Thinking as long as that rear wheel is off, probably a good time to give those wheel bearing some love too. Another good and informative video Doc. Thanks
So nice to see a 2003 anniversary bike being serviced at the dealer still. My local dealer turns my 03 away. She’s cherry with 16k on her and they won’t even put tires on it. They claim there’s no parts availability if they damage anything … I was recently told they are going to stop servicing bikes more than 10 years old. This would mean all of my bikes can no longer be serviced at the dealer… which is mind blowing to me. I guess they don’t need the business but for a company that’s so involved in its history I would think they would keep service available. Guess I have to trailer them to the doc …
I used to work as a dealer tech, I’m operating out of an aftermarket shop now. It’s not just a liability thing but also a time and space thing and together they potentially make us money. Older bikes depend on the aftermarket for longevity which is a strong market for Sportsters but VERY expensive when compared to OEM prices if quality and reliability are to be considered. Example; a Baker Drive transmission swap on a Sportster could easily cost upwards of $4,000 at a dealer shop. In other words, if you want it to last it ain’t gonna be cheap. I say it’s still more affordable than a new bike.
Buy a repair manual ,know your bike buy the basic tools , I own a 94flstc my 1st harley . Got the same answer from HD shop . We dont service old hd any more. , screw that! Got my self a service manual , bike is a top notch all year .
Had the pleasure of meeting Pam Tiller, the treasurer of the motor maids, on a trip to Montana. We had stopped for the night due to storms, as did her and her friend. Lovely women to talk with about bikes, and whatever else came up. Thanks for another great video, Doc.
Great work, I am in the process of changing my belt on my recently acquired 2003 softail deuce, which sadly has not been looked after, Upon watching this, I think I’m now going to replace my pulley , more expense, back in 2000 I purchased a brand-new deuce, sadly I had to sell it in 2019, as I have been scammed by my ex female partner, white bike was in the maculate condition, like this young lady , it was serviced regularly, and anything needed during it was done, So I’m now trying to get this 2003 deuce up and running properly, especially now as it has got to go for a control techniques that is what they call it in France, equivalent to an MOT in the UK, And I finally got my conformity paperwork through, Great tech advice from you, Doc, look forward to seeing and listening to your next tech advice, France
Very good information. The inspection chart recommends to change the belt at 40.000km, which is in my opinion much to early. It is good to know the criteria when to change the belt and the pullies. Thank you. Best regards from Austria.
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Hi Doc, Nice to hear from you again. For your technical interest. The Ducati timing belts have to be changed every two years and you don't have to change any pully. The reason is that they are running in houseing. Ride safe and stay healthy. Wolfgang
Always a good post Doc , I have had to replace my rear tire twice now because of mileage and I always look at the belt and pulley and make sure everything goes back together to factory specs . Seeing that bike go over 100,000 miles on original equipment makes me think I can go at least half that on my Fat Bob . Key thought, is to keep up on maintenance and preventive maintenance.
Have an 87 FLHS with 104K still running original belt, also have 09 FLHTC with original belt 99,700 miles still looks good on both. Many more miles remaining.
I road a lot more in my 40s and 50s then I do now . I still ride but only 5000 a year . I have changed out the rear pulley and left the front on . thinking the pulley was warp, kid changed a tire clamped down the pulley in the tire changer it was a wheel bearing going south . and the boy did not catch it. i say boy my kids are older then he was .
Right on! Doc you are right to advise changing all at the same time. It’s not about earning more repair dollars. I became a believer after I got the trans pulley off my EG. The wear on the teeth remind me of an “end tidal” readout. (Healthcare people will get that). Changed at 97k. All related fork bushings and bearings. Rides like new. FYI, for DIYers, use a dremel tool and cut the trans sprocket nut off. New nut $12. Worth every penny. That nut is TIGHT. 😬
Doc, thanks for the heads-up. A sidebar question: can one change the gear ratio for more torque by upsizing the drive pulley? Thanks. For presenting these.
