I took my 2003 FLHTC to dealer for speedometer fault, figured it was electrical problem, which I am not good at solving, so let the pro's handle it.
1 week later they tell me it is metal shavings on speedo sensor and that the main shaft bearing is to blame. Estimate 10 hrs labor+parts -around $1500.
Now, other than speedo issue, bike was running fine and no noise or problems shifting. I said OK, just fix it.
1 week later, they said I need new 3rd and 5th gear, due to wear. OK, put in new gears.
2 weeks later, they told me uh, your case cracked when we were taking it apart, maybe HD will warranty it. Maybe. Either way, another 4 weeks to get it.
They did get the new case, and had it back in 2 weeks,( after some discussion about how I had plans and needed it back before Laughlin Run).
So I picked it up yesterday, rode it home, trans shifts the same as before, everything ok until I look at my speedo and watch it quit, then go on and off and same as before.
Final tally was $1975 and 6 weeks in shop and bike is same as before.
Going back tomorrow to see what next.
Wish I had looked at this forum and seen all the info about this problem before taking it to the dealer.

 

I think you experienced what is commonly referred to as a dry colonoscopy.

There will always be some shavings on the trans drain plug. I don't think they purposely tried to rip you off; I think they were just throwing parts at the problem until they got it resolved. Sounds more like incompetence than ripoffery.

I think a discussion with the GM may be in order.

 

Had the same issue with my 07 sg. replaced speedo sensor. problem returned. In the end I put a glob of dialectric grease on sensor connection and its been good for 5k miles.

 

Did you get the old parts back to inspect?

 

^^^This^^^

Whenever you have bike in shop and they call with the dreaded "bend-over as we're going to charge you out-the-wazoo" scheme...it's time to go inspect their work. Don't know if you have the opportunity, but at this point I think you need to take it to their Service Mgr and make some negotiations...good luck!

 

Welcome, hope you get it resolved.

 

I've heard the metal shavings scam when my speedo wasn't working properly. Took it to the dealership but they didn't charge me $1500, it was around $300. And guess what? They didn't actually fix it, it was screwed up again a few days later. Long story short I ended up replacing the speedo with a Dakota Digital and did the work myself.

Since your bike is a 2003 it is no longer on warranty so why do you feel the need to take it to the dealership? Are there no privately-owned repair shops in your area? From where I am I can think of 6 right off the top of my head within about a 20 mile radius.

Either way good luck!

 

In spite of the Dealer training courses and certifications from HD University up in Milwaukee for the techs, there is still a helluva' lot of guessing going on in HD Dealership service departments. They rarely 'do engines' (as in split the cases,) and they rarely do tranny rebuilds. (And sometimes they just flat out misdiagnose too.)

There are guys that know what they are doing at some Dealers, but don't assume you're talking to a 'specialist' at anything Harley related. They just aren't trained that way.

 

I'm convinced that 99% of dealer techs aren't competent to do anything but install accessories and change tires. Any good tech leaves the dealer and works for an independent shop, or starts their own.

 

This is from a mass email sent out to the customers of the dealer I purchased my bike from. They are looking for (among other things) a motorcycle technician....

Motorcycle Technician

Mechanical experience required and/or MMI background

Automotive technician experience will be considered

Capable of servicing and diagnosing motorcycles within allotted time

Self motivated

Must be able to follow directions

Must have own set of tools and willing to invest in more

Must have an M1 license

Must have a clean DMV record, ability to pass a drug and background test


Now doesn't that inspire confidence?