The time has come! ….

All those sleepless nights you’re having are the effect of that Harley you saw in the window at Harley City. You have put up with it far too long!

Forget convincing the other half, the kid’s college fund and their inheritance. It time to hand over that cold hard cash. You run into Harley City, push over anyone in your way, speed, stop traffic and scare little old ladies so you can race in at 9am ready to sign up.

Now you can relax, you walk off to have that coffee and cigarette to calm the nerves. You glance over the sale note to convince yourself that it’s not another dream only to see you’ve been charged for Pre-Delivery!!! Everyone knows pre-delivery is term made up by car salesmen to help pay off their Ferrari’s…..or is it?? No!!...although if you wish to give me a Ferrari I will be more than happy to take it off your hands……..anyone?

The fact is when you pick up your beast it has been worked on extensively and checked over with a fine tooth comb. I have made a little list of what a typical pre-delivery involves on a new bike, not everything is listed and certain models require more as part of the P-D process. It’s purely an indication for yourself and others to understand the dedication and quality Harley and our mechanics go to, to give you piece of mind and many years of reliability and enjoyment.

First things first, Once a Harley has been uncrated the bike is covered in plastic, protective stickers and genuine American dust. The handlebars in most cases are not attached and are bolted as they are removed from the crate. The bike is now put on the work bench and the hand controls are set up for optimal reach and control. The throttle, idle and clutch cables are adjusted for the right amount of free play specified by Harley.

The battery is now checked and charged. Sealed batteries are great! No maintenance is required so when it’s charged you’re ready for action. Once done the ECM will operate correctly and all the lights are checked. A maxi-fuse is fitted too at this point. This fuse is in place to supply power to the whole ignition system, so it’s all systems go. Unfortunately we can’t hit the start button yet. Engine, transmission and primary oils are all checked and topped up. Tyre pressures must be inflated to a specific psi, if not they are pumped up and checked again. While the mechanic is down there, the spokes are tested and tightened up where needed.

That’s it………alright I’m lying, we are not even close to finished. But we are at the good bit, its now time to stick a couple of litres of fuel in the tank and fire the monster up. While the engine is running the charge rate is checked and wiring to the battery is double checked. Now all is good the Harley is connected wirelessly to a computer using a dedicated software and hardware setup, built specifically for Harley’s and Buell’s. The ECM, Trouble Codes and Downloads (ECM software updates) are all checked and corrected if needed. The alarm and immobilizer is programmed to the fobs supplied to the bike.

The drive belt is adjusted for correct tension and inspected for any damage. The front and rear brakes and brake controls are tested and cleaned. In many cases there is oil, grime and grease on the disc rotors, which must be cleaned to avoid any accidents. Steering head bearing get looked at too. There is quite a knack to setting the correct tension, controlled by tightening and/or backing off the nut on the top triple tree. Too tight will destroy the bearings, too loose will cause the front end to ‘knock’ typically over bumps and braking. This still has the potential to prematurely wear out the bearings.

The bike is now ready for a test ride and a full tank of juice. The mechanic will give the bike a final going over. All bolts, nuts, screws and clips get tightened; the bike also gets an extensive looking over to make sure it’s safe for riding. As part of the test ride the mechanic will pay close attention to any unusual noises, vibrations and characteristics. Once back from the enduring 10 min ride all oils are topped up and inspected for any leaks. Finally the bike gets degreased, washed and is detailed ready for pick up. That’s it! Rest assured that we haven’t ripped you off on your new bike purchase. Harley Davidson and Harley City go out of their way to make sure you get only the best of quality and care.

by Ephraim Puli - Sales Team Member