I added a rubber hose to the bottom of my funnel to keep from trying to hold it in place while adding the primary oil. Makes it much easier, and you can hold the funnel upright. Thanks for the video
Thanks a lot! Really appreciate you doing this and I enjoyed your effective, yet simple explanation and camera work... It allows us to have shop class at home, save some $$ on the easy tasks and make us a little more knowledgeable on maintaining our bike.
You explain thoroughly. Most mechanics are not apt to teach, though they might be apt mechanically. You are both. Keep it up, pls. I always learn something new when I watch you!
Used this guide yesterday for my primary oil change, clutch adjustment, and installed a new black "Derby" cover to replace the original silver one. Always excellent videos, thanks Del!
+Robert J Ossig Cheers buddy, thanks for watching! The PA plate was one of the first ones we were sent as a gift, people started spotting them, so sent a few more... and now, if you check out the latest videos on the Channel, we have scores of them and it's known as our 'Wall of Friends'!!
Most educational “how to” Harley video I’ve seen. Love how you explain everything and how it works instead of just “follow these steps”. Keep up the good work.
Outstanding video! I had years of experience working on Triumph (hardtails), but knew absolutely nothing about Harley's, even though I'm a Yank. Got called upon to help a friend fix the "tranny" on a 1990 883, and your vid saw me through. Thanks!!
Im a newer rider. i have one successful season under my belt. i have a 96 sportster. So this year i want to learn how to work on it myself. i work on my vehicles im not an idiot. but this is all new territory for me. im working on cleaning my carb and changing my primary fluid. everytime i search a vid i look for yours. Thanks for doing them and being so thorough. im on my own doing this my father doesnt live around me hes about 1400 miles away. So again thanks so much you have been teaching me so much and saving me a ton of money by not taking it to a mechanic. You rock and keep making em i enjoy them! Thanks!
+Ryan Cornelius Hi there Ryan, great to hear from you mate, and good on you for diggin into your own repairs, its the only way to roll.... if i may suggest, spend a few quid with the dealer and buy yourself the proper thick Harley Davidson manual for your bike... its not cheap, i paid about £65 for mine....but it is an invaluable resource when you do any job on your Harley... it has all the torque settings and specs you will ever need, along with easy to understand instructions on any job... once you have one, you will do a lot more on your bike with a lot more confidence... Hope that helps... always feel free to drop us a line if you get stuck, im always happy to help if i can.... take care and enjoy your bike... cheers, Del.
Got my first Sportster yesterday! 1998 HD XL1200C. I’ve been watching several videos. This has been my favorite for sure. How you explained and described everything! Thank you!
Congratulations on your first Sporty Robert, an a great model to choose for the first one too.. Im glad the videos can help, and thank you also for your support.
i have been watching primary videos for several days and came across yours and it is perfect. very informative without making you feel like you need a mechanics license to understand what is going on. Thank you so much.
The thing I like about your films is that they inspire me to look after my next bike much better than my existing bike, which is very neglected. But next time, I promise to be a better owner.
Definitely inspiring I feel better and have a different mind set when wrenching in the garage. You somehow changed my perspective completely. Impressive, no doubt...
I always work on the Big twins electric glide softails. A friend of mine asked me to service his sportster get it ready for summer so I looked up service I came across your channel. Very thorough lots of good information.👍
I just bought my first motorcycle. It's a 2006 Harley Davidson Sportster XL883 Low. I wanted to say thank you. Your how to videos have been very helpful. I've learned a lot about how to maintain my bike. I hope you do more videos specifically for Sportsters.
Hi Phil, thanks so much for your kind feedback... I don't currently own a Sportster, but the lose plan is, that after I finish the fighter build, the next bike will me a Sportster donor and I'll only be able to afford an older one, probably carb'd not injection, so they'll hopefully be lots of maintenance, repair and upgrade videos available on that, but need to focus on the current build to get it done ... glad the videos help you out mate, thank you
Just recently purchased my first motorcycle and my first iron883. everytime i need or have a question i always find your videos helpful! thank you much!
Hi Del, long overdue thank you for all your great vids. Every time I need to service my Iron 883, I find you have a great vid to step me through the process. The Pommy sense of humour translates well into Australian too! Really appreciate your efforts. Ride safe. Cheers, TC
+Ty Christopher Ayup Ty, thanks mate, that's very kind... my brother is a paramedic in QLD and he's a sarcastic git at the best of times, and he does tell me he fits in quite well lol ! Am glad the videos can help and it's great to be able to reach out to our fellow bikers down under... ride safe mate, all the best, D&P!
Thx brother, Liking your knowledge and using layman's terms makes it a hit. Appreciate your effort and definitely appreciate your time, most people don't realize the amount of time taken away from your family to make a video and ditto to the songbird aiming the camera at you.
In the first three minutes of this video you explained the basics of how an engine transmits power through the gears to back wheel. My College tutor would struggle explaining that in three months! Just want to thank you for these awesome info packed videos which gave me confidence to strip my XT500 back to barebones and rebuild it :D It's given that much knowledge and confidence that I'm going to apply to some motorbike garages for a job :D
+Ethan Senior Hi Ethan, thats funny, i think i had a few teachers like that, they'd take three hours deciding whether to take a piss.. but hey ho, i guess they have to justify the course fee aye..?. So glad we casn help you with a bit of confidence and motivate you to get stuck in yourself.. good luck with the bike garage search, you never know your luck, honest and enthusiatic staff are hard to find in that industry... take care buddy... Del.
The engine oil on Sportsters only lubricates the engine. The Primary & Gearbox share the same oil. As per the manual "An opening between the primary drive and transmission compartments allows the same lubricant supply to lubricate moving parts in both areas."
I've caught a few of your videos already and have to say they connect a lot of dots for me as I work on my '06 XL1200L. These are the most detailed (well explained) vids I've found yet. Thank you.
