What to have done for 5,000 mile checkup
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 105
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What to have done for 5,000 mile checkup
HI, need some advice. I have a 2007 Soft tail Custom bought new that only has 5200 miles on it (Yes 5200). I have the dealer listing of all the items they recommend to be done. Can't afford all that. Can you tell me what you think are the most important things to have done, other than all oils changed, brake fluid changed, check the belt tension?? Greatly appreciate ur help.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,958
Likes: 1,988
From: CA
Get a shop manual and learn how to do all the minor adjustments and fluid changes yourself. It's really not that hard. You'll save the cost of the manual with the first service you do.
Check primary chain adjustment, clutch adjustment, lube and adjust all cables, grease steering head bearings, new spark plugs. Clean battery terminals and make sure they are tight.
If the tires are original, I'd recommend replacing them, even if the tread is ok. 11 year old tires will be hard, provide reduced traction and are prone to cracking.
Check critical fasteners, axle nuts, shift lever bolts, motor mounts, etc. Use a torque wrench. Check all lights for function.
Check primary chain adjustment, clutch adjustment, lube and adjust all cables, grease steering head bearings, new spark plugs. Clean battery terminals and make sure they are tight.
If the tires are original, I'd recommend replacing them, even if the tread is ok. 11 year old tires will be hard, provide reduced traction and are prone to cracking.
Check critical fasteners, axle nuts, shift lever bolts, motor mounts, etc. Use a torque wrench. Check all lights for function.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 14,262
Likes: 15,532
From: Tulsa
5k service at most dealerships is $300-$500, indies usually run a little less. If you can't afford that, by all means take the advice above. I'd caution you though, doing it wrong will probably cost you much more than paying someone else to do it right the first time. You make no mention of you level of mechanical skill so I figured that's worth saying.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 6,863
Likes: 3,727
From: St. Charles, MO
Don't ignore any of the 5,000 mile recommendations. As mentioned above, if you cant' afford to have someone do it, get a manual and do what you can yourself. If it's above your mechanical skill level (no shame in that), then call a buddy who has more skill and share a six pack with them.
IMHO, there are NO 5,000 mile service points that are unimportant enough to simply ignore.
IMHO, there are NO 5,000 mile service points that are unimportant enough to simply ignore.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 9,238
Likes: 5,784
From: On the Big Blue marble
My indy charged me 250.00 for the service... Most indys are way less then the dealer. As stated above, theres no steps to skip... If your getting the manual, get the HD manual, IMO its way better than the others..
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 620
Likes: 61
From: Castle Rock, CO
I wouldn’t be surprised if the dealer recommended tire replacement. On a 10-12 year old bike the original tires may not be safe. I do agree with the other posters, though...if you can’t afford the dealer shop look for an independent motorcycle mechanic or buy a manual and do it yourself.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 298
Likes: 48
From: Carson City, NV
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Banned
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 4,576
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From: Viet Vet, crossroads
I am not going to read all this, but if you have NOT tumbled to this idea yet do so IMMEDIATELY
Tell him he does the list or you will not buy it.
QUITE SIMPLE REALLY
Tell him he does the list or you will not buy it.
QUITE SIMPLE REALLY
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,796
Likes: 1,194
From: SW Michigan
Don't ignore any of the 5,000 mile recommendations. As mentioned above, if you cant' afford to have someone do it, get a manual and do what you can yourself. If it's above your mechanical skill level (no shame in that), then call a buddy who has more skill and share a six pack with them.
IMHO, there are NO 5,000 mile service points that are unimportant enough to simply ignore.
IMHO, there are NO 5,000 mile service points that are unimportant enough to simply ignore.
This is a touring schedule...maybe it will help a little...good luck
Last edited by Dirty Harry; Dec 29, 2019 at 09:48 AM.