Remove saddlebags before dealer servicing?
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 260
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Remove saddlebags before dealer servicing?
I saw a bagger being service at my "local" dealer and the bags were placed on the floor. \\; After that, I went to Home Depot and got some clear rubber adhesive backed things (like you would put on the bottom of a plate or small piece furniture) and put them on the bottom of my bags. \\; When mounted on the bike you can't see them and when the bags are removed they can be sat on the floor (upright &\\; lids closed) without scuffing the paint on the bags. \\; Let there be no doubt in your mind, if your bike gets serviced at a dealer and the bags are removed, they will end up \\;on the floor.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 309
Likes: 35
From: Columbus NJ
RE: Remove saddlebags before dealer servicing?
Leave the bags home.I have never seen a tech work on my bike with the bodywork covered except for a front fender cover or a tank cover and never both. I have a custom paint job that is not easily or quickly repaired. Accidents happen... someone drops a tool, rubs a belt buckle against the bike. etc. When I work on my bike it looks like a \\;patient on an operating table, with only \\; the necessary parts exposed. I have never seen any dealer do that, and I wouldn't ask them to.I am not insulting the dealer by leaving the bags off, but I am sending the message that I take special care of my bike and I expect them to do the same.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: The Frozen North - Hastings Michigan
RE: Remove saddlebags before dealer servicing?
When my Road King was new, back in "99", \\;I took it in for it's first 1000 mile service, Never giving a thought about bag damage. When I went to pick it up there were TWO DEEP SCRATCHES clear through the paint on the front corner of the right \\;saddle bag. Pointed these \\;out to the service manager, \\; he said he'd \\; have it repaired somtime when I wanted to bring the lid in and drop it off. WTF?? Drop off the saddle bag lid? For maybe weeks? I don't think so. Complained to the owner, HE got me a new lid. I do ALL my own service work now, but you gotta know, if any of my bikes had to go in for a problem I couldn't handle, they would go in NAKED with NO BAGS!
 \\;
 \\;G wizz
 \\;
 \\;G wizz
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 472
Likes: 0
From: Niagara Frontier, NY
RE: Remove saddlebags before dealer servicing?
Like some others have said, the service writer at my dealer has a checklist and goes over the bike in pretty good detail noted any scratches, dents etc.\\;then we both sign the checklist. I go over the bike in the same detail before leaving the lot. No issues so far. \\;I leave my bags on. If they didn't review and document the condition of the bike, I may take them off.
-Bill-
-Bill-
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Remove saddlebags before dealer servicing?
I take mine off if I don't need them (dropping off the bike or going local). \\; I'm most likely going to pull them off and inspect the work when I get home anyway.
If I'm riding to a farther dealer and waiting for something like a rear tire install, I leave them on as I will want to use them.
The last time my Dad took his E-glide in, he removed the bags prior and the service manager actually thanked him.
If a wrench is going to get his feelings hurt because a Harley owner is picky and cautious about his bike, then he is in the wrong business. \\; They have seen a lot of innocent accidents in their shops, and they see the hours we spend doting on our bikes. \\; If they don't get it, they are the ones that are more likely to mistreat our property.
If I'm riding to a farther dealer and waiting for something like a rear tire install, I leave them on as I will want to use them.
The last time my Dad took his E-glide in, he removed the bags prior and the service manager actually thanked him.
If a wrench is going to get his feelings hurt because a Harley owner is picky and cautious about his bike, then he is in the wrong business. \\; They have seen a lot of innocent accidents in their shops, and they see the hours we spend doting on our bikes. \\; If they don't get it, they are the ones that are more likely to mistreat our property.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,406
Likes: 1
From: long beach california
RE: Remove saddlebags before dealer servicing?
hard to prove the bike came in with no scratches every mod i've done slight scratch here and there but if i do it thats one thing if the dealer does it that's another.take em off
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Remove saddlebags before dealer servicing?
I leave everything on the bike. My dealership has always taken care of ANY issues that have come up. Heck they even replaced my drain plug because I didn't like the way it looked (kind of bungged up) They keep my bike in perfect running order. They should! It isn't cheap and they are suppose to be the experts.
 \\;
Plus they always wash the bike before I get it back. And I don't know how they do it but it looks like a new bike when I pick it up! I have no problems with Mid-Ohio HD.
 \\;
Plus they always wash the bike before I get it back. And I don't know how they do it but it looks like a new bike when I pick it up! I have no problems with Mid-Ohio HD.