Coming up on 10,000

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Sep 23, 2008 | 09:33 PM

dFREDb

Thread Starter

Club Member

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 2,095

Likes: 4

From: Ponchatoula Louisiana

Coming up on 10,000

Anyone familiar with the procedures a typical dealer will perform on a 10,00 mile check up? I do a lot of my own wrenching-critical fasteners, primary, trans, and engine oil changes, belt adjustment, but there is a lot I don't know for example steering head bearing adjustment, primary chain tension, proper clutch adjustment, spoke tension. My 5000 mile cost around $180.00 and I supplied the lubricants. Any idea when a thorough inspection begins to turn into a cash cow for a dealer? I trust the wrench pretty well at the dealer where I purchased my bike, and I realize they are in business to make a fair profit. I guess my real question is should I request an itemized estimate before giving the go ahead? It's my first Harley and I know already the opportunities to "pad" the invoice. Long question (sorry). Just looking for any "red flags" anyone has experienced. Thanks for all y'alls time!

Sep 28, 2008 | 08:18 AM

big cahuna

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 4,923

Likes: 266

From: Deep in the heart of New Jersey

If you check the owners manual theres a list of what is "supposed" to be done. The last time I took the bike to the dealer and had it done I don;t believe they did much besides change the oil. When I took the air cleaner cover off to detail the bike, the filter was as black as coal. Thats the second item on list for them to check and or replace. My advise get the service manual and do it your self.

Sep 28, 2008 | 09:23 AM

YellowHawk

Road Master

Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 1,021

Likes: 12

From: Greene County, MS

I second that advice. Buy the service manual and do the work yourself.

Sep 29, 2008 | 12:13 AM

mo-fo-joe

Road Captain

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 500

Likes: 0

From: NW FLORIDA

None of the items listed are hard to do bro, getcha a service manual for your bike [approx 50 dollars ] and press on with pride. No one cares more about your bike than you do, and you will have the peace of mind knowing for sure the jobs been done and correctly.

Oct 1, 2008 | 02:17 AM

CAPDUNN

Intermediate

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 41

Likes: 0

Grease and do fall away on the steering head bearings, clean or relace airfilter, replace oil filter, replace spark plugs and test the coil, check brake pads and rotor thickness. I check all specs on sensors and put dielectric grease on all connectors and bulbs, do a load test after charging the battery, check the swingarm and shock bushings, wheel bearings, and check freeplay in the fork bushings and change fork oil. This along with cable adjustment and changing the brake fluid and all engine, tranny, and primary fluids along with checking the primary chain shoe and clutch basket adjustment and checking fasteners is a 10 K service. Also look at your belt and pulleys and adjust as I find belts too tight most of the time and that can stress bearings and creat harsh rear suspension performance. It takes 6 hours if you know what you are doing. Throw the stock shocks away and buy Fox, Ohlin's, Works, Race Tech or another suspension company that races MX or Road and your bike will be as good or better than new.

Last edited by CAPDUNN; Oct 1, 2008 at 02:24 AM.

Oct 4, 2008 | 05:53 PM

bigoscycles

Cruiser

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 191

Likes: 0

From: Clanton, Alabama

When I service a customers bike I check everything no matter what service it is. I say everything, I don't check fork oil unless it calls for it or they complain about the forks. I don't completely tear the bike down unless it is something that has to be done, but little things that can be done quick that it doesn't call for that might save the customer in the future, I do it, I call it preventive maintenence. It keeps customers happy and coming back. It's the least you can do for the customer if they're willing to keep spending money with you. I not saying I don't forget something sometimes but damn, how do you forget the air filter? I see it alot, new customer comes by and says I need rear brakes, not a hard job but takes just a little time and when you get to looking, brand new tire and you ask they say yeah the shop just put it on, got nearly 200 miles on it already, well why didn't they say hey your brakes are nearly gone, want me to put new on why I have the tire off, save you some money why I have the tire off, won't take but a minute to put the new ones on. I just don't see how someone could look over things like this while working on someones bike. Just my 2 cents.

Last edited by bigoscycles; Oct 5, 2008 at 01:20 AM.