Scratching the itch

Ah, a Softail Deluxe, lovely looking bike. I see it has beach bars, it may be an Idea to replace them for a set of Fat Boy bars if you feel they're a tad uncomfortable. Just a suggestion.
Enjoy. :beerjug:
I too have Fat Boy bars on my Road King and love them.
 
I am but an enthusiastic amateur. I do have the good fortune to have a few friends who are not only incredibly talented, but quite happy for me to hang around and learn off… …I also have friends who don’t know the difference between a a spanner and a screwdriver..🤣
What I have picked up over time is by a fair quantity of personal experience….which is then usually corrected by or added to by others.
The consensus is that inners wear quicker. Oddly, my first experience was contra this. Anyway replacement shoes are of far better quality than the originals.
Now, folks will tell you that “upgrading” to hydraulic tensioners or even gear drive is the way forward. Sure, if you’ve got the money and inclination. Replacing the old tensioners with later ones and keeping an eye on them is just fine, if you’re happy with the motor as it is.
Now, I wouldn’t normally suggest this, but have you considered joining a local group? There will be a wealth of local knowledge (as well as lots of opinions) and advice to who’s good with spanners in your area.
I got a free HOG membership when I bought the bike and went ONE ride out with the local members! I was quite irritated how slow they rode (this was ages ago though) - they instructed to ride 2 abreast and a hi vis at front and rear etc. Lost the will to live when a car and caravan passed us - promptly kicked down 2 gears and never repeated!! Lol
Colin was a great guy, but farmer and his tractor disagreed.

 
I got a free HOG membership when I bought the bike and went ONE ride out with the local members! I was quite irritated how slow they rode (this was ages ago though) - they instructed to ride 2 abreast and a hi vis at front and rear etc. Lost the will to live when a car and caravan passed us - promptly kicked down 2 gears and never repeated!! Lol
Colin was a great guy, but farmer and his tractor disagreed.



To be fair I never mentioned HOG.. 🤣
 
If the tools you need for the cam tensioners are the same as a 2003 Road King. I think I have them all from when I did mine. I am not too far from you in Somerset and you arer welcome to borrow them. The deepest I have ever gone into an engine before but I managed it myself the hardest part being removing the darn exhaust.

Thanks to everyone for the good advice and offers of help, but I have owned the bike for 3 days and ridden it once, so I'm going to need some time to get organised!

In the meantime, I have a KTM to sort out with new chain and sprockets and a tail "untidy". Please note I will not be doing this, or any other work myself - I am saving my pension for the inevitable costs. . .
 
Not the first time you’ve flexed your brain muscles on here!……..and definitely not your first rodeo?! 😬
Anyway, I know those little nylon shoes are prone to wear and need checked often etc.
I pulled my cover off over winter and checked, but could only really see the outer one (which was fine). Many say the two wear equally and wanted to pick your brain on this. Would you agree??
I don’t have the tools or the appetite to pull everything off and check properly. I’ll pay someone like you to replace when the time comes.
PS. Do you know any good wrenches around Glasgow area. I’ve been an orphan since Colin Rutherford sadly died few years back.
Know you guys are well connected.
Doris is correct, I checked mine and the inner was worn more than the outer...I checked the inner with a camera, the outer is easy to check...But at 36K, they were both in serviceable condition, so left them alone.
 
Doris is correct, I checked mine and the inner was worn more than the outer...I checked the inner with a camera, the outer is easy to check...But at 36K, they were both in serviceable condition, so left them alone.
K 👍
I used dental mirror 😬
 


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