How to Polish Harley Rotors to Make Them Shine Like Chrome

If you want a show-stopping Harley, you'll need to polish every bit of chrome, including the brake rotors. Fortunately, it's fairly easy to polish the rotors without removing them from your bike. But this is a relatively long and involved process, so make sure you set aside a couple of hours to give your rotors the attention they deserve. By the end of this procedure, everyone will be able to see their reflections as you roll by.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Motorcycle jack
• Chair
• Car wash soap
• Water
• Bucket
• Car wash mitt
• Old towels
• Rubber gloves
• Sandpaper at several different grit levels between 150 and 2000
• Bowl
• Microfiber buffing cloths
• Safety goggles
• Dust mask
• Power drill
• Buffing disc attachment for power drill
• Stainless steel polish

1. • 1

     Slide a motorcycle jack under the center of the Harley and pump the handle to raise the bike. Raise it high enough so that you'll be able to position a chair in front of the bike and stabilize the bottoms of the tires with your knees, as this will be the best way to keep the wheels from turning while freeing up your hands.

   • 2

     Mix some liquid car wash soap and water in a bucket, then use the solution to thoroughly wash both rotors with a car wash mitt. When you're done, rinse off the suds and dry the rotors with old towels.

   • 3

     Put on rubber gloves. Fill a bowl with water and grab a piece of your lower-grit sandpaper; anything from 150 grit to 400 grit is suitable for starting, but you should stick to the lower grits if your rotors are really dull and scratched.

   • 4

     Dip the sandpaper in the water and start sanding the rotor surfaces. Sand in one continuous direction around each rotor, and dip the sandpaper back in the water after every 20 seconds or so. Continue sanding until the rotors look noticeably brighter and cleaner all the way around.

   • 5

     Switch to a finer-grit sandpaper between 400 and 800 grit. Sand the rotors just as you did before, only this time sand in the opposite direction.

   • 6

     Continue sanding up to five more times. Each time, switch to a finer grit sandpaper and sand in the opposite direction as the time before.

   • 7

     Wipe down the rotors with a damp towel to mop up any loose particles, then buff them dry with clean microfiber cloths. Make sure the rotors are completely free of loose particles before proceeding.

   • 8

     Lock the polishing disc bit onto the end of your power drill and put on your protective eyewear and dust mask.

   • 9

     Apply the stainless steel polish you've chosen using the method recommended on the polish packaging. There are several different forms of stainless steel polish, and different types work best with different application methods. Typically, the best approach will be to either apply the polish directly to the rotors with a clean cloth or to apply it directly to the polishing disc. Always refer to the polish manufacturer's directions for the best result.

   • 10

     Polish the entire surface area of both rotors by spinning the polishing disc flat against the surface. Polish one small section at a time, making sure that each section is shining to your satisfaction before moving on. This way, you'll get an even shine all the way around. Push the disc into the rotors with some pressure, but not so much pressure that it slows down the drill. If necessary, add more polish as you go.

Tips & Warnings

• This is a long process, and it's most comfortable if you work one rotor at a time while sitting in a chair. You can stabilize the wheel with your knees while you work, then stop and turn the wheel as necessary to expose new areas of the rotor.

How to Install an Exhaust for a Harley Davidson

Every Harley has two exhaust pipes.

Harley-Davidson motorcycles are known for their V-twin engines. They are also known for being loud. However, Harley-Davidsons do not come from the factory quite so loud. Most owners replace the exhaust pipes with ones that increase the volume of the exhaust note to give their motorcycle that aggressive sound. Every Harley-Davidson motorcycle has two exhaust pipes, one connected to each engine cylinder.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Socket set
• Allen wrench set

• 1

  Remove the two bolts that secure the exhaust header to the rear engine cylinder using a socket and ratchet. Complete this step with the front engine cylinder.