Thanks for all the tips. You ever seen the inner plate of the rear pulley fall off? It looks like there's nothing that holds it on. Glued? Press fit? I was thinking about drilling and screwing with Loctite to put it back on so I don't need to pull the rear wheel on an FLHTC. But I don't want to lose it at 75mph either.
for those that think chain is better, this bike translates to 7 chains 4 front sprockets and 4 rear sprockets plus or minus 60 adjustments and about 10 headaches along with a can of simply orange hand cleaner20 rags and a pair of jeans
Great as always. Be sure the tire and sprocket are exactly 90° to the belt. Otherwise there will be to much stress/tension on just one section of the belt and not distributed evenly across the entire width of the belt.
Doc, around 1984 when HD started going to belt drive, they use to offer a belt dressing when the belt started to look a little dry, no more dressing why?
Ask the same question. I believe materials that make up the belt has improved. The dressing when overly applied attracted and held road grime which of course accelerated the wear on the pulleys. And the media guys wanted Not to be compared to chain maintenance…..Doc
Hi Sir, I have a question if possible . In my 1998 Sportster, when I turn the rear wheel counterclockwise, the belt, in the front sproket shift from the external to the inner and goes to touch the carter in a one revolution of the rear wheel. Is normal? If yes , I ask becuse HD don't build a sprocket with two shoulder, one external, and one inner. I hope in a your replay. Thank you very much from ITALY
Yes it is normal for the belt to walk inward when rotating the wheel backwards. It usually takes a few revolutions so I would double check the alignment of the rear wheel…Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson thank you for the replay. I check the alignement, and is very accurate. In one turn backwards, the belt touch the carter :-( Belt is new, the sprocket and the rear pulley have 50.000 miles
Ashley doc Harley there's a verse in the Bible on that you don't put new wine in an old container just like the pool you don't change a belt without the the pulleys replacement you're absolutely right by the way Jesus is the one that gave that Bible verse
Always good to do it all at the same time? Good for the owner, or the $tealer$hip? New belt, pulleys, pads, rotors + labor? What was the tab on that job? Might as well buy a new bike!
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidsoni had my 2005 carbed 1200 Sporty gone thru when my rear brakes locked up on my way to work...The dealership picked up my bike, replaced the entire rear ens braking components, to include disc, pads, caliper, and more. They also flushed the system and replaced the low beam bulb for me, all for around $500. Runs like a dream! ❤🙏
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Let's see. I own a '44 U, '50 FL, '55 FL, '68 FLH and '97 FLHPi. I've been riding since I bought my first Harly in 1976. No body has even put a wrench to them except me. Probably over a half- million miles on Harley Davidson motorcycles. I work on lots of vintage pre-AMF Harleys that todays dealership 'technicians' couldn't figure out how to start!
Hey Doc, I see your dirty thumbs. I’ve never seen you wearing gloves in your videos. I’m like you, grew up working bare handed, I just can’t seem to work with the rubber gloves lots of guys now wear.
If you replace the packing on baffles it's a mistake not to wear gloves and do it outside. Harley blue bearing grease is worth gloves just while handling the blue sticky parts. Wouldn't know if anything made this century is serviceable.
123,000 that's impressive by itself! But it's apparent that she's loved her bike too. Super clean and serviced by Doc.
Thinking as long as that rear wheel is off, probably a good time to give those wheel bearing some love too. Another good and informative video Doc. Thanks
The wheel bearings are a sealed unit. I check the runout on the wheel instead.
I changed my wheel bearings every time I change the tire
So nice to see a 2003 anniversary bike being serviced at the dealer still. My local dealer turns my 03 away. She’s cherry with 16k on her and they won’t even put tires on it. They claim there’s no parts availability if they damage anything … I was recently told they are going to stop servicing bikes more than 10 years old. This would mean all of my bikes can no longer be serviced at the dealer… which is mind blowing to me. I guess they don’t need the business but for a company that’s so involved in its history I would think they would keep service available. Guess I have to trailer them to the doc …
Your story is sad and true. You are not the only one carry on the History and tradition of Harley-Davidson. ….Doc
I used to work as a dealer tech, I’m operating out of an aftermarket shop now. It’s not just a liability thing but also a time and space thing and together they potentially make us money.
