This settles it. I'm not mechanically inclined and never will be.
#12
08-29-2010 | 06:05 PM
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 0
From: Southern IN.
Tried the "simple" operation of replacing the stock switches on my 09 FXDF this afternoon.
Over 90 minutes later, and not only are the switches not replaced, I can't get the spring for the stock horn switch back into place, I can't get the right side switch housing back together, and the throttle is completely off and I can't get that back on either (I also lost one of the brass throttle cable ferrules that I eventually found).
Now I'm going to need the dealership to come out, pick up my bike, and fix my mistakes. I'm done working on my bike myself.
Over 90 minutes later, and not only are the switches not replaced, I can't get the spring for the stock horn switch back into place, I can't get the right side switch housing back together, and the throttle is completely off and I can't get that back on either (I also lost one of the brass throttle cable ferrules that I eventually found).
Now I'm going to need the dealership to come out, pick up my bike, and fix my mistakes. I'm done working on my bike myself.
seen all I need'd ta see with it loose....
long story short.....dealer quoted an hr labor(@75.00) I said "knock yerself out".....took the tech 3 hrs mess'n with it........they only charged me with the original hr......75.00 well spent......I ain't got THAT kind'a patience........
#13
08-29-2010 | 06:40 PM
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Yep.....been there! Had the chrome housing's,but the switches were black....sooo......thought "18-20 bux, ain' bad" look fairly simple in the pack,but after take'n a switch housing loose,I said "ain' go'n there"
seen all I need'd ta see with it loose.... long story short.....dealer quoted an hr labor(@75.00) I said "knock yerself out".....took the tech 3 hrs mess'n with it........they only charged me with the original hr......75.00 well spent......I ain't got THAT kind'a patience........
seen all I need'd ta see with it loose....
long story short.....dealer quoted an hr labor(@75.00) I said "knock yerself out".....took the tech 3 hrs mess'n with it........they only charged me with the original hr......75.00 well spent......I ain't got THAT kind'a patience........Some days it doesn't pay to get outta bed.
I think I'll just have the tech go ahead and put ISO Grips on while he's in there.
#15
08-29-2010 | 06:47 PM
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
From: North Shore, MA
I feel your pain. Thought I would do something easy this weekend as my first DIY on my bike by changing passenger pegs to boards. Couldn't get the damn torx screw to turn to remove the old peg mounts. I was using an alan wrench so I figured, get the proper wrench and fight another day! Never know, after sleeping on it you might be able to figure it out... or not!
#16
08-29-2010 | 06:48 PM
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Independence Missouri
Well It took me 3 days to install saddlebags had the bike in parts, seat fender shocks all removed and no jack it was a nightmare for me and yes i was at the point of calling the dealership to come pick it up but i did get it back together purchased the service manual the next paycheck....
#17
08-29-2010 | 06:52 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,167
Likes: 341
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
Small parts, springs, order of assembly, wiring. Everyone has certain things than make wrenching difficult for them and the hand controls/switches have many them.
Patience, good lighting and comfortable working conditions help (sit in a chair or on a stool if you can).
Patience, good lighting and comfortable working conditions help (sit in a chair or on a stool if you can).
#19
08-29-2010 | 07:03 PM
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 909
Likes: 29
From: Indiana
I feel your pain. I have struggled with "simple" jobs on my bike. I have managed to get through them (with some help from this forum). Pics do help. Many folks on here are willing to help.
Everyone will say "get a manual". It is worth it but it is not the ultimate authority. Some things are not listed. And some things assume you already know a bunch of mechanical stuff. I don't. I have learned to do my own fluid changes, I have changed my grips and my levers. A few days ago, I diagnosed and replaced a missing bolt. (No diagram in the manual showed this bolt). Keep tryin'
If frustrated...back away, call a friend, have a beer and get after it again tomorrow.
Everyone will say "get a manual". It is worth it but it is not the ultimate authority. Some things are not listed. And some things assume you already know a bunch of mechanical stuff. I don't. I have learned to do my own fluid changes, I have changed my grips and my levers. A few days ago, I diagnosed and replaced a missing bolt. (No diagram in the manual showed this bolt). Keep tryin'
If frustrated...back away, call a friend, have a beer and get after it again tomorrow.
#20
08-29-2010 | 07:27 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 35,698
Likes: 5,121
From: Honah Lee
foot pegs
I feel your pain. Thought I would do something easy this weekend as my first DIY on my bike by changing passenger pegs to boards. Couldn't get the damn torx screw to turn to remove the old peg mounts. I was using an alan wrench so I figured, get the proper wrench and fight another day! Never know, after sleeping on it you might be able to figure it out... or not!