World's Longest 10K Service!

Dr. Doolittle · Nov 11th, 2009, 09:27 PM

Well, I started on my 10K service back in early September with a change of all the fluids. Mid September I knocked out most everything else except the brakes. I was going to drop my bike off at my indy mechanic while the wife and I spent late September/early October at Hilton Head and have him do the brake pads and brake bleeding. When he said he didn't have the room for me to leave the bike that long, I made up my mind to try and tackle the brakes myself.

Today, 2 months later, I replaced all the brake pads and bled both the front and rear brake systems, thus officially completing my 10K service!

My main reason for posting this is that I know a lot of folks just lurk here or are members but don't think they could ever do any maintenance on their bikes. WRONG! I've been known to totally botch a simple picture hanging in the house so I'm not what you'd call very mechanically adept.

In just about 2 years I've gone from "maybe I'll try an oil change" to "screw it, I'm doing my 10K service all by myself." I was initially terrified to remove my outer fairing but now I've had it off a half dozen times. I was totally psyched out about the brake job but even though it took me the better part of the day, i did it all by myself and it went off without a hitch.

Folks - YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Get yourself a service manual, read over the Self Help section of this forum, ask lots of questions, and then pour yourself a big cup of coffee, head out to the garage, and really take your time getting to know your bike and how it's put together.

Went for a short ride this evening to gradually break in the new pads and I don't think I've ever had such a gratifying feeling riding this bike since I got it 2 years ago.

OK, I'll stop rambling now.

Hobbit · Nov 11th, 2009, 09:32 PM

Good for you DrD glad you did and can see what is actually envolved - not hard just be methodical

The Tank · Nov 11th, 2009, 09:57 PM

It is a gratifying feeling to work on what is yours. Good on you Doc.

RichardS · Nov 11th, 2009, 10:00 PM

Doc......I'd congratulate you but you have gotten me in BIG trouble!!

Cathy was reading over my shoulder as she often does, (she loves Glider's posts....and his voice...I have to keep my eye on that girl where he's concerned), and she read YOUR post.

Now she thinks maybe I can get all the parts I'm having installed on my bike and do it MYSELF and save all the install costs!!

If I tried to do that, and ABSOLUTELY if I ever attempted what YOU did, the ensuing repair bill would be astronomical!!

I am VERY happy for you Doc.....but please explain in your next post not EVERYBODY can pull it off like you did!

NEWHD74FAN · Nov 11th, 2009, 10:23 PM

Richard, you really should consider doing some routine maintenance yourself, just to get your hands a bit oily...but in the process you will really feel the gratifying experience that Dr.D can only write about for us to see. Do simple things first, and if the brakes thing bothers you, by all means leave that for the dealer or indy. You will certainly surprise yourself and get to be "ONE" with your ride. And that extra money will go a bit for that prize pair of shoes CAT wants so dearly or that bit of *BLING* that she saw would be a fitting "testimonial" for doing a good job...

eh...who is that looking over your shoulder now?

RichardS · Nov 11th, 2009, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NEWHD74FAN

Richard, you really should consider doing some routine maintenance yourself, just to get your hands a bit oily...but in the process you will really feel the gratifying experience that Dr.D can only write about for us to see. Do simple things first, and if the brakes thing bothers you, by all means leave that for the dealer or indy. You will certainly surprise yourself and get to be "ONE" with your ride. And that extra money will go a bit for that prize pair of shoes CAT wants so dearly...

Actually, when I was a much younger guy, (teens, early 20's), I had VERY little money for repairs and almost ZERO money for maintenance. So in those days I'd struggle through the repairs I could do and ALL the maintenance that can be done without specialized tools. I got a lot done too!

But the cars and bikes got a LOT more complicated and a LOT more expensive, making "mistakes" a lot more COSTLY.

As I got further and further away from doing my own work I slowly lost the confidence needed to tear into the machine, so to speak.

I own a TON of tools, but no longer feel I can use them without risking a costly error.

So while I congratulate and envy the guys who do minor and even major projects themselves, I feel a lot more comfortable picking up the phone and dialing up my work!

