. So my tire has been running crooked according to the tool i made, same concept of what you showed us. so when i straighten my tire up when i roll the tire in reverse the belt will eventually make its way across the pulley and start catching on the tire. run it a little crooked it doesnt do it. i checked and re checked to make sure my tool wasnt off. so what gives? im thinking maybe a bent rim, maybe a pulley, is there a spacer i might be missing? Thanks Delboy!!
Hey Ryan. ok, it doesnt make sense that the belt will foul the tyre when its straight.....so a cpouple of questions... how much gap is there between the tyre and belt when it was running off and chewing the pulley?.... AND... exactly what tyre is fitted to the back.. i mean, what is the full specification... and what bike do you have buddy..?
Very good and simple tip mate thanks,keep up the good work!!!!!
Thanks mate, appreciate you watching and glad it helped out.
Thank you mate! Just replaced my brakes and tires and didn’t have the tool (metal rod one not the stupid laser one). I needed something fast
so I can get back to riding while I wait for the $15 rod.
indeed, there is always the old way, the original way, and once you learn that, the rest is juyst gagets... cheers buddy, take care.. Del.
Also can I use Permated Copper Anti Seize Lubricant on my axle instead of GREASE.
Hi Victor, no I wouldn't do that, anti-seize compounds are not designed to lubricate, it's a mis-nomer when they call them 'grease', they are simply there to provide a waterproof barrier in the interest of preventing corrosion, axles need grease, if you're worried about water, or the grease washing off, then you can use marine outboard grease or white lithium grease, but do not use copper anti-seize on it... it can actually cause errorsion between rubbing surfaces...
Thanks good vid, Whats the method on a older hardtail harley ?
I get the point of measuring centre to centre of either axles. What about measuring the remaining thread on the back of the tensioners with a pair or verniers equal to one and other i assure that method could also be used.
thomas watson ah but what if tensioner bolts are different lengths or crushed at the end inside , centre of pin is accurate
In the midweek video this week ill be showing how to make yourself an exact and precise measuring tool to set your Harley wheel alignment to the nearest thousand of an inch...and it'll cost you 50p to make.... Video up Wednesday..!
My sportster has small holes on the swing arm a few inches in forward from the nuts, are they not used for alignment?
Hi Del, I have a 1984 FXSB Low Rider. I really like your videos, but, My Swing arm on the left side is just inside my inner Primary. There are no holes that I could use to align. there are foot peg mounts, but I wouldn't know if they were properly aligned before the drilling. Have you ever encountered this with said year and model? Thanks P.S. I have watched your updated video.
Hi Richard.. The 'dint' in the swing arm pivot only works for Sportsters.. for your Dyna you should have two holes drilled in the swing arm, one either side of the bike, and they will be about 4 to 6 inches on front of the back wheel axle, in clear sight.... Do you have those buddy..?
No such luck.
@@Moonfleet41 No such luck.
@@MrMrStruggles OK, there's always a way... Remember the shocks HAVE TO lay forwards at the exact same lean angle as each other, otherwise they will fight each other and twist the swing arm...so given that they have a top and bottom mount that will be in exactly the same place either side of the swing arm... try drawing a line with a felt pen directly downwards from the centre of the bottom shock mount bolt head... that line will in exactly the same spot both sides...so measure you're axle square form those lines..???.. see how that goes mate.. !
@@Moonfleet41 Thanks Del, I've got the pieces and will make it when I get to work. For my bike as you stated, i will be using the bottom bolt of my shock. Thanks Buddy.
hey Delboy great video nice of you to help out .... i have a little prob. of my own on my 94 softail the rear of the bike gets ~woobly~ from side to side always at around the same speed 140 k\hr under that speed i dont feel nothing do you have any idea i have checked all that i was able to think about form swing arm berrings to wheel berrings with no luck ..tkx mate
Hey buddy....ok, thats about 85mph in our money.... it could be a few things...wheel balancing, tyre wear, or just plain old incorrect pressures, and maybe a combination of more than one thing... So, what Softail is it? Fatboy, STC, Night Train etc (as they run varied wheels), and the pressures are important, also have a look and check to see if you've thrown a wheel weight off (look for skicky patches where its missing).....and what tyre pressures are you running too?... let me know buddy, see if i can help.! Del.
Thank You So Much For The Tips Brother I Definitely Appreciate All The Knowledge my Friend
Most welcome, am glad they help you out and thanks so much for your feedback!
Hi Tom, thanks for your kind words mate, its good to know that it can help someone out there and make a bit of difference, i just post up the stuff i knw muself to pass it on to my fellow riders... and also to save them a few pennies too by not having to go to the dealer for everything... cheers mate and ride safe.. Del.
