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[JoMo]

1000 mile service $400.00
Is it really necessary? or just an expensive oil and filter change?
I would really appreciate any information on this matter, as I'm
at 800 miles .

                           Jo Mo N Y C                 

[murphy]

There's a lot of stuff that can come loose on a new ride... the expensive oil change will reveal any filings and if the motor is having any issues... if your not sure how to do it on your own, you should have someone else do it for you!

[grc]

The expensive oil change is one of those "extra dealer profit" items that Harley dealers have been abusing for a long, long time.  The simple answer to the question is, most dealerships don't actually do the entire checklist, and many don't do anything other than change the fluids.  And these "service interval" jobs are normally assigned to the least experienced techs in the dealership, so don't expect any kind of a detailed analysis of your bike.  They might wipe the metal debris off the drain plug magnets, but it is unlikely they will analyze the quantity and composition of the debris in an attempt to find a potential problem. 

If you are handy and enjoy working on your own bike, you would be better served spending some of that money on a shop manual for your model and then doing the service yourself.  That is probably the only way you would be 100% certain the entire checklist was done.  And if you aren't the mechanic type, find an independent shop and develop a relationship with them.  You don't have to go to a Harley dealer for maintenance.

Figure approximately $10-12 per quart for fluids, about $13 for an oil filter, and less than a buck for a couple of replacement O-rings for the drain plugs.  If you are careful removing and installing the derby cover, you won't need a new gasket each time.  Add in $60 on the first service for a shop manual, and you are still looking at less than half of the dealer's price.

Jerry

[napalm]

The last two SEUCs including my current one, a 2008...as part of the deal, the 1,000 service was FREE.....

Depends on where you buy a scoot....

napalm

[donald.e]

Well that a first, us here in the the UK getting a better deal, our 1000mile service is free

But we only get a 2 Year warranty , without the option to extend, except for an aftermarket option.

This does P--s me off a bit, more so the fact that my SERK3 has been in the shop since May following a oil slick, and is now waiting for parts, I should get it back in time for winter storage!!!, with the Warranty running out in March it will not give me any time to bed it in and determine if the fault has been fixed, so by the time it starts leaking again it will be out of warranty

Lets just hope this so called service pack will sort it out, when it arrives here in the UK, (thats if its on offer here)

[Chief]

1000 mile service $400.00
Is it really necessary? or just an expensive oil and filter change?
I would really appreciate any information on this matter, as I'm
at 800 miles .

                           Jo Mo N Y C                 

I think $0.40/mile is a bit steep for service. That has to be the biggest rip-off around. $400 for an oil change and a wash-job. Sure wish I could get that job.

[Georgehjr]

Call around, I found prices from $180-280 , But my dealer was free, just a 450 mile round trip...........it was a nice day for a ride, and i was lucky I got a good tech, who came out asked a couple questions, moved my XM ant, etc.

point is each dealer charges his own rate so it pays to shop around

[BIGDOG]

1000 mile service $400.00
Is it really necessary? or just an expensive oil and filter change?
I would really appreciate any information on this matter, as I'm
at 800 miles .

                           Jo Mo N Y C                 

$400 is pretty steep , call around and talk to a couple shops if your not confertable doing it your self. Around here if you ask about dealers the general opinion is they are all bad that's why they call them stealer's. I personally [at the risk of being chastized] believe you can find one to work with that will treat you fair. I have already said to much as I can feel the hate on it's way. Good luck !

[Hoist!]

1000 mile service $400.00
Is it really necessary? or just an expensive oil and filter change?
I would really appreciate any information on this matter, as I'm
at 800 miles .

                           Jo Mo N Y C                 

I told ya you don't need the dealer for this JoMo. My buddy's shop can take care of this stuff for ya. It's in New Hyde Park.

http://www.northshoremotorcycles.com/

If you're interested, lemme know and I'll bring you in there.

Hoist!

Hoist!

[MJZ]

$400 is pretty steep , call around and talk to a couple shops if your not confertable doing it your self. Around here if you ask about dealers the general opinion is they are all bad that's why they call them stealer's. I personally [at the risk of being chastized] believe you can find one to work with that will treat you fair. I have already said to much as I can feel the hate on it's way. Good luck !

I've found that if you find a honest HD tech that also really knows his chit, he is worth his weight in gold. I have no faith at all in any of the stealerships but I'm lucky I found a great tech that takes care of my bikes like they were his own plus he is a great wrench. Just had the 10K mile service and it ran about $250.00, that included a couple of extra things he found and took care of during the service. If you find one of these rare HD techs, let him know how much you appreciate him, in other words TIP HIM well. 

[Keats]

The only reason I can see paying the dealer for this service is to keep the warranty intact.

without proof that this was done properly gives creedence to deny warranty claims (which they may do anyway)

This is their biggest hammer they (the dealer) have to hold over your head to stay with certain dealer services.

[lilbear]

I've found that if you find a honest HD tech that also really knows his chit, he is worth his weight in gold. I have no faith at all in any of the stealerships but I'm lucky I found a great tech that takes care of my bikes like they were his own plus he is a great wrench. Just had the 10K mile service and it ran about $250.00, that included a couple of extra things he found and took care of during the service. If you find one of these rare HD techs, let him know how much you appreciate him, in other words TIP HIM well. 

Mark,

Somehow this eludes a lot of people, but you are absolutely right.  It goes a long way.

[JoMo]

I would like to thank every one for there input in regards to the 1000 mile service that I am riding up on!!!

#1 warranty, is a concern I have a 7 year extended including tires and rims.
Yes doing it some where else might be held against me.
An oil and filter change might be the way to go, and I do know to tip and tip well the service writer the tech.

#2 Hoist, I just might be calling you.
Oh and when is the party?

                                                          Jo Mo

[MJZ]

I would like to thank every one for there input in regards to the 1000 mile service that I am riding up on!!!

#1 warranty, is a concern I have a 7 year extended including tires and rims.
Yes doing it some where else might be held against me.
An oil and filter change might be the way to go, and I do know to tip and tip well the service writer the tech.

                                                          Jo Mo

IMHO the service writers are just half assed dumb clerks, I don't tip them and try my best not to call them dumb asses to their faces but sometimes I just can't help it.

[hd-dude]

The only reason I can see paying the dealer for this service is to keep the warranty intact.

without proof that this was done properly gives creedence to deny warranty claims (which they may do anyway)

This is their biggest hammer they (the dealer) have to hold over your head to stay with certain dealer services.

Sorry but I have to point out that this statement is completely wrong. Anyone including the owner of the vehicle can perform the service. All you need to do is keep the receipts for the fluids, gaskets, etc. and a log of what you did (just follow the service manual). A vehicle manufacture cannot deny warranty claims just because they did not do the service.

GRC has the best advice, Find a good Indy or better yet get the manual and become one with your bike