• 2

  Trace the inside edge of exhaust pipe that connects to the rear engine cylinder until you locate the tail pipe mounting bracket. The bracket extends from the motorcycle frame and bolts to a bracket on the exhaust pipe. Depending on your model of Harley, the bracket connects to the pipe using a standard hex-bolt or an Allen-bolt. Hold the pipe in place while you remove the bolt and then place the pipe off to the side. Complete this step with the exhaust pipe that connected to the front cylinder engine.

• 3

  Place a new exhaust pipe gasket onto the exhaust port on the rear cylinder. Place the rear pipe onto the gasket and secure it in place using the two bolts, socket and ratchet. Complete this step with the front cylinder.

• 4

  Secure the tailpipe connected to the rear cylinder to the bracket on the frame using the bolt, socket and ratchet. Complete this step with the pipe connected to the front cylinder

How Does a Harley Davidson Engine Work?

1. Introduction

   • Harley-Davidson motorcycles have always celebrated their special identity within the motorcycle field, and a lot of this identity has to do with the engines that power the vehicles. The engine is at the core of what makes every Harley a Harley, and these engines have quite an illustrious history that distinguishes them from the engines of other makers.

   Early Beginnings

   • The first Harley-Davidson motorcycle engine weighed in at just under 50 pounds and was a single-cylinder, 24.75-cubic inch, F-head valve configuration affair. Unlike what typical car manufacturers do, Harley-Davidson refreshes their engine very 15 years, so the cycle with these motorcycles is quite different. Originally, Harley-Davidson motorcycles weren't motorcycles in the sense that we understand them at all. They were quite literally a bicycle with a motor more or less attached. As such, as Harley-Davidson machines became more and more complex and more like the machines known today, their weight grew drastically heavier, and as a result the engines and fuel tanks grew gradually larger and meaner to support the vast change in design. Thanks to the advancement in engine size and strength, the motorcycles not only were capable of still running, but they also became more efficient, traveling at longer distances and at quicker speeds.

   Past Engines

   • The engine is at the heart of each Harley-Davidson motorcycle, and there have been quite a number of variations throughout the years. The initial brand of engine was the Flathead engine, manufactured from 1929 until 1974. These engines featured valves that ran along the side of the engine and that opened upward. Its non-complex design was an asset, and the engine cranked out roughly 22 horsepower (rather pathetic by today's standards). Similar to it was the Knucklehead engine, which cranked out an improved 40 to 45 horsepower and was available roughly during the same era. Numerous upgrades to the Flathead and Knucklehead engines have been made available throughout the years. The Shovelhead engine produced 60 horsepower and featured a displacement of 74-cubic inches and was available from 1966 until 1985-it represented a boost in horsepower nearly three times over that of the Flathead. The Harley-Davidson Evolution engine helped take the vehicle into the modern age, with an engine capable of 70 horsepower and a displacement of 81.8 inches. It was produced between 1984 and 1999, and is no longer available.

   Current Engines

   • Moving into the modern day, the Twin Cam 88 engine saw birth in 1999 and provides 80 horsepower and 88-cubic inches of displacement, and represents Harley-Davidson's largest engine. Also, the Revolution engine was introduced in 2001 and is only available on the VSRC motorcycle model, but this engine pumps out an impressive 115 horsepower, while staying relatively small at 69-cubic inches. Unlike so many other engines of the past and unlike the Twin Cam 88, the Revolution is water as opposed to air-cooled, and features four overhead cams.

How to Remove the Fairing From a Harley Davidson

Harley Davidson motorcycles are famous for being one of America's oldest motorcycle manufacturers, as well as one if the most highly modified. Taking apart your Harley to modify it in one way or another is fairly commonplace; when it comes to the front fairings, taking them off for paint or modification is fairly easy to do. The main issue is to protect your surrounding equipment, that way you can keep everything in good shape.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Microfiber towels
• Torx-head screwdriver set

1. • 1

     Place the microfiber towels over the spot lights and front fender so that you can keep them from getting damaged. Loosen the three bolts that hold the windshield to the front fairing using a torx-head screwdriver.

