Is there a time that Harley Stores should stop working on Harley motorcycles according to there age? Has anyone experienced refusal to work on a motorcycle because it was to old? If they have what do you think should be done?

 

I don't see it happening, parts and service are a big money maker.

 

Expect it once the parts start becoming obsolete, which is most things pre-EVO...It's the same with cars. I doubt if your local Ford dealer would work on a Model T.

 

Some dealers won't work on anything that is 10 years or older.

 

Manufacturers are only required to produce spare parts for a set number of years, which I think is 12, but could VERY WELL be in error on that.

Your best bet on older bikes is to find local techs who grew up with them. I'm lucky with my Tridents that I have a guy that used to race them, within 200 miles of me, plus Baxter Cycle in Marne Iowa that has buildings full of parts.

Just ask around. You might be surprised at the incredible knowlege and talent that is right down the street.

 

I've been told the same thing by dealers near me.

 

The flat rate labor book only works for bikes 10 years and newer. Its all about the profit, and not about service. You have to go to a biker shop for that.

 

I can not remember the specifics details, it has been awhile since it happened but had a friend take his (over 10 year old) bike in for work at the local HD dealer and they refused to work on it, they stated that it was "To Old". Found and independent to do the work and is still using him as he does better work for less then the dealer.

 

i have worked in service at 3 bikeshops. all of them officialy we didnt work on anything older then 8 years old. bolts get seized or stripped,wiring and conections get brittle,more chance for extra problems,parts are harder to find or obsolete..but they wont turn a bike away if there is money to be made..that rule is so they can turn headaches away..parts are readily available for evrything clear back to flatheads..in most cases an indy is beter and cheaper but they wont work on an old abused bike eather..if they do they might want a deposit up front incase the repair gets higher then the value..

 

It's more fun to work on them yourself anyway.......

83' FLHS