If you have ABS buy one of our utilities and cut the dealer cord (and price tag).

 

Did you ask the service writer/manager? Generally, most reputable shops will quote you directly from an established source like a flat rate labor book. I dont think 1.5 hours is a high estimate. Ive often found what the dealer charges, even if its a fair price for the work involved, is rarely what the customer WANTS to pay.

If you arent comfortable doing the work yourself, pay the 1.5 hours. Its an honest price.

 

You can do ABS yourself. Get bleeder. KEEP MASTER CYLINDER FULL. Do not allow to run low, otherwise, its off to the dealer.

 

I purchased one of these and it works great! Easily pays for itself in 1-1/2 dealer trips! Took about 45 min to complete a full ABS flush with "Speed Bleeders" installed.

 

Curt5811, very entertaining, guess you don't like to pay for the Harley branded and approved free coffee and donuts on Saturday mornings. I don't either but someone must. The wording in the manuals and the function of the ABS unit have been kicked around many times before. The PROBLEM is moisture being absorbed into the brake fluid over time, hence the flush. Not activating the pump in the ABS module does NOT flush new fluid into the pump and accumulators and it is anyone"s guess as to how well activating the ABS while riding after a home flush does that. For the most part, brake fluid does NOT circulate, it moves only enough to transfer pressure from the master cylinder to the caliper pistons. When the control is released, the fluid moves back to its resting position. If that FLUSHES the ABS module, I don't see how, but I don't even have a bike with ABS. The ABS system is a snake in the grass just waiting to bite, treat it with the level of care YOU are comfortable with and then don't cry about the eventual results.

 

I am not sure what your issue is here...you got typical flat-rate quote of 1.5 hours at their shop rates of probably less than $100/hr to flush your brake system. I believe that if a top tech rushes the job, he or she can be done in one hour or less, but what competent successful shop manager is going to routinely assign top master techs to simple routine tasks like this? That is not how it works, these kinds of tasks are typically assigned to junior techs, and if it takes more than 1.5 hours, than that is on them and not you...

Depending on your personal experience level, 1.5 hours to completely flush the front and rear brake systems, put in new fluid, and bleed the systems is not unreasonable. I've done this several time and that sounds about right for me. Add another hour for the clutch...2.5 hours at say, $100/hr leaving $20 it cost you for two pints of brake fluid and at least a half-dozen seal washers...$270 for a bonded and warrantied maintenance task on a safety critical system, ride in - ride out, done and done. I'm sorry, I just don't see what the issue is? From a business standpoint, this is fair and reasonable transaction, and if there were no other issues requiring them to redo anything, then it is a good deal, IMHO.

 

Just had mine done last fall (non-ABS) by my local indy.....does them for a flat $35 OTD.

 

Original post was 3 years ago, but none the less I agree with you in regards to your "business standpoint" commentary.

However, this is exactly why I advocate to friends and family (that have the aptitude and facility) to perform maintenance (and more) on their own vehicles. The world is much smaller and full of a greater pool of collective knowledge than there ever was. I remember encyclopedia subscriptions when I was a kid (and it was exciting getting the new volume!). Now? I can learn more (and much more current) about a topic from the comfort of my kitchen table while drinking coffee as I scroll my phone or laptop.

Point being....we are in a very cool age of learning and DIY capabilities. I think a lot of guys (and gals) are scared of trying new things. Find a friend that has the knowledge. Find a good video. Find a good web page and/or article. I think most would be surprised what a good job they can do with a few hours of research and quality garage time.

Me personally, just the sheer prices mentioned from the other poster would motivate me to learn and do said procedures. Admittedly though, some may not have enough time, self confidence, or even a garage to do it.

None the less....IF you want to do the brake flush procedure with an ABS equipped bike I have got you covered. Give us a shout, email, etc if you have questions. I have no problem sharing knowledge (or funny stories).

 

That's a deal for you, but that mechanic must be eating beans. Considering a decent quart of brake fluid is $5 AND assuming he only needed one then he did the job for $30. Assuming it was about 30 minutes of labor he makes about $60/hr (and that's probably being optimistic because that doesn't factor in rags, soap, electricity).

This (and many other reasons) is why I never pursued a career as a mechanic.

 

People rightly expecting your best work and materials but just not willing to pay a fair price for it got me out of avionics...I had enough one day and just locked the shop, turned in the FAA tickets, cancelled the hanger shop lease, sold off the equipment, and started teaching. I miss working on the gadgets and airplanes sometimes, but not dealing with the Alpha Hotel owners and pilots. It can wear on you. I do imagine that some Harley owners can be a lot like those small airplane owners...