Ballpark labor/parts examples for Rubbermount Transmission repairs?
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2009
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Ballpark labor/parts examples for Rubbermount Transmission repairs?
I'm an experienced mechanic but have never done a transmission R&I on a late Sporty and wondered what dealers and indys get for the job and how many flat rate hours it takes.
I'll do my own work but want bargaining information since I see late Sportsters turn up for sale after obvious owner shock at repair costs. Might be a fun way for me to add one to the fleet.
Thanks in advance!
I'll do my own work but want bargaining information since I see late Sportsters turn up for sale after obvious owner shock at repair costs. Might be a fun way for me to add one to the fleet.
Thanks in advance!
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,512
Likes: 3,924
From: San Diego, CA
If it's a 2004 and later, removing transmission requires complete disassembly of the case halves. Pull the heads, jugs, etc. The whole enchilada.
2003 and earlier, you can simply remove the transmission from the engine without much effort.
John
2003 and earlier, you can simply remove the transmission from the engine without much effort.
John
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 307
Likes: 108
I'm aware of the mechanical differences. I'm looking for ballpark time and dollar figures for private party purchase negotiating leverage.
Minimum parts would be a complete engine gasket and seal set and piston rings plus whatever died in the transmission, and since any mistake between the cases is another engine teardown the entire transmission should be considered trashed if any of it fails.
If I can prove by irrefutable numbers malfunctioning gearbox repair is more expensive than a replacement used engine that is obviously useful when buying a broken Sporty. My labor won't cost me anything but time and I enjoy the work.
Amusingly, my mechanic bro who grew up wrenching in the 1950s said many early K-models ended up junked because they had no trap door and labor wasn't free then, either. I'd love to have some of those "junkers" today.
Minimum parts would be a complete engine gasket and seal set and piston rings plus whatever died in the transmission, and since any mistake between the cases is another engine teardown the entire transmission should be considered trashed if any of it fails.
If I can prove by irrefutable numbers malfunctioning gearbox repair is more expensive than a replacement used engine that is obviously useful when buying a broken Sporty. My labor won't cost me anything but time and I enjoy the work.
Amusingly, my mechanic bro who grew up wrenching in the 1950s said many early K-models ended up junked because they had no trap door and labor wasn't free then, either. I'd love to have some of those "junkers" today.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,007
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From: Manassas, VA
Figure on, at least, 16 hours labor, at shop rate.
16 x $120 = about 2 grand.
Years ago, I was a passive witness of the procedure on a 2006 XL1200 Roadster by a Certified, Harley Factory trained tech, in a dealership, with all the factory tools available, on a lift. It just takes a lot of time to tear all that apart and re-assemble. The Tech had plenty of experience, and the bike was on his lift for 3 days (I'm sure he had other crap going on, too, so I figure at least 2 days). I'd think a toasted tranny would be worth around $2,500 of bargaining.
16 x $120 = about 2 grand.
Years ago, I was a passive witness of the procedure on a 2006 XL1200 Roadster by a Certified, Harley Factory trained tech, in a dealership, with all the factory tools available, on a lift. It just takes a lot of time to tear all that apart and re-assemble. The Tech had plenty of experience, and the bike was on his lift for 3 days (I'm sure he had other crap going on, too, so I figure at least 2 days). I'd think a toasted tranny would be worth around $2,500 of bargaining.
No the tranny is separate.
And it's cheaper to buy a low mileage 06+ 1200 on eBay than it is o fix the tranny.
I replaced my blow up 04 motor that broke and seized the oil pump and ruined the cases. For $1600 free shipping 1200c motor. 9k miles from a salvage bike (08)
And it's cheaper to buy a low mileage 06+ 1200 on eBay than it is o fix the tranny.
I replaced my blow up 04 motor that broke and seized the oil pump and ruined the cases. For $1600 free shipping 1200c motor. 9k miles from a salvage bike (08)
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
The primary has to be dismantled, then the right side of the trans casing removed, to get the gears out.
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