How to Care for Harley Boots

Authentic Harley boots have a waterproofing shield and are made from genuine leather. Some Harley boots lace up, some have buckles and some have zippers. Choices of styles include the Faded Glory, Hustin and Dipstick. A well-fitting pair of boots is essential for maintaining proper motorcycle riding safety; after all, they are not just a fashion statement.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Black creme polish
• Water repellent
• Wax

1. • 1

     Polish your leather boots. Harley-Davidson.com not only has boots for sale, but cleaning accessories such as polish as well (see Resources). Use black creme polish for best results in maintaining the original color.

   • 2

     Shelter your boots from weather such as snow and rain when not out in the elements. Dry them up in natural outdoor air after they've gotten wet. Don't use too much heat, such as a dryer, as this is can dry out the leather. Make sure it's not going to rain if you put them outside.

   • 3

     Waterproof your boots with a mild detergent and let them stand dry. Once you remove the factory waterproofing, the new weatherproofing repellent will stick to your boots effectively. Use beeswax or lanolin to fill up the porous leather. This will prevent water from harming the integrity of the leather fiber. Reapply water repellent or wax weekly if you're using your boots consistently.

Tips & Warnings

• The "Faded Glory" version have a relatively large buckle and medallion. Use jewelry-cleaning liquid on the metal to maintain the shine.

Installation of a Harley Davidson Derby Cover

Replacing the round derby cover can lend a custom appearance to your motorcycle.

Harley-Davidson's motorcycles are an outlet for self-expression, allowing the machine's owner to personalize almost every facet and component to their taste. Even components as common as the clutch inspection cover, better known as the Derby cover, can be replaced with a custom piece to reflect the owner's personality. Installing a new Derby cover is a simple task that requires only a few tools. However, it is recommended that you use a stand to hold your motorcycle upright, in order to prevent fluid from leaking out of the primary while installing the new Derby cover.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Motorcycle stand or lift
• Torx drivers
• Derby cover
• Derby cover gasket
• Rags or towels

1. • 1

     Place the motorcycle into an upright position using a motorcycle stand or lift for support.

   • 2

     Use a Torx-27 driver to unscrew all five bolts that secure the original derby cover to the primary housing on the right side of the motor. Set the bolts aside. Pull the derby cover and its gasket off the primary housing.

   • 3

     Using a clean rag or towel, remove any oil from the derby cover gasket's mating surface on the primary housing.

   • 4

     Prepare the new derby cover and derby cover gasket. Flip the gasket so that the side with the words "Towards clutch" imprinted on it faces the primary housing. Align the triangular hole on the gasket with the top hole of the derby cover and place both pieces against the primary housing.

   • 5

     Insert a bolt and washer into the top hole on the derby cover to secure the cover against the primary housing, screwing it in slightly with a Torx-27 driver. Insert bolts and washers into the remaining holes on the derby cover.

   • 6

     Use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to 84 to 108 inch-pounds, following a 5-pointed star pattern starting from the top center bolt, bottom left bolt, top right bolt, top left bolt, then the bottom right bolt.

   • 7

     Wipe away any spilled primary fluid or fingerprints from the primary housing and derby cover with a clean rag or towel. Lower the motorcycle from the stand or lift and place it onto its kickstand.

How do I Finance a Harley Davidson With No Credit?

You may be able to buy a Harley-Davidson even if you don't have an established credit history.

Financing a Harley-Davidson with no credit may be a lot easier than you think. Not having an established credit history means you don't have to worry about being rejected because of a history of late payments, charge-offs, collections and other credit blemishes. Sufficient income and stable employment could easily overcome your lack of a credit history. If that isn't enough find a co-signer with excellent credit, such as a parent.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. • 1

     Gather as much money as possible for a down payment. The larger the down payment, the less a credit risk you become to the bank or credit union. Without a credit history the bank will have a hard time predicting your likelihood of repaying the debt. Offering a down payment of 20 or 30 percent, for example, could improve your chances for approval.

   • 2

     Visit with a loan officer at your bank or credit union. Tell her about your plans to purchase a Harley-Davidson. Make the loan officer aware of your accounts at the bank, including any savings or retirement accounts. Describe your income and employment situation. Inquire whether the bank has any loan products to fit you.

   • 3

     Apply for financing at your bank, credit union or a Harley-Davidson dealership. Emphasize your large down payment as you apply at several banks or dealerships. The website Bankrate says the multiple inquiries on your credit report won't hurt your score as you shop around. Take the best deal and buy your new Harley-Davidson. Take some time to build your credit if you are turned down by everyone and can't find a co-signer. Establish a good credit history by applying for department store cards, gas cards and eventually full-featured MasterCard or Visa accounts. Use the cards for about a year and then reapply for a loan to buy your Harley-Davidson.

How to Look for an After-Market Motorcycle Seat for a Harley-Davidson

Buying the softest seats for your Harley isn't the answer, as eventually seats will flatten until you are sitting on metal, Just Motorcycle Seats notes.

Some Harley-Davidson owners may be happy with their stock seat, but many owners like to buy their own and customize its skin, style and -- especially -- comfort. There are several companies that offer a wide selection of after-market Harley-Davidson seats that allow you to choose the perfect seat for your ride. You just need to know what to look for.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. • 1

     Visit the websites of companies that specialize in Harley-Davidson seats, such as Le Pera, Tejas Thump Cycles, Harley Seats or Steel Thunder Custom Cycles.