+David Mahdal Thank you David, im glad you find the videos helpful, its always good to know we are reaching out to other riders and spreading a bit of simple knowhow.. Take care and enjoy the summer... Del.
There is a natural amount of sulfur in any organic motor oil which under the conditions of heat and exposure to air and water, will recombine and produce sulfur dioxide which is the rotten egg smell that you've noticed. I didn't notice any sort of ventilation on the primary chain case so it's likely just from the air and moisture in the casing when it was closed off. Thanks for the video, it was very informative.
Cheers from Hernando Mississippi, USA!! Your videos are awesome. Comprehensive, entertaining, and informative. You not only share the proceedure for doing the service. You explain in great detail why and how the inner working are important.. Thank you sir!
Thank you my friend, you're very kind, am glad our content can help you, and good luck with your projects, it's great to fix your own bike aye?? All the best, D&P
I’ve had my Sportster about a year now and just had to start changing oil & plugs etc.. you’ve helped me understand my bike and what’s going on underneath all that Crome! Thank you! 2 on the ground!
Delboy, your video's are fantastic and I've used every one of them for maintenance on my 2005 Sporty. I do want to add some info that isn't in this particular video that is in my H-D owner's manual about draining the transmission oil. It says to drain it while on the sidestand/kickstand/Jiffy stand and then stand it upright to drain it AGAIN, to get the rest of the fluid. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how much more old dirty fluid came out. I measured it and it came to exactly one quart. This means I get ALL of it out and I can add exactly one quart bottle. This makes my life easier because after adjusting the clutch, I can button up the Derby cover and add the quart through the chain inspection port. After watching your video on purging the old oil from the Softail, I thought you may be interested in this. Thanks again for your excellent videos!
Hi Stephen.. Ok, purging the oil on a Softail engine is a bit different from changing your Primary transmission oil on a Sportster... Yes You can indeed ad the same amount of oil as you drained out..ONLY IF you check that the oil level is CORRECT first.!! Imagine if the oil level is currently wrong...you drain it out, then refill with the same amount.... then its STILL Wrong..!! So to make sure its right.. take a squint in through the Derby cover hole before you drain it, make sure the OLD oil level is up to the bottom of the clutch plates.. then you can drain it out, and refill the exact same amount.. job done.. Good luck with it buddy, glad the videos can help you in some way, have a great weekend, and keep in touch.. Del.
@@Moonfleet41 I wasn't comparing the two bikes, particularly when one video was about an engine and the other is about the transmission. It's just that I was thinking about the commonality of dirty oil being left in the system. You showed the Sportster primary being drained from only one position when the owner's manual showing draining it from two positions in order to get it all. Like I said, I was surprised because I didn't think it would make any difference when I first read the manual. However, when I used the different angle of the bike (didn't matter which one I did first -- I've done it both ways) some more came out. To be sure I wouldn't overfill it, I added the new oil while sitting level and watched it come to the bottom of the clutch plates - just as you had shown. Then I measured the old to see how much was drained. It turned out to be one quart out and one quart in. I wasn't correcting you, I was just sharing some info. Your video's are "right on", as you Brits like to say. Keep up the great work. By the way, I've owned Brit bikes and cars since the 60's. My first car was a beast - MG Midget Mk I (same as AH Sprite Mk II) with 948cc.
+Allen Huling Thanks Allen, that's really kind of you... it's so good that people like to watch and enjoy the videos! Fingers crossed for the move, it's gonna be fun !
I finally did this today after several trips to the hardware store. But it really is not that difficult. One trick to get more leverage on the hex key for the foot peg removal was to use a pipe nipple (galvanized in my case) to slip over the hex key an use it as an extension. It worked really well, and there is no danger that your "spanner" wrench will slip. You may wish to try that sometime. I did use some Hylomar as well, which I had not heard of until I saw it in your video. Keep up the good work. I really learned a lot!
Thanks!!! I just bought a 2016 iron 883 and your videos will help me do my own 1k service which is coming up. I have always worked on my own cars so not an idiot with a wrench but for some reason HD wants to scare you into thinking they do something special for 300 bucks! Keep the videos coming!!!
Even though I dont own a Harley and probably never will, I still learn from these videos. All the little things that apply across the board, the techniques and tips on general spanneryness and to be honest Del, you look at your happiest doing these. Not saying you are a miserable git, nothing of the sort but it's as if you are really 'in the zone'. Great job mate.
+Aldeadelmonte Thanks buddy, you're not wrong, i love the spannery bits best, and sharing it is even more fun... thanks for your kind comments my friend, much appreciated.. D&P.
Delboy, Great video!! The answer to your question. old Tin primary Knucks, Pans and Big Flatheads. When removed the domed shape with flat flange resembles a Derby Hat.
Hi buddy, it is an easy job, certainly not complex, one drain bolt, and fill through the derby hole... it's the kinda thing that we don't realise is so easy! Good luck with yours, hope it goes well...!
Fantastic video and thanks so much for posting this. I am not even a bike owner yet and your explanations are fantastic and HARDLY boring at all. I have a rental storage facility to store for winter but they require all fluids to be drained so this video is super helpful. Thank you
Great video. I've seen many oil change videos but what I love about your content is how educational and informative it is. Thanks Del! By the way, in the states we call the way you tightened the foot peg German torque (Goodentight) haha
+Justin Ammerman Thanks brother, much appreciated... I've always believed that knowing why something must be done can help you devise the method. Knowledge is power and nobody learned anything by working parrot fashion... thanks for watching buddy!
so my sporters 48 2020 is my first harley. i needed to know all of this. this is the only video on youtube that explains the different areas that need oil. primary/secondary
Another great video. I knew an old timer that built choppers out of Sportsters, and I asked him one time about the name Derby Cover. What he told me is the name Derby Cover comes from the days of the Knucklehead Harleys. Their primary covers look just like a Derby hat(Bowler hat in the UK). If you look up Knucklehead primary cover it makes sense.
