I do my own work on my bike, unless it's a warranty issue, so, yes, I would.

 

Like everyone else says, depends on the tech and shop. Hope they'd have a manual to work from at least...

 

I had my 2003 FXDX piped, carbed, and jeted by the Stealer. It ran like crap, and got 26 mpg.

I took it to R&R cycles in Auburn Wa. They fixed it so nice. Ive been getting my fluids from them ever since. If I were to take it to a shop. Id go there. Their labor rates are half of the stealer.
Even the real biker girls there know what they are talking about.

The shop is 75 miles from my house, and I pass two stealers on the way there.

 

See, I don't know of anyone who has taken their bike there so I can't base their work on actual experiences which is why I ask the question.
If I knew their work was top notch, then I wouldn't hesitate. May have to think about this some more.

Thanks guys.

 

Most indy's charge about $60/hr for labor around here and some go higher. Get yourself a service manual and a motorcycle jack which should cost about the same as two hours of labor through your indy. Then find a place that will let you bring in your front wheel and change the tire for you. mounting and ballancing runs between $20 and $40 per tire depending on where you live and where you go.

From there find out what tools you don't already have to complete this job (should be some allen wrenches, socket set, socket wrench, phillips screw driver, C-clamp, and torque wrench) and what you don't have go pick up from Harbor Frieght while you're getting a motorcycle jack.

The rear tire on some bikes can be a pain (like my buddy's Fat Boy Lo...) but the front tire and brakes are a piece of cake to work on. Just read the directions in the manual, ask a few questions here to see if there are any tricks you need to be warry of on your bike, and go for it. These things are pretty simple to work on.

 

I have a digital copy of the manual on the comp. here and I was just reading on how to install brake pads. Seems VERY easy. I think I can handle this.
As far as tools go, I have all the basic tools, just need a torque wrench and a C-clamp and I'm game.

Maybe what I might do is take the wheel right off, take it to the indy, have then install it and balance and then put it back on myself. That should be easy. Only a couple bolts holding it on.

Thanks Robotech

 

I do my own repairs and service, unless it is eletronics, like tuning efi/map and i still don't use harley-davidson dealer shop for that. I have a non harley tec do tuning on his dyno at his home. there are many good guys that know what their really doing with many years experience . u just have to seek them out. Personally wouldn't take my dog to a harley-davidson dealer for any repair or service.

 

The only time I consider the dealer working on my Harleys is when there is a recall,,,,otherwise...I use an independent mechanic

 

I agree , once you can learn to follow a wiring diagram everything else falls right into place

 

Ask around as to who does good work on Harley (or your choice of bikes). There are independents all over who know what they are doing, and there are "dealer techs" who have made terrible mistakes.

I can remember my Harley service manager claiming that there were no catalysts on '06 Harleys. He felt pretty sheepish when I told him to get down on his knees and look at the stamping on the right side muffler on our Ultra.