DIY Harley Davidson Maintenance Tips and Performance Projects

Harley Davidson motorcycles have always had a rep for being unreliable when compared to their metric counter parts (Whether or not this is true can be debated for hours - and it really doesn't matter). Through advances in design and engineering this gap has been closed making todays Harley Davidsons more reliable and better performing. There are some things that you can do yourself to keep your scoot running and performing top notch.

Doing basic preventive maintenance yourself not only keeps your bike running reliably it can also save you a ton of cash. With Harley Davidson Dealers, and even independant shops, charging more that $50 an hour for labor, even something as simple and necessary as an oil change can cost a bundle of bills.

To perform basic maintenance on your bike there are really not a lot of special tools that you need. A good set of wrenches, a socket set, torque wrench, a set of allen wrenches, an oil filter wrench, loctite, cable ties, pliers, screwdriver set, and the most important of all - a repair or service manual for your bike. With these few tools, some patience, and a little research you can take care of most your bikes maintenance yourself.

Below are some great resources and tips to help you maintain your bike, upgrade the performance of your bike, and save a bit of money in the process.

Get a Service Manual for Your Motorcycle!

A service manual for your bike is one of the most valuable tools you can own. Save a ton of money doing basic maintenance and repairs yourself. Pick up a repair and service manual for your bike.

Motorcycle Repair and Service Manuals

Most motorcycle service and repair manuals are geared to the do it yourself amateur mechanic. They provide you with information you need to repair maintain your bike including info on the proper tools to use and procedures to follow.

If you are serious about maintaining your bike get a repair & service manual for your bike year and model!

Check out these Performance Books

Here are a couple of great books packed with performance projects and maintenance tips for your Harley.

Harley Evo and Sportster Performance Tips

101 Harley Davidson Performance Projects for Evolution Big Twins & Sportsters - This is an excellent book for anyone that owns a Harley Davidson Evolution motorcycle. A ton of great information on basic maintenance and easy to do performance projects. THIS BOOK IS A MUST HAVE FOR ANY EVO RIDER! 101 Harley Davidson Performance Projects

101 Harley Davidson Performance Projects for Evolution Big Twins & Sportsters
About the Book
Put a veteran mechanic on your shelf with this comprehensive guide to improving your Evolution-engined Harley-Davidson. Created with the weekend mechanic in mind, this illustrated manual offers 101 projects that will improve your scoot's power, handling, and ride.

Presented in a clear, colorful, and concise format, you'll be able to quickly determine how each project will improve your bike, what you need for the project, how much it will cost, and how to do it.

Author and Harley-Davidson technician Kip Woodring offers tips and techniques garnered from years of personal experience hopping up and living with Harley-Davidson Evolution-engined Big Twins and Sportsters.

With more than 350 color photographs and 50 charts and illustrations, 101 Harley-Davidson Performance Projects is an invaluable source for any Harley-Davidson enthusiast.

Looking for Twin Cam Performance Tips?

Now I do not own one of the Twin Cam Harley's and I do not have this book but if it has half the tips and projects in it for Twin Cams that the 101 Harley Davidson Performance Projects for Evo and Sportsters has then it is well worth it for a Twin Cam owner to pick up a copy.

101 Harley Davidson Twin Cam Performance Projects

101 Harley Davidson Twin Cam Performance Projects
About the Book
The Harley-Davidson Twin Cam engine is powering many of the most popular modern Harley-Davidson motorcycles on the road today. And like most Harleys, Twin Cams receive special attention from their owners in the form of cosmetic customization and performance enhancements. If you're a Twin Cam owner, chances are you've modified, or thought about modifying, your bike on your own. Whether you want to swap in some dazzling aftermarket taillights, or increase your engine output with some high-performance cams, this is your information source.

In 101 Harley-Davidson Twin Cam Performance Projects, experienced mechanics and motorcycling journalists Chris Maida and Mark Zimmerman guide you through the important steps of upgrading the major components of your motorcycle, while adding some style in the process. From simple maintenance, like replacing chains to belts, to complex suspension or fuel injection modification, you'll be ready to take on any weekend project. They'll explain the tools, skills, and cost involved, as well as handy tips known by the pros. With over 100 projects, there's bound to be something for everyone.

If you've ever wanted to do it yourself, but were afraid of the cost, frustration, or simply didn't know where to begin. 101 Harley-Davidson Twin Cam Performance Projects is your one-stop resource, and the best tool in your garage.

More Harley Davidson Performance, Repair, & Service Books