@Meg's Motorcycle Journey I think someone was pranking you with that extremely long extension on the ratchet!!! Here’s a word about tools, the closer you are to what you are working on, the more torque you’ll be able to place on your fasteners! You only needed to use the ratchet and a torqx wrench socket on that sissy bar install!
@@AzzKicker-bz1cb ever heard of a torque multiplier? Do you even know what torque is? Longer lever arm helps apply more torque. How does being closer help apply more torque?
Good job Megan! Everybody has to start somewhere, we all learned at the beginning.. & good for you for even being interested enough in trying things for yourself first. Don’t let anybody discourage you or tell you otherwise! Good job! 👍🏻Can’t wait to see what comes next! -ian
You did a great job!!! I dont worry about people that don't know how to do something, i only worry about those you are not willing to learn !! And don't fret, I'm almost 50 i don't know how to be a lawyer or run a successful business.... we all learn by doing !!
Nice job on the sissy bar. Don't worry you'll get better with practice. I find having a sissy bar is a must I need something to strap my backpack to when I go riding I tend to carry extra gear just in case I need it one trick I've learned for cold weather riding is to put on your rain gear because it's windproof and it helps hold the heat in stay safe have fun see you in the next video
The low rider S is the best of the softails . It has dual disc front brakes which really makes a difference. The sissy bar is great for adding a back pack however they do make a riders back support that really takes all the stress out of your arms and hands. Great to see you are starting to wrench your own bike.
Good for you Meg! Nobody is born knowing how to wrench on anything. You live and you learn. Years ago you couldn't own a bike without knowing how to wrench. It was a necessity! Ride safe!!
Meg, you are awesome and gorgeous. There's nothing better than a bike owner doing their own maintenance and nothing wrong with looking hot while doing it.
you can pay someone to mod your seat pushing it forward 1 to 2 inches, cheaper than getting a riser :) you can get thicker foam to give you more support from behind your butt pushing you 1 to 2 inches forward towards the handle bars.
I trust your more knowledgeable friends advised you that in the future, when installing a part with multiple fasteners, you get all fasteners loosely installed, then tighten until all just start to feel resistance, then final tighten. Some installs have specific patterns to tighten with torque specs, but your SB would be fine with the general rule.
I am not a mechanic, but I grew up around heavy equipment that my dad owned. We rebuilt gas motors, diesel motors, final drives, and just about everything else that could break on trucks and heavy equipment. I said that to say this. If you have friends or relatives that work on cars, trucks, or bikes tell them to let you know when they have something to repair or when they add accessories. Watching people work on things and asking questions makes repairs and mechanic work less complicated. I don't enjoy playing mechanic, but there are very few things I can't fix. Also, see if you can't find someone to show you how to fix a flat on a motorcycle. You may not ever do it yourself, but it is a good thing to know. I know coming from someone you don't know this may not mean a lot, but I am proud of you for wanting to do your own work.
@@megsmotorcyclejourney You are welcome. If anyone ever tries to make you feel bad for not knowing something it is probably because someone did that to them. I forgot to say this in my original comment I think, my dad always said there is no stupid question only stupid excuses. That was normally after I didn't understand something he did and I had messed up and gave him a stupid excuse. He was kind of hard on us boys, but he did teach us a lot. RU-vid does have a lot of good info for mechanical stuff. Also continue to ask those of us that follow you.
Great job Meg. My wife (who’s also a new rider) and I first saw you on Ride Like A Pro and how well you did on the bigger bikes. It really encouraged her cause she’s on the small side too. The heat vest is nice add too for those chilly Florida days. She added the super low seat and crash bars to her Dyna and it helped. Keep up the great content! Ride safe!
Meg, thanks for the good-humored and well done video. Best looking motorcycle mechanic seen so far. The sissy-bar does look good. Keep up the great content. Much love from Tennessee
That bike looks amazing and the color is really rich even in cloudy skies. Keep up on learning to wrench on your own ride. The satisfaction that knowing you fix and upgrade your own ride is therapy.
I've been riding and wrenching on my Harleys for 35 years and really respect that more women are not only riding their own bikes but working on them also. It was a rare thing to see in the '80s - '90s but happily a lot more common now. The sissy bar looks great on your bike. With a set of pull backs and maybe different bars you could strap a sleeping bag to it and have a comfortable back support on long trips. The newer models ride a lot smoother than the old bikes but I've always found it's a good idea to put a drop of Loctite thread fastener on nuts and bolts that could vibrate loose. Ride safe. ✌🇨🇦
We are proud of you girl :) don't be shy about learning how to use a wrench :) we all have to start some where. Once you learn how to change your own oil :) you will save a lot of money.
Very good, here is a suggestion when working on your machine. Keep a magnetic bowl to hold your needed items it can be places on your seat while your working and helps when in the middle of the job. Looking forward to seeing you updated next parts.
The sissy bar looks cool. It feels good when you do your work on your bike. That vest looks like it would be a great item to have when riding in cooler weather. Nice gear review on that. Don’t be too hard on yourself about learning how to use tools to install things on your bike. There’s nothing wrong with learning as you go. A lot of guys learn like that too. So you’re not alone in that regard. And it looks like you did just fine. You got most of it done on your own, needed a little guidance but you ultimately did it by yourself. So, good on you! And as always, great scenic riding footage. Keep em coming! 🙂
Nice job Meg, it always feels good to work on your bike no matter how small the job is, the next couple mods you're planning will make you much more comfortable, sissy bar looks great
that bike look so sexy with the sissy bar, i have been trying to find one for my Breakout for the past 3 years, sadly no one is willing to ship it to Australia.
Love the desire to ride. No issues with the trailer either. Arthritis in my hands make 500 mile rides very challenging. I would never get to see this amazing countryside on two wheels without the trailer. Tools like anything else.....don't be shy just get informed and jump in.
Your back plate slipped and needed pushed back up? Looked fine from here. ;) Seriously though, bar risers can be game changers. I moved my bars up and back just 3/4" and it completely changed my comfort and cornering (u-turns). My arms were not extended as much all the time and it allowed my shoulders to relax. Now longer rides don't wear on me like they used to.
Sissy bar looks great, nice job!! It will get easier just keep trying. You should get some pull back risers Thrashin Supply has some really nice ones and you need to get a Saddlemen or Corbin seat, you can order it with red stitching so it matches your bike I think Corbin can even make one with a red rose stitched into the seat cover.
I love seeing you start of with something simple and basic like this! We all started somewhere, you just got the guts to put it on RU-vid! Great channel, keep up the great work!
Good for you being comfortable enough to show us your limited mechanical skills and being honest about accepting that and learning! None of us were born with these skills and we learn when we do things! A good rule of thumb is to start all the bolts with your hands and get them in there but keep them loose so you can slightly move the item around as you need to find the other bolt holes and get them started without stripping them. Also take a little time learning how to use the ratcheting feature of the wrench and it becomes much easier and faster. The great thing is more practice with additional items on your bike will make you better in no time! Keep up the riding and wrenching!
@@timkilbourn5685 I don’t wonder, I’m a business woman and use all the “tools” in my tool bag to help finance my bike, bike mods, and trips on bike. I doubt many of the men saying nasty things on this page would pass up that opportunity if they had that option. So judge away but I’m living my best life and getting paid to do something I love. Anyone that finds fault in that isn’t thinking clearly.
Well done Meg. Looks great. Have a lot of faith in you seeing how you’ve progressed. Bike looks awesome certainly makes the bike with the sissy bar. Ride safe.
You definitely need risers. 4 inch pull backs or even a bar change to something like a 10" grande prime ape set to go well with the new sissy bar. Looking good.
6:06 i wanted to trade my Breakout in for this bike, but i spent so much money fixing the engine at least 3 times costing me over $30,000 in repair bills i was not able to part with my baby.
What sissy bar....lol....you did great Meg....remember....its usually best to leave all the fasteners somewhat loose until you have all the fasteners started...that helps starting them all without crossthreading them....and I always kinda move it around a bit to make sure whatever Im working on is "seated" in the proper position....I love that your humble enough to ask for advice....that just helps you learn that much faster....nothing wrong with learning and asking....you shouldnt apologize or feel bad at all...youre obviously a smart gal....and very fun to watch....😝 👍 👀 🏍
I ride all winter too. I have found that in the winter it helps a great deal to put a windshield and lowers on the bike. It's way, way warmer when you block all that cold air. When spring arrives you can just take the windshield off and either use nothing or put some small shield or cowl back on. The bike might not look quite as cool but it still looks good. Think about it.
