I got hosed
The only thing that surprises me is that everyone doesn't know this.
If my motorcycle broke down at the entrance to a dealership, I would pay to have it towed to an Indy.
The funny thing about it is I would probably still pay less to get my bike fixed, including the tow charge, and the service would be a hell of a lot better.
If my motorcycle broke down at the entrance to a dealership, I would pay to have it towed to an Indy.
The funny thing about it is I would probably still pay less to get my bike fixed, including the tow charge, and the service would be a hell of a lot better.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,867
Likes: 268
From: People's Republic of Boulder Colorado
This is precisely why I do ALL of my own maint. & repairs.
The only way a dealer "tech" will ever touch my bike is for warranty repairs after some kind of big, catastrophic failure - and then it'll be left on consignment for the dealer to sell once the repairs are made!
The only way a dealer "tech" will ever touch my bike is for warranty repairs after some kind of big, catastrophic failure - and then it'll be left on consignment for the dealer to sell once the repairs are made!
After reading that manual that was posted it don't feel as bad ---- This is my first new Harley ever bought --- There are several Harley techs around it will go to from now on..
Thanks for y'alls input
Thanks for y'alls input
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,920
Likes: 77
From: dallas
Harley service IMO is way overpriced. Dealers pay their techs maybe 25/ hr. Then charge 110 per hour. My 1000 service was 300 bucks after shopping several harley dealers. DIY is best bet if you know how to do stuff. Harleys are expensive toys/vehicles.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 229
Likes: 11
From: East Iowa
Those guys charging $110/hr are paying the wages of not only the service techs, but also ALL the other people in the parts and service. Look at your dealer's website, I bet there's FAR more people doing nothing productive in the service department than there is doing the actual paying work.
Two of my local dealers show 40 employees on their websites, all being paid by the money made in sales, service, and motor clothes departments. Apparently it's not THAT easy, as the last owners of both places went belly-up in the same locations.
That said, No, I don't take my bike to be worked on at any of them.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,044
Likes: 336
When you actually read the check list, other than the fluids it's mostly a visual inspection - well except for the Harley Grease for the fuel door - gotta get me some of that special stuff next time I'm at the Dealer
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
From:
In cases like this its a good idea to get to know the service guys at your local dealer. I know quite a few of the guys at my local HD dealer who in fact has several locations. Ive purchased several bikes from them and even chat with the owner quite a bit. I also know and have ridden with the service manager. When I walk in the door people know me on a first name basis and I know them on a first name basis. When I take my bike in I have full confidence that number one any issues will be taken care of and number two it will be done the correct way and double checked before it leaves the service bay. My point is if people don't feel a personal connection to the work they are doing and the person they are doing it for its easier to cut corners. My suggestion, try getting to know the people that you are entrusting to work on your scoot.