Hey Del. I recently purchased a 2008 883 Sportster. I had a loud clunk going into gear. Also when letting out the clutch it would not be smooth. I just changed the oil using ATF. I thought there would be a wait time before I saw results. I was surprised when the result was right away. No more loud clunking and it shifts very smoothly. In first gear from a stop it is like night and day. Very smooth with easy clutch pressures. This makes using the friction zone easy Alan
Did my own lub changes on my 2006 HD883. Thanks. Saved a lot of money and did the job right. Taking of the derby cover the seal was twisted and damaged.
Best video out there on this topic! Thank you for the enjoyable walk through and your details. Wasn't sure of the exact process on this model and it was great to see it end to end. Keep them coming, Cheers!
Another great video "how to" - thank guys! I have learnt more about the proper care and maintenance of my 883 Iron from you then anyway else and I really can't thank you enough for giving me the confidence to do some of these jobs myself! Saved me a few quid too! :) Keep up the great work and thanks again.
Thank you so much for making such a clear & simple video, already did a primary oil change on my sporty so this will be the next one, regards to the camera team also 🎥 👍🏻
Wow, really smooth presentation, thank you for the hours of planning before the record button is pressed, makes your 'show' so easy to watch and listen to. Tell me you do plan it!
+pj grumpy Not really mate, i just think it through and decide on the subjects to mention and talk about, we often do a few takes of the same scene and choose the best one during editing...but there's no script or story boards, just grab a brew, go in the garage and get stuck in..!!!
+Moonfleet41 Well, they are excellent, of course the camera work is superb too! Keep up the explanations, some of us old dogs will always be open to learning a new tip.
I believe you are mistaken. It is my understanding that the transmission is lubricated, along with the primary drive, through the primary chaincase with a lubricant called "Formula" (formerly known as "Sport Trans"), specially formulated to act as a pressure lubricant for the gears yet light enough as to not gum up the clutch. There are, in fact, two oil reservoirs on the Sportster; the engine oil which is stored in the oil tank under the seat and the primary/transmission reservoir located in the transmission cavity of unit constructed engine housing.
2003 was the last year for that. Up until then sportsters had a trapdoor behind the clutch assembly that would allow you to remove the entire transmission minus 5th gear on the mainshaft, which remains in the bearing in the case. The gaps between the trapdoor and engine case allowed the primary oil to also lubricate the transmission. 2004 and up you have to completely disassemble the entire engine to get to the transmission because it's sandwiched between the two halves of the engine case and primary oil has no way to get to it.
great video Del. On my suzuki i use to change the primary once a year maybe i should change it more often. keep the video going all my bike work has been through your channel great work.
Bloody Brilliant, I'm picking up a 1200 Roadie and this will indeed come in quite handy 4 me!! I don't have a mechanic background but I understand it, this is a blessing, THANX!!!
Great video man, very clear. I was changing the derby cover and some of the oil came out (I'm noobie on this). Now I feel secure to replace it. Thanks a lot.
Great video. At 12:03, you are looking at the primary drain plug and commented that there was some sort of sealant. As per the shop manual you are suppose to apply Locktite 565 in addition to replacing the O ring. Locktite 565 Looks a lot like plumbers dope or standard pipe sealant. Thanks again for making the video :)
Great info in this vid! (unlike some of the other hacks I've seen). Seriously - I just finished watching several other guys put gear oil in their primary and make a mess of their sporties.
Most welcome Jason, thats a common mistake, probably attributed by the fat that the primary drive case is refereed to as a Transmission.. but it only takes a moment to look up the spec and get the right oil. ! you can even use ATF at a push, works great, and can be bought in any auto parts store for cheap money.
Perfect timing Del, I just laid the Harley up for the winter (Honda "rat" now ready to roll) So will be doing some jobs to the bike, including this job. Thanks for the tip on which oil to use as well. Cheers.
a great video you guys, really enjoyed watching it.. just changed the oil on the Bandit, feels better in me mind.lol I get a lot of that mayonaising/emulsifying because I go to different sites with my work, the bike never gets properly hot. I have no choice but to take it for a good thrashing every weekend, my wife doesn't understand.. it's a needed thing for the health of the bike!!
+James McCreadie Ha ha, yes indeed, you must excorsize the demon damp at every opportunity, TBH you could leave it ticking over out of a wind draught and in 15 minutes it'll be fine, but wheres the fun in that..lol
+BlueOnion Hey Ron, great to hear from you again buddy... how's the band going sir, i miss your emails now you're busy with life and things... Drop me a line when service time comes, happy to help is i can brother... ! take care.. D&P.
thanks for another great informative video i have tried to educate some of the harley davidson uk members about the primary oil being separate but most disagree i also use atf in there
+Peter Hogg Thanks Peter, what a glorious engine the Enfield has ! I would love a Diesel 200 for winter, if only to see the look on the face of the pump attendant when I start filling it up! Not to mention, £2 a week to run....
Perfect thank you for the information you look at the reviews on torque wrench is and even the good ones have bad reviews and they're ridiculously priced but thanks again I'll go check this one out keep the videos coming
Just got a new place, and this one has a garage. I can now do a lot of this myself instead of paying the dealer, so again a lot of thanks for putting these out. Now someone needs to give you a new Road Glide so you can make videos about my other bike. ;-)
+Kheldarren SOLD.... i absolutely LOVE the Roadglide, its so bonkers and daft... you could ride that across countries...if ford had named the Roadglide, they;d have called it the Streetglide Ghia X...!
Great video!! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience I found this to be educational and informative giving me the confidence to work on my own bike, with your instruction of course. Looking forward to checking out your other videos.