Thanks Dan, as if i could possibly hope to rival the mighty BBHR, you guys where my inspiration in the first place, and like all Zen masters, you always keep a little back to get the jump back on the pupil....prepare for some kickin videos from the 'peace out' Brothers....lol..
Just did my belt om my 2019 Softail Slim using your method, did not take much adjustment. What I did notice was after I tightened the belt to specs it also will move the roto rmore backward and moves the brake pads further to the edge of the rotor . Any concerns there ? Or a brake caliber adjustment possible ? Thank You
If you look at your brake caliper mounting block, it's on a slide groove, and when you pull the wheel back, the caliper goes with it... so don't worry mate, it'll be fine, the pads stay exactly where they are through the full range of the wheel's adjustment.
I have a 2003 Heritage Softail. If those read adjuster bolts get twisted/adjusted, if the axle hasn't been loosened, it shouldn't affect the alignment, should it? Someone tightened mine to do me a favor LOL, I backed them back out equal to one another, but the axle never did move according to my measurements. Still, I'm a bit paranoid.
Thank you sir! I like your vids. I've still a problem with the rear wheel alignment. The swingarm shaft does not have a center point as the wheel axial shaft bolt does. How can I check in this case the rear wheel alignment? It concerns een softail fatboy from 2005. I hope you can help me with this problem. Thanks. Best regards, Wilfred.
Straighten out a wire coat hanger, works well.
with a half inch of 90* bend and an alligator clip...adjustable and holds tight.
PS, insert 90* into swing arm center and adjust clip to center of axel. Compare to other side of wheel.
I use a coat hanger bend one end at a 45 and put a wire tie on the other end so into can move , simple and old school
Hello Delboy love you videos, I have a question I took of my rear wheel and my left spacer has a ( > ) notch cut into it like a arrow does the point of the ( > ) notch point to the inner side of the wheel . Please Reply Thank You Again Brother
Hi Victor, generally speaking, spacer arrow would always point inwards to the wheel, but if a spacer is asymmetric, and specifically, sided then it will usually fit one way only... this is one of those things which justifies the cost of a genuine Harley Manual for your bike, not cheap, but always contains just such advice... your Harley Dealer will have them, invaluable!
thanks, I got a Harley Davidson manual and a good understanding on how to check axle end play. I was just making a comment .
Are the markings on the rear axle of a Japanese bike proven to be accurate or is it still best to apply this method to Japanese bikes as well?
The markings are pretty much accurate on all bike mate, but look closely at them...they are about 2mm thick, so if you're "towards the front" of the mark on one side, and "towards the back" of the mark on the other, you can be up to 4mm out and still accept that you're correct...measuring it from the swing arm pivot in MM's will simply give you a far more accurate measurement.
Then after you line up the wheel and axle the belt will be either loose or tight . Adjusting the belt tension will screw up the alignment , back to start again.
Hi delboy. Got a bit of a problem and need some urgent help my friend. Took off front weel to change tyre wasnt too careful taking the axle off and washer and spacer fell off without me being able to see which side or in what sequence they go back on. I have a 2000 custom 1200cc sporster. Can you help as having trouble finding technical references on the web. Thanks
Hi buddy, this is really common and it's actually quite self explanatory when you look at it... the axle fits in from the right hand side as you sit on the bike, first there is a narrow bearing spacer (like a thick washer) that inserts in to the bearing like a cap for the shoulder of the axle to bear against, then wriggle the axle through and the wide spacer, about 1" thick, goes the other side, then as it emerges through the fork leg, just a washer and nut on the otside.. that should make sense!
I can recommend the genuine H-D manual, as they have full diagrams of any part of the bike, including this... hope that helps buddy, Del
Dear Delboy, thanks again so much for your help, your advise is invaluable. I owe you a beer. I have introduced many of my friends in cyprus were i live to your site and they all commend it. Long may you carry on. Been riding bikes so long now forgot how to drive a car and copped a ticket for not wearing a seat belt a few minutes while i was getting the tyre on my bike change. Bike had a flat hence the need to remove the weel myself. Anyways thanks again my friend. Andreas
androz8362
Hi Andreas, how cool to hear that you live in Cyprus, i bet its sunny all year round, and what amazing riding weather you must have... Thank you co much for telling your friends, its great to be able to reach out and help our fellow bikers around the world.... take care buddy, and ride safe in the sun.... all the best, Del & Penny;
I have a question... Do you need to lift your bike to do the alignment
+AntharesRock No, on the contrary, you must have the front wheel on the ground and you can use a paddock stand at the back to hold it upright..
and if i don't use the paddock stand to hold it upright wold that be a wrong procedure?
