IF i do it myself does it void my warenty? I ordered the maintenance manual to follow. I was mad that they ill only use the HD oil and not let me use the Amsoil i have... Plus they want 300 bucks for this service, i am sure i can get it done in less than an hour. Does anyone know of anything major they will do that i can not do myself? i would mucvh rather spend 300 bucks on items for the bike!

 

it may vary due to Italian regulations.

In general, in the USA- the owner must keep records of services provided.

By US regulation, specific manufacturer oils/fluid/filters etc cannot be required to keep a warranty in effect, but equivalent products of another brand may be used

The person doing the service must have some competency- either formal trainging or experience.


the procedures are listed in the service manual



reading the forums, some owners are quick to dive in because they can see all the motor parts- they may get in over their heads, and we have posts every week from guys who open the wrong drain plug, or put the wrong fluid on the wrong hole etc.
break stuff because they don't know ft lbs from inch lbs ...basic mechanical practices

If you know what you are doing, go for it. but first check your warranty statement for any pitfalls which may apply in Italia or the EU


BTW I have very good results using the H-D lubes

mike

 

I've just answered your query about the manual part number, have I wasted my time?!

The whole point of the first service is for your dealer to check your bike over thoroughly so you are set up for the rest of your ownership of it. It is also an opportunity for you to have them check and correct anything you are not happy with. Don't be a cheapskate and skip it!

 

Remember one thing before you fork over $300 for the 1K service...you are not going to get one of the service departments real technicians to do this work. You will get one of their wanna be junior mechanics who probably knows less about servicing your bike than you do. Your bike will get a quick oil change and if you are lucky they won't scratch it too badly.

Cheers,
Paul in Colorado

 

Wish I could do the service's in one hour!

 

I think I spent a couple of hours when I did my 1000 mile service, with the blessing of the service manager at the local dealer. He even noted it in the computer that it was done and when.

 

I'll agree with some posters here and disagree with others. I have had the dealer do the 1K service on the 3 new ones I bought, not because I couldn't do it, but wanted them to see and inspect it for the 1st service. In my case, a senior tech did the services and on the fatboy there was a warranty issue to do. I have done all the other services, I document the miles and dates in the back of the owner's manual, and have a file in my filing cabinet where all receipts go. Yes I could competantly do the 1K but chose to spend it at the dealer for that inspection.

To each his/her own though.

There is no way I could do the complete service in 1 hour and I know the tech takes longer than that too. Service manual is your friend. Get a REAL one, not an after market.

 

+1

I agree with Chunker on this one, on several levels.

• The first service is critical and essential. There's much more to it than simply changing the fluids in the three holes.
• You have a 2-year warranty. If the dealership screws it up, then there's nobody else to blame - and THEY have to fix it!
• It's in your best interest to establish a working relationship with your dealership and its service department, should issues arise later.

Truth is, there are good dealers and bad dealers. If you have a good one, stick with them - and if you don't have the $$$, time or know-how, let them do the work for you. Otherwise, find a good indy and make a new friend.

 

Agree with Chunker 100%. Spend the cash on the 1K change & let the dealer look the bike over & if you have any concerns, bring them up & let them take care of them.. After that, do what Chunker does, keep ALL receipts & record everything you ever did to the bike with the date & mileage listed as well.. I feel blessed because we have an oil lab where I work and they let the employees send oil samples in at no charge for us. I even have the dealer fill up my sample bottle on the 1K so I can send that in. Helps with resale value on your bike as well.. I keep track on a spreadsheet for everything that goes on or into my bike along with what I paid for it.

 

I did mine on my new 2004. I'll have to think about the 2014. I dont like anyone working on my bike doing stuff I can completely do %100 on my own.