I sure did enjoy this video for it was very informative and pretty in depth with detail. Am needing to do this soon on my unit soon and will follow the procedure in your video. Mine is right close to 10k so I don't want to go too much passed that to get'er done. Thanks for making it easier for the ones who want to $ave a few bucks doing the lighter work instead of going to the shop. Thanks again and Jesus loves you, John 3:16-17 (KJV)
Thanks for the clarification friend. Btw, if no one has answered you on the "Derby" cover, it is because in the 60's, the inspection covers on the Knuckleheads and Pan-heads looked like a Bowler hat(Derby hat in America), that was an interesting discovery to me.
Moonfleet41...you obviously know quite a bit about Harley's, however you are giving out wrong information in this video about the PRIMARY/TRANSMISSION....&....ENGINE OIL...several people have pointed this out to you but you always dodge the issue...on Sportsters, the Primary & Transmission (Gear Box) share the oil which is filled and checked via the "Primary Case" on the left hand side of the engine. The engine is lubricated via different oil (ENGINE OIL - 20/50) for HD Motors which is fed via the oil tank, the Primary/Transmission oil used is Transmission oil. The early Sportsters had a removable "Trapdoor" behind the Clutch/Generator for access to the Gearbox...since about 2008 (I think), the Gearbox cavity is now cast as part of the main crankcase casting, but the transmission (Gearbox) still relies on the same oil as the primary oil and is fed through a porthole located towards the bottom of the gearbox casting partition...open belts were possible on earlier Sportsters because the engine was modified and the "trap door" was sealed and a gearbox filler port added somewhere....hope you don't delete this post as I don't like riders being misinformed that's all...no disrespect mate ;)
In depth, intelligent, totality as well as precautionary, easily understood, and to the point, period
Well done Sir, thanks much! 🤙
Thank you kindly, i appreciate the generous feedback.
THESE are the videos that we seriously enjoy you doing Del..... Keep them coming please ..... Ride safe !!
+Rick S. Thanks Rick, you're very kind mate.. enjoy makinf these the most..!
I added a rubber hose to the bottom of my funnel to keep from trying to hold it in place while adding the primary oil. Makes it much easier, and you can hold the funnel upright. Thanks for the video
You're the first person to explain it simply enough that even I could understand it. Thank you very much!
+JonBonDonegan Thanks Jon, im glad you enjoyd it, and happy to help.. all the best mate... Del.
Thanks a lot! Really appreciate you doing this and I enjoyed your effective, yet simple explanation and camera work... It allows us to have shop class at home, save some $$ on the easy tasks and make us a little more knowledgeable on maintaining our bike.
You explain thoroughly. Most mechanics are not apt to teach, though they might be apt mechanically. You are both. Keep it up, pls. I always learn something new when I watch you!
Thanks for your kind words mate, glad to hear the videos can help!
Used this guide yesterday for my primary oil change, clutch adjustment, and installed a new black "Derby" cover to replace the original silver one. Always excellent videos, thanks Del!
Also love the Pennsylvania license plate in the background! shoutout from PA!
+Robert J Ossig Cheers buddy, thanks for watching! The PA plate was one of the first ones we were sent as a gift, people started spotting them, so sent a few more... and now, if you check out the latest videos on the Channel, we have scores of them and it's known as our 'Wall of Friends'!!
Best online HD teacher ever! Thanks for sharing your knowledge in such a simple to understand way ;)
Most educational “how to” Harley video I’ve seen. Love how you explain everything and how it works instead of just “follow these steps”. Keep up the good work.
Thank you Zack, Glad you enjoyed it!
Special gifted way of easily explaining every detail 👌 . Respect for this kind of bro . Great video .
Outstanding video! I had years of experience working on Triumph (hardtails), but knew absolutely nothing about Harley's, even though I'm a Yank. Got called upon to help a friend fix the "tranny" on a 1990 883, and your vid saw me through. Thanks!!
Thanks I just changed all my fluids on my bike today your video just saved me 500 bucks
Thanks mate, that's a big saving, if our videos are of use in that way, perhaps consider joining us on Patreon to help support what we do!
Im a newer rider. i have one successful season under my belt. i have a 96 sportster. So this year i want to learn how to work on it myself. i work on my vehicles im not an idiot. but this is all new territory for me. im working on cleaning my carb and changing my primary fluid. everytime i search a vid i look for yours. Thanks for doing them and being so thorough. im on my own doing this my father doesnt live around me hes about 1400 miles away. So again thanks so much you have been teaching me so much and saving me a ton of money by not taking it to a mechanic. You rock and keep making em i enjoy them! Thanks!
+Ryan Cornelius Hi there Ryan, great to hear from you mate, and good on you for diggin into your own repairs, its the only way to roll.... if i may suggest, spend a few quid with the dealer and buy yourself the proper thick Harley Davidson manual for your bike... its not cheap, i paid about £65 for mine....but it is an invaluable resource when you do any job on your Harley... it has all the torque settings and specs you will ever need, along with easy to understand instructions on any job... once you have one, you will do a lot more on your bike with a lot more confidence... Hope that helps... always feel free to drop us a line if you get stuck, im always happy to help if i can.... take care and enjoy your bike... cheers, Del.
Sweet yea i picked up a manual last year from a guy i met. 20 bucks. Thought it was a good deal. Sweet thanks man i appreciate it!
Got my first Sportster yesterday! 1998 HD XL1200C. I’ve been watching several videos. This has been my favorite for sure. How you explained and described everything! Thank you!
Congratulations on your first Sporty Robert, an a great model to choose for the first one too.. Im glad the videos can help, and thank you also for your support.
i have been watching primary videos for several days and came across yours and it is perfect. very informative without making you feel like you need a mechanics license to understand what is going on. Thank you so much.
The most well done video of a primary oil change on a Sporty I’ve ever seen. Thank you.