Gezzer Glide · Nov 11th, 2009, 11:51 PM

I think your Cathy is happy you are willing to spend the extra money to see to it that the bike is safe enough for you and her to ride on, I assume she rides with you. Always do what you do best and leave the rest to the experts.

NEWHD74FAN · Nov 12th, 2009, 12:44 AM

No worries Richard, do what you feel COMFORTABLE with, as that is the bottom line. If it means spending a bit and supporting your local HD dealer or Indy, I am really good with that.

Just me coming from automotive repair minor and electronics engineering major going up through the ranks, it is hard for me to put a wrench or meter probe down, so don't pay me no mind. The key here is enjoy that which we hold dear...family, friends and that piece of rolling stock in the garage...

CatWoman · Nov 12th, 2009, 01:56 AM

Congratulations Dr. D - Job Well Done!!

I totally understand your pride. I frequently get comments on my bike. First I get to brag that she is a 1989 model, but I usually follow that up with 'but the motor is only X # of weeks old - I just rebuilt it....myself'

And there is NO WAY I could have completed the project without the timely help of the gracious people here!!!

CatWoman

and Loving it!!

biscuit · Nov 12th, 2009, 04:28 AM

10000 miles on your brake pads?And time to replace?

Are you the last of the late brakers?

Shouldn't they last a bit longer?

Nov 11th, 2009, 09:27 PM	#1
Dr. Doolittle Contributor$ Ride: 2008 Street Glide Join Date: Feb 1st, 2008 Location: Woodstock, Georgia Posts: 3,872 My Mood:	World's Longest 10K Service! Well, I started on my 10K service back in early September with a change of all the fluids. Mid September I knocked out most everything else except the brakes. I was going to drop my bike off at my indy mechanic while the wife and I spent late September/early October at Hilton Head and have him do the brake pads and brake bleeding. When he said he didn't have the room for me to leave the bike that long, I made up my mind to try and tackle the brakes myself. Today, 2 months later, I replaced all the brake pads and bled both the front and rear brake systems, thus officially completing my 10K service! My main reason for posting this is that I know a lot of folks just lurk here or are members but don't think they could ever do any maintenance on their bikes. WRONG! I've been known to totally botch a simple picture hanging in the house so I'm not what you'd call very mechanically adept. In just about 2 years I've gone from "maybe I'll try an oil change" to "screw it, I'm doing my 10K service all by myself." I was initially terrified to remove my outer fairing but now I've had it off a half dozen times. I was totally psyched out about the brake job but even though it took me the better part of the day, i did it all by myself and it went off without a hitch. Folks - YOU CAN DO IT!!! Get yourself a service manual, read over the Self Help section of this forum, ask lots of questions, and then pour yourself a big cup of coffee, head out to the garage, and really take your time getting to know your bike and how it's put together. Went for a short ride this evening to gradually break in the new pads and I don't think I've ever had such a gratifying feeling riding this bike since I got it 2 years ago. OK, I'll stop rambling now. __________________ 2008 Street Glide

Nov 11th, 2009, 09:32 PM	#2
Hobbit Moderators Ride: 09 CVO Ultra Classic Join Date: May 18th, 2007 Location: The Shires UK Posts: 8,737 My Mood:	Re: World's Longest 10K Service! Good for you DrD glad you did and can see what is actually envolved - not hard just be methodical __________________ Please stop by the "self help section" for maintenance tips, diagnostic codes and much more. >>Self Help Information and Tips<< click me!

