Super Wrench--------NOT!
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,873
Likes: 13
From: NW Arkansas
Super Wrench--------NOT!
Changed all the fluids tonight and adjusted the clutch. Last time was done at 5000 mile service by dealer. Couldn't get filter off with a strap wrench. Crushed the filter trying. Borrowed a socket type and finally got it off.
Went to adjust clutch. Couldn't get lock nut loose. Bent allen wrench trying to hold it. Finally put impact wrench on it and backed it off!
And then, the oil drain plug wasn't much more than finger tight! (it wasn't leaking though) ALL FOR $75 + AN HOUR!
(which I would gladly pay if I could trust them!)
P.S. I know there are many great HD techs out there,
I just haven't found one yet.
Thank you, I feel better now!
Went to adjust clutch. Couldn't get lock nut loose. Bent allen wrench trying to hold it. Finally put impact wrench on it and backed it off!
And then, the oil drain plug wasn't much more than finger tight! (it wasn't leaking though) ALL FOR $75 + AN HOUR!
(which I would gladly pay if I could trust them!)P.S. I know there are many great HD techs out there,
I just haven't found one yet.Thank you, I feel better now!
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,335
Likes: 0
From: Tidewater
I've never done any of my own maintenance. Bought a manual in December and have done 2500 and 5000...With the money I did NOT spend having it sone, I'm going to Florida for 5 days in May...Schweeeet....And all the scratches on my bike were done only by me...lol
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Lawrence
I do all of my own maintenance so if something gets missed it's my fault and I can only blame myself, however I enjoy doing my own work "and I'm a tight a__" so I really take my time. I'd bet that if a tech at H-D took as much time as I do he'd be looking for another job!!!!
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 654
Likes: 11
As you I have not had any luck in finding a reliable HD mechanic. I now look for and listen to others who recommend "independents". My experience with HD stealerships is that the so called mechanics are part changers as opposed to being true mechanics.
I must admit, however, there are a number of people who contribute to this forum whom I hold in the highest regard. Their advice has been terrific and has saved me "oodles".
I must admit, however, there are a number of people who contribute to this forum whom I hold in the highest regard. Their advice has been terrific and has saved me "oodles".
Banned
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,259
Likes: 5
From: NW NC
Find a good local Indy that will stand behind his work. Much cheaper and easier dealing with than a dealership shop. I have 3 I can count on at any given time and all within 20 minutes from me. One was an instructor at MMI.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,852
Likes: 2,494
From: Decatur, Alabama
Just think of the extra money you will have for lap dances and beer by doing the maintenance yourself! You can waste the rest of your extra savings on retirement.
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.......... I expect it will only take me a couple of weeks to do it myself!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 1
From: Desert S. West
Yep. No one is going to take better care of your baby than you. Sometimes I try to give my local Indy some business and if his price is ridiculously high I pass. I still have to go over the bike and correct things missed if he does it. I'm thinking he gets distracted with customers and forgets where he was at.
As time goes on I do more and more myself. There's no reason a shade tree mechanic can't do everything but the lower end if he has the will, basic tools, can read, and has some experience with wrenchin'. If any specialty tools are needed they will be cheap compared to paying someone to do the work.
As time goes on I do more and more myself. There's no reason a shade tree mechanic can't do everything but the lower end if he has the will, basic tools, can read, and has some experience with wrenchin'. If any specialty tools are needed they will be cheap compared to paying someone to do the work.