Thank you mate, that's very kind, am glad it was helpful!
The thing I like about your films is that they inspire me to look after my next bike much better than my existing bike, which is very neglected. But next time, I promise to be a better owner.
+Michael Caton Hey, as long as it's safe Michael, who cares?! That's what Rat Bikes are good for (and why I love them!)...
Definitely inspiring
I feel better and have a different mind set when wrenching in the garage.
You somehow changed my perspective completely.
Impressive, no doubt...
I always work on the Big twins electric glide softails. A friend of mine asked me to service his sportster get it ready for summer so I looked up service I came across your channel. Very thorough lots of good information.👍
I just bought my first motorcycle. It's a 2006 Harley Davidson Sportster XL883 Low. I wanted to say thank you. Your how to videos have been very helpful. I've learned a lot about how to maintain my bike. I hope you do more videos specifically for Sportsters.
Hi Phil, thanks so much for your kind feedback... I don't currently own a Sportster, but the lose plan is, that after I finish the fighter build, the next bike will me a Sportster donor and I'll only be able to afford an older one, probably carb'd not injection, so they'll hopefully be lots of maintenance, repair and upgrade videos available on that, but need to focus on the current build to get it done ... glad the videos help you out mate, thank you
just need to add an agreement with your other commentors the way you show and tell and the vast knowledge and techy tips is second to none....
+springy 2112 Aww, thanks Mr S ... where it all comes from don't ask me mate, I just don't know lol !
Just recently purchased my first motorcycle and my first iron883. everytime i need or have a question i always find your videos helpful! thank you much!
Most welcome Jim, thanks for watching, and enjoy your bike. !Del.
Hi Del, long overdue thank you for all your great vids. Every time I need to service my Iron 883, I find you have a great vid to step me through the process. The Pommy sense of humour translates well into Australian too! Really appreciate your efforts. Ride safe. Cheers, TC
+Ty Christopher Ayup Ty, thanks mate, that's very kind... my brother is a paramedic in QLD and he's a sarcastic git at the best of times, and he does tell me he fits in quite well lol ! Am glad the videos can help and it's great to be able to reach out to our fellow bikers down under... ride safe mate, all the best, D&P!
Thx brother,
Liking your knowledge and using layman's terms makes it a hit.
Appreciate your effort and definitely appreciate your time, most people don't realize the amount of time taken away from your family to make a video and ditto to the songbird aiming the camera at you.
In the first three minutes of this video you explained the basics of how an engine transmits power through the gears to back wheel. My College tutor would struggle explaining that in three months! Just want to thank you for these awesome info packed videos which gave me confidence to strip my XT500 back to barebones and rebuild it :D It's given that much knowledge and confidence that I'm going to apply to some motorbike garages for a job :D
+Ethan Senior Hi Ethan, thats funny, i think i had a few teachers like that, they'd take three hours deciding whether to take a piss.. but hey ho, i guess they have to justify the course fee aye..?.
So glad we casn help you with a bit of confidence and motivate you to get stuck in yourself.. good luck with the bike garage search, you never know your luck, honest and enthusiatic staff are hard to find in that industry...
take care buddy... Del.
The engine oil on Sportsters only lubricates the engine. The Primary & Gearbox share the same oil.
As per the manual "An opening between the primary drive and transmission compartments
allows the same lubricant supply to lubricate moving parts in both areas."
I've caught a few of your videos already and have to say they connect a lot of dots for me as I work on my '06 XL1200L. These are the most detailed (well explained) vids I've found yet. Thank you.
+David Mahdal Thank you David, im glad you find the videos helpful, its always good to know we are reaching out to other riders and spreading a bit of simple knowhow.. Take care and enjoy the summer... Del.
There is a natural amount of sulfur in any organic motor oil which under the conditions of heat and exposure to air and water, will recombine and produce sulfur dioxide which is the rotten egg smell that you've noticed. I didn't notice any sort of ventilation on the primary chain case so it's likely just from the air and moisture in the casing when it was closed off. Thanks for the video, it was very informative.
Cheers from Hernando Mississippi, USA!! Your videos are awesome. Comprehensive, entertaining, and informative. You not only share the proceedure for doing the service. You explain in great detail why and how the inner working are important.. Thank you sir!
Thank you my friend, you're very kind, am glad our content can help you, and good luck with your projects, it's great to fix your own bike aye?? All the best, D&P
I really enjoy your videos over other motorcycle maintenance videos. You explain things extremely well.
Thank you Simon, appreciate that, am glad you enjoy the videos!
I’ve watched your vids for a couple of years. Cheers to you good sir. I’m doing my fluid change this weekend. Thank you!!
Best of luck with it my friend, enjoy the journey. !
I’ve had my Sportster about a year now and just had to start changing oil & plugs etc.. you’ve helped me understand my bike and what’s going on underneath all that Crome! Thank you! 2 on the ground!
Thank you Apo, glad the videos can help you out buddy!
Delboy, your video's are fantastic and I've used every one of them for maintenance on my 2005 Sporty. I do want to add some info that isn't in this particular video that is in my H-D owner's manual about draining the transmission oil. It says to drain it while on the sidestand/kickstand/Jiffy stand and then stand it upright to drain it AGAIN, to get the rest of the fluid. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how much more old dirty fluid came out. I measured it and it came to exactly one quart. This means I get ALL of it out and I can add exactly one quart bottle. This makes my life easier because after adjusting the clutch, I can button up the Derby cover and add the quart through the chain inspection port.
After watching your video on purging the old oil from the Softail, I thought you may be interested in this.
Thanks again for your excellent videos!
Hi Stephen.. Ok, purging the oil on a Softail engine is a bit different from changing your Primary transmission oil on a Sportster... Yes You can indeed ad the same amount of oil as you drained out..ONLY IF you check that the oil level is CORRECT first.!!
