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[Puma]

I'm in my forties now and I've been riding for a while. I've had five bikes that I bought new and all, imports and Harleys alike, recommended a 1000 k service. I brought them all in, but wondered each time if it was really necessary. Any thoughts?

[grc]

Let me answer your question with a question.  When was the last time you bought a car that required a 1000 mile first service?

The only thing I think is really valid on a Harley is an early check and adjustment of the rear drive belt.  That does develop a good amount of slack due to initial wear in of the belt and sprockets, and you probably don't want to be out hammering on the bike with a loose belt.  Otherwise, all those things you see on that 1k checklist are items that not only should be right from the factory, but are also supposed to be checked by the dealership prior to the sale of the bike.  If both the factory and the dealer can't be trusted to make sure all the switches work, all the bulbs work, important parts aren't about to fall off, etc., then I submit it makes no sense to do business with such companies.  As for the fluids, it's a waste of money and resources to change lubes at 1000 miles, but if you insist on changing them for piece of mind (and because you don't trust H-D to have cleaned all the machining trash out of the parts), you can change them yourself for a lot less than the $400 to $500 many dealerships charge for the 1k service.

JMHO - Jerry

[Puma]

Let me answer your question with a question.  When was the last time you bought a car that required a 1000 mile first service?

The only thing I think is really valid on a Harley is an early check and adjustment of the rear drive belt.  That does develop a good amount of slack due to initial wear in of the belt and sprockets, and you probably don't want to be out hammering on the bike with a loose belt.  Otherwise, all those things you see on that 1k checklist are items that not only should be right from the factory, but are also supposed to be checked by the dealership prior to the sale of the bike.  If both the factory and the dealer can't be trusted to make sure all the switches work, all the bulbs work, important parts aren't about to fall off, etc., then I submit it makes no sense to do business with such companies.  As for the fluids, it's a waste of money and resources to change lubes at 1000 miles, but if you insist on changing them for piece of mind (and because you don't trust H-D to have cleaned all the machining trash out of the parts), you can change them yourself for a lot less than the $400 to $500 many dealerships charge for the 1k service.

JMHO - Jerry

My thoughts exactly Jerry. I was thinking I'd just take it a little early for the 5000, unless the belt loosens up. Thanks for that.

[SDCVO]

With all due respect many performance cars (BMW M series, Mercedes AMG, etc) do require a 1000 mile service. I understand that many on this site have the talent/knowledge/ability to do their own work and I for one am jealous of that because I don't have any of those going for me. I also don't think that spending $400-$500 1000 miles after spending 40K (or more) for something I am passionate about and bought because I wanted it and not needed it is unwise. I might make the argument that not doing it may be a bit silly but that is just my opinion and I understand it may not be popular.

[Puma]

With all due respect many performance cars (BMW M series, Mercedes AMG, etc) do require a 1000 mile service. I understand that many on this site have the talent/knowledge/ability to do their own work and I for one am jealous of that because I don't have any of those going for me. I also don't think that spending $400-$500 1000 miles after spending 40K (or more) for something I am passionate about and bought because I wanted it and not needed it is unwise. I might make the argument that not doing it may be a bit silly but that is just my opinion and I understand it may not be popular.

First Alan, let me thank you for your thoughts, that's why I put this question out there. I'm surprised by M and AMG. I know my GTI isn't at the level of those cars, but it is German and I would call it a performance car, and the first service was 10,000 miles or after a year of ownership, whichever were to come first. I do appreciate the advice, but I think I'm far enough past 1000 miles already to just push ahead and do the 5 k about 500 to 1000 early. As for doing my own service: I used to, but somewhere in life I got to the point where I hated doing it and now I feel the cost is worth it as long as I trust the person I'm paying. It usually gets done faster than I could do, and I can always find something that I need to get done while my bike or car gets worked on.

[CVO2FIXUP]

Not a new bike, but when my builder finished my engine he used a non synthetic oil for brake in. Told me to change it in 1000 km. And go back to synthetic. Made perfect sense to me. Cost me $60.  I know HD uses that crappy Sin 3, which I would dump out the first chance I got.