Older bikes depend on the aftermarket for longevity which is a strong market for Sportsters but VERY expensive when compared to OEM prices if quality and reliability are to be considered. Example; a Baker Drive transmission swap on a Sportster could easily cost upwards of $4,000 at a dealer shop.
In other words, if you want it to last it ain’t gonna be cheap. I say it’s still more affordable than a new bike.
Buy a repair manual ,know your bike buy the basic tools , I own a 94flstc my 1st harley . Got the same answer from HD shop . We dont service old hd any more. , screw that! Got my self a service manual , bike is a top notch all year .
Had the pleasure of meeting Pam Tiller, the treasurer of the motor maids, on a trip to Montana. We had stopped for the night due to storms, as did her and her friend. Lovely women to talk with about bikes, and whatever else came up.
Thanks for another great video, Doc.
Very cool story. Thank you for sharing…Doc
Very good information. I look forward to your videos all the time. Thank you for sharing
123,000 miles on a 100th Anniversary Sportster. Wow!
I changed the belt on my VRSCD a couple of years ago. I never checked the condition of the pulleys. Good tip, thanks.
Great work, I am in the process of changing my belt on my recently acquired 2003 softail deuce, which sadly has not been looked after, Upon watching this, I think I’m now going to replace my pulley , more expense, back in 2000 I purchased a brand-new deuce, sadly I had to sell it in 2019, as I have been scammed by my ex female partner, white bike was in the maculate condition, like this young lady , it was serviced regularly, and anything needed during it was done, So I’m now trying to get this 2003 deuce up and running properly, especially now as it has got to go for a control techniques that is what they call it in France, equivalent to an MOT in the UK, And I finally got my conformity paperwork through, Great tech advice from you, Doc, look forward to seeing and listening to your next tech advice, France
Thanks for sharing your story. Wishing you the best with your project 👍….Doc
Very good information.
The inspection chart recommends to change the belt at 40.000km, which is in my opinion much to early.
It is good to know the criteria when to change the belt and the pullies. Thank you.
Best regards from Austria.
Cheers my good friend….Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson
Hi Doc,
Nice to hear from you again.
For your technical interest.
The Ducati timing belts have to be changed every two years and you don't have to change any pully.
The reason is that they are running in houseing.
Ride safe and stay healthy.
Wolfgang
Your the best Doc,always informative and considerate.Love your way of doing things.
Thank you…..Doc
Thanks for keeping up safe and not on the side of the road! Thanks Doc!
Always!…..Doc
Always a good post Doc , I have had to replace my rear tire twice now because of mileage and I always look at the belt and pulley and make sure everything goes back together to factory specs . Seeing that bike go over 100,000 miles on original equipment makes me think I can go at least half that on my Fat Bob . Key thought, is to keep up on maintenance and preventive maintenance.
I agree with your post 100%….Doc
Have an 87 FLHS with 104K still running original belt, also have 09 FLHTC with original belt 99,700 miles still looks good on both. Many more miles remaining.
Thanks Doc for another excellent tech tip-great visuals for comparison purposes.
Great informative video. It is very helpful. Thanks Doc.
You always explain perfectly, Thank you
Thank you Outlaw…Doc
Great vid as always Doc!
Love from UK
Hi Doc. Always great to see your videos. Regardless of what you do always great information 👍👍👋
Paul I appreciate your support….Doc
Yet another great video Doc.
I appreciate that….Doc
Thanks again doc, well explained and made interesting by you,
Cheers, from Scotland ❤
Always smile when I hear from Scotland 😀…..Doc
Don't forget I always run a tap to clean threads for pulley and rotor and fresh loctite and torque specs
A good practice Mr Greg….Doc
Very good advice for anyone with eyes can do themselves!
