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[My Bagg]

Well I did a search because I know that this had to be ask before, but I could not find the answer so here it goes.

In today's economy would you let the dealer perform the first (1000 mile) service?  I know they can't require it but
in the scheme of things is this good insurance for future problems?  I would guarantee of those of us that can, we all would get a better job doing it ourselves.

Thanks,
Tony

[5.56mm]

Having your dealer to perform the first maintenance would be a smart choice (but you can do it yourself and it won't cancel your warranty).  They're not only changing the fluids but they also inspect and adjust the whole bike.

After this, you can take care of every other maintenance by your own!

Make sure you got the HD maintenance manual and have fun!!!

[grc]

Having your dealer to perform the first maintenance would be a smart choice (but you can do it yourself and it won't cancel your warranty).  They're not only changing the fluids but they also inspect and adjust the whole bike.

After this, you can take care of every other maintenance by your own!

Make sure you got the HD maintenance manual and have fun!!!

If you have a dealer who in fact does the entire inspection and 100% of the checklist items, you have a rare dealer indeed.  It is much more common to pay several hundred dollars for what turns out to be a simple oil change.

In my opinion, you will get a better first service if you buy the manuals and do it yourself.  The cost of the manuals, plus the various lubricants, filter, O-rings, and gaskets will be less than what the typical dealer charges, and you will know exactly what really got inspected and adjusted.  And btw, this would also be a great time to check ALL the fasteners, not just the critical fasteners.  CVO's haven't had a good reputation for proper torque control with the off-line assembly process.


Jerry

[kraut]

sorry, have to disagree.

Even if the dealers work may be sloppy it ensures a certain goodwill you may be gratefull for later.

It's a good idea however to check for yourself after the service 

Doublecheck always is a good idea ...

[mjb765]

I have always done the first service and all the ones after that myself and it has never hurt me with the dealer in any way. Save any receipts and buy the Harley oil filter and gaskets.

[dartman]

Well I did a search because I know that this had to be ask before, but I could not find the answer so here it goes.

In today's economy would you let the dealer perform the first (1000 mile) service?  I know they can't require it but
in the scheme of things is this good insurance for future problems?  I would guarantee of those of us that can, we all would get a better job doing it ourselves.

Thanks,
Tony

If you have basic tools and skills you will probably do a far superior job, Nobody is going to take care of your bike like you will, as already stated many dealer inspections amount to a sloppily done oil change and a few mysterious scratches, the inspection can be done in stages front, middle, rear etc get the inspection check list available on the HD website and cross them off as you go, the knowledge you gain and the well being knowing You have the proper fluids in the correct amount, your Drain Plugs, aren,t cross threaded or stripped and Tires ,Belt Etc, are Right also add onto the check list the tool that correctly fits each fastener and hang it on the wall for future reference. after the fluid changes the 1st service is basically an inspection, and you have the time to do it thoroughly.

[tennisman]

Totally agree with GRC and Dartman: do ALL "services" yourself.  Not only will they be done better, you will learn a lot about your motorcycle.  I have 27,000+ miles on my '08 CUSE3 and have done 'em all myself.  Also, I have had a couple warranty issues (bad oil filter adapter gasket and inoperable rear jug compression release) which the dealer fixed without hesitation.

The "services" are a way for dealers to make a lot of money off the lesser mechanically inclined.  I pity those folks but it's not their fault.  So, if you have any basic wrenching skills, get the shop manual and do it yourself.  You'll be $$, satisfaction, time, and knowledge ahead.

One other thing, sort of related, I go by the philosophy to clean my bike after EVERY decent ride (over 150 miles).  By doing so, I find issues (leak, loose bolts) before they become breakdown problems.  Just a thought.

[rbaker]

Here is good chart for your garage wall. Found it on this site............


http://thp.yuku.com/forums/69


Richard     



 

[jayray00SERG]

If you are shrewd you get the first service included in the sale. Any salesman worth his office will do that as well as $1000. in store credit. It doesn't affect his commission. When it is done make sure you go over it yourself and do the lookover and cleaning to find issues. You may think the dealer wrenches are sloppy but they do it all day everyday and know what to look for. JMHO

[KODAGRIN]

You should've already changed the fluids using the fossil oil in crankcase and formula plus in transmission & primary at around 100 miles yourself to check for any excessive amount of particles.  Then I like to let the dealer do the 1000 mile service all except the fluids, which I do myself, changing the crankcase oil to full synthetic such as mobil 1 v-twin or amsoil, whatever you like and have readily available even when you are on trips.  I don't like to mess with fork oil, steering head bearings, brake fluid, etc---and don't really think that stuff has to be changed so often.