1st Service
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,215
Likes: 2
From: Northern Arizona
1st Service
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
Watie
RE: 1st Service
I just got my bike a couple of weeks ago and am waiting to hit the 1000 mile mark. I was able to work the 1st service in as part of the deal, but was also told if I had to have paid for it, i would be looking at 300 dollars at THAT dealerhship. NOW ive heard different prices from different dealerships..and have heard of the 1st service costing as much as 500 dollars!!!! I WOULD HAVE paid for the service if I had not of been able to work it in the deal...the go over the whole bike and make adjustments as needed.....I will do the rest but I think the first one is worth going ahead and having done. Just my 2 cents
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 971
Likes: 2
From: Mid USA
RE: 1st Service
With the service manual and a good set of automotive tools the service is a snap. The manual walks you right through the entire service procedure, even the routine for the adjustment on the clutch and throttle cables are in the manual. If you have any mechanical skills at all you can do the service. Use the money that you would pay the dealership and buy the necessary supplies, use the rest for tools or accessories. Just document your work, save the receipts showing the purchase of the required oils and lubes. I even made a few pictures of the service work in progress and keep all of it in a folder. If you have the extended warranty then you might want to use the dealership for service work, but they can not deny your warranty because you perform your own service.
If you run in to problems during the service just post it on the forum and there are plenty of members that can give you info on what to do.
Arcane
If you run in to problems during the service just post it on the forum and there are plenty of members that can give you info on what to do.
Arcane
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,578
Likes: 4
From: Northern California
RE: 1st Service
First service I would go with the dealer. They may find something that you may overlook, flakes in the oil, etc. You can call several dealers for a price. Don't know what bike you have, but I would expect that it will run around$300 or better. After that, get the manual and the tools...save big bucks.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 204
Likes: 1
From:
RE: 1st Service
Each must decide what is best for themselves. Here's my thoughts.
I do all my own work, always have, but I have quite a nice garage full of tools and experience. Built that up from doing what you mentioned. Buying the tools instead of paying someone else. However, I bought my 07 Wide Glide new and paid the dealer to do the 1,000 mile. I cringed, but had them do it so I had paper showing the all important 1,000 was done by HD in case of future warranty concerns. Cost me $260 with synthetic oil. Rip-off, but I knew it was coming and planned for it. Even with HD doing it, I still checked everything the manual said when I got it back. It's easy to do. I like to think the dealer does everything the manual says, but I know how the mighty dollar drives business. I've done everything myself since, but I have what I consider a very important 1,000 mile HD paper handy just in case.
I do all my own work, always have, but I have quite a nice garage full of tools and experience. Built that up from doing what you mentioned. Buying the tools instead of paying someone else. However, I bought my 07 Wide Glide new and paid the dealer to do the 1,000 mile. I cringed, but had them do it so I had paper showing the all important 1,000 was done by HD in case of future warranty concerns. Cost me $260 with synthetic oil. Rip-off, but I knew it was coming and planned for it. Even with HD doing it, I still checked everything the manual said when I got it back. It's easy to do. I like to think the dealer does everything the manual says, but I know how the mighty dollar drives business. I've done everything myself since, but I have what I consider a very important 1,000 mile HD paper handy just in case.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,424
Likes: 0
From: Hoboken, New Jersey
RE: 1st Service
For my new FLHX I will let the dealer do the first service....mostly because I want to start forming a relationship with these guys(this is my first HD that is brand new and under warranty)....and I want to make sure I dont hear any static if I should need any warranty work in future. On top of that when I have them do the 1K service I am also going to have them do the install of my Rinehart TD's/Heaver Breather intake/SERT/Dyno tune.....and I since I do not want to hear any static about those parts voiding my warranty.....I will let the dealer do it and make sure the warranty stays in force.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
RE: 1st Service
mine was like 225, i figured it best to let them do the first, then i started doing my own after that
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Mid USA
RE: 1st Service
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
RE: 1st Service
The price will vary dealer to dealer and depends what region of the country you live in.The 1K for my bike was well over $300 and they did not go over the bike like they should have.I do all my services now.
You could by a manual and a few tools to it yourself or if you have the money,let a dealer do it.It all depends on what your comfortable with.
The money you would give to the dealer could buy some of the tools you might need!
You could by a manual and a few tools to it yourself or if you have the money,let a dealer do it.It all depends on what your comfortable with.
The money you would give to the dealer could buy some of the tools you might need!
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,215
Likes: 2
From: Northern Arizona
RE: 1st Service
I appreciate all the input/advice. Unfortunately, like mentioned, it all comes down to money and trust. Its a bad situation when a guy spends this kind of money on a bike, and has to worry whether the service tech is going to go over the bike at the service as needed, which prompts this question of mine in the first place. One mentioned having the HD piece of paper in hand, which is probably the biggest factor, to protect future warranty interests. I guess I'll suck it up this time, hope they do the right thing, and start planning for the purchase of the right tools for me next time.