1st Service
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,874
Likes: 8
From: Earth
RE: 1st Service
ORIGINAL: lonewatie
I know I'm going to get a lot of varying opinions on this, but here goes. First, what should I expect the cost of a 1st service to be? Second, what are the overall advantages to having HD do this service. From my service manual, I see that most of the service is preventative/stuff I can do myself. With exception of clutch adjustment, which I would probably need help with, and brake/throttle adjustments, if needed. Anyway, I guess what I'm getting at, is I would rather spend the money on the right tools for the right job, than give it to HD, and not have the tools down the road. On the other hand, I don't want to jack anything up to void my warranty, which I know is a risk I take doing it myself. I am somewhat mechanically inclined, and not afraid to get my hands dirty. I guess I want to be taught how to fish, as opposed to having the fish given to me. Any advice would be great, and will weigh heavily in decision for this first service. Lastly, if I should go with HD for the service, how long can I expect my bike to be down, and do they really do all the things mentioned in the service manual. Thanks for any advice in advance.
Watie
I know I'm going to get a lot of varying opinions on this, but here goes. First, what should I expect the cost of a 1st service to be? Second, what are the overall advantages to having HD do this service. From my service manual, I see that most of the service is preventative/stuff I can do myself. With exception of clutch adjustment, which I would probably need help with, and brake/throttle adjustments, if needed. Anyway, I guess what I'm getting at, is I would rather spend the money on the right tools for the right job, than give it to HD, and not have the tools down the road. On the other hand, I don't want to jack anything up to void my warranty, which I know is a risk I take doing it myself. I am somewhat mechanically inclined, and not afraid to get my hands dirty. I guess I want to be taught how to fish, as opposed to having the fish given to me. Any advice would be great, and will weigh heavily in decision for this first service. Lastly, if I should go with HD for the service, how long can I expect my bike to be down, and do they really do all the things mentioned in the service manual. Thanks for any advice in advance.
Watie
Nothing wrong with doing your first service but it helps to have some knowledge of what to really look and listen for.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 678
Likes: 0
From:
RE: 1st Service
Here is my take on it. If you do not know a thng about wrenching, Have the dealer do thr first one. Have a friend teach you to do the susequent 5k.10k,15k services.
At 20k you SHOULD have the bike seviced by a qualified tech.
The 20k is an important service in that the cam chain adjusters MUST be checked. Many people neglect or don't know 'bout this.
If you are a hard charger, it is likely that the adjusters will need replacing.
If'n you are an old geezer--like me- they will have minimum wear.
Eiher way it does need lookin' at. This ain't a job for the novice.
At 20k you SHOULD have the bike seviced by a qualified tech.
The 20k is an important service in that the cam chain adjusters MUST be checked. Many people neglect or don't know 'bout this.
If you are a hard charger, it is likely that the adjusters will need replacing.
If'n you are an old geezer--like me- they will have minimum wear.
Eiher way it does need lookin' at. This ain't a job for the novice.
Novice
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From:
RE: 1st Service
I own a 2008 XL1200C and the dealer wanted $199.00 for the first service @ around the 500mls mark?I was in limbo but with the advice of some members hereI did it myself.I used the dealersoiland filter, and ordered a shop manual fromthe dealer ($105.00 total).I then purchased a sears crsftsman atv jack(lift) for $59.00 a good torque wrench$79.00 (also from sears). I then was wonderingstill if I should do this myself? Well once started all theworries subsided and everything went like clock work,it was working on any other thing I own, boat motor, lawn mower etc.Its like that first jump off the high dive, nowI feel confident I can do most general maintance and also have some new tools to boot. OhI have 974mls now and thats about 280mls since I did the service, and all is fine.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,021
Likes: 12
From: Greene County, MS
RE: 1st Service
I bought my bike right after it's first service was done. It was done supposely by a HD qualified mechanic but not at a Harley dealership. I should at least try to get my hands on that paperwork so I have some proof for later if I need it. I plan on doing my own service on it now. I need to buy the service manual. I also need to get a torque wrench and a lift. I'm an aircraft mechanic but don't know squat about a motorcycle so I guess it should be a learning experience for me. Hopefully I should be able to figure it all out.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From:
RE: 1st Service
I did my own 1000 mile service. If you only have basic tools(wrenches, screwdrivers etc), what you spend on tools will about equal the first dealership service price. However, you will be saving hundreds from every service thereafter.
I said to hell with my warranty. Its my bike and I am going to own it. Im going treat it like its mine not like its partially owned by the MOCO. If it breaks, I will fix it. If it lasts, then I will have saved thousands. Its a risk. I accept it.That decisioncame with anice feeling of freedom.
I now know my bike better than they guy who takes his in.
But most importantly and perhaps the biggest deciding factor to consider: I enjoyed working on my bike!
Barton
I said to hell with my warranty. Its my bike and I am going to own it. Im going treat it like its mine not like its partially owned by the MOCO. If it breaks, I will fix it. If it lasts, then I will have saved thousands. Its a risk. I accept it.That decisioncame with anice feeling of freedom.
I now know my bike better than they guy who takes his in.
But most importantly and perhaps the biggest deciding factor to consider: I enjoyed working on my bike!
Barton
Novice
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From:
RE: 1st Service
Its not that bad! I failed to mention above that I wrote down all of the service and what was inspected, and kept receipts and dated.The right tools are the key.LONEWATIE: My post was to inform you of my cost, and the expirence I had, not to sway you one way or the other. I just don't buy into nobody but dealers can work on them. You have a choice, make the best one for you.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,215
Likes: 2
From: Northern Arizona
RE: 1st Service
Well, I bit the bullet this morning, had the dealer do it; first/last time (exc. 20k). I agree with me knowing my bike better than anyone, but not having all tools yet, and the fact that the service dept was not too busy this morning, made more convenient for this time. Now I can enjoy the bike over the holidays and not be concerned with when I'll squeeze it in to them, but you can bet from here on out, she's mine to work on/mine alone. I appreciate the input from you all; its all great advice for a newbie. Having read/rereading zen and cycle maintenance book, just want to be one with my bike, and knowing she'll treat me better in return. The guys at the service were professional, and didn't give me a funny feeling, and with my mil. discount, walked out with the $350 service costing a little over 300 in the end.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 723
Likes: 1
From: Melbourne, Florida
RE: 1st Service
After the 20k investment for my ride thought it would be best tohave the dealer givethe bike a go over from endto end. Any lapse from the factory should have been caught then. Additional services I have performed myself and the bike is doing great.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,116
Likes: 0
From: Glendale, AZ.
RE: 1st Service
I let the dealer do the first one at 1000 which cost me $332.00 and I furnished the Redline Shock Proof Heavy for the tranny. I did the 5000 mile myself and will probably continue doing all of them myself. 
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