Didn't realize the junk I bought...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,197
From: Oxford, Nc
If the service departments don't work on them then the parts departments don't have to carry the older bikes inventory and the CFO's of the Dealersdhips get happy.
Rommel in Durham was literally on the way home so even though I knew I'd pay $6 for a clear 1156 light bulb for my right rear turn signal, I opted for convenience.
They didn't have one. ('00 FLTRSEI.)
Rommel in Durham was literally on the way home so even though I knew I'd pay $6 for a clear 1156 light bulb for my right rear turn signal, I opted for convenience.
They didn't have one. ('00 FLTRSEI.)
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,399
Likes: 1,040
From: Seabrook, NH
All good advice above. I did a lot of work on my friends 2002 Heritage last winter. (Dealer wasn't interested). Older bikes especially with a carb are so much easier to work on / modify. Now I'm trying to help a friends brother with a 1986 Custom Softail but we are having a tough time finding all the parts needed. Think he would be screwed without the internet. Find a good local old school guy who enjoys working on your bike and as stated buy a service manual.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,399
Likes: 1,040
From: Seabrook, NH
I think the dealer gave my friend good advice. Lots of chrome parts on the engine needed to be replaced. I think they would have been more than happy to help him with scheduled service, tires, brakes etc. Found take offs in near perfect condition for 20 percent of list.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 30,881
Likes: 32,991
From: King George, VA
The only time I would allow a dealer to do work on my bike would be if they came to my house and worked on the bike here, and then that would only be to adjust the rear view mirrors or clean the carbon out of the end of my exhaust. I wouldn't trust em to wash the bike without getting water in the fuel tank let alone flood the seat so it takes a few days to dry out. Just too much BS that I hear from other peoples experience at dealers and what I have seen myself.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 713
Likes: 203
From: The Nature Coast, FL
When I bought my '06 Ultra from the Stealership 4 months ago, they tried cramming the extended warranty down my throat. Had the ***** to claim that the bike was technologically advanced and the average guy can't fix his own bike anymore. I asked him if he wanted to sell the bike or should I start looking for another one.
If you do not have a Service manual, there are lots of repairs/info on the interweb. I will get one soon, but with the upgrades/repairs I have done so far, the info was easy enough to find
If you do not have a Service manual, there are lots of repairs/info on the interweb. I will get one soon, but with the upgrades/repairs I have done so far, the info was easy enough to find
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 764
Likes: 42
From: Pensacola, FL
The 10 year rule is also the new policy of my local dealership. It started after the dealership was bought out last year by a group that now owns a number of dealerships (2 in this area). The former owner had a service tech that specialized in the pre-twin cam motors. He lost his job.
I'm fortunate to have a decent dealer and a great Indy close by, but I like the ability to work on my own bike and shop around for good parts prices.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 713
Likes: 203
From: The Nature Coast, FL
The 10 year rule is also the new policy of my local dealership. It started after the dealership was bought out last year by a group that now owns a number of dealerships (2 in this area). The former owner had a service tech that specialized in the pre-twin cam motors. He lost his job.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 6,322
Likes: 2,500
From: Tennessee
They did you a favor....Dealership mechanics are pretty much hacks....Fix it yourself or find a good independent shop.
You'll save money and your motorcycle will be in better shape over all.
You'll save money and your motorcycle will be in better shape over all.