Newstarter looking ahead to servicing my Road King

[hogcommander]

I returned to biking in June with a 2009 Road King Classic. I've always changed oil, filters, plugs etc on all my cars and would like to continue doing stuff myself with the bike.
A check of my toolbox revealed no Imperial-sized spanners or Imperial-allen keys or sockets whatsoever ...so I really am starting from scratch here, but I don't want to buy large sets with sizes I won't use.
I'm also wondering whether at the next oil change (already had the 'free' Dealer one) whether it is wise to go synthetic? I know you must get sick of Newbies asking about oil types and where to get the best deal on service manuals, oil, filters and where to get the right basic toolset/and sizes in a fairly decent quality...but if someone could share their wisdom to help me get started right, I'd be very grateful!

[softail898]

Hello hogcommander, I had the same problem as you, no imperial spanners. Initially I looked on Ebay for Snap On Spanners and bought them singly, some new some used, but all in good nick. I eventually bought a couple of new sets from the U.S. on Ebay.com for a lot less than you can get 'em here.
I also phoned Snap On and asked for 2 or 3 Snap On sellers in my area. Phone these sellers and ask prices for particular tools. They sometimes do good deals on tools. I believe they also take used tools in part exchange when they sell new ones so you might be able to pick up good used tools at a nice price. Snap On Telephone Number: 01536 413800
Whatever brand you decide to buy get Good Quality tools and take your time building up a good toolset, you don't need a lot to do the basics on your bike.
Best advice I can give is to get yourself an official H-D Workshop Manual for your bike. In there you will have all the Nut and Bolt sizes for the bike and you can make a list of a basic toolkit needed to do a particular job i.e:changeing oil or adjusting belt tension etc.

As for Oil,..... oh boy
There is a million Posts on here regarding that particular sticky subject. If you really want to delve into this just use the Search button and be prepared to spend about 3 Months reading

Oh, and if I were you I would run in the bike for a couple of thousand miles before you decide to put in Synthetic. Just my opinion.
Good Luck...Pat.

[FXSTC Dave]

Hi.

Have a look at this link :

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

I know its for EVOs and Sportsters, but I found it useful when I got my EVO.
That's why I put it up again for others to use.

Also try your local Machinemart, they do spanner sets, sockets, allen key and torx hex sets.

Machine Mart Power Tools and Machinery: Clarke, Dewalt, Makita, Ryobi, Bosch

Also try Halfords or your local Draper stockists as they do spanner sets as well.

Just remembered this link fo the socket for your calipers, people are always asking what size they need.

http://www.harley-davidson-hangout.c...-pad-pins.html

Hope they help.

[Limey_Dave]

These are nice spanners to use and top value.

Halfords Professional Imperial Combination Spanner Set from Halfords Price £19.99

One of these is a big chunk of money but worth it's weight in gold.Not only does it get both wheels in the air but it means you're not standing on your head when working on the left side of bike,it's very low when on the prop stand.

Clarke CML2 Hydraulic Motorcycle Lift - Machine Mart

[hogcommander]

Thanks to Softtail898, FXSTC Dave and Limey Dave - I've taken all the advice given which is very much appreciated - Pat, I'm in the process of ordering the right manual, FXSTC Dave - the list was great and I've printed it to take to the local tool shops today - the Torx sizes were particularly useful because they're not something I've come across before. Limey Dave - just purchased the Halfords Professional basic spanner set this morning to get the ball rolling as I wanted to put a front fender rail and tip light on the RK later today...and I'm also going to look at the Hydrolic stand next time I'm in Carlisle where I remember they have a Machinemart, I think the Carlisle Hein Gerike shop had one similarly priced too. Best regards to all for your help!
Chris

[BaZa®]

Also using our search engine here on the site or our >>> FAQ section <<< you will find most of your questions answered already.

The oil debate will never stop as all to their own so not worth asking just read and make up your own mind.

[hogcommander]

Thanks Baza...found that FAQ section now and can see it will be very useful. Managed to fit the new tip-lamp and fender rail today once I gathered a few new tools together. 'Baby steps' to begin with.....!
regards
Chris