Miles and time kill a lot of things on bikes (and people) - Thx Doc
Thanks a lot for this excellent explanation🏍️👍🏻. Greetings from 🇩🇪
Thanks for watching from over there…Doc
I road a lot more in my 40s and 50s then I do now . I still ride but only 5000 a year . I have changed out the rear pulley and left the front on . thinking the pulley was warp, kid changed a tire clamped down the pulley in the tire changer it was a wheel bearing going south . and the boy did not catch it. i say boy my kids are older then he was .
Right on! Doc you are right to advise changing all at the same time. It’s not about earning more repair dollars.
I became a believer after I got the trans pulley off my EG. The wear on the teeth remind me of an “end tidal” readout. (Healthcare people will get that).
Changed at 97k. All related fork bushings and bearings.
Rides like new.
FYI, for DIYers, use a dremel tool and cut the trans sprocket nut off. New nut $12. Worth every penny. That nut is TIGHT. 😬
Very informative thanks Doc!
Thanks for another good video. If you come across a customer with a Springer needing a front end service, could you do a tech tip video on it?
Yes I can….Doc
Buddy of mine had his FLH's. Belt break at 200K miles. He just finished a ride to the west coast.
thanks doc keep the HD info coming
I had a rear pulley skin the teeth almost all off. Not a good day on the '90 FAT BOY.
You can bet I keep a close eye on this issue. Great video.
The one and only, Original Fat Boy👍….Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Yes sir. And I bought it at "Low Country Harley Davidson" back in Jan. of '90.
How ironic? 🇺🇸😎
Great video and informative as well
Love me some Doc! Thank you for all the experience 🙏
good thing you didn't spell Doc wrong in that sentence, or people might think your in the wrong group
Doc, thanks for the heads-up. A sidebar question: can one change the gear ratio for more torque by upsizing the drive pulley? Thanks. For presenting these.
Check into Andrews performance parts. They offer the right pulley to deliver what you want….Doc
Thank you, exactly what I needed.
Thank you for taking the time to watch our videos….Doc
I have a 2000 wide glide my front pulley was squared off at 35000
Found a grease fitting behind my headlight on my 2005 road king for the front spindle.
Why they hid that item on that model only is beyond my understanding….Doc
Thanks for all the tips. You ever seen the inner plate of the rear pulley fall off? It looks like there's nothing that holds it on. Glued? Press fit? I was thinking about drilling and screwing with Loctite to put it back on so I don't need to pull the rear wheel on an FLHTC. But I don't want to lose it at 75mph either.
I have never repaired a pulley like that for that very reason at 75mph….Doc
Nice information, Thank you
Good stuff. I do think you should have added check the wheel bearings.
restoring a 03 FLHRCI. didnt even think of this. im going to replace them.
My buddies belt broke in the motel parking lot at just over 100k. I change mine at 101k after that. Lesson learned.
Your thoughts include belt replacement around 100K…Noted…….Doc
for those that think chain is better, this bike translates to 7 chains 4 front sprockets and 4 rear sprockets plus or minus 60 adjustments and about 10 headaches along with a can of simply orange hand cleaner20 rags and a pair of jeans
You have a point….Doc
@martincvitkivich724 that could not be described any better and it is completely factual.
Great as always. Be sure the tire and sprocket are exactly 90° to the belt. Otherwise there will be to much stress/tension on just one section of the belt and not distributed evenly across the entire width of the belt.
Thanks for the tips…..Doc
Great tip Doc
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Doc great information
Thanks for turning in……Doc
WOW! That's serious riding! Same internals since new??
No it’s a dream bike. Regular services….Doc
Thanks Doc!
Doc, around 1984 when HD started going to belt drive, they use to offer a belt dressing when the belt started to look a little dry, no more dressing why?