[deldago]

I would ask around to other riders who in the area has a good reputation as an independent mechanic. We have several to choose from locally and they are half the price of dealerships. As they are solely responsible for their business and reputation in my experience they do a much more careful inspection and overall good job. Support your local independent then when it comes time for some upgrades he will still be in business to help you. JMO, take it for what it is worth.

[Fired00d]

I'm in my forties now and I've been riding for a while. I've had five bikes that I bought new and all, imports and Harleys alike, recommended a 1000 k service. I brought them all in, but wondered each time if it was really necessary. Any thoughts?

The concern I would have is if there were a warranty claim later and the MoCo found out this service wasn't done (by a dealer, independent, or yourself) would/could they use this to deny the claim. Recently it has been noted that the MoCo (along w/ESP company's) are looking for any reason to deny a warranty claim.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[ZVO]

Not a new bike, but when my builder finished my engine he used a non synthetic oil for brake in. Told me to change it in 1000 km. And go back to synthetic. Made perfect sense to me. Cost me $60.  I know HD uses that crappy Sin 3, which I would dump out the first chance I got.

My dealer said it's ok to go from fossil to sin but once you switch you cant go back to fossil. Why is that?

[charles05663]

My dealer said it's ok to go from fossil to sin but once you switch you cant go back to fossil. Why is that?

Typical dealer BS trying to sell a more expensive product.  With that said, I would run a Syn product in Petunia and skip the dino oil due to the the fact it handles the higher temps better.

 

[ultrafxr]

The concern I would have is if there were a warranty claim later and the MoCo found out this service wasn't done (by a dealer, independent, or yourself) would/could they use this to deny the claim. Recently it has been noted that the MoCo (along w/ESP company's) are looking for any reason to deny a warranty claim.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

Anything is possible of course.  But over the years I've had 3  110" motors replaced due to catastrophic failures and not once has anyone even mentioned or asked about service on the motor.

[grc]

Before anyone says they can't do the 1000 mile "service" themselves, actually read a copy of the service checklist.  Anyone who can't operate all the controls and observe whether or not the items they control work or not probably shouldn't be riding.  They are the same things people should be doing on a regular basis as a pre-ride check, and many of the items they pad that list with to justify the "service" are just that simple.  The only thing at 1k that takes some mechanical ability is adjusting the rear drive belt.  Even if I didn't have the ability to do this stuff myself, I would find a good indy to take care of it before I'd let the dealer rape me for something he already got paid to do a week or two earlier.  The same thing applies with the fluid changes; if you can't or don't want to do it yourself, there are plenty of independent shops that can handle it for you.  For those who actually have a good dealership that does things right and doesn't rape you, that's great.  But for everyone else, there are alternatives and you shouldn't allow H-D and it's dealers bully you.

JMHO - Jerry

[bakon]

My first bike had 1000 mile service thrown in. Seems to be common in Western PA. But don't think dealers are doing the work. I find every bike I do a service on needs a half of tube of grease in the neck. Used to find throttle cables that were never lubed because you could see the hardware wasn't touched. Misc stuff here and there on bikes that lead me to believe it was just a fluid dump and change.

After my first 2500 service- remember those days- every 2.5 was fluids, 5 was a bigger service and 10 k was huge...I bought a lift, the manual and now I know enough to be dangerous. Figure $400 for lift has saved my thousands in services. Actually charge buddies $20" tool rental" to do any work in my ability. Oil change $20, chrome front end $20. Cam swap- $20. Use money to buy cleaners, rags or odd tool for next job. Just like monkeying with them.

[akodust]

I would do the 1K service, but I would change my own 3 fluids myself. That will save some $$. I only feel confident enough to change Oil, primary and tranny. Even though the manual may not recommend all 3 to be changed. I would still do it.
Thanks,

[ONE2BAJA]

They use to want to see your scooter at 500 miles back in the day.  I don't mind taking mine in, i was at almost 2000 miles.  Wasn't worried with the technology of machining parts and the quality of the oils.  Besides minor adjustments / keep it qualified for the warranty.  My only concern is metal shavings to see how it is wearing.  Dealer only charged me $200, all the rest of service I will do myself!