Missing bolts after first service
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1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
From: Ontario
Missing bolts after first service
I recently took my Road King Special for it's first service at 1000 miles (1600km). I also had new handlebars installed. After getting the bike back I noticed that while going over bumps some shaking and noises could be felt and heard coming from the back of the bike. I took off my saddle bags and noticed that the two bolts that hold the exhaust to the bike were missing on the right side. The left were still in place. I called the dealership to tell them and they said that the exhaust wouldn't have been removed during the service so it's strange that the bolts would be missing. I find it odd that the shaking began right after the bike was serviced. It has been rock solid up to the point. Given how the bolts are placed I find it a bit hard to believe that they would both just fall out. Can anyone confirm if rear pipes are removed during this type of service?
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 229
From: Saskatchewan
In my opinion you paid a premium price for the important break in inspection. It is supposed to include a critical fastener inspection that I would think includes removing the bags for inspection of the rear components. Even if the exhaust mount bolts are not a critical fastener the missing or lose bolts should have been found with a quick visual inspection that any trained tech should have seen.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 4,725
Likes: 1,787
From: Toledo ohio
I wouldn't be surprised if another tech working on another bike took them for his bike while your tech was at lunch or in the bathroom. Most dealer techs would never do that, but I find it odd also. Having said that, I had a rear tire changed during a dealer event where they were offering 20% off and half labor. So I went for it, two rides later my muffler fell off the right side. I have had the bags off every time I wash it and never did I feel the muffler loose. I would have notice it. I was going to call the dealer out on it but also noticed the axle goes out the other side. It is common to take one muffler (left side) off to slide the axle out and since it was the nut side, I didn't feel like wasting my breath. I found a new end cap and swapped the scratched up muffler to the left side since it wasn't seen as much when parked.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,485
Likes: 232
From: Ohio
My buddy just bought a new street glide and had them do stage 1 before he picked it up. When he got home and looked at it, the tech put all the muffler bolts on finger tight and never tightened them. The dealership representative drove about 75 miles on a Sunday to tighten the bolts and even brought a new muffler because the loose bolts caused one to get scratched. Sloppy service, but really great follow up.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 30,875
Likes: 32,915
From: King George, VA
If they checked or adjusted the belt they prolly took the muffler off to access the axle nut. I would check the front muffler clamp as well.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,858
Likes: 217
From: Puyallup Wa.
I agree call them out on service you paid for thousand mile service aren't they supposed to check everything? They claim we do more than a oil change we inspect everything blah blah blah well apparently. They are who we thought they were.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
This is directly from the HD 1000 Mile Service Check List:
Inspect exhaust system for leaks, cracks and loose, or missing fasteners or exhaust shields 2-18 2.7 X X X X X X X X X X 4
Tell them to replace them, buy service, parts, electrical manuals and some tools, then never go back; not even for free hotdogs and coffee.
Inspect exhaust system for leaks, cracks and loose, or missing fasteners or exhaust shields 2-18 2.7 X X X X X X X X X X 4
Tell them to replace them, buy service, parts, electrical manuals and some tools, then never go back; not even for free hotdogs and coffee.
