Tech Tip - Spring Safety

As the snow melts away, the desire to experience the wind in your face gets stronger. Motorcyclists across the country are charging batteries, checking tire pressure, and putting a good coat of wax on their trusty baby. Making ready for that first warm afternoon, when they can get out on the highway. Harleys or Hondas, all motorcycle riders look forward to the first spring ride in the country We'll assume you prepared your motorcycle properly when you put it in storage for the winter. To make sure your cycle is ready to go, check all fluid levels, check tire pressures, and add some fresh gas. Charge up the battery, and hit the start button. With a well maintained motorcycle, this is about all that's necessary if you did your proper maintenance before winter storage.

The rest of your preparation has a lot to do with attitude. Being safe on the road depends primarily on how alert you are while riding, and how well you are paying attention to what's going on around you.

After a long winter, with road crews working long hours to keep the roads clear of ice and snow, there is a very dangerous residual leftover from the plowing process. That is the SAND the highway department used on roads. Loose sand is everywhere in the early spring corners, intersections, main roads and side streets alike. This accumulation of sand presents a severe danger to all two wheeled vehicles.  People driving cars have forgotten all about motorcycles over the past few months. Even in good weather in the middle of summer a motorcycle is almost invisible to cars. Headlights on can help, so make sure all lights front and back are working properly. When you head out on the road this spring, be aware. Know what's going on around you and give yourself enough space to safely navigate around dangers. Motorcycle riding is one of the best ways to experience what our country has to offer. Be sure you enjoy it safely

Tony D. & The Wild Fire Service Team

Tech tip - Dealing with Vibration and Corrosion

Loc Tite is a brand of thread sealant designed for the locking and securing of threaded fasteners.  In the service shop, Loc Tite is one of the essential products used by every technician for virtually every job. We all know that motorcycles vibrate – and some shake a lot.   Critical fasteners on even the newer Harleys must withstand an excessive amount of vibration and remain securely fastened.  We are able to achieve this in the shop by using products like Loc Tite and also paying close attention to the Factory's torque setting.  Proper torque specs are “set” using a torque wrench and are simply a measure of how tight to set each specific fastener.  Even for riders that work on their own bikes, Loc Tite should be part of the installation procedure.  Mirrors, highway & footpegs, saddlebag and docking hardware – they all needs a treatment of Loc Tite be ensure they don't fall off on the road. 

Loc Tite bonding fluids come in a variety of strengths; the color determines the application.

• RED
• One of the stronger bonding fluids.  Secures fasteners and requires the use of heat and sometimes air impact wrench to disassemble.  Used for fasteners that are not intended to come off again.
• GREEN
•  A unique securing compound that doesn't require the dis-assembly of the fastener to engage the threads and prevent loosening.  Its special wicking properties allow for the GREEN Loc Tite to work its way into the threads while the fastener is still secure..
• BLUE
• The more common bonding fluid, effectively secures fasteners preventing loosening. Requires use of normal hand tools to disassemble.  For use on fasteners that maybe required to come of again in the future.

Sometimes getting a bolt off or an axle out is the challenge.  Heat related corrosion can cause fasteners or pivot bolts and axles to “seize” up in the wheel or threads.  Products such as anti-seize lube prevent metals from “freezing up” due to excessive heat and corrosion.  Excessive pressuring washing may cause rust to develop and prevent an axle from coming out of the swing-arm.  A liberal application of anti seize to the axle will prevent the rust to build up and allow for an easy wheel removal at your next tire change.

Anti -Seize
Is a great lubricant used throughout the service shop.  Anti-Seize is a messy paste like grease that is applied to metal surfaces to prevent heat related galling and corrosion. It repels water and because it's thick, it won't break down and dissolve.  Exhaust bolts, spark plug and even brake pins and bolts often get anti-seize to allow for future removal and to prevent heat related galling.

Teflon, Moly Cable Lube
While the newer touring models use an internal wire throttle system, the majority of bikes on the road still operate using a cable and twist grip system.  Cables rarely fray or break unless they are being pushed and pulled without any lube.  A Teflon or moly based lube is a great way to not only ensure the smooth workings of your throttle mechanism, but it will also give your throttle an easy “no drag” twist.

Tri-Flo Teflon Spray Lubricant

Tri-Flo is a brand of premium penetrating lube that we use throughout the shop on moving parts to prevent sticking and and corrosion.  Kickstand springs, highway pegs, brake and clutch levers all need an occasional “shot of lube” to keep them working smoothly.  Unlike anti-seize, Tri-flo is an aresol and goes on clean, without a mess and maintains it's lube properties for a long time.  It is probably one of the best spray lubes you will find.