+AntharesRock No, all you need to ensure my friend, is that the bike is upright, then the weight is central and you can set the alignment.. get a buddy to hold the bike on the balance point... then set it up..
Hi Del. I got a XL1200CA Custom 2014 Year. what is the Torque on the back Axle nut? I want to fit a Side Licence Plate?
Syl
Ayup Sly...not sure if its the same on the 2014 bike, but on the 2010 bike it was 95-105 ft-lbs.. hope that helps.. Del.
Moonfleet41 Thanks Del
Hi Delboy.is a difference of 1 mm on one side dramatically???
1mm isn't the end of the world, but if you can get it right, why not do so... 1mm is little more than an 1/8th turn on the adjustor nut on the forward side...
Assumes perfect symmetry and no offset. I know that's not the case on my Softail. If I measured the swingarm pivot point to spindle and copied this on the other side, I'd have a misaligned wheel. As an aside, it's interesting that belt tension increases slightly as you torque the wheel. Been the same way on every Harley I've owned.
I would like to see a video on how to check axle end play . after installing a set of wheel bearings. thanks for your video,s
Good tip , you could also use a large compas or divider
Yep, the kind teachers use for blackboard use in schools..!
Cool trick but on my 05 Dyna the Axle pivot point is covered on both sides so I don't know what to use as a point of reference for this method.
Hi Gerry, an easy trick for that one... you may have 2 x 3mm holes drilled in the swingarm, about 6" forward of the axle (one either side), you can use those, they are an intended reference point, but if you don't have those holes, then draw a line down from the bottom shock bolt and then use those as they will be equidistant both sides.
Thats what I like about you moonfleet , old school it. Thanks again.
Hi Del, what service manual do you recommend, I saw one of your podcasts & you were saying it was money well spent, do you mean a genuine HD service manual or Clymer or Haynes. You mentioned that you got yours from Jersey --many thanks
Hi Geoff, get the genuine HD service manual from thre main dealer only... !
No worries, I am OCD a bit, so will get the proper item. Getting g all the tools together, just need to get a garage then will be looking around the dealers for me bike. Bloody raining down here in Sheep land --thanks mate
Raining?.. i bet its still warm though..? lol
Yep very close, big thunderstorm on the way.
The less info the less liability. Thanks for the tip. Didn't know reference point myself.
Hey Del,
did you do video for doing your own tire change using only tire levers? (breaking bead etc)
My tires need changing and I want to do it myself and paint my rims at the same time.. any advice would be cool.
No buddy, I never change my own tyres, it saves nothing financially, and the guy I buy my tyres from fits them for free... he also uses a bead sealant, so they retain pressure far longer, and balances them too! Why would I huff and puff with tyre levers when we have that service available too!!
Moonfleet41
ok thanks. I thought I was doing the right thing trying to it all myself (including tyres)
It's too late for me as I've already bought them..
I am about to follow your 5000 mile service, but also just watched the primary chain oil and adjustment. because I don't know when it was done.
your videos are awesome! I have learned a lot.
from a Brit, living in the US, with his first Harley!
No its no 'too late' Paul, of course you can fit them yourself, there are lots of videos on it, get some decent levers and some nylon rim protectors, and have a go.. maybe also price up the cost of taking them to a shop and having them fitted to loose wheels...it may be cheaper then buying the levers etc.... Good plan to do the service if you have no history... good luck with it, and let us know how you get on.... cheers. Del.. (P.S. Jealous of you living in the US lol)
Good video, and very informative. Thanks a bunch from Illinois .........
Hi del I bought 48sportster in 2017 is it possible to change rear tyre 180 front 150 with belt thanks bro all the videos it’s really great 👍
Hi Kali, Yes you can change your back tyre to a 180, as long as you change the rim too, you'll need a 5" rim at least..! for a tyre that wide you'll need to fit a slimmer belt, or maybe a chain as the regular belt will foul thee tyre. but you cant fit a tyre that size on the factory rim.. its too narrow.
Thank you mate really appreciate your help
Mines close enough. Thanks for the help!
Does rear shock tention change belt tention
No, it should make no difference. !
Is this the the same way to ajust s softail
You're welcome, i hope it helped you.. Del.
Hi mate, thank you for your very kind comments, I know what you mean, You Tube is growing all the time and there are increasingly more people doing what I do, so it will only ever get better...if you need anything specific and I can help then just send me a PM or a comment and I can make a video for you, I'm always looking for new subjects to add to the library of videos - thanks Del
Thanks Justin.
Great Videos Del!!