   • 2

     Sit in the seat and turn the handlebars to the right. Disconnect the screws on the left side of the fairing using a torx-head screwdriver. Turn the handlebars to the left side and repeat the process.

   • 3

     Stand in front of the fairing and unbolt the windshield bolts using the torx-head screwdriver, but hold the fairing steady with your free hand. Once the screw is out, pull out the fairing carefully, exposing the back of the headlight.

   • 4

     Unclip the wiring harness to the headlight. Pull out the fairing.

How to Check the Transmission Fluid in a Harley

A Custom Dipstick Cover

Part of the process of keeping your Harley running smoothly is performing maintenance on a regular basis. You should check the transmission fluid in a Harley after prolonged running periods (every 200 miles or every three hours). If you are a city driver, make checking your fluids a monthly maintenance habit. Too much or too little transmission fluid can seriously damage your Harley and the damage will happen before the transmission tells you something is wrong by making noise or feeling "off." You don't have to be a mechanic to check the transmission fluid in a Harley because the steps are easy to follow.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Clean rag
• New Transmission Fluid (see owner's manual for type)

1. How to Check the Transmission Fluid in a Harley

   • 1

     Run the engine until it is warm, shifting through all the gears. Once the engine is sufficiently warmed, turn it off.

   • 2

     Loosen the transmission dipstick by unscrewing it, but do not remove it.

   • 3

     Straddle your Harley and hold it level, off the side stand, for 20 to 30 seconds. Remove the transmission dipstick and wipe it clean before reinserting it into the block. Do not screw it in. Insert the dipstick until the top of the threads is resting on top of the hole to check the transmission fluid in a Harley.

   • 4

     Withdraw the dipstick and read the amount of fluid in the transmission. Dipsticks are marked with what should be the proper level of fluid in the engine. If your fluid level is too low, add a little transmission fluid. Place the dipstick back into the engine block and screw it in. Start the engine again and shift through all the gears. Turn the engine off and let it stand for 20 to 30 seconds and repeat the rest of Step 3 to read the new levels. Repeat this until the proper amount of fluid has been achieved.

   • 5

     When your transmission level is reading correctly, screw the dipstick firmly back in place before starting the engine. Discard the rag you used to clean the dipstick. Make sure your container of transmission fluid is firmly capped and stored properly.

Tips & Warnings

• Add transmission fluid by the capful to bring up the level in your transmission.

• It takes little fluid to change the level of transmission fluid in a Harley. If you add too much transmission fluid, it can be as damaging to a transmission as too little. Always add fluid with great care.

How to Select Harley-Davidson Infant Toys

Harley-Davidson infant toys allow children to experience what it feels like to be grown up with their very own Harley-Davidson products. From decorations for the nursery to toys that are designed to make kids feel like they are on the open road, Harley-Davidson infant toys share the Harley styling and color concepts. Harley-Davidson toys can be found through large online retailers and some national retailers.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Find Harley Davidson Infant Toys Online

   • 1

     Search for Harley-Davidson infants toys on eBay (see Resources below). Select kids' room accessories, motorized toys and wooden toys by KidKraft. Buy new and used toys from private sellers and dealers and through auctions.

   • 2

     Get Harley-Davidson infant toys on Amazon.com (see Resources below).

   • 3

     Compare Harley-Davidson infant toys at Nextag.com (see Resources below). Nextag carries a large selection of Harley-Davidson-inspired toys and can help users find the lowest prices for toys they select.

   • 4

     Search for "KidKraft" brand Harley-Davidson toys when searching online. KidKraft manufactures many wooden Harley-Davidson toys that can be hard to find.

   • 5

     Try searching for popular Harley-Davidson ride-on toys for automated infant riding. Search for "Harley-Davidson ride on" or "Harley-Davidson power wheels" for toy results.

