Damn!! That’s crazy…

 

I don't know why people are paying someone to change their oil. If you can change a lightbulb you can change your oil. I've done three hole oil changes on my Harleys my entire life, still do, and I'm 73 years old. Only takes about half an hour, so I don't know how in the world a dealer is charging someone 2.5 hours labor!

 

Because people pay it. The ignorant ruin life for everyone.

 

Because they can and where they are located.

 

I think at 73, you’re not surprised many males can’t change a light bulb…

 

I've lost count how many times women have told me "I wish my husband was like you. He can't do anything." When my dad worked for the aerospace industry he was surprised how many college educated engineers he worked with that didn't have the common sense to change a faucet washer. We have to remember that there are folks out there that are one dimensional and can only do one thing well and changing motorcycle oil isn't one of them.

 

1. You bring your bike in, park it and check in with the service manager - 15 minutes.
2. Service manager writes up service ticket, puts it in the computer, prints out the work order form and has you sign it - 15 minutes.
3. Service manager goes out and puts the service tag on your bike - 10 minutes.
4. Service manager goes back in the shop, has a cup of coffee and informs the technician about your bike that it is ready for service - 10 minutes.
5. Technician gets your bike, rides it up on the lift and locks it down. 10 minutes.
6. Technician checks work order and compares the VIN making sure he has the correct bike.
7. Technician locks front wheel on the lift and raises bike.
8. Technician opens primary derby cover, then removes primary drain plug and drains primary - 10 minutes.
9. Technician replaces primary drain plug and fills primary - 10 minutes.
10. Technician replaces derby cover and torques screws - 5 minutes.
11. Technician opens transmission fill port, and removes transmission drain plug, drains transmission - 10 minutes.
12. Technician replaces transmission drain plug and fills transmission, replaces fill port cover - 10 minutes.
13. Technician opens engine oil fill port, then removes engine oil drain plug, drains engine oil - 15 minutes.
14. Technician removes engine oil filter and cleans up around where oil dripped on engine, puts new oil filter on and makes sure it is good and tight so if the customer want to do his own oil change he will need to struggle getting the filter off - 10 minutes.
15. Technician replaces oil drain plug, fills engine with oil.
16. Technician cleans his tools and lift, maybe even clean the bike of any residual oil - 10 minutes.
17. Technician lowers bike on the lift, starts it, ensures oil is circulating then shuts the bike off and checks oil level - 5 minutes.
18. Technician take bike outside and rides it 1 mile to ensure all is good with the bike and oil change; however, may recommend additional service if he thinks anything is needed - 15 minutes.
19. Technician parks bike, has a cup of coffee, fills out work order as completed and brings it to the service manager - 15 minutes.
20. Service manager inputs service into the computer and informs you the oil change/service has been completed - 10 minutes.
21. This is just for a 3 hole oil change and filter. If you want the ful service, i.e., check everything over, squirt some lube here and there, check the tightness of some bolts and screws - expect 45 - 50 more minutes labor.

 

like you I am just stating the obvious. Been around the block a few times. I have no problems fixing, maintaining or just doing anything, particularly to save money. I have money. That said I have a brother that has trouble putting gas in his car and can only drive the car. He would not know if it’s about to blow up until it did. And even then it would be, it no longer works. Getting up in the years meself but nothing more invigorating than rolling around on the ground wrenching the bike, truck, car, neighbors car, friends…sure I have done it in a garage with a lift but I get more from doing it the way I know, as i just need basics.

 

Sleepy Joe said the economy has never been better.

Rick

 

I have not bought HD engine or trans oil in decades.

Have not had any of my bikes to an HD shop for anything other than warranty work in decades.

It is unfortunate their prices are so far out of control.

An oil & filter change, done at the Ford Dealership, on our PowerStroke that takes 13 quarts of synthetic oil is $171.50.

So something is definitely awry with a Harley Dealership charging more than that for 5 quarts and a smaller oil filter.