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In a past life I was a medium duty truck mechanic so I do my own work. Except tire off/on the rims, I let a local shop do that. Someday I may end up with a tire machine and then I will do that part too. The dealer has usually damaged or screwed up something when I had it to them years ago. Never again. I very much prefer to do my own work and have collected quite a few specialty and other tools to do the work correctly.
I see lots of "man cave" garages on this forum, many of which are glorified dens complete with bar, fridge, couches, bar stools, flatscreens and the obligatory "I'm a biker" posters and tin pictures and a special floor for the inevitable Street Glide to rest upon. Sometimes there is even a tool box in view but I suspect many of these are just another piece of furniture with minimal tools and probably minimal knowledge as there is no real place to do work with all the den apparel. While totally cool looking, a shop set up to do work on the bike would be cooler in my opinion.
Well arnt you a buzz kill..... got the fridge and flat screen and three stand up tool boxes....do your own work you will save money and get the know how.
Honestly I don't have the know how/patience/tools to do my own servicing. My bike goes to one guy and one guy only. My indy. He does a great job on all my bikes work at an honest working mans price.
Never had anyone work on my bikes until I purchased my FLHTK. Paid $2000 for 10 years of service because I knew I would be racking up the miles. Definitely something worth considering for those who ride in excess of 10,000 miles each year. I'll have close to 50,000 miles at the end of my third season. That being said I encourage riders to purchase a shop manual, wrench their own bikes and give them a thorough cleaning at least once a month. Detailing is a great way to spot potential problems along with recommended maintenance.
Honestly I don't have the know how/patience/tools to do my own servicing. My bike goes to one guy and one guy only. My indy. He does a great job on all my bikes work at an honest working mans price.
I was exactly like this up until about 6 years ago...always took my bikes in for everything because I was intimidated. Finally took the leap, bought a manual and went after it. The manual is a necessity and this forum is invaluable. So many guys on here are willing to help (and talk you into pushing your limits)....I'm pissed at myself for not starting earlier as its one of the most fun and rewarding things I do in my free time.
I'd recommend anyone that isn't...to give it a try...you'll impress yourself.
I took mine in for the 1k service just to get it on the books that all was good. It was a half *** job they did, but I expected that. I completed the work when I got home, and do all my own now.
Get a jack and service manual. HD's are pretty easy to work on.
When I drop $23,000 on a bike then dump a few grand more in for mods, I call that an investment. I've never had any disappointment with viewing my bikes as something I will have and enjoy long term. Same reason I am meticulous with their cleaning and maintenance. I invest time and money into it, for most people a bike is an emotional purchase, which is why riders are proud of ownership.
Your seem like one of those people who will buy a car, never take care of it, run it into the ground and just get another beater
you're an idiot... bike is not a investment.. but transportation; just like a car, bicycle or skateboard. You will never get as much money out of it than what you put into it. The motorcycle can be a hobby as well; as you can see by most people here on this forum, but certainly not an investment.
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