Imagine if the oil level is currently wrong...you drain it out, then refill with the same amount.... then its STILL Wrong..!! So to make sure its right.. take a squint in through the Derby cover hole before you drain it, make sure the OLD oil level is up to the bottom of the clutch plates.. then you can drain it out, and refill the exact same amount.. job done..
Good luck with it buddy, glad the videos can help you in some way, have a great weekend, and keep in touch.. Del.
@@Moonfleet41 I wasn't comparing the two bikes, particularly when one video was about an engine and the other is about the transmission. It's just that I was thinking about the commonality of dirty oil being left in the system. You showed the Sportster primary being drained from only one position when the owner's manual showing draining it from two positions in order to get it all. Like I said, I was surprised because I didn't think it would make any difference when I first read the manual. However, when I used the different angle of the bike (didn't matter which one I did first -- I've done it both ways) some more came out. To be sure I wouldn't overfill it, I added the new oil while sitting level and watched it come to the bottom of the clutch plates - just as you had shown. Then I measured the old to see how much was drained. It turned out to be one quart out and one quart in.
I wasn't correcting you, I was just sharing some info. Your video's are "right on", as you Brits like to say. Keep up the great work. By the way, I've owned Brit bikes and cars since the 60's. My first car was a beast - MG Midget Mk I (same as AH Sprite Mk II) with 948cc.
Well done D & P! This kind of well explained 'little' job is why I so appreciate your channel! Best of luck with the move to your new home!
+Allen Huling Thanks Allen, that's really kind of you... it's so good that people like to watch and enjoy the videos! Fingers crossed for the move, it's gonna be fun !
Every time I look up how to do work on my 883, your videos come up... Very Helpful.. Thank you
I finally did this today after several trips to the hardware store. But it really is not that difficult. One trick to get more leverage on the hex key for the foot peg removal was to use a pipe nipple (galvanized in my case) to slip over the hex key an use it as an extension. It worked really well, and there is no danger that your "spanner" wrench will slip. You may wish to try that sometime. I did use some Hylomar as well, which I had not heard of until I saw it in your video. Keep up the good work. I really learned a lot!
Glad the video helped you out Paul, and good trick with the heavy duty hex key... what ever gets the job done aye... !
Thank you SO much for explaining all this is such laymen's terms. I was glued, these are great videos.
B there kkķ
Thanks!!! I just bought a 2016 iron 883 and your videos will help me do my own 1k service which is coming up. I have always worked on my own cars so not an idiot with a wrench but for some reason HD wants to scare you into thinking they do something special for 300 bucks! Keep the videos coming!!!
Even though I dont own a Harley and probably never will, I still learn from these videos. All the little things that apply across the board, the techniques and tips on general spanneryness and to be honest Del, you look at your happiest doing these. Not saying you are a miserable git, nothing of the sort but it's as if you are really 'in the zone'. Great job mate.
+Aldeadelmonte Thanks buddy, you're not wrong, i love the spannery bits best, and sharing it is even more fun... thanks for your kind comments my friend, much appreciated.. D&P.
Very nicely done video. Clear, easy to follow and I love your sense of humour. Great articulation too :) Thank You
Another gem Del and Pen. That bike is damn clean! Never would have thought ATF would do the trick but makes sense. Thanks!
+Iron Slim Sure does buddy, been using it for Primary's and forks for 20 years... mainly coz its cheap and so am i....lol
Delboy, Great video!! The answer to your question. old Tin primary Knucks, Pans and Big Flatheads. When removed the domed shape with flat flange resembles a Derby Hat.
Absolutely the best video on a primary oil change that I've ever seen. Subbed!
Thank you Jordan and welcome aboard.
You make this look so easy, it's almost giving me the confidence to try to do it myself.
Hi buddy, it is an easy job, certainly not complex, one drain bolt, and fill through the derby hole... it's the kinda thing that we don't realise is so easy! Good luck with yours, hope it goes well...!
Fantastic video and thanks so much for posting this.
I am not even a bike owner yet and your explanations are fantastic and HARDLY boring at all.
I have a rental storage facility to store for winter but they require all fluids to be drained so this video is super helpful.
Thank you
Much appreciated mate, and glad you enjoyed it!
Great video. I've seen many oil change videos but what I love about your content is how educational and informative it is. Thanks Del!
By the way, in the states we call the way you tightened the foot peg German torque (Goodentight) haha
+Justin Ammerman Thanks brother, much appreciated... I've always believed that knowing why something must be done can help you devise the method. Knowledge is power and nobody learned anything by working parrot fashion... thanks for watching buddy!
Iv been looking for this tutorial on how to change gear oil, I finally find it, love it clear demonstration do more like engine oil change
First time rider on a harley sportster and this has helped me immensely. thank you!
DexAMD Just don't go putting ATF in the primary filler hole! Wont help your gearbox at all.
so my sporters 48 2020 is my first harley. i needed to know all of this. this is the only video on youtube that explains the different areas that need oil. primary/secondary
You can't beat good honest sensible advice, great videos, ride safe!
Excellent video Del and Pixie, clear explanation, great photography, very nice. Thanks,
Glad it helped JC, plenty more in the back catalogue... ride safe, PENNY !
Not got a Harley Del but just had to watch anyway as I do with all your posts ... very well explained...job well done.
+motoedd Thanks buddy, you're very kind... Del.
Just got a 2019 48 special. ImAnd I really appreciate you teaching me how to take care of it like it deserves.
Congratulations on your new bike, enjoy every minute!
love your videos brother.... what a money saver you have been for me. keep the videos coming, love how you make these videos for us the common folks.
We're all common folk mate, just reaching out to our flellow bikers and spreading the love!
Another great video. I knew an old timer that built choppers out of Sportsters, and I asked him one time about the name Derby Cover. What he told me is the name Derby Cover comes from the days of the Knucklehead Harleys. Their primary covers look just like a Derby hat(Bowler hat in the UK). If you look up Knucklehead primary cover it makes sense.
