How do I adjust the side view mirrors?
Sit in your normal riding position, then adjust each mirror so you can just barely see the edge of your own arm or shoulder in the frame -- this minimizes the blind spot rather than centering the mirror on the lane behind you, which most riders default to but which actually maximizes blind spots on either side.
How much does a Harley windshield cost?
OEM Harley-Davidson touring windshields typically run $200-500 depending on height and tint, while aftermarket options from Memphis Shades, Klock Werks, and National Cycle range from roughly $150-450. Price scales mostly with height, curvature (flat vs. wrap-around), and whether it includes vent or adjustable features rather than brand alone.
How to correctly adjust motorcycle mirrors?
Adjust for minimal blind spot, not maximum rearward visibility -- position each mirror so you see a sliver of your own shoulder at the inside edge of the frame. This setup means you'll see a vehicle the moment it starts to leave your blind spot rather than losing sight of it in the gap between mirror view and blind spot, which is the most common mirror-adjustment mistake.
How to tighten up Harley mirrors?
Most Harley mirror stems thread into the mount and are secured with a jam nut at the base -- loosen the jam nut, adjust the mirror to position, then tighten the jam nut back down against the mount while holding the mirror stem steady. If the mirror head itself is loose on the stem rather than the stem being loose in the mount, that's usually a separate ball-joint tension screw specific to the mirror model.
Is $50,000 miles a lot for a Harley?
No -- a well-maintained Harley touring engine is generally expected to run well past 100,000 miles, so 50,000 is roughly midlife for a bike that's had regular oil changes and basic maintenance. What matters more than the odometer number is maintenance history: a 50,000-mile bike with documented service intervals is a safer bet than a 20,000-mile bike with an unclear maintenance record.
What are the best motorcycle tires for touring?
Dunlop Elite, Michelin Commander, and Metzeler ME 888/Cruisetec are the three touring tire lines that come up most consistently for baggers, each balancing mileage life against wet-weather grip slightly differently. Which is "best" depends on your priority -- Dunlop and Metzeler tend to be favored for tread life, Michelin for wet traction -- more than any one being universally superior.
What are the best motorcycle windshields?
Memphis Shades and Klock Werks are the two brands most frequently recommended for baggers specifically, both offering multiple height options to dial in wind protection versus visibility. National Cycle's Vstream line is the other major option, generally praised for reducing helmet buffeting at highway speed better than a flat factory-style shield.
What are the best tires for touring?
For a heavy touring bagger specifically, Dunlop Elite 4 and Metzeler ME 888 Marathon are the two most commonly recommended lines, both engineered for higher load ratings and longer tread life than standard cruiser tires. Michelin Commander III is the strongest alternative if wet-weather grip is a bigger priority than outright mileage.
What are the best windshields for Harley-Davidsons?
Harley's own factory windshields (Batwing and Sharknose styles) fit OEM fairings without any adapter hardware, which makes them the simplest option. For more wind/noise reduction specifically, Klock Werks' Flare windshield and Memphis Shades' adjustable options are the two aftermarket lines bagger owners recommend most for reducing buffeting at highway speed.
What are the three oils to change on a Harley?
Engine oil, primary chaincase oil, and transmission oil are the three separate reservoirs on most Harley Touring models -- unlike a car, these don't share a single oil supply, so each needs its own fluid and its own change interval. Mixing up the fluid types (using engine oil where primary or transmission fluid is specified) is a common mistake since Harley's factory-recommended weights and formulations differ between the three.
What is the quietest touring tire?
Tires with a continuous center tread band and fewer aggressive tread voids run quieter at highway speed -- Michelin Commander III and Dunlop Elite 4 are both frequently cited as noticeably quieter than more aggressively-treaded touring tires. Tread wear also affects noise over time; a tire that's worn unevenly will typically get louder even if it started out quiet.
When to change Harley touring tires?
Most touring tires last 8,000-15,000 miles depending on riding style, load, and tire brand, though the legal/safety threshold is tread depth (typically 1/32 inch remaining, checked with a simple gauge) rather than a fixed mileage number. Check tread depth and look for flat-spotting or cracking every few thousand miles, and while you're inspecting them, a dedicated whitewall cleaner like White Lines WL-32 Whitewall & Tire Cleaner keeps the sidewalls looking sharp between tire changes instead of letting brake dust and road grime set in.
Where is the mirror adjustment button?
Most Harley mirrors don't have a powered adjustment button -- they're manually adjusted by hand at the ball joint where the mirror head meets the stem, or at the stem-to-mount connection for larger repositioning. If your bike has power-adjustable mirrors (uncommon on Touring models), the control is typically on the left switch housing near the turn signal and horn controls.
Who makes the best aftermarket windshield?
Klock Werks and Memphis Shades are the two brands bagger owners recommend most consistently, each for a slightly different reason -- Klock Werks' Flare shape is praised for cutting buffeting without blocking forward visibility, while Memphis Shades' adjustable models let you fine-tune height seasonally. National Cycle's Vstream line is a strong third option, particularly for riders wanting a stock-look profile with better aerodynamics.
