I recently bought a new 2105 Iron. The Harley dealer told me to make sure I come in by 1000 miles for it's first servicing.


My question is: what does this servicing include? Is it just a fluid change?


I consider myself pretty mechanically inclined and although I have no experience working on motorcycles, I've worked on cars quite a bit and I'm confident I could perform a simple fluid/filter change and check and adjust other pieces as well (with the proper tools and a service manual of course).


Is it worth taking it in, or would you all recommend doing it myself to save some money and gain some more familiarity with my bike?


Thanks in advance!

 

It is way more than an oil change.

There have been times when the dealer found things that needed (recalls, small part missing from factory, etc.) to be replaced during my first service.

 

I took it in for first 1000 mile (at 2000 since original owner never did it). BUT it was a local mechanic not a dealer. This guy is expert at HDs and been doing it for a long time. So he sat and explained everything to me. It's not just oil change but checking everything after break in period. Adjusted/lubed/checked everything and changed the primary.

I guess you can do it yourself if you have the service manual. I saw on Delboys channel on 5000 mile service and it's certainly do-able if you have that book.

 

In your owner's manual there's checklists for each service interval. If you think you can deal with those items, go for it. And if you have questions about something and didn't get the service manual yet just post up your concerns and we'll help you out.
Keep the receipts for fluids and oil filter so you have a record of the service.

 

Having owned many new bikes over the last 40+ years I can assure you that the first service is important. You may get your bike back and be as happy as Larry and wonder why you bothered, but I have had enough things that genuinely needed attention that makes it worthwhile IMHO. So don't think that everything in the garden is rosy - let your dealer confirm that it is! And no, I don't subscribe to knocking dealers!

 

If it's free, then let the dealer do it. If it isn't free, buy a Service Manual (*NOT* a Haynes or anything else! Buy an official HD manual!) and get to wrenching on your own. The money saved is worth it by itself, and the knowledge of helping yourself on the side of the road possibly one day is even more than worth learning to wrench it on your own.

 

Just had mine done last week. Oil/ filter and lubes changed and gone thru double checking that everything was tight, and a trained eye to look it over. Had them do the 2 recalls while they had it, (saddle bag clips and clutch). The service manager said I could have done it myself as they are aware many like to wrench on their own, but would really like to see me let them do the 1000 mile service. Said to just save the receipts, and it wouldn't have effected the HD warranty. But I felt for the extra $200, it helps build a good dealer/client relation and keeps me in good standings If I would need their service for that extra special situation.

 

While the fluid change is important a 1000 miles, I would argue checking the torque on critical fasteners is more important. It is not uncommon to find loose axles, fork pinch bolts, brake caliper bolts and shock hardware. I can damn near guarantee you your clutch and brake perches along with your switch housings will be loose as they are not to HD's specs 99% of the time...

 

I have a 2023 Softail and took it in for the 500 Mile service but for future services, I am going to park it with the front wheel pointing to the east, wiggle my nose back and forth, toss a leg over and enjoy the rest of my ride.