+jason c Aha, i knew sombody would tell me, and that makes total sense..! so perhaps we should call it a Bowler cover over here then?...lol
Hey Del. I recently purchased a 2008 883 Sportster. I had a loud clunk going into gear. Also when letting out the clutch it would not be smooth. I just changed the oil using ATF. I thought there would be a wait time before I saw results. I was surprised when the result was right away. No more loud clunking and it shifts very smoothly. In first gear from a stop it is like night and day. Very smooth with easy clutch pressures. This makes using the friction zone easy Alan
Thanks for the feedback Alan, glad it helped.
Did my own lub changes on my 2006 HD883. Thanks. Saved a lot of money and did the job right. Taking of the derby cover the seal was twisted and damaged.
Best video out there on this topic! Thank you for the enjoyable walk through and your details. Wasn't sure of the exact process on this model and it was great to see it end to end. Keep them coming, Cheers!
+Michael J. Palumbo Thanks Michael, im glad the video could help you..
Great video and explanation of how transmission works ,best I've seen and invaluable to armature mechanic,thanks man.👍
Another great video "how to" - thank guys!
I have learnt more about the proper care and maintenance of my 883 Iron from you then anyway else and I really can't thank you enough for giving me the confidence to do some of these jobs myself! Saved me a few quid too! :)
Keep up the great work and thanks again.
+Jezza Gates Thankyou Jezza, you're most welcome mate, its a pleasure to get such kind support.. take care on the Sportster... all the best.. Del.
Thank you so much for making such a clear & simple video, already did a primary oil change on my sporty so this will be the next one, regards to the camera team also 🎥 👍🏻
Greeting from Texas y’all! Great video, thank you for explaining the process rather than rushing through it. Great info!
Most welcome, glad you enjoyed it Bryan, and thank you for your kind feedback.
Wow, really smooth presentation, thank you for the hours of planning before the record button is pressed, makes your 'show' so easy to watch and listen to. Tell me you do plan it!
+pj grumpy Not really mate, i just think it through and decide on the subjects to mention and talk about, we often do a few takes of the same scene and choose the best one during editing...but there's no script or story boards, just grab a brew, go in the garage and get stuck in..!!!
+Moonfleet41 Well, they are excellent, of course the camera work is superb too! Keep up the explanations, some of us old dogs will always be open to learning a new tip.
The detail in your explications are excellent. Thanks for helping us out and saving loads of money from the steelership.
Most welcome Sir. Our pleasure!
Del your videos are awesome you explain everything so easy and make it so we can do maintenance on our own bikes.
Glad it helps Mark, thanks for watching!
Great vid, I thought it was a bit long, but then there are not questions left as it would happen with short ones, cheers man!
Excellent video man! Exactly what I was looking for as a new Harley rider. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and time. Greatly appreciated
Most welcome Shane, glad it could help you out sir.. have a great weekend... Del.
I just picked up my 2016 Sportster 48, your Video's will come in Handy....Good Job sir !!
+BeaglePower G Thank you most kindly Sir... glad they can help you...!
Brother you are an amazing instructor!! Please keep your great video's coming! So informative!!!
Thanks buddy, much appreciated.
This is the best video I’ve watched. You clearly know what you’re talking about. Thank you so much for helping me understand.
I believe you are mistaken. It is my understanding that the transmission is lubricated, along with the primary drive, through the primary chaincase with a lubricant called "Formula" (formerly known as "Sport Trans"), specially formulated to act as a pressure lubricant for the gears yet light enough as to not gum up the clutch. There are, in fact, two oil reservoirs on the Sportster; the engine oil which is stored in the oil tank under the seat and the primary/transmission reservoir located in the transmission cavity of unit constructed engine housing.
2003 was the last year for that. Up until then sportsters had a trapdoor behind the clutch assembly that would allow you to remove the entire transmission minus 5th gear on the mainshaft, which remains in the bearing in the case. The gaps between the trapdoor and engine case allowed the primary oil to also lubricate the transmission.
2004 and up you have to completely disassemble the entire engine to get to the transmission because it's sandwiched between the two halves of the engine case and primary oil has no way to get to it.
great video Del. On my suzuki i use to change the primary once a year maybe i should change it more often. keep the video going all my bike work has been through your channel great work.
+william Needs Hi William, just help me out here.. what Suzuki has a seprate primary case??... glad the videos help buddy...
+Moonfleet41 My fault Suzuki Boulevard C90. Final drive as the bike is shaft drive.I beleave its a Valusa 1500 in Britain
+Moonfleet41 What a dope i am it is the final drive as I have a Boulevard C90T which is shaft drive
That Sportster is as cool as hell ,learning has taken place cheers Del 👍🇺🇸
+Graham Calvert Cheers Graham.
Had to cross the ocean to find a real tech to teach me about my American wheel, Thanks
I’ve never heard anyone explain this so well before. Thanks
Most welcome mate.
By far the best video I have ever seen on TH-cam.
Bloody Brilliant, I'm picking up a 1200 Roadie and this will indeed come in quite handy 4 me!! I don't have a mechanic background but I understand it, this is a blessing, THANX!!!
Most welcome Carl.. good luck with it mate, drop me a line if you get stuck with anything, always happy to help... Del.
WOW COOL
Great video man, very clear. I was changing the derby cover and some of the oil came out (I'm noobie on this). Now I feel secure to replace it. Thanks a lot.
Great video. At 12:03, you are looking at the primary drain plug and commented that there was some sort of sealant. As per the shop manual you are suppose to apply Locktite 565 in addition to replacing the O ring. Locktite 565 Looks a lot like plumbers dope or standard pipe sealant. Thanks again for making the video :)
It pretty much is mate, you can even use plumbers tape, its just as effective and is recommended on the tapered plugs you get on the big twins..
