Who does their own services?
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 173
Likes: 1
Who does their own services?
Just went over 1K on my 2010 Ultra and have performed my own services in the past and just wondering if it's worth it to have the dealer perform the first service because of all the extra gizmo's. I always prefer to do my own fluids, I run amsoil in the primary and oil tank and redline in the transmission. I don't have the tools to adjust the belt (if it's even necessary) and usually adjust my own clutch cable as needed. Anything I'm missing here? Dealer here in Columbia, SC says it will run $312 for a 1K service with harley synthetic. What's your opinion?
Last edited by army_sarge; Oct 22, 2009 at 02:28 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,264
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From: Ft. Lickerder, Florida
The 10k services are a bit tedious, time consuming. I always wondered (and heard) of them not completely going over the entire checklist. Therefore I do it myself and know it got done right. Peace of mind and cheaper 
As for the adjustments, you can check them yourself, usually don't need re-adjusting. You can figure by the time you need one you will have saved all that cash anyways to be able to afford such tool.
As for the adjustments, you can check them yourself, usually don't need re-adjusting. You can figure by the time you need one you will have saved all that cash anyways to be able to afford such tool.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 168
Likes: 1
From: Central Mass
Do it yourself
For $300.00 you could gold plate the belt adjustment tool.If you are capable, do it yourself,my belt needed no adjustment @ 1000mi.I usually buy oil ,filter from dealer to document it being done.
Stan
Stan
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,140
Likes: 17
From: Wisconsin
Do my own, not always sure it's right, but still nobody to blame but me.
Seriously, I would take it in if I thought it was over my head or didn't have the proper equipment. (ex. on my shovels, I pull the heads and disassemble, but send out for machining, seat cutting, etc.) There are good techs out there and bad ones, too. One of the shops I worked for (parts) the guys in the back did very little for a 1000 mi. service except change the fluids and check cable adjustments.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: King George, VA
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,661
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From: East Northport, NY
I was offered the ESP when I bought my bike. I use it for scheduled maintenance, other than that, I try to do what ever I feel I'm capable of doing on my own.
I ride with some of the people who work at the dealer I go to, so I trust the work they do.
I ride with some of the people who work at the dealer I go to, so I trust the work they do.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
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From: The Desert SouthWest
Saves you TONS of money and it's not that difficult at all. The manual runs you $60 but after that it's just the price of oil, filter and o-rings. You save around $300 for each service if you do it yourself. It's something I enjoy to do also.
Most of the items on the checklist are checking fasteners and inspecting for leaks. A torque wrench is another thing you'll need but all these items are paid for in the first service you do via the savings you incur doing it yourself.
Most of the items on the checklist are checking fasteners and inspecting for leaks. A torque wrench is another thing you'll need but all these items are paid for in the first service you do via the savings you incur doing it yourself.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 578
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From: Tea, SD
Every bike I have ever owned I have always taken it in for the initial service. Just to be on the safe side. After the initial one I'm the one doing the services.
I guess its up to you and how comfortable you are doing it yourself or how much you trust the dealer to do a good job. You can save a lot by doing it yourself.
I guess its up to you and how comfortable you are doing it yourself or how much you trust the dealer to do a good job. You can save a lot by doing it yourself.