I want to be able to at least do maintenance
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 409
From: Hurdle Mills NC
I want to be able to at least do maintenance
I deserve the #RightToRepair my vehicle, and you do too.
You can help by telling your lawmaker here:
https://www.repairact.com
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Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 59
Likes: 50
From: St George, Utah
From my former experience working for an auto manufacturer, this is a complicated issue. I agree that info should be readily available for those ot us that want to do our own service. H-D sells access to their service portal for $65/year per model and I subscribe...latest bulletins, manuals, tech updates, etc. BMW, on the other hand, discontinued selling their manual DVDs and has no access to motorcycle service info to non-dealers (though I think they allow access to auto info). The dealerships are a strong lobby within their states, and they want to keep the service business in house. The independents also have lobbying so there is both sides out there. The manufacturers would like people to go back to the dealers, but they are more concerned with exposing their proprietary software and R&D investments to anyone who buys access. I think H-D has a pretty good solution, though it would be nice to have a software tool similar to the GS-911 that you can get for BMWs.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 13,586
Likes: 34,958
From: Pine Flat Dam/South Bay Area, CA
There's lots of older vehicles out there in excellent condition that you can purchase service manuals for and don't need diagnostic computers for. Those are the bikes, cars, and trucks I choose to own. I have no desire for owning any vehicles that have to be serviced at a dealership.
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 409
From: Hurdle Mills NC
There's lots of older vehicles out there in excellent condition that you can purchase service manuals for and don't need diagnostic computers for. Those are the bikes, cars, and trucks I choose to own. I have no desire for owning any vehicles that have to be serviced at a dealership.
Thread Starter
|
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 409
From: Hurdle Mills NC
From my former experience working for an auto manufacturer, this is a complicated issue. I agree that info should be readily available for those ot us that want to do our own service. H-D sells access to their service portal for $65/year per model and I subscribe...latest bulletins, manuals, tech updates, etc. BMW, on the other hand, discontinued selling their manual DVDs and has no access to motorcycle service info to non-dealers (though I think they allow access to auto info). The dealerships are a strong lobby within their states, and they want to keep the service business in house. The independents also have lobbying so there is both sides out there. The manufacturers would like people to go back to the dealers, but they are more concerned with exposing their proprietary software and R&D investments to anyone who buys access. I think H-D has a pretty good solution, though it would be nice to have a software tool similar to the GS-911 that you can get for BMWs.
Common maintenance items are also targeted. Windshield wiper replacement.. oil changes .. etc etc
TheyHonda dealership service wanted to replace my cabin filter for over 100 bucks. That's ridiculous man.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 21,753
Likes: 17,623
From: Driftless Area
My 78 year-old tractor, and 48 and 33 year-old Harleys are still running with no help from any of them anyway.
Try taking any of them in for service and let me know how that works out.
Try taking any of them in for service and let me know how that works out.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,587
Likes: 30,962
From: Pennsylvania
As long as I am able to change the oil & filter, other fluids, filters, brake pads/rotors and other such small maintenance items without specialized equipment, I'm good.
Some of the electronic stuff, I do not want to mess with as you can really screw up and it will cost you plenty of $$$$$$ to replace/repair.
I do most of the maintenance on the wife's 2015 Porsche 911; however, it is labor intensive to change the engine air filters (got to remove the rear bumper and lights to get at them. Oil & filter and spark plugs are not too bad, but you need a couple of specialized tools to make it easier. I have OBD scanners that can reset and program various settings but some of them I leave alone so as not to create problems.
I agree that being able to do simple maintenance should be allowed, but some people can get over their head quickly. Even here on this forum some folks should not be working on their bikes from some of the questions that are presented.
I have no issue paying a dealer or independent as long as they are competent with a strong emphasis on competent.
Some of the electronic stuff, I do not want to mess with as you can really screw up and it will cost you plenty of $$$$$$ to replace/repair.
I do most of the maintenance on the wife's 2015 Porsche 911; however, it is labor intensive to change the engine air filters (got to remove the rear bumper and lights to get at them. Oil & filter and spark plugs are not too bad, but you need a couple of specialized tools to make it easier. I have OBD scanners that can reset and program various settings but some of them I leave alone so as not to create problems.
I agree that being able to do simple maintenance should be allowed, but some people can get over their head quickly. Even here on this forum some folks should not be working on their bikes from some of the questions that are presented.
I have no issue paying a dealer or independent as long as they are competent with a strong emphasis on competent.