Debunking the maintenance myth
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 4,904
Likes: 9
From: Streetsboro, Oh
I do as much of my own service as I can and have time for, but I do use the dealers. Over all I have had good luck with the few I have used, but I agree that HD calls for way too much mainteance-I mean read the schedule and it might make some people shy away from the brand as they do not want to spend that much on upkeep and that much time in the shop. We all know better so it's not a big deal to us, but to some it could be a total turn off. One thing they could add the the 10K service is rocker box gaskets for the sportys LOL!
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: South FL.
I love my Sportster. 06 XL1200L.
Wait, hold on. I say its a great insurance policy. I am a mechanic for the county, who cares about my Sporty. I say do the preventative maintance,--- "yourself". Buy the book for your bike and learn it, do it yourself, but, do it. It will last longer, run better. Just my opinion.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,541
Likes: 11
From: Elyria, OH
I always pull the wheels off and take them in to get the tires changed, that way I know everything was reinstalled properly.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,007
Likes: 126
From: Manassas, VA
I've seen tires installed on rims backwards (opposite rotation). Make sure they know the rear is for a Sportster, which is right-hand drive (BT's are left side). Check that, too. People make mistakes. I ef something up every day.
Banned
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 12,594
Likes: 9
From: Bama
I found this site while surfing. It speaks about how HD makes there money on exaggerated maintenance schedules.
http://www.moccsplace.com/images/har...unk/debunk.htm
Great bit of info.
http://www.moccsplace.com/images/har...unk/debunk.htm
Great bit of info.
Don't get me started on harley techs its like they work on commision .i had a loose rear blinker ,they told me it could be a bad strut and would have to take the fender off,said it would be 2 hour job,the only reason i stopped by was i did'nt have the right torx bit,and they wanted me to wait 10 days,my friend put some lock tight on the strut bolt and it was fixed in 5 min...needless to say i never returned
Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Ireland
I do all my own work, yea I have a mechanical background and would gladly show someone else how easy it is, preventative maintenance is the key, looking and checking your bike even when you are cleaning it is a good start.
I service mine every 2,000 miles (my choice no technical reason), sounds a bit excessive but clean oil never broke an engine, and only costs me 50 for engine oil, oil filter, and primary oil from HD.
I service mine every 2,000 miles (my choice no technical reason), sounds a bit excessive but clean oil never broke an engine, and only costs me 50 for engine oil, oil filter, and primary oil from HD.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,067
Likes: 394
From: Edmonton Alberta Canada
It's the same with cars, my last one had over 400k on it with the original timing belt, if I had changed the timing belt by the book every 80k I would have put in five timing belts at over 350 bucks each, that's over $1700.00 wasted.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
I do my own services but I do have a few issues with the article. The biggest cost cited was the 2,500 mile service interval. HD does not have a 2,500 mile service interval.
Some dealers suggest to their less than knowledgeable riders that they should follow that. That is not HD's fault or the dealers either. If you don't know enough about your property to make informed decisions then a fool and his money are soon parted.
The suggestion that the cables should not need lubing is laughable. I hope that author is in the middle of nowhere when his dry frayed cable breaks.
Many are pleased with having the dealer do the services and install every mod. But many are very pleased with the satisfaction of saving money. There is a good deal of pride and accomplishment of maintaining your own machine.
Some dealers suggest to their less than knowledgeable riders that they should follow that. That is not HD's fault or the dealers either. If you don't know enough about your property to make informed decisions then a fool and his money are soon parted.
The suggestion that the cables should not need lubing is laughable. I hope that author is in the middle of nowhere when his dry frayed cable breaks.
Many are pleased with having the dealer do the services and install every mod. But many are very pleased with the satisfaction of saving money. There is a good deal of pride and accomplishment of maintaining your own machine.