   • 2

     Browse through several seats and examine the specifications for each one. Look for seats with high-density foam in the middle and bottom sections and a leaner layer of soft foam nearest your buttocks. That type of seat will provide cushioning and still spring back to its original form after you've sat on it, whereas the cheaper, seemingly softer seat will flatten under your weight over time, according to Just Motorcycle Seats.

   • 3

     Narrow it down to seats that are fairly wide and curved, and with the lowest section of the saddle as far back as possible. Pick seats that accommodate your posture; in other words, pick one with the seat well as close to the rise in the back if you tend to sit upright, and farther forward if you tend to slouch.

   • 4

     Choose a seat with a marine-grade vinyl, which has the look and breathability of leather but is cheaper and is not damaged by rain, advises Just Motorcycle Seats.

How to Install a Harley Solenoid Cover

Harley-Davidson uses the Nippon-Denso (ND) type starter units. ND combines the starter motor and solenoid to form a single unit. Starter/solenoid units usually come with the same black wrinkle paint as the engine and/or transmission cases. Purchase custom covers in chrome, frequently with embossing or engraving, through Harley-Davidson Motor Company or the aftermarket to dress up and customize the bike; install the covers with basic mechanic's tools to quickly boost the aesthetics or curb appeal of your bike.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Wrench

1. • 1

     Locate the starter unit behind the rear cylinder of the engine, on top of the transmission.

   • 2

     Remove the two acorn nuts from the end of the solenoid studs, using a wrench.

   • 3

     Slide the solenoid cover onto the solenoid studs. Use caution when handling the cover to avoid damaging the cover or contacting the electrical connections on the solenoid and starter.

   • 4

     Install the acorn nuts onto the solenoid studs. Tighten the nuts securely, using a wrench.

Tips & Warnings

• A thread-lock compound may be applied to the solenoid studs if the acorn nuts are found to be prone to loosening due to vibration.

How to Pick a Harley Exhaust

This motorcycle boasts an exhaust with a simple design that complements the clean lines of the bike.

There are numerous options for customizing a Harley-Davidson. One of the most common enhancements is changing the exhaust system. The reasons for changing the exhaust include performance, sound and appearance. New systems can cost up to $1,200 or more, but typically average around $500. There are many ways to choose an exhaust system for your Harley-Davidson, and for the price you'll pay, it's wise to do extensive research before purchasing your new system. There are several ways to learn about the different types of exhaust systems on the market.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Motorcycle magazines
• Motorcycle catalogs
• List of motorcycle events

1. Motorcycle Events

   • 1
     An event where motorcycles gather is a great place to start looking at exhaust system options.

     Check with local motorcycle shops, biker-friendly businesses, the local newspaper or the Internet for motorcycle events. Events to look for include charity runs, motorcycle swap meets and bike nights at bars, restaurants or coffeehouses.

   • 2

     Look at all the bikes, and if you see a system you like, ask the owner how he feels about the pipes -- the sound, performance, quality of the chrome or other finish. The owner might be able to offer other insights as well, including where to find the best price.

   • 3

     Write down the names of manufacturers and styles, and check with bike shops, online auction sites, online parts stores or manufacturer websites to find out costs of purchase and installation.

   Motorcycle Shops

   • 1
     A rear pipe that extends straigh back from the head is called a "shotgun" style exhaust.

     Utilize your local motorcycle shop to find more information on exhaust systems. In addition to learning more about the types and prices of systems available, both the parts and service departments can tell you about problems with exhaust systems that they've encountered.

   • 2

     Check with an independent motorcycle shop for a greater selection of systems. V-Twin Manufacturing is an aftermarket parts distributor that sends catalogs to their dealers to hand out to customers.

   • 3

     Buy motorcycle magazines at bike shops or newsstands.

   Internet Research

   • 1
     "2 into 1" exhaust systems are reported to increase performance.

     Ask questions in online forums to learn more about exhaust systems. Bike Talk, HD Forums and Harley Tech Talk are all good places to benefit from the experience of others.

   • 2

     Look at manufacturers such as Vance and Hines, Samson and SuperTrapp online. Some manufacturers have audio files that let you hear the sound of the exhaust. They'll also give you performance specifications.

   • 3

     Visit online parts stores such as J&P Cycles, Dennis Kirk and Cheap Cycle Parts for more ideas and more information about prices and installation.

Tips & Warnings

• Read the manufacturer's warranty before purchasing your exhaust system. Most don't warranty for bluing, so make sure your bike is tuned correctly before installing the pipes. Also, if your bike is fuel injected, you'll need to download a new map. Check with your bike shop for your options on purchasing a download or installing an aftermarket tuning system.

• Check your state and local government's regulations on motorcycle exhaust.

How to Remove Dust Covers From a Harley Fork

Harley-Davidson dust covers can be easily removed.

Harley-Davidson motorcycles come with dust covers on the fork of the front tire, which prevent dust and other unwanted materials from entering the fork. The stock dust cover is generally black rubber, but these are often replaced with fancier ones such as shiny aluminum. In order to replace the dust covers, or clean underneath them, the old ones need to be removed.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Tape
• Hammer

• 1

  Locate the small indent on the dust cover.

• 2

  Cover the indent with tape. This will help keep the dust cover from being scratched or dented.

• 3

  Insert the tip of a screwdriver into the indent and hold it in place.

• 4

  Hammer the end of the screwdriver gently. This will cause the dust cover to fall of