Ask the same question. I believe materials that make up the belt has improved. The dressing when overly applied attracted and held road grime which of course accelerated the wear on the pulleys. And the media guys wanted Not to be compared to chain maintenance…..Doc
What I’ve noticed is it starts chirping when the belt and pulleys need replacing.
Nice tech tip….Doc
Merci doc 👌👍👍👍👍👍👍
Hi Sir, I have a question if possible . In my 1998 Sportster, when I turn the rear wheel counterclockwise, the belt, in the front sproket shift from the external to the inner and goes to touch the carter in a one revolution of the rear wheel. Is normal? If yes , I ask becuse HD don't build a sprocket with two shoulder, one external, and one inner. I hope in a your replay. Thank you very much from ITALY
Yes it is normal for the belt to walk inward when rotating the wheel backwards. It usually takes a few revolutions so I would double check the alignment of the rear wheel…Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson thank you for the replay. I check the alignement, and is very accurate. In one turn backwards, the belt touch the carter :-( Belt is new, the sprocket and the rear pulley have 50.000 miles
👍
I went chain years ago , belts are for holding up pants
😆….Doc
Checking belt and pulley’s damaged by FOD
Foreign Object Damage
Rock jammed between belt and pulley
If only I didn't have to take the primary clean off to get the belt! Oh well, might as well rebuild the clutch too!
Hi Doc,
Can i ride with on tooth missing on my belt?
It is your choice. We both know it was not designed to run in that condition…Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidsonHi , what meant if can ride until i replace the belt, is coming on 2 weeks.
You're the best!
123,000 miles on a Sportster is very respectable! It's obvious she's not doing hole shots with it! 😀
Teeth on drive pulley can cup over time, and cut the teeth off the belt. 😮
💯
Thanks Chip….Doc
Is that the orig belt?
I would think so….Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson 123,000 miles? Im gonna sleep a little easier then with mine having 15,000. Thanks Doc.
👍🏻🇨🇦
Ashley doc Harley there's a verse in the Bible on that you don't put new wine in an old container just like the pool you don't change a belt without the the pulleys replacement you're absolutely right by the way Jesus is the one that gave that Bible verse
There is a sermon in there somewhere….Doc
167555 on 2014 E glide now and still looking new!!
I had a Dana that had 89,000 miles on it. Why are you saying Dana?
🤷♂️….Doc
I'm going to link this to everybody that says Harley's are POS's that don't last...
Please do…..Doc
Always good to do it all at the same time? Good for the owner, or the $tealer$hip?
New belt, pulleys, pads, rotors + labor? What was the tab on that job? Might as well buy a new bike!
I do not appreciate your post. Please return to your Prius Forum….Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidsoni had my 2005 carbed 1200 Sporty gone thru when my rear brakes locked up on my way to work...The dealership picked up my bike, replaced the entire rear ens braking components, to include disc, pads, caliper, and more. They also flushed the system and replaced the low beam bulb for me, all for around $500. Runs like a dream! ❤🙏
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Let's see. I own a '44 U, '50 FL, '55 FL, '68 FLH and '97 FLHPi. I've been riding since I bought my first Harly in 1976. No body has even put a wrench to them except me. Probably over a half- million miles on Harley Davidson motorcycles. I work on lots of vintage pre-AMF Harleys that todays dealership 'technicians' couldn't figure out how to start!
Hey Doc, I see your dirty thumbs. I’ve never seen you wearing gloves in your videos.
I’m like you, grew up working bare handed, I just can’t seem to work with the rubber gloves lots of guys now wear.
If you replace the packing on baffles it's a mistake not to wear gloves and do it outside.
Harley blue bearing grease is worth gloves just while handling the blue sticky parts.
Wouldn't know if anything made this century is serviceable.
You are correct. I work a lot by “feel”. I am sure by now I have 25% HD oil in my blood…Doc
Doc ,are we bundling on this job 😂
😮…..Doc
Excellent video, thanks.
Great video Thanks Doc
Glad you enjoyed it….Doc
I had a Dana that had 89,000 miles on it. Why are you saying Dana?
🤷♂️….Doc