How much would it have had to of been to not have the work done there? They are looking to charge $1 less than that.....and that's the way business works.

 

Tires are a ball buster these days, especially rear tires where you can only buy the rubber from an HD dealer (Agitator wheels).

It makes you think about investing in one of those motorcycle tire changers.

 

OP - I've bought HD and other bike batteries from www.batterymart.com. in Winchester, VA. I don't work for them...this isn't a promo. The last battery I bought from them for my 04 Fat Boy was $50 less than the dealer and it was delivered to my door in 2-3 days. Battery works just fine...fit was perfect, and it is USA made, probably by the same company (Dekka?) that makes the HD stock battery. At least that's a potential future solution for your battery issues.

I was fortunate enough to buy a '14 Road King last year. I had the dealer do the first service (1K miles). For $360, I got an overfilled motor (28 oz over), and the drive belt was adjusted to full-tension per the cam on the back axle, and Teflon tape and a shredded o-ring on the motor oil drain plug. I bought the belt tension tool and will be checking it soon, along with the drain plug to ensure it wasn't stripped. I still got my HD Survey paperwork. If it turns out these latter issues aren't correct, I'll be sending in the HD survey with a letter, certified mail. A little CYA for a potential future problem from too tight a drive belt.

I bought tools, jacks and manuals to do what I can on my bikes. Thanks to suggestions from forum members, I got the names of two local indy's for the work I can't do...or if I feel the need to document critical service intervals for warranty reasons.

I hate the marketing direction HD has taken...compelling dealers to commit to big, splashy expensive dealerships forcing them to charge high prices to pay the mortgage. And all those annoying emails and calls from almost every dept in the dealership (sales, service, parts, clothing) feigning how much they care about you and your ride...but it always ends in some spin to get you in there to spend more $$. Hey HD...you don't need to spend money to send me a birthday card...why don't you allocate that money for competent technical expertise to make the bikes more trouble-free and durable (e.g. compensators, etc)...afterall, you charge enough for them! You've lost the essence of bike ownership and riding...the founders Harley and Davidson are probably rolling over in their graves...but hey, you can always sell more overpriced, cheap quality t-shirts and bike parts made outside the US...and then tout the "American made"..."American Iron" marketing ploy. It's an insult to my meager intelligence...

 

I never thought my rant would get this much feedback. All are appreciated, even the ones that busted my chops. There will always be pros and cons to an issue, and I expected that. As many have mentioned, I have looked for a reasonably priced independent that I would trust, but so far, I haven't been lucky. I have an expensive bike. It's the last one I will own and I've kept it in tip-top shape since I bought it, so I'm hesitant to take it to someone that doesn't have the backing of the mother company. Enough time has elapsed since I paid that bill and I'm over the sticker shock. I intend on riding as much as I can now that the weather is good and enjoy the sport that I have loved for the past 48 years. Hopefully, I can ride until I'm 80, but life has no guarantees. To all you pups out there, smile and give this old man a wave when you see him coming toward you on the highway. I'll be smiling back at you.

 

I feel fortunate. I'm friends with the Owner and Mechanics at my FLIBS (Friendly Local Independent Bike Shop). For a full service (What Harley Dealership will do, and some they wont) I will pay what anyone else pays them (less discount), about 150.00 Vs 340.00 at HD Dealer in Wabash, In. Includes all fluid changes, belt check and adjustment if needed. Clean/Replace filter as needed, tire pressure, charging system check, wheel bearing checks ect ect.
If you live close to North Central Indiana, I suggest you make the trip in to see Mike or Mark at Clown Town Cycles in Peru, In. (Nope, no compensation for the endorsement. Just want to help other riders get back on the road without being price gouged.)

 

you can do the battery yourself -- find an indy to do the tire -- what you paid is outrageous - however if you use the dealership it costs

 

you could have had BOTH tires replaced at Ken's MC tiress for less than $400.00 ... did they charge you for a tow too?

 

I just had my metric cruiser in shop for new shoes install and full 15K mile service. They slipped an mentioned their shop rate is $98/hr. Now if that isn't ridiculous, I don't know what is. I supplied both tires and a rear tube, they did cut me a break on the install for that. By default it would have cost me $196 to mount and balance both tires. They charges $100 even. And they said they charge 6 hrs labor to adjust the valves. Since mine had never been adjusted yet, I had asked for this to be done specifically. So that should be $588 right there correct? My total bill was $703 and that included changing all fluids with the full service system checks. So even though it was expensive I am very happy to pay for the peace of mind. I also have some lengthy trips planned and know that I can just hit the road and go enjoy it. Sadly my Harley is kind of in pieces right now. I am doing everything possible to get it back together asap. Seems like the more I get into the more I find I want to either repair or replace. It is 24yrs old and was in need of some TLC. Needless to say you now have a new tire and a good battery, get out and ride my friend!

 

I wish you many more years of riding. I'm not far behind you so I know where you are coming from.

How do you like the bagger brace thing? I've been considering one of those, but hear they pass more vibration through the frame? (sorry for the thread hijack)

 

Depends on the price elasticity of the product / service.