Service on extended trips?
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 103
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Service on extended trips?
Planning a trip xcountry this spring. Not sure exactly what route we will be going but the trip will be for 5 weeks and approx.10K miles. Will need tire and oil changes, etc. What experiences/suggestions cananyone share on getting this type of service while on the road? Can a few days notice ahead to most dealers suffice or is more planning needed?
Thanks,
Bob
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 5
RE: Service on extended trips?
Same here, usually people traveling through get priority. Since a lot of riders travel through Cheyenne during the Sturgis rally my shop takes no appointments for a 10-14 day period....the shop is reserved for people traveling through. A local might be able to get in for a tire or something like that, but nothing that could be scheduled for a later time.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,200
Likes: 3,089
From: NW AR
RE: Service on extended trips?
We went on a 8,100 mile trip in '87 (TX, Grand Canyon, Sturgis, Yellerstone, Canada, L.A., TX). Started on 1 bike, finished on 2 (another story). Put a new rear tire on when I left and put another one on when I got home. Wore out the chain on the other bike by the time we got it home. For oil changes, etc., you can always find someone that can work you in. Call around in the next town and don't forget that the aftermarket shops can fix you up just as well as a stealership and will usually go the extra distance to help you out. You should be OK for tires if they (especially the back) are new when you start and you use a touring type.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,909
Likes: 6
From: Livingston, Texas
RE: Service on extended trips?
Man I would have all my fluids changed. Check the air cleaner. Check the air pressure in yer tires. Charge yer battery to see where it is on the charging scale.
That's what is so great about owning a Harley, they have the biggest and greatest network of dealerships across the United States for travling around. If you have a problem a let a dealership know and they will take care of you.
Hope you have a great trip.
That's what is so great about owning a Harley, they have the biggest and greatest network of dealerships across the United States for travling around. If you have a problem a let a dealership know and they will take care of you.
Hope you have a great trip.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 9,335
Likes: 13
From: MA
RE: Service on extended trips?
In addition to the above posts, get a GPS like the Zumo and load the HD dealers POI into it.Touch of a button and you'll always know where the closest dealer is(and phone #) when you need service.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Southern California - Palm Springs Area
RE: Service on extended trips?
Have had GREAT LUCK\SERVICE while traveling out & about on extended trips... Most of the time drive-in same day service by getting there when they first open up...
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,241
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From: Daytona, Fla.
RE: Service on extended trips?
For touring bikes I try to find a spare rear wheel & keep a new tire mounted on it. Then when I plan a long trip I use that tire/wheel & save the remaining tread on the other one for shorter trips. Usually keeps me from throwing away 30-40% of a tire or paying dealer price for a replacement on the road (I do my own tire work).
Like others have said, most dealers will work you in at the front of the line if you're on a trip. Another idea, when you know more about your itinerary, is to post it & see if anyone along your route has a garage you could change your own oil in. You'll know it's done right & meet someone friendly at the same time. Even buyin' your new host dinner will be cheaper than an oil change at a dealers......... Another group I'm on does it all the time.
Like others have said, most dealers will work you in at the front of the line if you're on a trip. Another idea, when you know more about your itinerary, is to post it & see if anyone along your route has a garage you could change your own oil in. You'll know it's done right & meet someone friendly at the same time. Even buyin' your new host dinner will be cheaper than an oil change at a dealers......... Another group I'm on does it all the time.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
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From:
RE: Service on extended trips?
Put on new tires before leaving and Harley reccomends a oil change only every 5k, change before leaving then at 5k you just need 4 qts and catch pan and a empty gallon jug, oil filter will be fine for 10k, change oil anywhere, motel or rest area, dump oil in jug and drop at any parts store they all accept used oil. Why waste a day at the dealer.