Thats what they make those crash bars for. Ask me how I know.

 

I think I had about 500 miles on mine before I learned what that plastic spin **** was for under the throttle grip. I thought it was an idle adjustment until a friend said it was a throttle-locker. Ohhhhh, Coollll, sort of a free poor-man's version of a cruise control. Total surprise to me!

 

That "poor man's cruise control" is a total POS, and a pain in the s$$ to use. It's awkward to use and you will eventualy lose it to gravity and vibration -guaranteed. I tried using mine for a while then gave up. When it fell off somewhere, I didn't even replace it. I use a Throttle Rockernow and love it.

Lets see, besides all the obvious things learned, two things stand out...

After I was completly done with my ape install, I had the rear wheel/tire off for something and I learned there is an access hole in the front of the rear fender that leads directly into the main wire harness service loom area. The reason I mention this is, had I known about it at the time, it would have helped in getting to the harnessand moving it when I did the ape install.

Also, read your little service manual (the one that comes with the bike). In it is instructions where by pushing a combination of turn signal buttons and your ignition switch, you can diagnose trouble codes in your ECM. The trouble code then read accross your odometer like a marquee.

Have learned a ton of other stuff about working on my bike, as I've done 100% of my installs, but nothing is very notable to be classified as "stupid trivia".

MV

 

I've learned alot of things by just doing my own service workon my 2008 Heritage. Learned real quick to stay out of the Harleyshops - scratches, things left loose and $300.00 oil changes, that sort of stufff the shops are known for. $50.00 Service manual saves alot of cash that can be spent on more productive things.

 

I have learned that:
Chrome is addictive
Anything that adds comfort to the ride is absolutely necessary
I don't save money on gas
Syn oil smells like $hit as it burns off your exhaust pipe next to the melted boot heel mark
Chaps will burn when left in contact with exhaust pipes
Harley T-shirts are necessary clothing items and are legal tender
You're spending too much money when everyone at the dealership waves and calls you by name
I need a bigger wallet

 

If you don't like that minor popping on decel, crack the throttle open a hair till the rpm's get down to where it will go back to a "burble"

 

I found out that nothing with HD on it is cheap. Just done my 5,000 mile service today on mine. Switched everything over to Amsoil. I had the clunk for about a day and a half. Thought it sounded like something loose when I hit a bump. Got home & lifted up on the rear of the tank & it had loosened up just enough to make that little clunking noise. Glad it was nothing major.

 

Well crap.

I thought the parts counter guy and the service manager knew me by name, cuz they are "People" persons!!

 

Things I learned:
You can reuse your derby cover gasket (the frisbee one) acouple of times, no problem.
AMSOIL 'sever gear' makes shifting smoother when put in your transmission.
Put a 2X6 under your jiffy stand when adjusting clutch and no oil will come out

and still learning

 

I learned that if you read your owner's manual, you don't learn as much by accident! Well to be honest I actually never have learned that!