Wondering why?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,464
Likes: 4
From: On. Canada
Right..pretty much my way too. Nobody comes in the house either. I do all that needs doing myself. Build my own shop. Only thing i contracted out was pouring the foundation and the floor. Had to get a lawyer and go after the guy i hired to do that. Hate relying on others. They WILL screw you if you look away for a second.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Woodstock GA
The last time I went to a local dealer for a "free" 56 point inspection, they tried to convince me I needed 14 hours worth of labor to make my bike safe to ride. I'd only put 3500 miles on it since the last dealer I did third party financing through told me the bike was good to go. Took the bike to an independent that a co-worker highly recomended. Ended up spending just under $450 for new brakes, all fluids, spark plugs, and handle bars readjusted. Despite the free barbeques, contest, concerts, etc...it will be a long time before I walk in that particular dealership again. I feel a great many people have had similar experiences as well with dealer/stealerships.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
Why don't I take my bike to the Harley Davidson dealer for service or repairs?
They charge too much and make me wait to long for careless work.
But hey, if that's your thing I say go for it. Somebody has to pay for the hot dogs and garage band for "Bike Night"
They charge too much and make me wait to long for careless work.
But hey, if that's your thing I say go for it. Somebody has to pay for the hot dogs and garage band for "Bike Night"
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 720
Likes: 6
From: South Jersey
Needed a tire a few years ago. Bike was in Flordia so I went to the HD dealership and had a rear tire put on. Around 380.00 plus tax. Last summer needed another tire and went to metric dealer in Jersey. 210.00 installed, same rear tire, Dunlop that says Harley Davidson on it. I do most work myself on my bikes. I work on boats and believe me these things are easier than working on an engine in a boat bilge that spent it's life in salt water.
Moderatress
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 8,427
Likes: 29
From: Dutchess County, NY
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Club Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 23,178
Likes: 19
From: elsewhere
My road dog gets most of it's work done at the dealer. I have had nothing but great service from my local dealer, and from dealerships around the country. I gotta depend on that bike, and I don't always trust me, as I am not the world's greatest mechanic. Nevertheless, my local bike gets it's work done by me. Besides, the older I get, the less I mess with any of my vehicles. Busted knuckles just seem to hurt more nowadays!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,325
Likes: 7
From: SE Illinois
I have done my own service, and I have used the dealer for service. Dealer is a lot more expensive obviously, but sometimes it's worth it to me.
I have the knowledge and tools to do most of my own work, but I'm slow and it takes me a while + I have a bad back & no lift so sometimes it's worth it to me to just ride to the dealer on a Saturday morning and be done with it & save me a week's worth of back pain from crawling around be being bent over. They have always got me in and back on the road quickly, so I have no complaints there. I have a great dealer & trust them & have never had a bad experience.
My biggest issue is time, which I would rather spend riding than wrenching. If I had more free time, I would do all my own work, but with a full time job, wife, 3 kids, and coaching baseball all summer I don't really feel like working on **** when I have free time & would rather just ride to the dealer and have them do it.
I have the knowledge and tools to do most of my own work, but I'm slow and it takes me a while + I have a bad back & no lift so sometimes it's worth it to me to just ride to the dealer on a Saturday morning and be done with it & save me a week's worth of back pain from crawling around be being bent over. They have always got me in and back on the road quickly, so I have no complaints there. I have a great dealer & trust them & have never had a bad experience.
My biggest issue is time, which I would rather spend riding than wrenching. If I had more free time, I would do all my own work, but with a full time job, wife, 3 kids, and coaching baseball all summer I don't really feel like working on **** when I have free time & would rather just ride to the dealer and have them do it.