$500 for first service?
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 208
Likes: 17
From: Romeoville, IL
They want to hit me up for that every 5000 miles. Going to do my 10k service myself. Not sure what the dealer logic is in charging that much for service but they always seem busy so people must be paying.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,531
Likes: 439
From: Texas
Follow the service manual and take another 30 to go over the check list.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,535
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
People considering purchase of a new bike should read these threads.
Most, if not all new bike purchases can get this first service thrown in for free at time of purchase. Just prior to commitment to purchase, in the "nitty gritty" of swinging the deal, request this first service - or sometimes the salesperson will throw it in to persuade - and you will get it. Most sales managers are fine with this - "But don't just automatically throw it in" - it's a game played everyday.
The dealer is only out around 50 bucks or so (Think bulk), and at most an hour labor. The checks done may resolve a safety issue, and make the buyer feel more confident in the dealer. It gets the customer in the door again, and hopefully they will spend more money. The amount of money made by HD on licensed merchandise sales is PHENOMENAL.
"Why yes, it is more than just an oil change..."
Most, if not all new bike purchases can get this first service thrown in for free at time of purchase. Just prior to commitment to purchase, in the "nitty gritty" of swinging the deal, request this first service - or sometimes the salesperson will throw it in to persuade - and you will get it. Most sales managers are fine with this - "But don't just automatically throw it in" - it's a game played everyday.
The dealer is only out around 50 bucks or so (Think bulk), and at most an hour labor. The checks done may resolve a safety issue, and make the buyer feel more confident in the dealer. It gets the customer in the door again, and hopefully they will spend more money. The amount of money made by HD on licensed merchandise sales is PHENOMENAL.
"Why yes, it is more than just an oil change..."
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 5,006
Likes: 2,331
From: Camp Lejeune, NC
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 4,725
Likes: 1,787
From: Toledo ohio
My first service was "free" with the deal. A few years ago, Moco had "free" service for 2 years, unlimited miles. I got 6 included the 1st one. Lucky for me that was one hell of a 2 year riding spree.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,214
Likes: 660
From: Prior Lake, MN
Service manual can be had for $55 or so.