I'm coming up on 15k miles, and the only real service required should be an oil change. I have done and can do my own basic maintenance, but here's my question:

The bike is a 2013 Super Glide Custom I bought used from the local dealer. It was bought new from this dealer, and previous owner had all work done there, so it's got an unbroken service record. Is there some merit in keeping up with that and having the dealer do the maintenance? If I was planning to keep the bike forever (I might, but I might not), it wouldn't really matter, but is there some benefit upon resale to having this good history?

I have no reason to think this dealer sucks (anybody have input on Gainesville, FL, harley dealer?), so no real issue for me taking it there other than cost and pride.

Thanks for your thoughts/wisdom.

 

No benefits in having the dealer keep up the service records. You do it, keep the reciepts, and a record of the mileage and dates.
You should be looking for an good dependable independent repair shop for the stuff you cannot do, and get away from HD service.

 

Thanks for your input -- honestly. I don't want to pay dealer prices for service, but this is my first Harley and my first not-cheap bike, so I really want to do the right thing.

 

If you're going to keep it forever, the only thing that's important is what YOU know has been done to the bike.
As time goes on, it won't matter anyway. Other depreciation factors will make more difference, and the warranty will run out.

 

Keeping a service record might help when you go to sell it privately, but won't mean a damn thing if you trade it in at a dealer....they don't give a damn. Just look at what they give you for all the accessories you put on a bike = nada.

 

The only plus I see is if you sell to a private party and not trade it in. It could be used as a bargaining chip to better the chance of them buying, but more than likely your return on investment would be negative.

 

As stated above, change it yourself. Find a Good Indy Shop for the stuff you can't do.

 

I have a three ring binder that i record all my service, maintenance, repairs, and accessories. This will help you keep track of what was done and when. I would also get the factory service manual and the parts manual. Two of the best tools in your tool box. I feel you should keep track of when you did various services. Even if someone else does the service, I would still record and maintain records.

 

Good advice abounds in this thread. If you do it yourself you KNOW it was done. I keep an Excel spreadsheet for all vehicle maintenance and upgrades, including my bike. I also keep electronic copies of any receipts for maintenance or upgrades as well. That way, if I ever sell, I have a complete paper trail of the history of the vehicle.

 

I llways let the dealership do the 1st service even though I capable of doing ti myself. Occasionally I let the do some of the other services. Why..... because I want to maintain a good relationship, built on trust and respect,t with the dealership. They've got bills to pay, payroll to meet, and sooooo many other expenses. I feel it's important for us to support them. Ya gotta do it ya want'em to keep the doors open and be there for you when you need them.

Pride??? I take pride in the support I give to the local dealer and don't give a l
flying **** at a rolling donut what other think of me. I do what I think is the right thing even though it may not be the popular choice of others.

Paul