You’re the King of Bolt-On

“You’re the ‘King of Bolt-On,’ check out these DVDs and write a review,” the editor suggested. “Yez sir, boz,” I replied. King of Bolt-On? Me? Maybe just the Duke of Bolt-On. I am one of the most mechanically inept motorcycle riders I know. If it involves more than two tools or four fasteners, count me out. I’ll let the pros do it.


Both of the “Fix My Hog” Bolt-On Performance Editions consist of three DVDs – nearly seven hours of information each. After checking the list of procedures, I realized that the dealers’ mechanics had performed more than half of the listed installations on my 2000 Wide Glide. So, what the heck, I took out DVD number one of the Softail/Dyna series and put it into my DVD player.


In the introduction, host and master of mechanics Bob LaRosa sets a light tone by introducing himself, his silent assistant Mark, and Menzo, the dog. Unfortunately, all of Menzo’s scenes must have ended up on the cutting room floor. The “Bob and Mark” show reminded me of other duos such as Jay and Silent Bob, or Penn and Teller, or for you more mature wrenchers, Groucho and Harpo Marx, or Buffalo Bob and Clarabell. I would have liked to have known a little more about Bob’s credentials to begin with, but once they got into the show and tell, you could confirm that Bob knows what he is doing. He’s a former Harley dealership mechanic and current motorcycle repair shop owner. And he is quite meticulous, which I really appreciate.


The next segment on tools was quite intimidating for a minimalist wrench such as myself. I figured I would have to make a trip to Sears and purchase about $600 worth of Craftsman tools to be equipped to cover all the installation procedures in the videos. At least they put the tool section up front in the Softail/Dyna DVD. The tool review on the Touring DVD is not until the very end of the third disc.


In addition to having the correct tool for the duty at hand, LaRosa stresses the importance of having the factory service manual for your bike, as well as actually reading the instructions enclosed with the accessories you are planning to install. Safety and cleanliness are a couple of other virtues that are extolled. I certainly appreciate a mechanic that can complete a job with out leaving a trail of greasy fingerprints.



Bob provides straightforward, step-by-step demonstrations, plus a number of good workflow tips that you can apply to other tasks. One example was when he was making alterations to the factory electrical harness. After installing the new accessory connectors, he zip-tied the original factory electrical connectors to the harness, just in case he may need to use them again in the future. Another example was that if you change out speedometers, he suggested that you note the mileage from the old speedometer onto the back of the new speedometer using permanent marker. LaRosa also advocates frequent use of Loctite adhesives.


It is evident that you need a modicum of mechanical knowledge and the ability to fill in some of the gaps regarding some procedures, but the Bolt-On Performance DVDs are the next step up from the basic “Fix My Hog” maintenance DVDs. Simply watching the DVDs as they go through the process of installation will provide enough information for you to decide if you even want to attempt the procedure on your own. Once you decide to do any of the demonstrated bolt-on performance modifications on your own, it would probably be to your benefit to set up a TV with DVD player or laptop computer somewhere close to your work area for convenient review of the demonstrations.


The only downside to the “Fix My Hog” DVDs of Bolt-On Performance Editions was LaRosa’s verbal delivery. Unfortunately he does not have the voice of Sam “Beef-it’s what’s for dinner” Elliott or Robert Mitchum. It seems as though his voice is strained, and he is being too deliberate with his diction and the words he is speaking. During the Q&A sessions, he is much more relaxed, and his voice is not quite as harsh. If you happen to be a fan of Steve Schirripa of “The Sopranos,” then you will probably enjoy Bob LaRosa, since they could be relatives, in my opinion.


If you happen to be a do-it-yourselfer who wants to become one with your Harley, “Fix My Hog” DVDs would provide a wonderful path to follow.

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