I ride through the winter. Highly recommend a batwing fairing. They make it so much more tolerable. The one I got from Memphis shades comes with a quick release system. Pops right off when I don't want it there. Have fun. Stay safe =D
Great to see people on the beginning of the journey . 50 years later I’m getting to the end of my biking journey (age catches up with us all). Down to using a Vulcan 900 and PCX scooter. This brings back many happy memories thanks . Happy riding Meg
A few notes if not said yet. When adding anything to a Harley ( designed to have a heavy vibration) you should always blue lock tight. When starting any screw, start with your hand then tighten down with the tool of choice. This will save you from one cross threading the bolt/ screw and second you could slip and scratch that fantastic paint job. All in all I’m subscribing to your Chanel as I love the scenery and your calm demeanor.
You did great. No one was injured and it stayed attached to the bike. I know how to wrench but have no idea how to file a legal brief....I'm the last person to give you a hard time about your mechanical skills. Thanks for sharing and ride safe
Young lady nice bike. Beautiful color and sissy bar really adds a nice touch. Bike fits you perfectly. Be safe, I about get run down every time I ride usually by a cell phone.
Sissy bar looks great and you did a fine job in installing it. As for the trailer I say go for it, having a trailer has increased my joy of motorcycling. Increased the range and opportunities of cycling. And as another possibility if you are heading to Florida Amtrak has the auto train that goes from VA to near Orlando. I have used it a few time visiting some friends in the north. Sleeping most of the way there getting off and riding away on my bike is pretty cool
If you can laugh at yourself, life is good. You did fine - everyone started somewhere. *Might want blue loc-tite, but that's a personal choice. You might find it easier to start bolts just using fingers. Look into the battery powered gloves to solve the wiring problems/just as easy as your vest. That heated custom seat will come in handy in about a month. Again, you did great and the bike looks sweet.
Can’t wait for the oil change. 👍 There are many good videos on oil changes I suggest you study up a little bit. I’ve been riding & wrenching for almost 50 years and still watch videos when attempting something I haven’t done before. Good luck 🍀
Hey Meg, in the future, consider using painters tape on your paint so if you slip it wont scratch your paint job. Looked like you were not near a garage so may have been difficult to access supplies. Also hand tighten all of your screws or bolts prior to tightening up. It will help with balance of the part and also potential for mis-alignment. Talk care!
i think it is awesome to see another female get her wind therapy on and not be afraid to try a little wrenching too. harley needs to cultivate and showcase more non-traditional riders to save the brand> please place a link to your upgrades and "stuff" so people can consider buying for themselves, that which you have suggested you are going to do well with this moto VLOG
Looks good and congrats for completing the job. A few remarks if I may: 1. Always cover the painted parts next time when you work on your bike. A quick dang happens and then the paint job is ruined. 2. Get some Loctide for the screws. I bet if you look at the old ones, they have like a haze at the tip. That's Locite to keep the screw in place from the motorcycle vibrating which rattles the screws lose eventually. Ride safe.
i knew you were in arbitration. you connect the dots of the story very well. paint some clear nail polish on the threads of the bolts and tighten them down to keep them from rattling out.
We are our own worst critics. You do what you do and be proud of it! Great video and thanks for sharing your experiences! Oh, and BTW, the sissy bar adds some nice attitude to your (already) bad-ass bike!!!!
We ALL...yes guys as well have had to learn and start somewhere with tools. Keep doing... keep asking about them....keep. learning about them...and youll be fine gaining more confidence with each time... good job... !!!
Many young ladies did not grow up riding bmx bikes and other things thst required learning how to use tools at an earlier age. No biggie. Starting is the key to a nice adventure.
Just a tip, when working around painted surfaces, lay a towel over the painted surface to prevent any chance of dinging the paint..👍🏻👍🏻. Cool to see you attempting something new on your own. Keep rippin and doin your thing girl! 🤟🏻😎🤟🏻
@@megsmotorcyclejourney I’ve been a mechanic for over 15 yrs so it makes me proud to see others trying to learn to work on their own stuff. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and be patient and you can do most anything you want. The more familiar you become with your bike, the better you will take care of it. 👍🏻👍🏻
