Is dealer taking me to cleaners?
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,787
Likes: 5,615
From: along the shore of Mishigami
Take the bike out for a good ride, park on a level surface, check the trans fluid level. If it's been serviced lately it's probably over serviced, it's possible it's just venting and some fluid needs to be removed. If thats the case you just saved at least $490.00. This is the easiest troubleshooting in the book. Also look around the case with a good fashlight and small mirror, underneath looking up, if it's a shift shaft seal you should be able to see this. Good luck with this.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,595
Likes: 8
From: Vancouver Island British Colombia Canada
If it isnt pouring out I would deal with the little oil spot until next winter. Than you have all summer to look around for a good mechanic that does not work for a dealership. I doubt it will get any worse & as long as you check fluid levels periodically, no damage will occour.
I would not hand over $500 to those goons for a lil drip, most of that is labor, $10 is the seal!
Hatch.
I would not hand over $500 to those goons for a lil drip, most of that is labor, $10 is the seal!
Hatch.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 1
From: A house.
I going with hatchetman on this. You need to find a good indy you can trust - you can never trust the dealer, but that's just my opinion after two sour experiences. If your primary was over serviced, or even if the derby cover wasn't cleaned up real well, you might think you have a leak when you really just have some residual oil bleeding down. Keep an eye on your levels and you'll be fine till you find the cause for sure and someone you can trust to make the repairs. $100 to $200 max.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
Brought the RK in for service because of an oil leak. When the bike was parked after a ride it left about a silver dollar size stain of oil under the primary. Service manager touch under the primary and said oil was coming from it. Just assumed it was the cover gasket. After the techs look at it, he tells me it's has something to do with 5th gear and he needs to disable the entire transmission and replace gaskets on the inside. Cost = $490. I'm at his mercy because I'm not knowledgeable of the mechanics. Does this diagnosis and cost seem reasonable. Greatly appreciate any advice.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
If it isnt pouring out I would deal with the little oil spot until next winter. Than you have all summer to look around for a good mechanic that does not work for a dealership. I doubt it will get any worse & as long as you check fluid levels periodically, no damage will occour.
I would not hand over $500 to those goons for a lil drip, most of that is labor, $10 is the seal!
Hatch.
I would not hand over $500 to those goons for a lil drip, most of that is labor, $10 is the seal!
Hatch.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,831
Likes: 15
From: Nomad
I guess it depends on the kind of relationship you have with your dealer.
I trust the guys at Yellowstone HD, for a thousand reasons. They have always taken good care of my bike and my wife's.
But if you don't, find an indy and do like KBFXDLI said. While he's in there, might as well get it all taken care of. A motor sgt we had in one of my units used to say, 'If the corrective maintenance you need to do presents an opportunity to do preventive maintenance, always take it.'
I trust the guys at Yellowstone HD, for a thousand reasons. They have always taken good care of my bike and my wife's.
But if you don't, find an indy and do like KBFXDLI said. While he's in there, might as well get it all taken care of. A motor sgt we had in one of my units used to say, 'If the corrective maintenance you need to do presents an opportunity to do preventive maintenance, always take it.'
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Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
Absolutely, the pain in the azz is taking it apart. SO when I go in for a repair I put it all back with all new seals. Especially those sealing bolts on the IP case that some guys use over. Some are made to stretch and seal one time but who wants to take the chance that they will seal twice (many will) and have to do it all over again? I will also do upgrades on corrective maintenance. If my primary has to come apart for anything then I'll get a new welded stator & SE compensator kit and polish my primary chain and get the new regina auto adjuster. Just easier and a lot less expensive.
