DVD Review Fix My Hog: Sportster Edition
$42.95
Running Time: 180 minutes
We’ve previously seen the Touring Edition of this series and Road King Rich was very impressed with its depth and detail, so when the disc dropped into the PO Box, I thought it might be an idea to punt it out to a near neighbour, Ian Craggs, who just finished beating his Sportster up to see if he couldn’t learn something he didn’t already know. If nothing else, it gave him a good excuse to sit on his backside while his girlfriend decorated around him…sorry Ruth.
The immediately obvious thing to Ian was that his 883 4-speed looked nothing like the 2004-on XL in the main part of the video, but it did serve to underline the differences between the new and old models-elements of older models are covered on a second disc, notably the different braking systems and a comprehensive strip-down of the primary. If you already know your way round solid-mount Sportsters and have updated it to the new generation, this really is a must-buy because there are a massive number of changes to the servicing procedures. He made the point-which they make in the video-that it is not a replacement for the proper service manual, but added that the addition of moving images makes it much clearer what and where everything is.
The DVD format works especially well, with the ability to skip back and forwards as required without any chance of managing the valuable original material, but the things that stuck out particularly well were the explanations not only of what to do, but why they needed to be done that way, as well as countless essential tips – even down to common sense stuff like tying things out of the way as they become free rather that when they hit you, or other parts of the bike when you least need them to.
He was impressed enough to suggest that everyone-expert or novice- will be able to come away from it having learned a lot – even if it is that you really don’t want to tackle something as complex as the steering head fall away adjustment. The only omission he picked out was a lack of any mention of the swing-arm spindle, even to mention – as was the case with the rear wheel bearings – that it doesn’t need attention.
Another satisfied reviewer. Only wish they’d do one for a Shovelhead Low Rider, but they’d probably have to do it on 8 – track for authenticity.
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I own a 1983 Harley FXSB and want to know more about my shovel. Do you have much to do with shovelheads in the video department?