1000 mile service
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 791
Likes: 36
From: Edmonton, AB
The shop manual is the best purchase you'll ever make for your bike. Get one on order right away, and start counting the money you're saving by doing the work yourself.
Isn't the service item list also in the owner's manual? It's been so long since I opened the owner's manual I can't remember.
Isn't the service item list also in the owner's manual? It's been so long since I opened the owner's manual I can't remember.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,585
Likes: 673
From: Rolla
But for details on how to perform this scheduled maintenance, you'll want the service manual.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,094
Likes: 5
From: SE Wisconsin
Get the manual
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 165
Likes: 1
From: NW Washington State
Totally depends on the dealership. Honestly, some are better than others. If you insist on having the dealer do your services, make sure to form some sort of decent relationship with them. Even then, double check the work. Often times, a young newbee mech straight out of school will get saddled with the basic stuff like that. The guy may have zero training and/or zero committment to doing a job well. Ya also might get the crusty old guy that been wrenching his entire life. Point is, ya just don't know. On the other hand, if you do it yourself then you'll always know it's done right. Another option is your closest indy shop....they can't afford to screw people around...word spreads quick. The really good mechs end up owning their own shop anyway.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 165
Likes: 1
From: NW Washington State
Ahhh, yeah....that's what I said, "some are better than others". Some do, some don't. I'd say most are pretty good overall but it really comes down to the guy that does the work and signs off on the job. Your odds for better service are far greater if the mech knows you. Plus, we can't ignore the fact that mistakes do happen...even at the best places. Overall, I much prefer indy shops.....they just can't afford to be stupid or lazy for very long.