Motorcycle Repair: 1998 Harley Roadking -Oil Pan removal, harley roadking, evo motor

Question
Hi Mike,I have a 1998 Roadking with a Evo motor injected,and while doing a service on it the oil pan Drain plug came out with alloy thread on it and now I have to either helicoil it or re-tap the next size up.What do you suggest? and can I remove the oil pan while the gearbox is still inside the frame? or do I have to take the gearbox out first. Thanks Paul V.

Answer
You can remove the oil pan without removing the trans. Its a tight fit but it will come out. I wouldn't use a helicoil. they dont work real well on bolts that you are going to be removing alot. I use a stainless steel insert. You can get them at WW Grainger.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike