So I dropped off the Fat Bob yesterday for the stage IV install + oil cooler + Bassani Road Rage pipe + heavy breather...

The guy checking the bike in asks me: "you are right at 500 miles, do you want to do an oil change?"

I say to him, your changing the pistons, heads, cams, and clutch...don't you HAVE to change the oil?

The guy says no...so I told him, yeah please change the oil too...but shouldn't this have been a no brainier? Why would any place change internals without fresh oil??

 

That would make me loose confidence in them for sure.
Tell them no, don't change the oil and go ahead and reuse the gaskets too,...see ya.

 

Luckily this is the guy performing the bike check-in and not the tech performing the work. I trust the guy who will be turning the wrenches and he's the same guy performing the dyno tune. Just couldn't believe the question...it's almost as bad as

"Ok, a Stage IV. Anything else? Oh, you are getting pipes and a heavy breather installed too?" (as he marks this down on the workorder as aditional labor) --Really?? I'll make sure that when I am going over the work performed, I am charged for actual work and not xx hours for stage IV install labor and another XX hours of Pipes and Air Cleaner labor!!

I searched the forums and noted the average hours of labor should be around 12 for the Stage IV install...so that is what I am prepared for. (results may vary, right?)

 

So they would have just put the 500 mi break in period oil right back in after tearing the engine nearly all the way down, and you spending a nearly 20% of what you paid for your bike to begin with? I would like to believe the tech would just throw in the new oil, but I'm the skeptical type I guess.

Having said that, when I bought my bike the 500 mi service was thrown in for free, at my dealer that runs $300, so I can see where they might want to add that on, IF they do the entire service. Crankcase/Trans/Primary fluids changed, (all these will be drained out for your stage 4 I believe) new oil filter, inspection and adjustment of clutch/drive belt/ inspection of chain tensioner, all the appropriate gaskets. ... light bulbs, turn signals, brake check, etc, and test ride (down to Wendy's for lunch).

Stage four sounds like fun though, does it change the displacement? Enjoy your scooter when you get it back, and If you are comfortable, share a ballpark ideer what it set you back...
Thanks

David

 

2012 Fat Bob came with the 103...so the displacement is the same. (Same kit offered for the previous years does include jugs to increase to the 103)
I got the 2012 SE Stage IV kit, which changed the heads and cams that came with previous SE IV kits. It comes with 10.5:1 pistons, 259E cams, factory heads CNC ported and polished, stiffer valve springs, push rods, higher flow injectors, 58mm throttle body, different clutch spring, sprocket retention, and the super tuner (Incl all the gaskets needed to install).

The parts list I ordered so far...and price: Stage IV kit, Bassani Road Rage 2-1 pipe, SE Heavy Breather air cleaner, and side mount oil cooler --$3100 after taxes.

I'll post up what it cost for install and dyno tune time when I get the bill. I don't mind sharing...I tell my friends that I am trying to jump start the economy all on my own!

 

Now that is scary....

 

you are probably want to upgrade your suspension too. i have a stage 4 and it hauls ***

 

Where in Tampa are you bringing it?

 

Jim's HD in St Pete.

 

You could have brought it over to Cycle Rama, it's right down the road and I'd have more faith in their work than the dealers.