How to Make Your Own Harley Patches

Design your own Harley patches and add some style to your motorcycle jacket.

Biker patches have been most famously used by a number of motorcycle gangs to display bikers' membership in the gangs. However, they are also used by other bikers who have an interest in a particular brand of motorcycle. Harley Davidson patches are among the most common and even come attached with Harley Davidson brand jackets. If you are a Harley Davidson enthusiast and would like to make your own patch, you can do so easily at home.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Fabric paint
• Paintbrushes
• Scissors
• Interfacing
• Ironing board
• Iron
• Needle
• Thread

1. • 1

     Paint the design for your biker patch onto a piece of cotton fabric using fabric paint and a paint brush. Biker patches come in many different designs and sizes. The patch can include a name or image, or the Harley Davidson logo. If you are painting on the Harley logo, carefully trace the design onto the fabric using a pencil and then paint it with the fabric paint. Let the paint dry.

   • 2

     Cut out your Harley patch and place it on top of the fabric interfacing. Cut out the fabric interfacing so that it is the same shape as the fabric patch.

   • 3

     Place the shiny side of the interfacing facing the back of your fabric patch. Place the patch onto an ironing board with the interfacing facing up. Iron the interfacing onto the patch. The heat from the iron will cause the interfacing to bond to the fabric.

   • 4

     Cut off any excess interfacing around the edge of the patch using a pair of scissors. Dab anti-fray liquid around the edges of the patch to keep them flat.

   • 5

     Sew the Harley patch onto your motorcycle jacket using a needle and thick thread.

How to Install LED Lights on a Harley Sportster 1200 Custom

The Harley-Davidson Sportster can be customized any way you like.

Adding LED lights to your Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 is one of the easiest and most functional modifications you can make on your motorcycle. Not only do LED lights look fresh and up-to-date on your bike, but they also significantly improve your night and day visibility to other drivers. Add to that the fact that LED light bulbs last as much as 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs while using just 10 percent of an ordinary light bulb's power, and you've really got no reason not to make the switch.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Slotted screwdriver
• Dielectric grease

1. • 1

     Remove the turn signal lenses from the stock turn signal housings of the Harley-Davidson Sportster as well as the taillight lens by unscrewing the fittings that attach the lenses to their light housings. The lenses have a rubber O-ring that seals against the light housing, so they won't just fall away. With the screws removed from the lens, use your fingers to pull the lens away from the housing.

   • 2

     Twist the light bulb located within the Harley-Davidson light housing in a counterclockwise direction to free it from the socket, then pull it straight out. The replacement LED light bulb installs into this socket. Smear a small amount of dielectric grease onto the LED light bulb's electrical plug, then push the LED bulb into the socket and turn it in a clockwise direction to fasten it in place. Do this to all four turn signals as well as the brake light on the motorcycle.

   • 3

     Push the Sportster's turn signal lenses back into place and then run the screws into the mounting holes in the lens, tightening them down with the screwdriver until the lens is snug against the light housing. Do the same with the brake light lens to finish the installation.

Tips & Warnings

• Change the brake light lens along with the turn signal lenses to retain a continuous theme in the Sportster's lighting.

How to Become a Harley Mechanic

The Harley-Davidson Co. prides itself on constructing sturdy, top-of-the-line motorcycles that both the novice and experienced rider can enjoy. Harley-Davidson motorcycles have complex engineering, which means you'll need to take classes specifically designed for Harley-Davidson cycles to become a Harley mechanic. There are no degree programs associated with the training, but once you graduate you will have the opportunity to work in a Harley-Davidson shop.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. • 1

     Enroll in a college or trade school that offers motorcycle mechanics and specialization in Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Most programs take two semesters to complete. (See Resources.)

   • 2

     Apply for an internship at a local Harley-Davidson dealer. Harley-Davidson does not require potential employees to complete an internship, but the internship serves as past experience that the employee can include on his resume.

   • 3

     Visit either your local Harley-Davidson dealer or the Harley-Davidson website to apply for current mechanic openings. Some dealerships may not have openings for a mechanic, but the manager should keep your information on file in case a position does open up.

How to Look Up Old Harley Muffler Parts Numbers

Find a muffler for your old Harley motorcycle.

According to the Hot Bike Baggers online motorcycle review, the top five antique Harley Davidson motorcycles are the Panheads (1948-1965), the Flatheads (1929-1974), the Knuckleheads (1936-1947), the Shovelheads (1966-1970) and the K models (1952-1956). For antique Harley Davidson enthusiasts, restoring such models is a favorite pastime and requires some knowledge of where to find and purchase compatible parts.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. • 1

     Go to the Dennis Corso website. View the available mufflers that fit various antique Harley motorcycles. The part numbers appear in the description.

   • 2

     Go to the Retrocycle homepage. Type "Harley muffler" in the search box. Press "Search." The results display old Harley mufflers along with the part numbers.

   • 3

     Launch the 45 Restoration website. Click "Exhaust, Mufflers and Clamps" from the "Frame Group" category. Search the results for your muffler and associated part numbers.

   • 4

     Order a Harley product catalog from the Harley Davidson website. Catalogs for new and old Harley motorcycles are available for purchase.

How to Put New Grips on a Harley Motorcycle

The grips on your Harley make a huge difference in the comfort and quality of your ride.

