M8 1000 mile service
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,698
Likes: 11,492
From: State of Confusion
they are supposed to be checking all critical fasteners..I'm sure the level of commitment to doing so varies..when i have taken our bikes in for service from time to time I go over them as best i can afterwards and always find things that need tightening..I believe that part of ownership is to be going over your bikes yourself periodically
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
they are supposed to be checking all critical fasteners..I'm sure the level of commitment to doing so varies..when i have taken our bikes in for service from time to time I go over them as best i can afterwards and always find things that need tightening..I believe that part of ownership is to be going over your bikes yourself periodically
The fasteners that are torque-checked as part of the 1,000 mile service are:
- The handlebar switch housing screws
- The clutch and brake master cylinder clamp screws
- Front and rear axle nuts
- Exhaust system fasteners
That's it!
I suspect that they did away with the "critical fastener" designation because many of those fasteners, while they are important structural members, aren't coming loose in a million years and they have enough of a track record as such.
I agree with you that part of bike ownership is taking some personal accountability for the integrity of your machine. On the other hand, I can understand that some owners simply do not possess the required skills and therefore rely on their service professional, and rightfully so.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,698
Likes: 11,492
From: State of Confusion
My 2017 Touring Manual doesn't even identify "critical fasteners". I know they did in the past but it seems they have done away with that designator.
The fasteners that are torque-checked as part of the 1,000 mile service are:
- The handlebar switch housing screws
- The clutch and brake master cylinder clamp screws
- Front and rear axle nuts
- Exhaust system fasteners
That's it!
I suspect that they did away with the "critical fastener" designation because many of those fasteners, while they are important structural members, aren't coming loose in a million years and they have enough of a track record as such.
I agree with you that part of bike ownership is taking some personal accountability for the integrity of your machine. On the other hand, I can understand that some owners simply do not possess the required skills and therefore rely on their service professional, and rightfully so.
The fasteners that are torque-checked as part of the 1,000 mile service are:
- The handlebar switch housing screws
- The clutch and brake master cylinder clamp screws
- Front and rear axle nuts
- Exhaust system fasteners
That's it!
I suspect that they did away with the "critical fastener" designation because many of those fasteners, while they are important structural members, aren't coming loose in a million years and they have enough of a track record as such.
I agree with you that part of bike ownership is taking some personal accountability for the integrity of your machine. On the other hand, I can understand that some owners simply do not possess the required skills and therefore rely on their service professional, and rightfully so.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 203
Likes: 36
From: Eastern PA
You guys have some good dealers by you. I have never heard of them "throwing in" the 1 K service near Philly. Also it is over $500 near me. And ALL they do is drop the old fluids and change the filter. I would never give those thieves that kind of money.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 203
Likes: 36
From: Eastern PA
The more I read about what other dealers offer, the more I hate the one by me.
* Veterans discount -NOPE
* Hog Discount - NOPE
* Throwing in the first oil change - NOPE
* Overcharging for everything - YEP
I only go to them for jobs that are beyond my mechanical abilities. I wish I had a good indy shop by me.
* Veterans discount -NOPE
* Hog Discount - NOPE
* Throwing in the first oil change - NOPE
* Overcharging for everything - YEP
I only go to them for jobs that are beyond my mechanical abilities. I wish I had a good indy shop by me.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 81
Likes: 21
From: Port St. Lucie, FL.
Interesting! I am 78 years old and have been servicing my assorted brands of motorcycles since 1965 and in all those years using a service manual in most cases, I have never had a problem. If you read the manual and follow the service schedule and procedures, I believe the average owner is more than qualified to do his/her own service. I would hate too think of the cost over all those years just for oil changes and checking for loose bolts. Not to be negative, but, I also have second hand tales of friends who have taken their bikes in for service and experienced bad stories of poor workmanship. i.e., loose oil bolts, oil filters, loose spark plugs, read axel bolts loose. However, in my case I enjoy the self satisfaction of doing the work myself and knowing the job was done right. Additionally, I do not find servicing a M8 any more difficult than any other Harley I have owned Go for it.
Last edited by Roadster; Nov 7, 2017 at 03:51 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,867
Likes: 268
From: People's Republic of Boulder Colorado
I've always done my own services & maint. That's the only way to know for sure that everything on the checklist is actually done, and done right the first time. But that's just me.
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 541
Likes: 36
Always done my own service all intervals. A little tentative about my M8 since I keep hearing of sumping and fluid transfers. Don't need a hassle if I need warranty work done. Maybe I've been lucky no warranty services needed on my last 4 Harleys only a couple of recalls that dealer did. Sitting at 800 miles so I have couple days to decide.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 55
Likes: 4
From: Riverview Fl
Needless to say; I won't be taking my bike to the dealer for my oil changes, I only trust one person when it comes to oil changes...ME!