1k mile service
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 50
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From: Long Island, NY
1k mile service
OK, so I'm coming up on the 1K mark and I'm curious. The stealership wants to charge like $350 for the service and when I called, they said they pretty much change the oil, oil filter, and primary oil. They also "go over the bike and tighten everything". I have a 2013 Iron and I am pretty handy when it comes to things mechanical, but this is my first motorcycle. Question is, should I just get all the oils and filter and do it myself? Or, just let them do it.
If you say do it yourself, should I get a Harley engine filter and oil and primary oil or use something else? (Yes I know, this is a huge topic of debate, just need opinions) Also, they said they adjust the clutch. I have read up on how to adjust it, just not sure 100% on how to do it. I did go online and get the maintenance manual and it seems pretty easy.
Just want to know what you think I should do. Basically, is it worth it to have it done, or save probably $200 and do it myself. Thanks!
If you say do it yourself, should I get a Harley engine filter and oil and primary oil or use something else? (Yes I know, this is a huge topic of debate, just need opinions) Also, they said they adjust the clutch. I have read up on how to adjust it, just not sure 100% on how to do it. I did go online and get the maintenance manual and it seems pretty easy.
Just want to know what you think I should do. Basically, is it worth it to have it done, or save probably $200 and do it myself. Thanks!
Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 946
Likes: 8
From: USA/CA
It is very easy. I used K&N oil filter (I use K&N in all my bikes), M1 20W50 for engine, an HD Formula+ for primary.
Yes, you need to do the clutch, and check the chain adjustment.
You also want to check that everything is properly tight. In my case, the exhaust header bolts were a little on the lose side.
I'd invest in the service manual, but there are enough posts around that you can easily do without it, if you do not want to buy it.
Yes, you need to do the clutch, and check the chain adjustment.
You also want to check that everything is properly tight. In my case, the exhaust header bolts were a little on the lose side.
I'd invest in the service manual, but there are enough posts around that you can easily do without it, if you do not want to buy it.
Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
It is very easy. I used K&N oil filter (I use K&N in all my bikes), M1 20W50 for engine, an HD Formula+ for primary.
Yes, you need to do the clutch, and check the chain adjustment.
You also want to check that everything is properly tight. In my case, the exhaust header bolts were a little on the lose side.
I'd invest in the service manual, but there are enough posts around that you can easily do without it, if you do not want to buy it.
Yes, you need to do the clutch, and check the chain adjustment.
You also want to check that everything is properly tight. In my case, the exhaust header bolts were a little on the lose side.
I'd invest in the service manual, but there are enough posts around that you can easily do without it, if you do not want to buy it.
I did check up on the clutch adjustment, and it seems pretty easy. Take cover off, take hex but off with spring, adjust the nuts on the cable, turn until tension, back 1/4 turn, then tighten everything up. In just afraid I'll botch this and need a new clutch.
And why I posted this is because I am battling with either having HD do it, or myself. Grrr!! Thanks for the replies fellas.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 778
Likes: 4
From: Opposite Side of the Planet
Harley Service Manual = $60.00. That $60 will save your $$hundreds$$ over time. Easy to follow and you will wonder why anyone pays anyone to service their bikes. Invest in some tools too.
I look at it this way, no one, again no one, cares about your bike as much as you do and you will always do the best job you can.
Plus, you will learn about your bike (and motorcycles). Too many pluses all for $60 which you more than make back by doing your own service.
I look at it this way, no one, again no one, cares about your bike as much as you do and you will always do the best job you can.
Plus, you will learn about your bike (and motorcycles). Too many pluses all for $60 which you more than make back by doing your own service.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
OK, so I'm coming up on the 1K mark and I'm curious. The stealership wants to charge like $350 for the service and when I called, they said they pretty much change the oil, oil filter, and primary oil. They also "go over the bike and tighten everything". I have a 2013 Iron and I am pretty handy when it comes to things mechanical, but this is my first motorcycle. Question is, should I just get all the oils and filter and do it myself? Or, just let them do it.
If you say do it yourself, should I get a Harley engine filter and oil and primary oil or use something else? (Yes I know, this is a huge topic of debate, just need opinions) Also, they said they adjust the clutch. I have read up on how to adjust it, just not sure 100% on how to do it. I did go online and get the maintenance manual and it seems pretty easy.
Just want to know what you think I should do. Basically, is it worth it to have it done, or save probably $200 and do it myself. Thanks!
If you say do it yourself, should I get a Harley engine filter and oil and primary oil or use something else? (Yes I know, this is a huge topic of debate, just need opinions) Also, they said they adjust the clutch. I have read up on how to adjust it, just not sure 100% on how to do it. I did go online and get the maintenance manual and it seems pretty easy.
Just want to know what you think I should do. Basically, is it worth it to have it done, or save probably $200 and do it myself. Thanks!
- Do it yourself, it's hard to screw up.
- Buy the service manual - $60 from HD
- I used a K&N filter with the nut welded to the top. This filter, that you can use an ordinary wrench on, will save you the hassle of those oil filter wrenches ans straps. Comes in chrome and black.
- I used Mobile 1 V-Twin 20w-50 oil in the engine and primary
- Buy yourself some torque wrenches. You probably need two - one won't cover all the ranges you need.
- YouTube has plenty of videos on how to do basic maint on a sportster.
- The HD service manual has torque specs for all major fasterners.
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 589
Likes: 0
I'm all for servicing my own bike, but the 1000 mile service is an important one. I always had the mindset that if I got the 1K done at the dealer, they would not be able to hassle me as much in the event of an issue during warranty. Just my $.02
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Joe Kucinski
Cruiser
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
I can't really say what you should do because servicing a bike is a personal thing. Some people aren't mechanically inclined while others just don't have the time and others just plainly don't want to fool with it. Different for everyone.
I can tell you what I did and now do. I had the dealer perform the 1,000 Mile service just to be safe. My dealer charges $300. I paid $220 because I changed my own oil and filter. I wanted Mobil 1 20W-50 V-twin oil in there
Now I do all servicing myself.
I can tell you what I did and now do. I had the dealer perform the 1,000 Mile service just to be safe. My dealer charges $300. I paid $220 because I changed my own oil and filter. I wanted Mobil 1 20W-50 V-twin oil in there
Now I do all servicing myself.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
And for future reference, a FREE 1,000 mile service is something that can usually be negotiated into the sale when you purchase the bike.