Ok here is the deal.....i have an apointment this weekend for my 1000 mile service...(it needs it at 1300 miles) i just found out that another bike shop here in town will do it for like 100 dollars less......it is a non HD shop, should i trust the work of the non HD shop and save the money, or should i just go with HD beacuse i know (THEY SHOULD) not mess anything up?


:Loveto hear your answers

 

Here is pretty much what a 1000 mile checklist includes....
So... you be the judge. Ask the independant dealer what he does and ask for a checklist of things done when you pick it up. Get a manual and read up on it. With that said, I have a indy that I trust and he is a fraction of the cost of a stealer. So I have never gone to the dealer for work outside of the 78 mile mark on my sporty. That was just a vacuum hose that came loose.


2004 Sportster 1,000 Mile Maintenance Schedule

Tire pressure and inspect tire for wear/damage - Inspect
Brake fluid level and condition - Inspect
Brake caliper pins - Inspect
Brake pad linings and discs for wear - Inspect
Steering head bearings - Adjust
Rear shock absorber condition - Inspect
Lubricate throttle control cables, clutch control cable and clutch hand lever - Inspect / Lubricate
Jiffy stand - Lubricate
Engine oil - Replace
Oil filter - Replace
Inspect oil lines and brake lines for leaks - Inspect
Engine idle speed - Inspect
Operation of throttle and enrichener controls - Inspect
Air cleaner - Inspect
Fuel valve, lines and fittings for leaks - Inspect
Air cleaner backplate EVAP butterfly valve operation (if equipped) - Inspect
Primary chain - Inspect
Primary chaincase/transmission lubricant - Replace
Rear belt deflection and sprockets - Inspect
Clutch adjustment - Inspect
Operation of all electrical equipment and switches - Inspect
Spark plugs - Inspect

Of course he will inspect important items that should be tight and make sure they are.... but that is a given if he is a quality mechanic.

 

I f you are that concerned about someone else screwing it up then you would be doing it yourself.


And no, that will NOT void the warrenty.

 

If you do the service yourself, keep the receipts for oil, filter, gaskets, etc.

 

rj buy your oil &filter at gainesville harley this weekend .bring your bike to my shop in keystone next week & ill help you change it .probably will take 45 minutes to change oil& filter & i always change primary fluid at the same time.lube cables&tighten bolts check air in tires.done my nightster last sat evening took me aprox 1 hour or two budweisers .let me know saturday .

 

Most of the list is inspect.That means they look at it not touching it with a wrench.The adjustments are no brainers if you have a manual for the bike.The fluids are also very easy.I suggest buying the bro that offered to help a six pack or case and let him do it and watch closely so you can do it yourself next time. Read an owners manual for a car it basically says all the same stuff.

 

I agree with everyone else. Save your money for the times when the dealer will actually adjust stuff instead of looking at it for $200 extra. I bought engine oil, trans oil and a chrome filter for about $45 from HD. Still had enough for a 6 pack and felt much better about doing my own servicing. I have done all of the modifications on my bike myself. A good owners manual and this forum are all you need. If you're still not confident, take up the offer to have hot77vette show you the ropes. I think a 12 pack will cover it. LOL

 

I agree... funny thing is that its quickly gone from 2 cold ones to a 12 pack.... by the time they hook up and get the work done they will both be walking into walls all jagged up.

 

Do it yourself. Spend the $$$ on a service manual for your year bike and put the remainder into Pizza and beer!! If you are not that confident, get a friend to help you. Not sure what they are charging but hell, bring that bitch to me and I'll do it for $100.00 total, let alone a $100 less.

 

check pms.....you have been taken up on the offer!


thanks