   Choose Classic Harley Davidson Infant Toys

   • 1

     Purchase a Harley-Davidson rocker for your infant motorcycle lover. The wooden Softail Rocker for boys and the Lil Diva Rock and Ride for girls integrate gliding action with the style and design of Harley-Davidson.

   • 2

     Store toys in Harley-Davidson storage containers, like the Softail Step n Store or the Harley Davidson Toy Caddy. Harley-Davidson storage units combine Harley emblems, colors and styles with sturdy wooden construction.

   • 3

     Select the Harley-Davidson Tool Set. Kids will enjoy the common household tools made of wood, which come in a handsome wooden toolbox.

   • 4

     Surprise two-year olds with the Harley-Davidson Lights and Sounds Trike. This educational tricycle teaches kids about directions, and it plays music and has working headlights.

   • 5

     Select the Harley-Davidson Cruiser Ride On for the infant who has graduated from wooden riding toys.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the age recommendations on all Harley Davidson toys before purchasing for your infant. Many toys are for children over age three. Supervise infants at all times.

How to Clean Melted Plastic off of Harley Pipes

Unfortunately there is no one sure-fire method of removing all forms of melted plastic off of Harley pipes. The problem stems from the fact that different kinds of plastic bond differently with chrome when they melt.The other part of the problem is that you do not want to damage your pipes in any way.While there is no sure-fire way to salvage you pipes 100 percent of the time, there are several methods you can use that will restore the shine to those pipes in the majority of cases. If one method does not do the trick, move on to the next method until you find the one that works for your situation.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Ice
• Plastic Scraper
• Large Spoon
• Easy-Off Oven Cleaner
• Scouring Pad (Teflon Safe Variety)
• White Vinegar
• Aluminum Foil

1. • 1

     Start with the engine and pipes cold. Place a bag of ice on the area that needs cleaning and allow the plastic to freeze. If you have access to dry ice this would be even better, but do not place the dry ice directly on the chrome. Once the plastic is cold, strike it sharply with a large spoon in order to crack it away from the pipes. Look for any areas that have broken away from the surface of the pipe and begin prying up the plastic there.It may be necessary to freeze and crack the plastic several times, depending on the severity of the problem.If icing does not work then try the next step.

   • 2

     Spray oven cleaner on a clean rag and then wipe generously on the area of melted plastic with the engine off and the pipes cold. Allow the spray to penetrate around the edges of the plastic for at least an hour. Then use a household dish sponge, the type that is Teflon safe, to wipe the plastic. Focus on any edge that shows a weakness. Continue wiping as long as any plastic comes off.Spray with more oven cleaner if necessary and wait another 20 minutes. Then wipe vigorously with a piece of aluminum foil that is wrapped around your hand with the shiny side out.If this does not work go to the next step.

   • 3

     Spray oven cleaner onto a clean rag and wipe it onto the melted plastic and then start your engine and allow to run for five minutes or until the pipes get hot. Allow your pipes to cool slightly then scrape the warm plastic with a plastic or wooden scraper. Be aware that the scraper will be ruined. While the pipes are still warm, wipe additional oven cleaner onto the area and scrub with a household dish scrubber.Wipe the pipes vigorously with a piece of aluminum foil, the shiny side out.If this does not work go to the next step.

   • 4

     Wipe on a solution of white vinegar and water (one cup vinegar to two cups of water). Run the engine to warm the pipes and while the pipes are warm rub on more of the white vinegar solution. Allow it to penetrate then scrub vigorously with a household dish scrubbing pad.

   • 5

     Wipe a commercial chrome cleaner/polish onto your pipes and follow the manufacturer's instructions for bringing out the shine of your chrome.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to wipe down your pipes with a clean rag and clean water after trying any of these cleaning methods. You do not want to leave oven cleaner or white vinegar on your chrome for more than an hour or two.