Should I be upset?
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,788
Likes: 5,625
From: along the shore of Mishigami
The cam chain tension shoes will be your next big bill, if they were never changed. They were not a warranty item because they are stuff that just wears out. If the bike is intended for daily driver then replace the shoes,outer cam bearings and the shop will probably use adjustable pushrods for that part of the job. Not knowing the H-D TC88 engine and their wear items can be a bit overwhelming to a new buyer. Don't give the ghost on this bike.
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 463
Likes: 3
From: Saskatchewan, Canada
Well, I got my Road King back after work on Friday. Total bill was around $600 CA for a braided stainless steel fuel line, oil change in all three holes with synthetic, and a total of about three hours labor.
The extra labor was because I asked them to go over the bike from fender-to-fender, make notes of anything that may require service soon, and button the bike up solidly for the season.
I am not wild about the cost but the bike runs a lot smoother now. The mechanic went over all the lines and my controls are easier now. I took the bike out for a few hours last night and today and it seemed to run like a top. Some of the items that the mechanic noted would need repair but could make it through the season did not surprise me and I plan on personally taking care of them over the winter. I am running some fuel system cleaner in with the current fresh gas in the tank.
One thing that does annoy me, however, is there is a sizable chip in the paint of the top front of my right saddlebag. It is about the size of a quarter, gouged through the clear and paint down to the fiberglass, and appears to have been made either by a careless boot swung over or a tool gone awry. The bike did not have the chip when I dropped it off. Unfortunately, I noticed the damage after hours of riding last night, which means I cannot prove that the damage was done during the bike's stay at the independent.
The extra labor was because I asked them to go over the bike from fender-to-fender, make notes of anything that may require service soon, and button the bike up solidly for the season.
I am not wild about the cost but the bike runs a lot smoother now. The mechanic went over all the lines and my controls are easier now. I took the bike out for a few hours last night and today and it seemed to run like a top. Some of the items that the mechanic noted would need repair but could make it through the season did not surprise me and I plan on personally taking care of them over the winter. I am running some fuel system cleaner in with the current fresh gas in the tank.
One thing that does annoy me, however, is there is a sizable chip in the paint of the top front of my right saddlebag. It is about the size of a quarter, gouged through the clear and paint down to the fiberglass, and appears to have been made either by a careless boot swung over or a tool gone awry. The bike did not have the chip when I dropped it off. Unfortunately, I noticed the damage after hours of riding last night, which means I cannot prove that the damage was done during the bike's stay at the independent.
Last edited by 2K1FLHPI; Jun 13, 2009 at 06:13 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
Considering you bought the bike unseen and dont have the mechanical skills(no offense),I would have had them do an inspection.They were probly just focusing on the initial problem.
Look at the bright side,you got your bike shipped to you in working order.A lot of buyers have gotten burned on deals like this.
Like someone else said,the bike is used and will have normal wear and tear.
Now unless the seller told you everything was new,that would be another issue.
Look at the bright side,you got your bike shipped to you in working order.A lot of buyers have gotten burned on deals like this.
Like someone else said,the bike is used and will have normal wear and tear.
Now unless the seller told you everything was new,that would be another issue.
Last edited by 1flhtk4me; Jun 13, 2009 at 06:37 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 474
Likes: 47
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
It is mechanical and it is used. It will have problems from time to time. You will spend money getting it right and keeping it running. Preventative maintenance should keep your problems in check once the bike is rode enough and enough money is spent to fix things. New bikes with new warranties are nice till the warranty runs out, then you have to fix it out of your pocket. Buying a bike, sight unseen is a wild proposition for me. If I can't touch it, hear it, see it with my own eyes--I doubt I will purchase it. Just me.
Jim
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 463
Likes: 3
From: Saskatchewan, Canada
I fully admit to be still working on my mechanical skills and that they have a looong way to go. No offense taken. Any advice given to me as I encounter new problems is appreciated.
I made attempts to have the bike inspected by the dealership local to the seller. Unfortunately, the dealership balked at the last minute, forcing both the seller and myself into a bad position. I went on the separate opinions of the independents around the seller's area about their reputation. The seller was very accommodating and I see from their website that they continue to move stock through their website.
Fortunately, I feel I am still financially ahead on this bike even when I include the initial purchase, shipping, and repairs. I am over my budget projections but still at a reasonable spending point. Just need to step back from sometimes and put things in perspective, I guess. =)
I made attempts to have the bike inspected by the dealership local to the seller. Unfortunately, the dealership balked at the last minute, forcing both the seller and myself into a bad position. I went on the separate opinions of the independents around the seller's area about their reputation. The seller was very accommodating and I see from their website that they continue to move stock through their website.
Fortunately, I feel I am still financially ahead on this bike even when I include the initial purchase, shipping, and repairs. I am over my budget projections but still at a reasonable spending point. Just need to step back from sometimes and put things in perspective, I guess. =)
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