Great info and impeccable advice
hi,i have a 2005 dyna,can you please tell me the two color code of that bike,i will like to paint mine like this,thanks
Hi buddy, this video is about 10yrs old now, and this paint job was done about 11yrs ago, I don't remember the paint codes now, but the white was called Polar White, but don't remember the name of the blue/green colour... we picked it from a chart at the custom paint shop, it wasn't a Harley colour at all, so I'm afraid the best I can suggest is pick a colour you personally like and go with that... sorry can't be more help
Moonfleet41 thanks for your reply,just bought a 2005 dyna super glide with 12000 miles off my friend because is leaving the country for work and ,follow your video,I’m replacing the seals and oil to the front fork because they loosing oil.
Never touched before a tool,wish me luck
@@vincenzopetrocco5349 Congrats on getting the bike... good luck with the upgrades and repairs, hope you can get it all sorted, drop us a line if you get stuck, happy to share an opinion if it helps!
Thanks mate, you're very kind, and we appreciate the support... take care.. Del.
i have rear footpegs on my sportster, i can't get a clear shot at it to mesure it from there, any other spots i can use?
Hey Delboy,
If you have the time I have a question. Recently removed the rear tire and rim on my 2005 Sportster to fix a flat and have the rim powder coated (looks awesome). I did not note which is the left/right side of the rim. I would think this is of great importance as the hub is wider on one side.
Thanks in advance
Joe Kacmarynski from Jacksonville, FL
Cheers mate, dopnt tell anyone, but i used to watch a lot of blue peter....lol..
That's how to check alignment, but then how do you adjust it?
but what is the required distance between?
Doesn't matter, as long as the belt in the correct tension and they are the same distance each side. !
Oh my god that is so simple thank you so much
Del,I have a Harley soft tail w/a fuel gauge in the petro tank. I want to paint the tank and have no idea how to remove this gauge w/out damage. Any ideas ?
HELP HELP, I took my rear wheel off (Iron 2009) and I cant put it back by any means, I am missing something, I installed lowering kits and even removed them to make sure the bike is in stock height and nothing is squeezing the swing arm.
Please help !
Hey buddy, I am reading from what you've said that the swing arm isn't closing up on the wheel and there is, maybe, a gap??
If so, you may have left a spacer out either side of the wheel, there is usually one each side, or if you haven't left one out, have you, perhaps, got them the wrong way round??
Have a search around to see if there is anything on the floor left over and check that if the spacers, if there are there, are correctly installed...
+Moonfleet41 hey, thanks for the quick reply. I am not missing any spacers everything is in place as per the service manual. Yet the brake caliper seems to be in the way having no room. I am trying to slide it in between the smaller spacer and the swing arm but it seems impossible to do.. I had a friend helping too and we both failed after a couple of hours (first time :D )
Sorry, am a little confused, you said in the first message you couldn't clamp the swing arm together, so am presuming you have the axle through the wheel, but there is a gap?? So, now you are saying you can't get the wheel between the swing arm and the caliper?? Is that right??
Moonfleet41 My bad, no I mean that it is actually too tight. I start with the belt side everything goes smooth, I have the belt in place, axle pass through all the way to the other side. That is where the problem is, when trying to fit the other (narrow) spacer between the wheel bearing and the caliper, there is no room it is tight and seem impossible to fit in. So I cannot align the narrow spacer with the caliper and the swing arm to pass the axle through. Something I am missing about the technique, do I slide the caliper.. do I have to fully remove it ? By any chance is there any of your videos showing installing the rear wheel of a Sportster ?! - Thanks in advance really appreciate your help.
Ah i see now Ahmed, ok, check to see if the spacer istelf doesnt actually fit "into" the wheel...some times they slot into a shallow recess in the wheel and you have to fit it in the wheel first, before you slot the wheel up into its location and slide tha axle through.... this is because the space left once the wheel is lined up is narrower than the gap.... so drop the wheel nack out.. and see if that spacer fits in a hole..!!!!!!?.. then if it does.. just carefully slide the wheel back into place with the spacer held still (you sometimes need three hands lol) and it should all fit together... Good luck and let me know how it goes sir... Cheers. Del.
brother that was a well done vidio!! have you got one on rebiulding a calliper?? keep them coming awesome thanks!!!
stephen boler Hey Stephen... link here for you sir, part one and follow the link to part two... its on a suzuki caliper, the the inner parts are pretty much the same and this should see you through... hope it helps.. good luck. Del. ua-cam.com/video/EDfNb_9YkcI/v-deo.html
Hi Del. Got a few questions which i hope you can answer. Im new to the Harley crew and i bought a sportster xl1200l and just wondering where you got Pennys shocks from and the xl1200l is fuel injected so what are the repercussions for wrapping the standard exhausts? heard something about the pizo ? and fuel usage from the exhausts overheating?
Cheers, keep on educating me with your awesome videos.
Good stuff del cheers
Thanks! Man, how do you know all this stuff?