What's your problem?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,783
Likes: 10
From: Oh
What's your problem?
It only takes a few minutes of reading on this forum to see many here are really paying out the nose for service work. Whether it be from an independent or the HD dealer those small maintenance service jobs can be done by most with just a few tools.
To start, buy a service manual ($60 bucks)for your bike. Many things can be done with just a few simple tools, heck just go to sears and buy a starter mechanics tools set or ask for one for fathers day. Your oils can be changed while on the side stand for instance, saving you lots $$$.
Taking off your wheels would require spending money on a lift (not a lift table) but, some good ones can be had for as little as $100. By paying out a little for some tools you will save MUCHO $$$ and maybe just learn something about your bike.
If the thought of doing that maintenance for yourself seems daunting fear not, that's why you come here on the forums and there are plenty here willing to help. So, get out of your comfort zone and let the $$$ savings begin today, take that first step.
To start, buy a service manual ($60 bucks)for your bike. Many things can be done with just a few simple tools, heck just go to sears and buy a starter mechanics tools set or ask for one for fathers day. Your oils can be changed while on the side stand for instance, saving you lots $$$.
Taking off your wheels would require spending money on a lift (not a lift table) but, some good ones can be had for as little as $100. By paying out a little for some tools you will save MUCHO $$$ and maybe just learn something about your bike.
If the thought of doing that maintenance for yourself seems daunting fear not, that's why you come here on the forums and there are plenty here willing to help. So, get out of your comfort zone and let the $$$ savings begin today, take that first step.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 1,305
From: Jayhawk Country
So you woke up this morning and felt compelled to tell everyone this morning to start doing their own service. 
You have to understand, some people on these forums cant hang a picture on the wall. Let alone change oil in a vehicle. You know, the one's that call "the guy" when anything is broke.
You have to understand, some people on these forums cant hang a picture on the wall. Let alone change oil in a vehicle. You know, the one's that call "the guy" when anything is broke.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 4
From: pittsburgh, pa
I have done precisely what you advise, although I'm not a mechanic. I'm tired of the dealer F---ing up my bike and charging my top $$ to do so.
I learned "if want it done right, do it yourself" the hard way. I will go to the dealer for warranty service though. If there is an issue with a non-warranty repair or adjustment which is beyond my abilities, I have a relationship with a good indy.
I learned "if want it done right, do it yourself" the hard way. I will go to the dealer for warranty service though. If there is an issue with a non-warranty repair or adjustment which is beyond my abilities, I have a relationship with a good indy.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 36
From: ST. Louis
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,692
Likes: 22
From: Denham Springs, La
+1 Also, knowing the mechanical ins and outs of your bike along with a little knowledge of how to work on it can come in REAL handy if you have a breakdown in the middle of nowhere or after hours in middle of somewhere.
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 274
Likes: 1
From: Menomonie, WI
