Service stand and tools

[Fentible]

Hi all

Looking for a bit of advice as a new Harley owner.

I have a 2001 FXD dynaglide. I am more used to Japanese bikes and my tools and experience are thus directed. As I prefer to work on my own bike, can someone advise a good range of standard size tools (A/F and Torx??) and also in absence of a centre stand I have been looking at the small motorcycle lifts that are available such as the Clarke CML2 and I note there are a range of prices for similar items on ebay. Can anyone recommend one that will stabilise the bike sufficiently to work on it, or are the smaller screw type stands (similar to a an old scissor jack but with a wide foot for the bike to rest on) a better bet.

Cheers

Fent

[scooter333]

Hya

GMJ mini jack works a treat on mine, go to Alchemy Bikes

[banquo]

Full set of Torx for female fasteners, and don't forget to get a T27, not found in most kits. I used Halfords for these. Good enough quality.
If like mine, you also need long Torx for female fasteners to suit the footpeg bolts (maybe T45?) I bought a set of long Torx on eBay. Again, good enough. You absolutely need a 12 point 1/4" socket for the brake pad bolts. For spanners, you need a good range of A/F sockets, combination spanners, etc. Some of the fasteners are quite large (on mine), so certainly up to 1" in 1/16" increments. The most common are 1/2", 9/16" and 5/8", but my Softail uses up to 1 3/8" (from memory) and I'm pretty sure it uses 13/16" and 15/16". I needed a special shallow socket for the fork cap bolts. You need a set of ball end hexagon spanners or sockets (Allen Keys) for the primary chaincase, etc. Sockets are better, so you can torque down.

A lot of the fasteners you may think are male Torx are actually 12 point A/F, but you shouldn't need many of them for routine stuff.

Your FXDX will be different to the Softail, so if you want to buy individual tools, rather than sets, then it's a good idea to get a vernier and check all the obvious things you need spanners for, such as front and rear axle bolts, swinging arm pivot, drain plugs, etc. Most of the general fasteners are 1/2"-5/8" A/F.

I use the Clarke Lift from Machine Mart. No better or worse than the others on the market. As yours has a sump, you need to use the adpater plate (supplied with the Clarke) to clear the sump, which protrudes below the frame rails. You need some ratchet straps too, if you value your bike and your life when it's up there...

Tip - I got some quality used Snap-On tools at a good price from an Auto-Jumble. The prices were higher for metric, because not so many want the Imperial sizes any more.

Obviously there are various special tools needed for some jobs, and many of these are available for free rental from the Club, to Club Members.

There's a post on here for a travel tool kit at a special price to Club Members too. Do a search.

That's it - enjoy...

[telboy]

Originally Posted by banquo

Full set of Torx for female fasteners, and don't forget to get a T27, not found in most kits. I used Halfords for these. Good enough quality.
If like mine, you also need long Torx for female fasteners to suit the footpeg bolts (maybe T45?) I bought a set of long Torx on eBay. Again, good enough. You absolutely need a 12 point 1/4" socket for the brake pad bolts. For spanners, you need a good range of A/F sockets, combination spanners, etc. Some of the fasteners are quite large (on mine), so certainly up to 1" in 1/16" increments. The most common are 1/2", 9/16" and 5/8", but my Softail uses up to 1 3/8" (from memory) and I'm pretty sure it uses 13/16" and 15/16". I needed a special shallow socket for the fork cap bolts. You need a set of ball end hexagon spanners or sockets (Allen Keys) for the primary chaincase, etc. Sockets are better, so you can torque down.

A lot of the fasteners you may think are male Torx are actually 12 point A/F, but you shouldn't need many of them for routine stuff.

Your FXDX will be different to the Softail, so if you want to buy individual tools, rather than sets, then it's a good idea to get a vernier and check all the obvious things you need spanners for, such as front and rear axle bolts, swinging arm pivot, drain plugs, etc. Most of the general fasteners are 1/2"-5/8" A/F.

I use the Clarke Lift from Machine Mart. No better or worse than the others on the market. As yours has a sump, you need to use the adpater plate (supplied with the Clarke) to clear the sump, which protrudes below the frame rails. You need some ratchet straps too, if you value your bike and your life when it's up there...

Tip - I got some quality used Snap-On tools at a good price from an Auto-Jumble. The prices were higher for metric, because not so many want the Imperial sizes any more.

Obviously there are various special tools needed for some jobs, and many of these are available for free rental from the Club, to Club Members.

There's a post on here for a travel tool kit at a special price to Club Members too. Do a search.

That's it - enjoy...

you beat me to it
see the pic the orange blocks (bottom right) is a lift adapter kit for dyna's as they have a sump

[FXSTC Dave]

Hi.

Try this link to the FAQ Section.

This should will help with tool selection.
I know you don't have an EVO or a Sportster.

But it should be of help :

http://www.harley-davidson-hangout.c...rties-evo.html

[Fentible]

Hi All

Many thanks for the advice and links. Its been a great help.

I am about to officially become an HRCGB member and I note that there was a local meet at the Avalon tonight, I've met the owner Michael previously, nice guy.

I am currently awaiting relevant paperwork to get my Harley UK registered (Ex Jersey). Once that's done I'll haul myself along to some of the meets, is the Avalon a regular spot??

I would post a photo of the old girl but I don't know how to reduce the size of the jpeg from 3.5 mb to the permissible 19.5KB.

Cheers

Fent

[daddykemp]

Hi mate, nice to hear of another new North East member!
Our usual meeting place is the Railway Tavern in Darlington on the last wednesday of the month, the Avalon is just a summer additional extra.
So see you on the 29th.

[banquo]

Originally Posted by Fentible

I would post a photo of the old girl but I don't know how to reduce the size of the jpeg from 3.5 mb to the permissible 19.5KB.

Open yourself a free Photobucket account, upload your pix to there, and post links to show them on here.

[kiwidave]

Welcome, you are in the know on tools now.

And good timing! One of the club's biggest and best rallies is at Kirkby Lonsdale just off the M6 this weekend. A great way to meet new people. Ask for Hovva (Chris) or Andy, the North East reps. They will be there, among several hundred others.

You will have a great time in top company. See you at the next Avalon meeting. I am flying in to win the ''long distance'' award...

Dave in Melbourne

[Limey_Dave]

Originally Posted by Fentible

Hi all

Looking for a bit of advice as a new Harley owner.

I have a 2001 FXD dynaglide. I am more used to Japanese bikes and my tools and experience are thus directed. As I prefer to work on my own bike, can someone advise a good range of standard size tools (A/F and Torx??) and also in absence of a centre stand I have been looking at the small motorcycle lifts that are available such as the Clarke CML2 and I note there are a range of prices for similar items on ebay. Can anyone recommend one that will stabilise the bike sufficiently to work on it, or are the smaller screw type stands (similar to a an old scissor jack but with a wide foot for the bike to rest on) a better bet.

Cheers

Fent

I'd say a good start up kit is:

The Clarke lift as mentioned,steady as a rogk with a Road King on it,use a couple of 2" squares of steel plate under the stabaliser screws.

US PRO 35 pce Torx Bit & E-Star Sockets 1/4",3/8",1/2" on eBay (end time 07-Aug-09 15:57:57 BST)

Halfords Professional Imperial Combination Spanner Set from Halfords Price £19.99


And you'll prob need one of these for the calipers:
Draper 1/4" 3/8" Square Drive Hi Torq Bi Hexagon Socket : Tooled-Up.com