I picked up a Service Manual for my M8 ride at the dealership and when the mechanic gave it to me, she smiled, gave a thumbs up and said, "it amazes me how many Harley riders don't buy the service manual…" She then went on a slight rant about how many riders could deal with issues themselves or trouble shoot accurately if they had a service manual, but nobody picks one up. She said they rarely sell them and she's thinking about buying a bell and hitting it whenever someone picks one up ha ha.

That surprised me as I kinda viewed Harley riders as blue collar gear heads. I'm not really a gear head, but I thought the service manual would be a wise investment and perhaps open up a new hobby for me (motorcycle maintenance and such). Am I wrong? Do you have a service manual and do you read and use it?

My suggestions - buy the service manual. It's actually great reading even when you aren't trouble shooting or trying to fix something.

 

most people dont own a wrech anymore.The local HD shop complains about people coming to have their tire Pressure checked...!
SO Heill no!
Most people don't own a wrench anymore.
Those that do own "dad's" wrenches. (with no clue what fits what)

 

I have one, and I use it regularly.

 

Service manuals are great if you have the know how and required tools too use one. Some people are better off not having a service manual and letting the experts fix their problems.

 

Most people who can afford a Harley perfer to pay for service. No different for those who buy new cars.

I prefer the challenge of my independence. I also have learned more harm is done then service at a dealership.
Hope you got the electrical diagnostic manual.
​​​​​​Never seen an honest one yet in my 55 years of dealing with them. Most however have not a clue they are being screwed by them. Which makes for a more pleasant life for then

 

Got manuals and tools ...

 

I have one, but have never used it. It's much easier to figure stuff out for myself than to read printed instruction. And, I pretty much know how to do all of my servicing without a manual. I would rather have an expert do the stuff I can't do, than to try & figure out if I did it right.

 

Not blue collar anymore, but grew up blue collar. Have factory service manuals for all three bikes in my garage, and do my own work on them.

I've found that there is almost no limit to what the typical Harley owners don't know about their bikes, or Harleys or motorcycling in general. It's been that way for quite some time now.

 

Maybe 40 years ago.

 

Boyhowdy, ain't that the truth.

I recently bought a Harbor Freight torque wrench. (It has performed flawlessly, btw.) As part of my research I had read all of the reviews I could find. One purchaser who had left a review on the HF web site was brutal. He said that the wrench was a worthless piece of junk, because: "It kept snapping the heads off the bolts."

Some people should not be allowed near sharp objects without adult supervision. Seriously.