 

Tony D. & the Service Team at Wild Fire H-D

Tech Tip - Brake Fluid

Brake systems have come a long way on Harley-Davidson motorcycles.  Powerful Brembo , 4-piston calipers, ABS systems and stainless lines have all greatly increased stopping power of today’s Harley-Davidson motorcycles.  Brake fluid continues to play a vital role in braking system.  Prior to 2005 most late model Harleys used DOT 5 or silicone based brake fluid.  The silicone based formula offers a more stable viscosity index at extreme temperatures.    Starting in 2005 with certain touring models, Harley-Davidson began to spec DOT 4 brake fluid in their braking systems.   By 2007 all models used DOT 4.  
 

Both types of fluid are susceptible to overheating and moisture contamination.  Old or broken down fluid can cause poor stopping performance and a weak feel at the lever.  When moisture in the system heats up it will expand which can cause a drag of the brake pads on the rotor. The recommended service interval for changing brake fluid is every 2 years or when the moisture level exceeds 3%.   The dealership has test equipment that can test for moisture in the fluid and can determine the contamination level.

Be careful when adding or checking fluid not to mix fluid types.  DOT 5 does not mix with DOT 4.  And always top off using fluid from a sealed container to avoid adding any moisture contaminated fluid. 

Common Symptoms of contaminated brake fluid

• Poor Braking Performance
• Soft or spongy feel at the lever or pedal
• Fluid has a dark or cloudy look
• Brakes drag and cause the rotor to overheat

Solutions

Have your brake system tested for moisture content or flushed at least every two years

The fluid service consist of draining, flushing, refilling & bleeding the brake lines of both the front and rear systems.  We also replace the master cylinder cover gaskets and inspect the brake pads and rotors. 

Keeping your brake fluid fresh will ensure that you will get the most out of your stopping power. 

Thanks, Tony D. & The Wild Fire Service Team

Tech Tip - Warranty & Recall

Warranty and recalls seems to be a topic that has a lot of people confused.

If you are having a problem with your bike and it is still under the factory warranty period - take it to us the dealer!

• Wild Fire Harley-Davidson
• City Limits Harley-Davidson
• Illinois Harley-Davidson

Just about everything on your bike is covered by the warranty as long as it was not obviously caused by abuse or a botched repair/installation by another shop (in which case it should be returned to that shop and they should stand behind their work) with the exception of chrome or paint .

If you get a letter stating that your bike is involved in a Recall Campaign - take it to us the dealer!

Warranty and Recall issues cost you, the customer, NOTHING!

• FACTORY WARRANTY PRICE TO YOU =  $0
• RECALL PRICE TO YOU =  $0

  The duration of this limited warranty is twenty-four months, starting from the earlier of the date of initial retail purchase and delivery from an authorized Harley-Davidson, or the third anniversary of the last day of the model year of the motorcycle. Your dealer will submit an electronic Sales and Warranty Registration form to initiate your warranty.  Any unexpired portion of this warranty will be transferred to subsequent owners, upon the resale of the motorcycle during the warranty period.

Harley-Davidson warrants to its authorized dealers only, that each new street legal Genuine Motor Part or street legal Genuine Motor Accessory (including street legal Screamin’ Eagle performance parts and accessories) purchased from a Harley-Davidson dealer and installed by an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer on a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle or dealer demo motorcycle will be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service upon the following terms and conditions:

The duration of this limited parts warranty will run concurrent with the vehicle warranty.

This warranty covers only street legal Genuine Motor Parts and street legal Genuine Motor Accessories (including street legal Screamin’ Eagle performance parts and accessories) that are purchased by an authorized dealer and that are properly installed by that dealer on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, prior to delivery, of that motorcycle or on back order by that dealer at the time of delivery of a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle and properly installed by that dealer on that motorcycle within 24 months from the date that motorcycle is sold by that dealer.

Feel free to stop in or give us a call at 800.400.RIDE. We can check your motorcycle’s vin number against any outstanding recalls and give you more information regarding extending your factory warranty for up to 7 years from the point of purchase.

Tony D. & the Wild Fire Service Team

Tech Tip - Security

One of the most common problems we find with no start situations and security issues is the battery in the key fob going dead.  If you find yourself in a situation where you have your key fob on you and your security is still going off and will not let you start the motorcycle, it is very likely the battery in your fob is dead.  It is very easy to replace the battery.  But it is also important to know how to disarm your bike’s security manually.

