just bought a 2013 ultra limited 48 miles so far and was wondering about the cost of first service.Do I need to buy a service manual?

 

Had mine done during the winter *off season*, just under $300 with synthetic.

 

YES, YES.. Buy the service manual. This is such a overlooked item on peoples list.

 

Went to local indy. he did it in 3 hours and charged me $245 out the door. Clutch feels great

 

Buy the service manual and do it yourself . These bikes are easy to work on. 1950 1960's technology! And it's fun to do.

 

So question ???If you do it yourself and you have an issue with your bike will they honor your warranty since the services was not preformed by a certified Harley tech???

 

I have to respectfully disagree with you. The 1,000 mile service is more than an oil change. It is a 23 step process.

The service steps prescribed by HD are as follows:

1. Change engine oil and filter. Clean magnetic drain plug and install new O-ring.

2. Inspect oil lines and brakes system for leaks, contact or abrasion.

3. Inspect tires, tread depth and adjust pressure.

4. Check torque on wheel spokes (if equipped)

5. Change primary chaincase lubricantl Clean magnetic drain plug and replace o-ring.

6. Change transmission lubicant. Clean magnetic drain plug and replace o-ring.

7. Check clutch adjustment

8. Check level and condition of clutch fluid.

9. Inspect drive belt and sprockets, adjust drive belt.

10. Inspect rear sprocket isolators for wear.

11. Check and lubricate brake and clutch controls; adjust as needed.

12. Inspect and lubricate jiffy stand.

13. Inspect fuel lines and fittings for leaks, contact or abrasion

14. Inspect brake fluid sight glass.

15. Inspect brake pads and discs for wear.

16. Check operation of electrical equipment and switches.

17. Lubricate steering head bearings.

18. Check air suspension pressure, operation and for leakage.

19. Lubricate hinges and latches of fuel door, Tour-Pak carrier and saddlebags if equipped.

20. Check torque on critical fasteners.

21. Inspect, cleaned and tighten battery connections; check voltage.

22. Inspect exhaust system for leaks, cracks, and loose or missing fasteners or heat shields.

23. Road test.

Can I do all of this myself? Of course I can.

However, I think it's important to remember that when your new bike comes from the factory, the dealer does not go over it in extreme detail. The dealer bolts on some of the parts, adds fluids, and puts a fresh battery in it. They don't check any of the critical adjustments before delivery (AFAIK). After you put initial miles on it I think it's critical to do at minimum the checks above to ensure that everything is within adjustment tolerances and that nothing is rubbing, beginning to crack, etc.

Problems found at this phase of the bike's life can significantly improve it's reliability in my opinion. Personally I just like having a factory trained mechanic who's seen the problems common to my particular bike having a good close look at it early in its life. My local dealer charges $309.00 for big twins and I plan to pay them to do it.

 

So after my thread above I took a ride to my dealer today. In a casual conversation with one of the maintenance techs I asked him if they really disassembled the steering head to lubricate the bearings during the 1,000 mile inspection (as indicated in the checklist I included above). When he told me that they only lubricated the bearings if they needed it I asked him how they could tell without taking the bearings out. He didn't have a good answer. He said that they didn't usually need it at 1,000 miles.

This exchange left me wondering on the way home whether they really perform the checks that they say that they do in their literature. Clearly his answer indicates that there is at least one check that they do not perform. How many others don't they perform? It made me wonder if the HD 1,000 mile service checklist is just marketing hype and legal **** covering for the company.

I'm having second thoughts on having the first service performed by the dealer. I'm starting to think that I'll do a better job.

 

I think the next time I buy a new bike I will ask them to through in the service manual. I have never taken my bike back to the dealer. All the services can be done at home or another independent shop. 300.00 to change oil, they are out of there minds. I think most Harley riders must be paranoid schizophrenic and think there bike will blow up unless the dealer does the service. To Steve above, you will do a better job because your life in on that bike that's if you trust yourself.

 

Thanks doc. I've built bikes from scratch and have build many engines. I'm pretty confident that I can do as well as the kids at the dealer. As I originally posted though if the dealer did all of the steps that they claim they do it would be a reasonable deal. It's just the thought that they really won't do much more than change the fluids that has me ready to do it myself.