The handlebar grips on your Harley are a small but important part of riding your motorcycle. Having good handlebar grips means less wrist fatigue, less throttle slip, more confident leans and turns and more overall comfort. If your grips are getting old and tattered or have even started to dry-rot, they need to be replaced. New handlebar grips are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Handlebar grips
• Handlebar grip adhesive
• Compressed air

1. • 1

     Remove any handlebar end weights from your handlebars. Most simply require a Phillips-head screwdriver to unscrew. If yours do not, refer to your owner's manual to determine the correct method by which to remove them.

   • 2

     Insert the straw into the nozzle of a can of compressed air. Insert the other end of the straw between the left handlebar grip and the handlebar. Press the nozzle of the compressed air with one hand to release a burst of air. This should loosen the grip, so you can slide the grip off the handlebar with the other.

   • 3

     Insert the end of the compressed air nozzle straw between the right side handlebar grip and the throttle sleeve. Press the nozzle to release air, loosening the grip. Twist the grip clockwise to slide it from the throttle sleeve.

   • 4

     Apply a liberal amount of handlebar grip adhesive to the left end of the handlebars. Slide the new left side handlebar grip (the grip with the smaller opening) onto the handlebar. Apply handlebar adhesive to the throttle sleeve and slide the right side handlebar grip into place over the sleeve. Allow one hour for the adhesive to set.

   • 5

     Reattach any handlebar weights or bar end caps removed previously. When the grip adhesive has set fully (you should not be able to twist the left side handlebar grip at all), take the bike out for a test ride and see how the new grips fit.

How to Rent a Harley in Mobile

Numerous Americans have had to rent a vehicle at one time or another, whether it's for vacation driving, because your car is in the shop, or simply to rent a fun car, like a Corvette or a BMW convertible, for a few days. For those who want something a little more fun to rent, Harley-Davidson motorcycles are available for rent in the Mobile, Alabama, area. You can rent a Harley provided your driver's license states you are licensed to drive a motorcycle.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. • 1

     Contact Mobile Bay Harley-Davidson, which is the only Harley-Davidson rental dealer in Mobile, Alabama.

   • 2

     Speak with a representative about renting a motorcycle. Provide the representative with your rental dates, pickup and drop-off times, and your personal information. He will inform you if any bikes are available on your requested dates.

   • 3

     Give your credit card and personal information to the representative at Mobile Bay Harley. This is used to hold your reservation. You'll want to make note of your reservation confirmation number to take with you when you pick up your rental.

   • 4

     Pick up your rental. To do this you'll need to provide your driver's license, which must state that you are licensed to operate a motorcycle. You need to accept or decline the insurance options provided by Harley and sign the paperwork. Rates vary based on the type of Harley and the length of your rental.

How to Install Harley Saddlebags

Harley Davidson is a well-recognized motorcycle manufacturer in the United States. Harley produces several different models of motorcycles and offers a full line of OEM custom parts for anything from enhanced performance to aesthetics. Included in the line of OEM parts are saddlebags, which connect to the sides of your rear fender, allowing you to store small items during transit. You can install the Harley aftermarket saddlebags yourself with a few tools. Installation is complicated and some motorcycles require that you use a turn signal relocation kit before bag installation. Take your bike to your local Harley dealer if you are uncomfortable installing the saddlebag kit.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Motorcycle stand
• Hydraulic jack
• 4-by-4 wood piece
• Ratchet
• Saddlebag kit

1. • 1

     Park the Harley on level ground and shut off the engine. Allow the engine to cool to prevent being burned when installing the saddlebags. Remove the seat, according to your owner's manual's instructions, and disconnect the negative battery cable, using a wrench.

   • 2

     Lock the front wheel in place using a motorcycle stand.

   • 3

     Place a hydraulic jack beneath the bottom of the engine. Place a flat piece of 4-by-4 wood on the top of the hydraulic jack and slowly raise the rear end of the motorcycle 3 to 4 inches off the ground to provide more room to work in between the rear wheel and fender. The wood also protects the bottom of the engine.

   • 4

     Remove the top shock mounting bolt on each side of the rear fender, using a ratchet. The mounting bolt is located on the outside of the fender and connects the motorcycle shock absorber, which will allow you enough room to fit the hex head screw from the saddlebag kit behind the fender.

   • 5

     Insert from within the fender the hex head screw from the saddlebag kit through the front hole on the fender support.

   • 6

     Hold the bolt in place within the fender using a hex key and insert the docking-point piece onto the bolt, wide end first. Place the metal spacer on the bolt, followed by the saddlebag bushing with the small end facing outward. Tighten the bushing, using an open-ended wrench. Repeat the process on the other side of the fender.

   • 7

     Insert from within the fender a second hex head screw from the saddlebag kit through the rear hole on the fender support. Repeat Step 6 for the bolt, installing the forward docking-point piece, metal spacer and saddlebag bushing. Tighten the bushing using an open-ended wrench. Repeat on the other side of the fender.

   • 8

     Reinstall the shock mounting bolt on each side of the fender, reconnecting the shock absorber.

   • 9

     Lower the hydraulic jack, move it aside and remove the wood.

   • 10

     Install the saddle bags directly onto the fender support, lining up the two clips within the saddle bag with the saddlebag bushings on the hex head screws.

   • 11

     Open the saddlebags and screw a thread protector from the kit onto the saddlebag mounting screws to eliminate the possibility of injury when reaching into the saddlebags.