1. Set the engine to the OFF position
2. Turn the ignition to the IGN position
3. Turn the ignition to the ACC position
4. Hold both turn switches in until confirmation (the security lamp will flash at a fast rate. The system is now ready for the PIN entry)
5. Enter the first digit of the code by repeatedly pressing the left turn signal
6. Once entered press the right turn signal 1 time
7. Enter the second digit of the code by repeatedly pressing the left turn signal
8. Once entered press the right turn signal 1 time
9. Enter the third digit of the code by repeatedly pressing the left turn signal
10. Once entered press the right turn signal 1 time
11. Enter the fourth digit of the code by repeatedly pressing the left turn signal
12. Once entered press the right turn signal 1 time
13. Enter the fifth digit of the code by repeatedly pressing the left turn signal (the security is now disarmed if entered correctly. You can now start your bike or enter a new code)
14. Once entered press the right turn signal 1 time (the security lamps will stop flashing if entered correctly)

To learn your Security code, please view your Owner’s Manual or contact our Service Department. & remember this is something that we cover in our FREE Monthly Service Seminars. The next seminar is scheduled for Wednesday, January 26th at 6pm...We look forward to seeing you there.

Tony D. & The Wild Fire Service Team

Tech Tip - EFI

The mighty Harley is slowly losing its carburetor. For those of you who haven't noticed or are stuck back in the 80's, all the current bikes coming out of Milwaukee have fuel injection installed. International environmental concerns have slowly forced the change from carburetor to electronic fuel injection. Harley purists are mourning the loss of the venerable carburetor. The purist's are crying foul and talking about the "good old days" when they would repair their bike on the side of the road.

Let's take a retrospective view of the introduction of new technology to Harley-Davidson motorcycles and what current technology is available and what the future may bring. For the last 20 years, almost every change in technology to Harleys has been met with skepticism. What were some of the improvements and changes? Here are a few items of note.

• The change from Shovelhead to EVO engines.     
• The change from points and condenser to electronic ignition.     
• The change of chain to belt drive.     
• The change from butterfly to CV (constant velocity) carburetor.          
• The change from EVO to Twin Cam engines.     
• The introduction of the V-Rod.        

All of these improvements and changes had the H-D purists of the period complaining about the changes and how the motor company had forgotten its roots and their long time customers. Much of the criticism was harsh and unfounded. No company can remain static and stay in business, so Harley has been forced to move with the times. Government regulation and increased competition from the metric manufacturers forced Harley-Davidson to update their product line. Yet Harley riders thrive on nostalgia. Eventually, the new technology takes hold and becomes the new standard. We have all heard the stories from the Old Rider reminiscing about how many times he fixed his bike on the side the road with his pocketknife and a matchbook. Yes, older Harley's were more prone to breaking than the later generations of bikes. Do we really want to go back to the days when H-D could have easily meant "hardly driveable"? The change in technology introduced by H-D over the years has continually improved the breed. Maybe the "good old days" were not as good as we remember.

There is no reason not to expect EFI improving the reliability and performance of the venerable V-Twin engine. Harley-Davidson has proven their EFI efforts by having motorcycle that is smooth running, reliable and runs the just the same if your riding in Florida or in the mountains of Colorado.    

Tony D. & The Wild Fire Service Team

Tech Tip - Exhaust

No exhaust system is the perfect match for every bike. In fact every exhaust is specifically designed to perform a certain task.  Before performing exhaust changes or modifications to increase performance, it is critical to determine what kind of performance you want.

• Are you looking to gain low-end and mid-range or maximum top-end power?
• Do you have additional engine modifications?
• Do you want aesthetics or performance? 

A poorly chosen exhaust system can yield very disappointing results. However, one that is well-matched to the engine can provide outstanding power gains. An exhaust system will not produce more power on its own. The power of an engine is determined by the fuel and air mixture. However, the combustion is heavily influenced by the exhaust system.

Pipe Design:
A mistake often made is the selection of an exhaust system with pipes that are too large in diameter for their engine's output. Bigger is not necessarily better and is often worse. In addition equal length pipes offer some benefits that are not present with unequal length pipes. longer pipes typically produce more low-to-mid range torque than shorter pipes.

• Longer pipes will increase power below the engine’s torque peak and shorter pipes tend to increase power above the torque peak.
• Large diameter pipes tend to limit low-range power and increase high range power.
• Small diameter pipes tend to increase low-range power and to some degree limit high-range power.
• "Balance" or "equalizer" chambers between the exhaust pipes tend to flatten the torque peak(s) and widen the powerband. 

There are many other contributing factors to choosing the proper exhaust for your motorcycle.  We encourage you to join our next Service Seminar on Wednesday, January 26th at 6pm where we will discuss the differences in exhaust systems and further explain how to choose one that is right for you.

Tony D. & The Wild Fire Service Team