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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?
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.
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
ORIGINAL: rbrunyan
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.
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 .
check pms.....you have been taken up on the offer!
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