Am I being to critical?
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 165
Likes: 1
From: Stratford, CT.
Thank you for the replies. I do plan on doing the work myself but thought it might be a good idea to get the 1k maintenance done by a dealer. I also have a Indy in town and may check him out if a project is a bit over my head.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,722
Likes: 7
Good approach. What you likely got was a 200 dollar (I'm guessing) oil change with maybe a cable or clutch adjustment, if needed, thrown in. I'm not knocking you, I feel for it twice but won't again. Fortunately, the 2nd time I had a 50% off labor coupon so I only got half screwed. Your head was in the right place but, as usual, the dealer's heart wasn't. Regardless of the mileage, an 07 sitting that long needed a fluid change. I'd give it a walk around and check the tightness on bolts too as well as tire pressures.
Between a service manual, maybe a lift, some decent tools, and THIS FORUM, and some willpower, you'll have all you need. And, like you said, an indy on standbye for things you just aren't comfortable with. That's my approach 100% now.
The only things good I've ever found at a dealership were outside the doors when they have events and maybe some free food, music, and beer.
Between a service manual, maybe a lift, some decent tools, and THIS FORUM, and some willpower, you'll have all you need. And, like you said, an indy on standbye for things you just aren't comfortable with. That's my approach 100% now.
The only things good I've ever found at a dealership were outside the doors when they have events and maybe some free food, music, and beer.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 1
From: Desert S. West
It is a good idea to get the 1k service done at the dealer for possible future warranty issues but as everyone said; get the manuals, a lift, and some basic tools if you don't already have them. The more you work on it the more confidence you will have in it knowing it was done right.
As mentioned also, I do all my own work unless it's something I just don't want to do or feel is over my comfort level, then I take it to my Indy.
I always council people buying a new bike to get the first service thrown in on the deal. That's supposed to be HD's chance to catch anything that might be missed by the factory or something that may have changed since the factory.
About the filter. I have to side with the dealer on this one because something like this is very rare so they would not normally take off the ac cover. JMHO.
Good luck and have fun with your new bike!!
As mentioned also, I do all my own work unless it's something I just don't want to do or feel is over my comfort level, then I take it to my Indy.
I always council people buying a new bike to get the first service thrown in on the deal. That's supposed to be HD's chance to catch anything that might be missed by the factory or something that may have changed since the factory.
About the filter. I have to side with the dealer on this one because something like this is very rare so they would not normally take off the ac cover. JMHO.
Good luck and have fun with your new bike!!
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,998
Likes: 14
From: Central Ohio
It is a good idea to get the 1k service done at the dealer for possible future warranty issues but as everyone said; get the manuals, a lift, and some basic tools if you don't already have them. The more you work on it the more confidence you will have in it knowing it was done right.
As mentioned also, I do all my own work unless it's something I just don't want to do or feel is over my comfort level, then I take it to my Indy.
I always council people buying a new bike to get the first service thrown in on the deal. That's supposed to be HD's chance to catch anything that might be missed by the factory or something that may have changed since the factory.
About the filter. I have to side with the dealer on this one because something like this is very rare so they would not normally take off the ac cover. JMHO.
Good luck and have fun with your new bike!!
As mentioned also, I do all my own work unless it's something I just don't want to do or feel is over my comfort level, then I take it to my Indy.
I always council people buying a new bike to get the first service thrown in on the deal. That's supposed to be HD's chance to catch anything that might be missed by the factory or something that may have changed since the factory.
About the filter. I have to side with the dealer on this one because something like this is very rare so they would not normally take off the ac cover. JMHO.
Good luck and have fun with your new bike!!
Your 1k service would be a good time to switch to all synthetic lubricates for the motor, trans and primary.
Then do the regular maintenance, as described in the Factory Service Manual, your self and keep a record of said maintenance.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,998
Likes: 14
From: Central Ohio
Records, records, records... that’s the key. Keeps your receipts & make a maintenance log..
I have a file folder with all mine in it. For the oil changes, I keep a receipt of the 'Gasket Service Kit' (part #17369-06) in it's empty bag... in the folder.
For the rest of the stuff I made an excel spread sheet for the 'Regular Service Intervals' outlined in the owner's manual... which are copied from the Factory Service Manual.
The satisfaction of knowing my 'critical fasteners' are tight, the clutch cable is 'properly lubricated', ect, etc, is... priceless.
I've done all the service as scheduled for 25,800 miles. Every part on my 08 is still under full warranty till April 2010.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 588
Likes: 1
When I started riding, when the first Super Glide hit the market, a rider was hard pressed to get a HD dealer to install any aftermarket part. Actually, there wasn't much out there except S&S motor hop-up kits. A rider had to fabricate their own ideas. This is when a person coud tell the difference between a motorcyclist and a "biker." Of course this is my own personal opinion. Several years later more and more "custom" parts companies emerged, thus it became easier for the average "backyard wrench" to customize their bikes. I started my own indy shop out of my home garage. Thus I was beginning to learn what kind of "mark-up" dealers were charging. Case in point: Those of you in the Midwest know that after a hard winter there comes a "freak" day in April when it gets into the 50's and no slick roads. I got my bike out to get that first ride in. My rear master cylinder decides to start leaking. I didn't have the proper rebuild kit in my inventory so I called the local dealer. $24.95 said the parts guy. I said "no thanks" and I went for a ride with only my front brakes. You say,"big deal it's only $24.95." My price, if I purchased 6 rebuild kits, was $4.95 each. Approx. 500% mark-up! My advice is find a small indy for parts, if you are going to install them yourself. Purchase a HD service manual and a parts book. Arm yourself with the correct O.E.M. part numbers and your good to go. Any factory motor vehicle dealer is locked into their book prices. The smaller the indy the more competitive they have to be to keep their doors open and build a customer base.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 347
Likes: 1
From: Lexington, IL
+1 on not critical enough!
I paid for the 1k maint on my bike at the dealer and they overfilled my engine oil by more than a quart . . . .bought a J&S lift this summer, owners manual and a couple of small tools I didn't already have (belt tension gauge) Those monkeys will NEVER touch my bike again.
FWIW.
I paid for the 1k maint on my bike at the dealer and they overfilled my engine oil by more than a quart . . . .bought a J&S lift this summer, owners manual and a couple of small tools I didn't already have (belt tension gauge) Those monkeys will NEVER touch my bike again.
FWIW.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
+1 on not critical enough!
I paid for the 1k maint on my bike at the dealer and they overfilled my engine oil by more than a quart . . . .bought a J&S lift this summer, owners manual and a couple of small tools I didn't already have (belt tension gauge) Those monkeys will NEVER touch my bike again.
FWIW.
I paid for the 1k maint on my bike at the dealer and they overfilled my engine oil by more than a quart . . . .bought a J&S lift this summer, owners manual and a couple of small tools I didn't already have (belt tension gauge) Those monkeys will NEVER touch my bike again.
FWIW.