Nov 11th, 2009, 09:57 PM	#3
The Tank Contributor$ Ride: 2008 Electra Glide Standard Join Date: Feb 21st, 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 451 My Mood:	Re: World's Longest 10K Service! It is a gratifying feeling to work on what is yours. Good on you Doc. __________________ *2008 EG Standard* with...Crimson Red Sunglo paint, Detachable Tour Pak, Security System, Cruise Control, Python Slipons with V&H Fuelpak, Arlen Ness Big Sucker, Biketronics RetroRadio, Hogtunes speakers with Hog Pod Tweeters and Garmin GPS (high tech bread crumbs)

Nov 11th, 2009, 10:00 PM	#4
RichardS Moderators Ride: 2003 Ultra Glide Join Date: Oct 3rd, 2008 Location: South Jersey Posts: 2,101 My Mood:	Re: World's Longest 10K Service! Doc......I'd congratulate you but you have gotten me in BIG trouble!! Cathy was reading over my shoulder as she often does, (she loves Glider's posts....and his voice...I have to keep my eye on that girl where he's concerned), and she read YOUR post. Now she thinks maybe I can get all the parts I'm having installed on my bike and do it MYSELF and save all the install costs!! If I tried to do that, and ABSOLUTELY if I ever attempted what YOU did, the ensuing repair bill would be astronomical!! I am VERY happy for you Doc.....but please explain in your next post not EVERYBODY can pull it off like you did! __________________ *Did the '60's really happen or was that a dream?*

Nov 11th, 2009, 10:23 PM	#5
NEWHD74FAN Moderators Ride: 2004 Sportster XL1200RS Join Date: Aug 24th, 2008 Location: Camarillo, CA Posts: 4,979 My Mood:	Re: World's Longest 10K Service! Richard, you really should consider doing some routine maintenance yourself, just to get your hands a bit oily...but in the process you will really feel the gratifying experience that Dr.D can only write about for us to see. Do simple things first, and if the brakes thing bothers you, by all means leave that for the dealer or indy. You will certainly surprise yourself and get to be "ONE" with your ride. And that extra money will go a bit for that prize pair of shoes CAT wants so dearly or that bit of BLING that she saw would be a fitting "testimonial" for doing a good job... eh...who is that looking over your shoulder now? __________________ Please stop by the "Self Help section" for maintenance tips, diagnostic codes and much more. >>Self Help Information and Tips<<

Nov 11th, 2009, 11:51 PM	#7
Gezzer Glide Warming The Wheels Ride: '03 FLHT Join Date: Jun 29th, 2009 Location: California Posts: 131	Re: World's Longest 10K Service! I think your Cathy is happy you are willing to spend the extra money to see to it that the bike is safe enough for you and her to ride on, I assume she rides with you. Always do what you do best and leave the rest to the experts. __________________ *Been Behind Bars Since '59*

Nov 12th, 2009, 12:44 AM	#8
NEWHD74FAN Moderators Ride: 2004 Sportster XL1200RS Join Date: Aug 24th, 2008 Location: Camarillo, CA Posts: 4,979 My Mood:	Re: World's Longest 10K Service! No worries Richard, do what you feel COMFORTABLE with, as that is the bottom line. If it means spending a bit and supporting your local HD dealer or Indy, I am really good with that. Just me coming from automotive repair minor and electronics engineering major going up through the ranks, it is hard for me to put a wrench or meter probe down, so don't pay me no mind. The key here is enjoy that which we hold dear...family, friends and that piece of rolling stock in the garage... __________________ Please stop by the "Self Help section" for maintenance tips, diagnostic codes and much more. >>Self Help Information and Tips<<

Nov 12th, 2009, 01:56 AM	#9
CatWoman Contributor$ Ride: 1989 FLHTC Ultra Classic Join Date: Aug 13th, 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 174 My Mood:	Re: World's Longest 10K Service! Congratulations Dr. D - Job Well Done!! I totally understand your pride. I frequently get comments on my bike. First I get to brag that she is a 1989 model, but I usually follow that up with 'but the motor is only X # of weeks old - I just rebuilt it....myself' And there is NO WAY I could have completed the project without the timely help of the gracious people here!!! CatWoman and Loving it!!

Nov 12th, 2009, 04:28 AM	#10
biscuit Contributor$ Ride: 2008 softail deluxe Join Date: Aug 25th, 2007 Location: Brisbane Queensland AUSTRALIA Posts: 331	Re: World's Longest 10K Service! 10000 miles on your brake pads?And time to replace? Are you the last of the late brakers? Shouldn't they last a bit longer?

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