First ride & Shocked!

[Drew]

Ok guys sorry about the title but it got you looking!

Yesterday i took delivery of my Sportster

Today i had my first quick ride (12 miles) and i need to adjust the rear shocks which is a very easy job with the correct tool.

So can anyone tell me what size wrench i need or where i can get a Harley one from (ebay has loads of varying sizes but which do i need)

The oil is a mistery as well, checked the tank cold before i went out and it was quarter way up i.e. approx 25% above the lower mark, however it says on the stick check oil when hot (gives both readings in the manual)
When i returned its just and i mean just registering on the very bottom of the stick i.e. below the lower level mark? Does that happen because i thought it would expand so the reading would be around the top mark when hot?

Front brake was not brill (have read a lot about that anyway on the forum) and i would go as far as to say its maybe worse than the drum brake on my 28 year old SP400 which made way for the Harley.

Now that's all the only gripe out of the, so............... ITS FCUKing FANTASTIC and its given me a real buzz

Looking forward to the replys

[grbrown]

Hi Drew,

Welcome to your new bike, which I gather is a 54 plate? With the low mileage it has it seems quite likely the previous owner has pussy-footed around on it. When was it last serviced, if ever?

An oil and filter change might be in order, restoring it to the proper level, also flush through the brakes, to replace the fluid. This may improve the feel of the front brake. If not, a braided hose could improve things, as could alternative brand brake pads.

With such a low mileage it is worth giving it a thorough service, partly to get acquainted with it, but also to check that everything is functioning OK. After all, the bike has spent most of its life standing idle!

[BaZa®]

Drew you said in a previous post you did a part/exchange against the 54 plate sporty, so if it was from a garage then did they not service it first and have you any warranty?

I did a quick search (rear shock adjustment) on our site's toolbar and got this:

http://www.harley-davidson-hangout.c...djustment.html

Most sporty questions have been asked before.

[Urrell]

Originally Posted by Drew

The oil is a mistery as well, checked the tank cold before i went out and it was quarter way up i.e. approx 25% above the lower mark, however it says on the stick check oil when hot (gives both readings in the manual)
When i returned its just and i mean just registering on the very bottom of the stick i.e. below the lower level mark? Does that happen because i thought it would expand so the reading would be around the top mark when hot?

Expansion will not be noticeable.
The reason it's checked hot is after leaving it standing oil may find it's way from the tank into the sump leaving a lower level, The "sump" is dry as its scavenged by the oil pump back to the tank.

Check straight after a run. On the sidestand with the filler cap screwed in. Halfway up the stick is good as they tend to blow a bit out of the breather if up to the "full" mark

Enjoy the new ride

[OrangeR]

Originally Posted by grbrown

also flush through the brakes, to replace the fluid. This may improve the feel of the front brake. If not, a braided hose could improve things, as could alternative brand brake pads.

Make sure you use the correct fluid if you flush the brakes through. I believe you are DOT5 which doesn't mix with any other DOT (it also doesn't require replacing very often). DOT5 gives a spongy feel although this doesn't affect the working of the brakes but it can give the impression that they aren't working too well.

Cheers,

OR.........

[Urrell]

Replacing the brake pads with EBC pads will make a useful improvement.
These are what I have replaced mine with.

[krull]

Originally Posted by Urrell

Replacing the brake pads with EBC pads will make a useful improvement.
These are what I have replaced mine with.

I can second that. I have just changed all 3 sets on my 883r. They cost about 40% of what the OEM parts are. Better braking. Less drag. No whooshing sound at low speeds. Discs run cooler. I think one of the benefits is you ditch the insulator and shim in the front pads. Too many layers to compress when brakes are applied.

[Drew]

Apparently a service was carried out in June which would put the mileage around the 1200-1500 mark? I haven't got it to hand whilst i write this but its just a hand written receipt from a mobile Harley mechanic! and the book hasn't been stamped!

I guess i should drop the oil and change the filter. Is there any particular make of oil you guys n girls recommend, the grade is in the manual. And where's the best place to obtain the oil n filter please?

Thanks for all the help so far