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[FNGw/08SERK]

Dealer or Indy?? 

[ccr]

Personally, I'd say find and independant that you are comfortable with.  Then use them for all things non-warranty. 
If you have a great relationship with your dealer, go there, but most of us have found that they are sending their work (right behind the service desk to the service floor) to the cheapest vendor.  In this case, not the best mechanics.  Of course, they are trying to get better techs,  they are trying to get the schooling, they are trying to make sure that the ojt is covering checking their work, but not all are successful.  For the most part the independants have something to loose if you say "Next."  The dealer has twenty folks in line to take your service spot.  They have more work than they can handle.  So they don't have to handle it well. 
You have to decide that all by yourself for your bike, in your commuting area.  How do you feel about the work done at the dealer?  Good, Great, Not sure?  Is there even and Independant that you know and like?  It goes both ways.

I think anyway. 

[FNGw/08SERK]

Personally, I'd say find and independant that you are comfortable with.  Then use them for all things non-warranty. 
If you have a great relationship with your dealer, go there, but most of us have found that they are sending their work (right behind the service desk to the service floor) to the cheapest vendor.  In this case, not the best mechanics.  Of course, they are trying to get better techs,  they are trying to get the schooling, they are trying to make sure that the ojt is covering checking their work, but not all are successful.  For the most part the independants have something to loose if you say "Next."  The dealer has twenty folks in line to take your service spot.  They have more work than they can handle.  So they don't have to handle it well. 
You have to decide that all by yourself for your bike, in your commuting area.  How do you feel about the work done at the dealer?  Good, Great, Not sure?  Is there even and Independant that you know and like?  It goes both ways.

I think anyway. 

Dealer experience so far has been challenging and I am getting different reports on local Independants which led me to seek advice. I think I would prefer an Indy but then there's always those possible future hassles in regards to warranty work (even with the Magnus-Moss Warranty Act).

[ccr]

Dealer experience so far has been challenging and I am getting different reports on local Independants which led me to seek advice. I think I would prefer an Indy but then there's always those possible future hassles in regards to warranty work (even with the Magnus-Moss Warranty Act).

Service work, you can do your own too, has nothing to do with warranty.

[VAZHOG]

If you choose to do the work Fluid changes and such and are worried about your warranty you can---
1. Buy all your parts -gaskets and "O"rings filters and oil from any HD dealer note the mileage on your receipt and service
2. Have an Indy shop do it (note the mileage and what was serviced) on the receipt
3. Buy your oil from Wal-Mart or anyplace that suits you and (note the date and mileage of service)

And your good to go.

The most important thing is to keep a paper trail of service.

[REGGAB]

Get a service manual, all consumables, maintain good records, and do it yourself, Howie.  That way you know it's been done right.  If time is a factor, then choose your indy wisely.  Under no circumstances whatsoever would I ever let a dealership perform service.  JMHO.

[FNGw/08SERK]

Get a service manual, all consumables, maintain good records, and do it yourself, Howie.  That way you know it's been done right.  If time is a factor, then choose your indy wisely.  Under no circumstances whatsoever would I ever let a dealership perform service.  JMHO.

Already have all manuals!! I guess this will be the way to go if'n the fng can figure out what the hell he's doin'?? 

[BIGDOG]

I have a great relationship with my dealer and have a couple wrenches that do my work there. I do some of the fluid changes and minor stuff but I am not a mechanic. Having a good relationship with the dealer will go miles when you need something out of the ordinary. It seems the dealers in the NW are more customer oreanted than those I hear about on the CVO site. A good customer will always get his bike picked up and returned , discounts if you ask , my bike is always detailed when returned and at no extra charge. They aren't the cheapest but are there when I need and I don't have to Wait to get the bike in and done. This is just my experience , others may have a deferant story to tell . What ever you do , be loyal to the shop and they will respond favorably.

[SPIDERMAN]

I have a great relationship with my dealer and have a couple wrenches that do my work there. I do some of the fluid changes and minor stuff but I am not a mechanic. Having a good relationship with the dealer will go miles when you need something out of the ordinary. It seems the dealers in the NW are more customer oreanted than those I hear about on the CVO site. A good customer will always get his bike picked up and returned , discounts if you ask , my bike is always detailed when returned and at no extra charge. They aren't the cheapest but are there when I need and I don't have to Wait to get the bike in and done. This is just my experience , others may have a deferant story to tell . What ever you do , be loyal to the shop and they will respond favorably.

Another member who's name should have been on the Chithead poll.

You're trying to pi$$ us off right dude ?

Doin a bangup job of it too.

Ok, I've gotta go take a blood pressure pill after reading this post.


B B

[BIGDOG]

Another member who's name should have been on the Chithead poll.

You're trying to pi$$ us off right dude ?

Doin a bangup job of it too.

Ok, I've gotta go take a blood pressure pill after reading this post.


B B

WHAT I DO

[REGGAB]

WHAT I DO

Brian is just being..........well.............BRIAN!  Just chuckle and forget about it.  Trust me; he will..........if he hasn't already.   

[iski]

Bigdog - some folks have lousy relations with dealers and the reasons are legion.  So they project that ALL dealers are rotten & then yadda yadda yadda.


Anyway, I do my own service - have for years.  Dropping old oil into a pan & pouring new oil in ain't 'zactly rocket surgery.  Checking torque on bolts ain't brain science, neither.  Got a rear tire to change this week & don't use a dealer/indie for that one, either. You learn more & know more about your bike (and yourself) when you wrench it yourself - "Zen & the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance."

[BIGDOG]

Brian is just being..........well.............BRIAN!  Just chuckle and forget about it.  Trust me; he will..........if he hasn't already.   

OK , but I was really looking forward to being inducted into the chithead club.

[iski]

OK , but I was really looking forward to being inducted into the chithead club.

Hint:  If you are posting here, more than likely you are already a chithead...... 

[ccr]

Hint:  If you are posting here, more than likely you are already a chithead...... 

OH! 

Now I know.

Thanks for telling me.