Great info in this vid! (unlike some of the other hacks I've seen).
Seriously - I just finished watching several other guys put gear oil in their primary and make a mess of their sporties.
Most welcome Jason, thats a common mistake, probably attributed by the fat that the primary drive case is refereed to as a Transmission.. but it only takes a moment to look up the spec and get the right oil. ! you can even use ATF at a push, works great, and can be bought in any auto parts store for cheap money.
Perfect timing Del, I just laid the Harley up for the winter (Honda "rat" now ready to roll) So will be doing some jobs to the bike, including this job. Thanks for the tip on which oil to use as well. Cheers.
+Roy Lightfoot Cheers Roy, glad it can help you, and always good to hear from you buddy.. take care.. Del.
a great video you guys, really enjoyed watching it.. just changed the oil on the Bandit, feels better in me mind.lol I get a lot of that mayonaising/emulsifying because I go to different sites with my work, the bike never gets properly hot. I have no choice but to take it for a good thrashing every weekend, my wife doesn't understand.. it's a needed thing for the health of the bike!!
+James McCreadie Ha ha, yes indeed, you must excorsize the demon damp at every opportunity, TBH you could leave it ticking over out of a wind draught and in 15 minutes it'll be fine, but wheres the fun in that..lol
I'll be hitting 10,000 very soon. This will be my reference vid for sure. Another great one!
+BlueOnion Hey Ron, great to hear from you again buddy... how's the band going sir, i miss your emails now you're busy with life and things... Drop me a line when service time comes, happy to help is i can brother... ! take care.. D&P.
Another great well delivered tutorial Del, especially for us new to riding and more so HD.
+Drummerdigger Thanks Buddy, still it in yer favourites, you never know when you might need it !
the best video on changing oil !!! all is correct !!! very good stuff
thanks for another great informative video i have tried to educate some of the harley davidson uk members about the primary oil being separate but most disagree i also use atf in there
Jesus delivered me from alcoholism and suicide.Jesus loves you !
you can apply this to royal enfield as well.fully informed video,well done dell.
+Peter Hogg Thanks Peter, what a glorious engine the Enfield has ! I would love a Diesel 200 for winter, if only to see the look on the face of the pump attendant when I start filling it up! Not to mention, £2 a week to run....
Perfect thank you for the information you look at the reviews on torque wrench is and even the good ones have bad reviews and they're ridiculously priced but thanks again I'll go check this one out keep the videos coming
Just got a new place, and this one has a garage. I can now do a lot of this myself instead of paying the dealer, so again a lot of thanks for putting these out. Now someone needs to give you a new Road Glide so you can make videos about my other bike. ;-)
+Kheldarren SOLD.... i absolutely LOVE the Roadglide, its so bonkers and daft... you could ride that across countries...if ford had named the Roadglide, they;d have called it the Streetglide Ghia X...!
Great video!! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience I found this to be educational and informative giving me the confidence to work on my own bike, with your instruction of course. Looking forward to checking out your other videos.
Thank you for your kind words my friend, im glad it was helpful!
Lots of solid, practical advice here. Well done.
Very informative and thanks. Going to try to change my own now. Thanks for all the tips. They really are impressive Keep the rubber side down all
Thanks Vicki, good to hear from you, stay in touch, and drop us a line any time you need a tip or trick, always happy to help!
ThanksNow it’s my turn to go do my sportster I feel confident after watching your video
I was able to pull this off with no problems
Very nice video! And I really like the fact you use proper terms when talking about what you are working on. Very knowledgeable!
Just order my Hylomar tube !!! Going to be shifting to hydraulic soon and I want to do a good job!
Keep them videos coming!
I sure did enjoy this video for it was very informative and pretty in depth with detail. Am needing to do this soon on my unit soon and will follow the procedure in your video. Mine is right close to 10k so I don't want to go too much passed that to get'er done. Thanks for making it easier for the ones who want to $ave a few bucks doing the lighter work instead of going to the shop. Thanks again and Jesus loves you, John 3:16-17 (KJV)
Glad it was helpful, and thank you for your words of kindness.
Thanks for the clarification friend. Btw, if no one has answered you on the "Derby" cover, it is because in the 60's, the inspection covers on the Knuckleheads and Pan-heads looked like a Bowler hat(Derby hat in America), that was an interesting discovery to me.
+M24A6 Yeah, had a few replies to that, and didnt know that either... makes sense though..!
Nice little tip on the TL1000R/S rotary dampner. Didn't know that one. Good vid. Learnt something. 👍.
ok thanks a bunch mate you and you videos have helped me save so much money keep doing what you do and ride free and safe
Most welcome Tommy.. good luck with it buddy, and drop me a line if you get stuck.. !
Moonfleet41...you obviously know quite a bit about Harley's, however you are giving out wrong information in this video about the PRIMARY/TRANSMISSION....&....ENGINE OIL...several people have pointed this out to you but you always dodge the issue...on Sportsters, the Primary & Transmission (Gear Box) share the oil which is filled and checked via the "Primary Case" on the left hand side of the engine. The engine is lubricated via different oil (ENGINE OIL - 20/50) for HD Motors which is fed via the oil tank, the Primary/Transmission oil used is Transmission oil. The early Sportsters had a removable "Trapdoor" behind the Clutch/Generator for access to the Gearbox...since about 2008 (I think), the Gearbox cavity is now cast as part of the main crankcase casting, but the transmission (Gearbox) still relies on the same oil as the primary oil and is fed through a porthole located towards the bottom of the gearbox casting partition...open belts were possible on earlier Sportsters because the engine was modified and the "trap door" was sealed and a gearbox filler port added somewhere....hope you don't delete this post as I don't like riders being misinformed that's all...no disrespect mate ;)