Wrench yourself - Indy if major work needed
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Novice
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
From: Alabama
Wrench yourself - Indy if major work needed
After oil plug threads gave way, Indy put in oversized plug . After first oil change (with oversized oil plug), as soon as I got home, noticed oil dripping. Yep, oring was issue. Back to shop, replaced oring, and rode home. No oil leak. Change oil time, Indy did fluid changes, and again had oil leak when I get home. This time, I purchased several Orings, replaced myself. Might be last time to see my Indy (unless major repair work needed) I can do this myself and save a ton of driving back n forth. I'll be re reading my service manual. You guys saying wrench yourself are spot on. And there are topics here like no other, everything covered.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 69
From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
You can do it. Splurge for the quality tools, especially quality torque wrenches. If you get in a pinch or bind, there are plenty of damn good motorheads (present company excluded) on here that will help you get back to sanity.
I would have to re-think taking it in for major work if they have returned it twice with oil leaks. May want to find another guy so that if something comes up that you don't feel comfortable taking care of, you are prepared.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,582
From: Wisconsin, USA
I bought my used bike from a Harley dealer. Had my 5,10,15k done at Harley Dealers with no problems. Had my 20k done at an Indy, 1500 miles later my knurled screw holding my seat on falls off. Doesn't inspire confidence for major repairs.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 698
Likes: 13
Any shop that can't do something as simple as an oil change and has oil leaks every time...........would never, ever touch my bike agan.
Buy a manual, start collecting tools and you will soon be doing all your own maintenance.........saves you some cash and gives you a sense of satisfaction knowing you took care of things.
Buy a manual, start collecting tools and you will soon be doing all your own maintenance.........saves you some cash and gives you a sense of satisfaction knowing you took care of things.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Burke, VA
Do it all yourself. I outsource my paint, inspections, and tire balancing only. The stuff is quite simple and fun, in my opinion. There is nothing more rewarding to me than riding something you spend the time on, with your own hands. I don't consider myself any more mechanically-able than any other Joe. You'd be surprised in what you can do yourself on these bikes.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,197
From: Oxford, Nc
Last time my bike was worked on by a "professional" it was having its stator replaced. (I happened to work at that Dealership at the time.)
Since then it's gotten another charging system, several exhausts, a set of heads, gear drive cams, a new belt with swing arm bushings. Most recently: a new fuel pump, relays, new rockers and shafts, pushrods and lifters, a bank angle sensor and (just today,) a spring cap for my still original compensator. (The recent stuff is part of my "replace it before it breaks" Preventative Maintenance program as the bike has 132,000 miles on it now.) All of this has been done in my driveway. ( My sheds too small for elbow room.)
So yeah, you can do it. ( and you probably won't ruin an O Ring every time you change your oil.) And it's fun too.
Since then it's gotten another charging system, several exhausts, a set of heads, gear drive cams, a new belt with swing arm bushings. Most recently: a new fuel pump, relays, new rockers and shafts, pushrods and lifters, a bank angle sensor and (just today,) a spring cap for my still original compensator. (The recent stuff is part of my "replace it before it breaks" Preventative Maintenance program as the bike has 132,000 miles on it now.) All of this has been done in my driveway. ( My sheds too small for elbow room.)
So yeah, you can do it. ( and you probably won't ruin an O Ring every time you change your oil.) And it's fun too.
Last edited by Stiggy; Aug 4, 2013 at 08:07 PM.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,002
Likes: 86
From: Charlotte Metro
Get you a decent jack, HD manual and with some assorted decent tools you can save a bunch and know its done right. I noticed recently a local dealer posting charging over 90 bucks a hour no way! By wrenching yourself I feel more comfortable with my bike and enjoy it even more!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 12
From: DOWN SOUTH
I wouldnt be taking it back to his azz if he has messed up twice on something simple. There is NOTHING that you will run into wrenching on your bike that can not be solved by someone reading these pages. I have been here since 2010 and have not read a post yet where an issue goes unresolved. Between this forum and DIY videos you are good to go. I got the prepaid maint with my bike (1, 5, 10K services as part of the deal) after that my bike will not see the dealer again unless it is a warranty issue. Good luck bonding with your bike.